Author Topic: Cinders and Rebirth  (Read 7416 times)

Offline Noctalys

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Cinders and Rebirth
« on: April 14, 2006, 02:00:12 PM »
Eheh...a Solaufein fanfic in the process of being written by yours truly.  While it does revolve around Solaufein and his relationship with the Bhaalspawn whom he aided in the Underdark, I hope to flesh out the other characters in the party as well.  Hopefully I will do a good job.  Ok, enough nervous rambling...on to the story!
« Last Edit: April 14, 2006, 02:03:07 PM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #1 on: April 14, 2006, 02:06:04 PM »
Chapter 1: Out of the Underdark
Fireflies waltzed about the fireside tonight, little flashes of light in the gloaming.  A slender, ebon-fleshed hand reached out and one of the strange little insects rested upon it. The owner of said hand carefully drew the firefly nearer his face so as to inspect it more closely.  It was a simple creature, really, no more than a speck of bright green encased in a hard black shell; and yet, to him, it was as a fascinating story, a tantalizing spark of the unknown.  He had been on the surface for barely a day, and already he had discovered many things to be strange to him.

   The little firefly having flown off of his hand, Solaufein’s musing eyes wandered instead across this group of newfound allies.  He knew precious little about them, but judging from the warm and friendly ambient chatter floating about the group, they would perhaps be inclined to share stories of themselves.  At least, this was his hope.  There was the serious Jaheira, a blonde half-elf with an abrupt manner and a deep pain behind her eyes; Minsc, the large hulking human with a wound in his head and a hamster in his hand; Imoen, a cheerful cherry-haired human with a mischievous twinkle in her eye; finally, there was Jan, a fascinating little gnome with a penchant for launching into long diatribes about various nuts, leaves, and berries in the branches of his rather extended family tree.  In fact, the previously warm chatter that had blanketed the group was now replaced with a loud collective groan as Jan began his fifth rendition of “The story of my aunt Petunia’s brother’s third cousin’s twice removed clandestine lover who cheated on him with a highly educated troll named Mortimer Egdoth the Third, who was actually a giant polymorphed into a troll by a very irate pirate sorcerer named Molly, who got his unfortunate name by….”.

   Solaufein’s eyes rested on the most intriguing member of the group. She was sitting cross-legged near the fire, chin resting on her hand, and an almost indulgent smile playing across her lips as she regarded Jan.  At the moment Solaufein was trying to puzzle out just exactly what she was. She had said she was an elf when she first revealed herself to him in Ust Natha, but she did not match any elven race he had ever encountered or read about in his long life. He decided not to press her for an explanation, however.  She would tell him in full if she so desired. Still, her exotic nature begged explanation.  She was a head shorter than him, and had a lithe and delicate frame.  Her skin was as snowy as his was onyx and her full, rich, wine-colored lips contrasted starkly with her face as a result.   Her cascading curly hair, which she allowed to grow down to her waist, was as black as the night around her save for a streak of purple growing over her left eye.  She did have the high cheekbones and tilted eyes of an elf, but her ears were of a most fascinating nature.  They began as any elven ear should, but instead of tapering off into a point, the tips curled in a few times to make a sort of spiral.  It was a very pretty effect to be sure, but he had never seen ears like this on any creature.  Her eyes were another source of strangeness; the scleras were literally black with small silvery flecks, and had purple irises with silver pupils.  Solaufein could swear he saw Eilistraee’s moon shining in her eyes.  He also noticed that when she spoke, her hands narrated her thoughts just as much as her words did.  They were fluid and graceful in their movements, each long slender finger articulating her speech masterfully as they glided through the air.   Her familiar was an oddity as well;  It seemed to be a surfacer bird called a “raven”, but instead of the glossy black plumage he had read they had, this particular raven was the color of a moonbeam.  Right now said raven was resting peacefully on her shoulder, gazing at him with violet eyes that reflected astute intelligence.

   She must have sensed his eyes on her, for she turned her head in his direction.  Noticing him, she gave him a warm smile, and he noted that her teeth seemed pointed and sharp.  At that moment Solaufein realized with chagrin that he had never stopped to ask her true name.  His dusky lips curled into a small smile of his own.  It was time to learn a bit about “Veldrin.”

   Solaufein moved a bit closer to her so he could be heard over Jan’s incessant chattering.

“So, my dear “Veldrin”, might I inquire as to your actual name?  I should hate to address you incorrectly.”

Her smile turned lopsided when she answered.  “Ah, no need to sound so forma,l Solaufein!  You’re among friends now!  As to my name, well,   I’ve always been called Duvheassa by those unfortunate enough to have raised me, but most people I come across just call me Vessa.  Apparently the extra syllable is just much too taxing on the mandible,”  she finished wryly.  “If you are feeling especially lazy, you can even refer to me as Vess, but I warn you that monosyllabic names are not all they are cut out to be.”

   Solaufein’s own smile widened at this.  At least this new leader seemed to have a sense of humor!  She seemed to be genuinely interested in what he had to say, and he found that his guard lowered slightly despite himself.    He had to admit that her friendly demeanor was a welcome relief after the unrelenting cruelty of the Underdark.  This thought gave him pause.  He recalled her behavior in Ust Natha and laughed to himself.  He should have suspected right away that Vessa was no Drow;  her concern for him after his “punishment” by the handmaiden and her balking at the task of killing the svirneblin should have made it obvious enough.  Even if that were not the case, he should have known she was no ordinary Drow female when she purposefully gave every spider she encountered a wide berth. 

   “Another question, if I may.  In Ust Natha, you always took pains to avoid the spiders that crawled freely through the streets.  Why was that?”
   
   “Heh.  Arachnophobia will do that to a girl,” Vessa replied.  “I never could get over that fear…honestly, spiders terrify me.  Imoen, lovely and considerate little sister that she is, quite enjoyed capitalizing on that fear in our childhood, let me tell you.  I am just grateful that I can meet them in battle without soiling myself, panicking, and running in the opposite direction, screaming madly all the while.”
   
   “Then how did you manage to stay so calm when surrounded by them?”
   
   “The thought that there were even more spiders in the Demonweb pits should I get caught.”
   
   “Well, that line of logic is irrefutable,” said Solaufein. “Tell me, how did you come by the name of Veldrin?  It was useful in that it served both males and females and was common enough to not draw undue attention.  Have you studied Drow culture?”
   
   “Actually, while there were books in Candlekeep that outlined the admittedly few known nuances of Drow culture in detail, the monks never would let me read them.  They always said something about it being unbecoming for a young girl to read about such scandalous behavior.  I always thought they were overreacting.  I mean, gods, what do you guys do down there, have wild orgies up in the stalactites or something?”  Vessa finished with a laugh.
   
Solaufein blinked.  She was closer to the truth than she knew.   However, he had no wish to dwell in the shadows of those dark memories at the moment, so he merely smiled at her jest and gazed up at the moon.  It seemed so much more beautiful to him now that he could allow his eyes to linger upon it in his newfound freedom instead of snatching furtive glances at it during a raid.

   “I guess you got to stand beneath the moon of your Eilistraee sooner than you thought, eh Solaufein?” said Vessa as she playfully clipped his shoulder.  Solaufein flinched reflexively and saw Vessa quickly move her hand, for she seemed to understand his reaction.  Her merry face grew serious.  “I am sorry, Solaufein.  You must be used to getting horrible treatment at the hands of females.  I should have remembered…”

   “No, do not worry about it, my Lady.  You have already shown me that you are not a creature of violence.  I just need some time to get acquainted with the ins and outs of surfacer behaviors, it seems.”

   “Ahhh, do not even worry about it.  You’re a smart man. You’ll pick up on things just fine, Solaufein!”

   “I thank you for the vote of confidence, my Lady.”

   “Not a problem, Solaufein.”  Vessa yawned and stretched languorously.  Solaufein noticed by this time that the other members of the group were setting up their bedrolls and Minsc was preparing to take first watch.  “Well, I am now officially exhausted.  Running through the Underdark and escaping only to find oneself being questioned by a decidedly irate elven officer and his band of mind reading goons can really put a damper on one’s store of energy.  I am going to sleep…er,…well reverie, actually.” So she sauntered to her bedroll and did just that.   “G’night, Solaufein.”

   “Goodnight, Vessa.”


***

   In an attempt to ignore Jan’s insufferable ramblings, Jaheira had focused her attention on Duvheassa and her new friend, Solaufein.   She was glad that Vessa had spared the Drow’s life, though she had come to expect that kind of behavior from the girl.  Her observations of Solaufein in the Underdark told her that he was a skilled and valuable party member, and his willingness to put his own life in danger to aid Vessa eased her worry at his presence, somewhat.  She was still guarded, however.  Memories of Yoshimo’s shameful betrayal were still too fresh on her mind to allow her to slip into complacency.  Jaheira noticed to her surprise that Vessa’s easy smile and friendly manner had set Solaufein at ease, somewhat; his muscles were less tense and his eyes were not so guarded while he spoke with her.  Although Vessa tended to have that effect on people, she had expected the Drow, who had been treated as no more than a tool and a slave by all the females in his life, to be a bit more mistrusting at first.   However, Jaheira believed the two could perhaps find some common ground in the near future; Solaufein’s dark skin would make him face the fear-borne racism of many people while on the surface, and Vessa had struggled with the reactions to her unorthodox appearance and dark heritage most of her life.  There had been too many battles in the streets that could have been avoided had the ignorant fools not taken Vessa for some kind of monster on the spot.  This could not be good for the girl’s self-esteem, but she seemed used to it, and indeed she often joked about it. 

   Jaheira was worried for Vessa, however.  She noticed that ever since their escape from Irenicus' dungeon, Vessa’s laugh was sometimes a bit forced, that, behind those twinkling eyes, pain glinted dark and deep.  She never told Vessa, but she had seen what that monster Irenicus did to that girl, had heard what he said to her while he was doing it.  Jaheira had fought against the bars of her own cage to somehow escape and stop him, but she was powerless. Powerless!  It was cruel, it was wrong, it was against all that is good and natural to violate an innocent girl in such a way!  At the very least, he never used himself; he told her that she was not good enough for that, but it was poor consolation.  He told her how worthless she was, how he was going to make her hideous so no man could ever love her…He carved into her body with those sick twisted knives, carved designs and profanity into her like she was some sort of wooden sculpture.  How could he do that to a person?!  How could he do any of those horrible things?!  There was no trace of humanity in that...that abomination, that slime beyond slime!  He had violated Vessa, he had tortured and kidnapped Imoen, he murdered Dynaheir while Minsc was forced to watch, and he murdered Khalid.  He murdered Khalid!  The love of her life had been torn from her forever!  She wanted nothing more than to plunge her weapon deep within his vile, blackened heart!

He had cast many spells upon Vessa that Jaheira did not recognize, but one of them seemed to have weakened her body considerably, making her much more fragile.  She still had just enough strength to wield her scimitars with injurious results, but her ability to take damage was severely limited and she fatigued faster than she was willing to admit.  Jaheira knew that it was much easier to break the girl now, this girl whose body could once absorb all kinds of punishment.  Jaheira could tell that this was a serious blow to her because even when she first met Vessa at the Friendly Arm, the girl had a strong and independent personality; she hated the thought of anyone else having to take up her slack because her constitution made her a little weaker physically.  She saw that Vessa was still struggling to cope with this and hid her exhaustion out of pride.

Due to the brutality of all of these things, Vessa had developed a stutter that rendered her nearly speechless at times, it was so hard for her to get words out.  It reminded Jaheira of Khalid after she and Gorion had rescued him from his kidnappers so long ago.  Thankfully, Vessa’s stutter was not so permanent, and gradually subsided to the point where it only surfaced when she was highly agitated.  Vessa had a will of iron indeed, and while the experience may have broken a lesser being, it had not broken her.  However, Jaheira knew that even iron could buckle. She saw how Vessa struggled to maintain balance within herself, how she tried to lock those terrible memories away and hide them from the world and her party.  She knew Imoen saw it too, but hoped Imoen did not know the reason for her sister’s hidden pain.  She had seen enough as it is.  She had seen Khalid……..

   Jaheira dashed an errant tear away and busied herself with preparing her bedroll.  She would not allow memories to overtake her entirely, and she knew she needed to keep focused.  She noticed that Vessa had the same idea and was currently curling into the fetal position in her bedroll; this was often how she reveried now.  She saw Solaufein take his bedroll from his pack and prepare for his own reverie.  She crawled beneath the covers and prayed she would not again dream of Khalid.  It seemed strange to her that a mourning wife would dread dreaming of her lost beloved, but every time he came to her in sleep he was, in his own way, asking her to accept his death and build her life anew, asking her to find happiness and move on.  She distracted herself by contentedly breathing in the fresh air that was such a welcome relief from the fetid miasma of the Underdark….

Jaheira did not want to move on.

***

The sun was rising, gilding the forest with rich golds and reds.  Dymphna had just flown back from some early morning hunting and was once again resting comfortably on Duvheassa’s shoulder.  Vessa had the last watch and since it was near to waking time already, she saw no harm in pulling out her battered book of self-written poetry and scribbling a few lines in it before she had to face reality once more.  She decided to pour some of the sadness she had been trying to cope with onto the pages in the hopes of easing it for a time. 

A couple of minutes had passed and she was done.  She gave the new poem a long look and sang it softly, trying to find a tune that fit it.

      “Withered be the flower
        that once the faerie grew
   blackened as that desperate famine
   The eclipsing cat hath mew
   Shorn be once silky petals
   That had gazed into the sky
   Sundered as he who caused it all
   Looked on with stony eye
   Who can love a flower bleak
   Upon this stony bed?
   Though it yet remains a flower still
   Who loves where scars have tread?”

   Not one of her better ones, to be sure, but she was having a hard time forging her chaotic thoughts into something halfway coherent.

   “That was lovely, my friend, but your voice was so full of sorrow as you sang.  Tell me, do you often write your own songs?  And what is the meaning of this particular one?”
   
Vessa felt a blush color her face.  She believed she was no bard and she was too shy to share her creations with others.  She shut the book quickly and turned around to see who spoke, though she realized there was really no need to do so.  In what little time they had known each other, she had already grown to recognize the deep tenor of Solaufein’s voice.

“Oh its….its nothing.  Really.  It was just a....just a stray thought.”  She couldn’t tell him what it was really about, she couldn’t tell anyone.  She felt so dirty… She shoved the thought away.  “And yes, while I can definitely appreciate the poetry of others, I do write some of my own.  It helps me think when I can put my thoughts to prose and song, strangely enough.”

“Truly?  I myself turn to the prose of others to best express my emotions.  It would seem that in this aspect we are nearly alike,” said Solaufein.  He reached into his pack and pulled out a large, hand-bound leather book that looked as though it had seen a thousand seasons.  He sat next to Vessa and opened it to a random page.  She could see it was written in a language she did not recognize, most likely Drow, and she looked at Solaufein quizzically.  His graceful ebony fingers danced across the pages, finally stopping at a particular stanza which he read:


“Last night I wasted hateful hours
Below the city’s eastern towers
I thirsted for the brooks, the showers
I roll’d among the tender flowers
I crushed them on my breast, my mouth
I look’d athwart the burning drouth
Of that long desert to the south”

Solaufein’s eyes smiled at Vessa, who was taken aback by his recital.  “Wow, Solaufein, I am impressed, although I must say it is mildly amusing that I have met so few surfacers who appreciate poetry, though they have ample access to the materials, and here a Drow sits beside me reading a stanza written by one of the best loved surfacer poets of the past.”  Vessa recognized the poet; Solaufein had read a stanza from one of her favorite poems, though he knew it not.  She wondered where he had obtained such a collection, as owning something like that would surely be a crime in Ust Natha.  Truly the dark elf was full of surprises, and Vessa looked forward to speaking with him at length about this discovery.

Solaufein smiled, a hesitant warmth in his slanted, stormy emerald eyes.  “I am glad you appreciate such things yourself.  Perhaps we can speak more on this later, but for now I think we should busy ourselves with breaking camp.  It would seem as though our companions have awakened.”  He gestured towards their now stirring forms.

Vessa agreed and breathed a silent sigh of relief that Solaufein was successfully distracted from pressing her further about what her poem/nebulous song meant.  She watched him get up and attend to his own things for a moment. Then, as she put her book back into her bag, she decided to distract herself by antagonizing a still sleeping Imoen.  She knelt beside the inert form of her sister and began to tickle her awake as Dymphna cackled loudly in order to “speed” the waking process.

“Wake up sleepyhead!  Do you not know that sloth is a sin?” 

“Wh-wha? Vsss….Ve….Vessa  st-stop! Oh, stop!! Hahahaha!!  Oooh, I’m getting you back for this! Hahaha! Ah stop!”  Was Imoen’s reply before she devolved into incoherent giggles.  Vessa was grateful to see Imoen smile.  She could only imagine the hell her sister had been through while the rest of the group scrambled to reach her.  Her face was still a bit haggard, but Vessa was sure a week or two of freedom would clear it up marvelously.  Until then, however, Vessa felt it was her job to keep Imoen in as high spirits as possible.  Fortunately this was not hard as Imoen’s naturally cheerful personality seemed mercifully intact.

 Vessa allowed nostalgia to take hold of her for a moment….She and Imoen had always been close, had always been partners in crime.  They were the merry pranksters that lightened the dark halls of Candlekeep with their laughter….and their faerie fire cantrips.  Many a monk had suffered a panic attack under their careful ministrations. Vessa smiled at the memories before allowing Imoen freedom from her merciless tickles.  She moved away quickly so as not to fall victim to the same treatment and began packing her own things up. 

The party had just finished attempting to eat breakfast (this morning they were treated to Minsc’s infamous “Butt Kicking Breakfast”, a compendium of all that was wrong with last night’s leftovers and today’s hastily unburied tubers.) and Vessa had just decided to ban Minsc from cooking.  Forever.  She then moved away from the group to inspect a lovely flower that caught her eye.  A fierce stab of pain beneath her belly caught her by surprise and brought her to her knees in an instant as a wave of nausea overtook her.  Her stomach emptied itself of all its contents and Vessa could do no more than grip the ground and grimace.  Her raven, Dymphna, puffed up in distress at what was happening, but Vessa herself refused to cry out at all. 

These pains had been growing steadily since leaving Irenicus’ dungeon.  Her own sorcerous powers could do nothing to bring her comfort.  Jaheira had examined her (she was the only person Vessa trusted and felt comfortable enough with to do such a thing) and had prevented any infection or gangrene from entering any of her wounds, even the ones lower down.  Vessa was grateful for Jaheira’s presence.  She was almost like a mother to her and the fact that Jaheira was willing to treat *all* of her wounds without complaint humbled her and reminded her of the compassion Jaheira so often hid behind her sharp exterior.  She knew that Jaheira had knowledge of what happened.  Even if she hadn’t seen it being done, a healer who had seen those wounds could only draw one logical conclusion.  Thankfully she did not press Vessa about it.  Vessa got the feeling that she understood her desire to keep her own counsel, and she was thankful for the silence.

 However, she knew that if she told Jaheira about these other pains, she would insist on taking her to a temple to have a more thorough examination there, and Vessa was not about to have the hands of complete strangers touching her even in healing.  The thought made her ill, and she refused to become a burden to her party members and friends.  Vessa decided with that stubborn will of hers to ride the pain out; if it was indeed an effect of one of those spells, it would have to wear off eventually.  This was what she told herself, anyway.  She washed her mouth out with a swig from her waterskin and hurried back to her companions before anyone could notice what had happened. 

*My Lady, perhaps you should get attention for whatever it is that ails you.  This is not a good thing.*  Dymphna communicated to Vessa.

*No.  It will go away soon.  I cannot be bothered with such trivial things at the moment*  Vessa replied.

*I hardly feel your physical health can be considered ‘trivial’, My Lady.*

*Be that as it may, Dymphna, I know what I’m doing and I don’t want to get checked!*


Vessa felt a wave of worry surge from her familiar, but Dymphna communicated nothing else to her.  She felt guilty that she caused her familiar so much worry, but she still stubbornly refused to get treated for her mysterious ailment.

She had decided that they were going to travel straight to Athkatla, go to the Graveyard, and finish this.  Nothing could possibly keep her from annihilating that soul-stealing whore Bodhi and sending her to the agonizing hell she deserved.  With that thought in mind, Vessa set her jaw and began to march.




« Last Edit: April 18, 2006, 08:43:14 PM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #2 on: April 14, 2006, 02:09:06 PM »
Chapter 2:  There’s No Way…

   “You have *got* to be kidding me.” Vessa said, dismayed and banging her head softly against the wall.  Dymphna glared at the Cowled wizard who had just given them the news.  She didn’t trust the Cowlies any more than her Lady did.

 They had made it to Athkatla, rested at the Five Flagons, given Solaufein some weapons and armor (including some nice elvish mail) that would not rot in the sunlight, and made it to the graveyard, where they were met with a smooth stone wall encasing  all possible entrances to Bodhi’s domain. 

   “I’m afraid I’m not, my Lady.” said the Cowled Wizard who had met them at the site.  Vessa found it slightly amusing that they had become so helpful now that Spellhold was out of commission and they realized Bodhi and Irenicus were trouble.  In fact, they were quite willing to spend much time to help her eliminate their now common enemy. “We’ve had some of our best working on it, but these damnable walls are impervious to every spell we cast on them!  We’ve hired some mundane laborers to carve a way though and have used copious amounts of blasting powder.  Nothing is working, I tell you!  Not even stoneshape has an effect and we are barred from teleporting!”  He finished this declaration with a well-choreographed stamping of his foot. 

   “However, do not believe you shall have to wait indefinitely, Lady.” An older Cowled Wizard said.  “There is no doubt in my mind that this spell is temporary and that great power is required to sustain it.  A blood ritual may have been involved, and if this Bodhi is a vampire as you say, I have no doubt she has such stuff in plentiful supply down there.  Still, it shall not last forever.  You need only wait until she exhausts her supplies and then move in to strike.  Judging by the strength of the spell however, it shall be quite a while before that happens.  Were I in your position, I would continue to travel around doing whatever it is you adventurers do in order to gain not only more experience to better fight the battle ahead, but also the tools with which the battle may be turned in your favor.  We shall alert you immediately should we see any weakening at all of this irksome stumbling block.”

   Gods, everyone and their great uncle think they know how to run my party better than I do. Bloody pretentious old gits… Vessa thought to herself.   Once she got past her annoyance and the full weight of the situation hit her, however, her thoughts quickly changed.  Damnit!  I know exactly what she is doing!  She is buying Irenicus time to do whatever he is planning in Suldenessallar!  By all the gods and their mothers, will this never end?!   From the sour look on Jaheira’s face Vessa could tell she was thinking the same thing.  She glanced quickly at Imoen.  Her face did not betray any of the unease she could tell her sister felt.  She hoped Imoen did not deteriorate any further and also prayed that she herself could maintain control long enough to get her soul back before the Slayer took over completely.  She caught a feeling of unease from Dymphna, who gazed at her with a worried violet eye.

 Unfortunately, it seemed as though for once the Cowlies were telling the truth.  She saw their vain attempts to get through the stone, and Solaufein had used his own dimension door ability to no effect.  He was unable to walk through the other side.  The Wizard did have a point, she had to admit.  There was no use spending gods know how long in this city doing nothing when they could be out hardening themselves for the trials ahead and helping those who need it to boot.  She turned to her companions.

   “Well, I guess we have no choice.  Let us see if we cannot make use of what time we have before Bodhi shows her cowardly face.”   They all nodded in agreement, even Jan, whose nod was slightly less nod-like due to the presence of a large turnip that he was currently stuffing into his face.  Vessa was about to go out and see what they could do, but as she looked at her companions, she realized that perhaps some free time, rest, and relaxation would be an overdue and well-deserved reward.  “But for today I think we should all just kick back and, oh, I do not know, party like wild apes or something.  We have been running ourselves ragged for gods know how long and now that Imoen is relatively safe with us and we do not have to worry about saving money anymore, I suggest that we dip into the painfully large leather bag we call the party funds and live it up!!! Rich foreign food, enough fine elven wine to make your ancestors drunk in their graves, obscenely overpriced trinkets, and rooms fit for royalty at the Five Flagons to sleep it all off!! What say you?!” 

   A collective cheer from the party, a loud crow from Dymphna, and desperate grabs for various money pouches as they all ran their separate ways told Vessa that her suggestion was indeed highly welcome.  Soon it was just Solaufein and she standing in the middle of the graveyard.  Vessa she frowned when she noticed that he had absolutely nothing in the way of gold.  He had fled with them from the Underdark with nary more than his gear, survival equipment, and a few bits of clothing.  He would be needing to replace a few things as well as get clothing more suited to the rigors of surface travel.

I cannot believe how inconsiderate I have been.  Of course he has no gold!  Where is my mind?  Vessa procured another pouch from that maelstrom of chaos she called her backpack, poured about half of her gold into the pouch, and handed it to Solaufein with a smile.  He looked at her offering and shook his head.

   “I thank you for the thought, my Lady, but I cannot accept.  I have not been traveling with you for very long and have not earned such a share.”

   “Pfffft. Please.  If you have not earned your share, Solaufein, then I am 40 feet tall, weigh two tons, breathe fire, and reek of brimstone.  You risked your own neck to help all of us get out of the Underdark and prevented a war between the Drow and the surface elves to boot!  I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your help in that dark place. You’ve more than earned your share.  Besides, you’re one of *us* now, and as such you are entitled to your own share of the party gold.  You might want to think about buying yourself some supplies as well.  The clothes you have will not weather the weather of the surface for long.  Here, I will take you to some shops that can give you what you need.  Perhaps after that we can go to a bookseller and find some books of poetry or the like. Blake and Wilde are two of my personal favorites.  There’s this one bookstore in particular I like to visit, the storekeep and I have become pretty good friends and he always gives me discounts….”  Vessa chatted amiably with Solaufein, who remained silent but was wearing an unaccustomed small smile on his face, as they walked out of the crypt and made their way towards the Promenade. 
« Last Edit: April 14, 2006, 02:58:39 PM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #3 on: April 14, 2006, 02:13:09 PM »
Chapter 3: Free Day!

   Imoen flitted about the seamstress’ shop, searching through various tunics and trousers and vainly attempting to describe to the already harried woman the *exact* shade of pink she was looking for.  She was extremely choosy about her pinks.  In fact, she had nurtured it into an art form.  Most of her own clothing was torn beyond repair in Spellhold as Irenicus had “tested” her, and she was in fact wearing a tunic and pants borrowed from Vessa.  The clothing was a bit too small for her, but she made minor alterations to them that allowed for more comfort.  She couldn’t stand being in them for long however; Vessa was partial to whispering blacks and moody purples in her clothes, and even made it a habit to wear the odd lacy or velvety tunic if she could get away with it, but that just didn’t work for Imoen.  She needed PINK, and she needed the kind of clothing that her less practicality-minded sister did not have in ample supply, though Vessa at least had enough sense to wear something resilient while on the road.

   Imoen sighed and wished not for the first time today that they were back at old Ulmie’s in Beregost.  Now that was a woman who knew her pinks!  Defeated, she finally selected some clothes that were halfway palatable and was at the counter getting ready to pay when who should come in but Vessa and Solaufein.  Imoen smiled to herself, put a finger to her lips to signal to the seamstress to remain quiet, left her things on the table,  and hid behind some clothes that were hanging from a thin wooden beam.  Vessa said something to Solaufein that Imoen could not make out and he walked a bit away to speculate for male attire as Vessa made her way to where Imoen was hidden and began to examine a black tunic cascaded with white lace thoughtfully.  Imoen smirked.  Vessa might just fall for this!

   “Whoooo touches the clothing of Madame Nurush, seducer of men and destroyer of marriages?  I demand freedom for my desires!  Merely wear my sumptuous shirt and you can free my wanton passions!  Make my extreme lustiness your own!!!” 

   Imoen saw Vessa look at the shirt and blink.  “Hmm….for a “seducer of men”, as you style yourself, your voice does sound a bit too childish to resemble anything coming close to “husky”.  You might want to work on that a bit, else tge only things you’ll be able to seduce are pedophiles.”
   
   Imoen jumped up and said indignantly “HEY!  I seem to remember my “childish little voice” getting *someone* out of trouble by sweet talking the monks into forgetting her transgressions!  I see how it is now.  “Let’s make fun of Imoen because her voice never hit puberty!”  I’ll remember that!”
   
   “Actually, Imoen, I believe that your “sweet talking” voice, as you call it, actually got us into *more* trouble, as every explanation you offered for our behavior only dug the grave deeper and deeper….”

   “Humph! Ingrate….”
   
“Aren’t I always?” finished Vessa with a smile dripping in sarcastic sweetness.  Her smile bordered on the impish as Dymphna flew from her shoulder to peck Imoen’s head.

“HEY!  No fair!  Stupid telepathic familiars….  Tell your flea-bitten featherbag to scram before I feed it to a displacer beast!”

Vessa replied by sticking her tongue out at Imoen as Dymphna reluctantly flew back to perch on her shoulder.
   
   Imoen browsed with her sister for a while, occasionally making snide comments about her choice of dress as Vessa responded with equal sarcasm on her own choices when finally something occurred to her.
   
   “Hey Vessa, um….what are we going to do about Solaufein?  I remember how badly Viconia was treated in cities even while she traveled with us…”
   
   “Why do you think I am staying near him?  It is not just to make sure he does not get lost, you know.  I mean, even the seamstress is freaking out over there.  Look at her!”

   Imoen turned to see said seamstress and took note that she was looking at Solaufein with apprehension and mistrust.  She saw Vessa move to stand near him in order to possibly smooth things over should they go badly.  Imoen decided to break the tension by embarrassing Solaufein, so she picked up the skimpiest article of female clothing she could find (apparently this seamstress dabbled in naughty lingerie)  and snuck up behind him, fully intending to trick him into believing this was casual male surfacer attire.  Vessa must have realized what she was planning, for she stomped Imoen’s foot, shook her head negatively, and dragged her hand across her neck in the universal “stop it or I will kill you” motion, with Solaufein apparently oblivious to the situation the entire while.  Vessa leaned in and whispered: “Imoen, Solaufein has been treated like a sex toy most of his life.  As funny as it might be, it would definitely be crossing the line into cruelty if we did that, especially if we allowed him to go out wearing such risqué things.  Besides, Solaufein may be new to the surface, but he is no idiot.  I would think that after seeing surfacer males in their ill-conceived and painfully unflattering outfits already he would know better than to believe your little tidbits of wardrobe wisdom.”
 
   Imoen huffed.  Damn Vessa’s considerate nature!  It was always spoiling her fun…  “Oh alright, fine!  I won’t try to trick him…this time.  But don’t think he’s off the hook, or you either for that matter!”  She put the skivvies away, and then noted the amused smile on Solaufein’s face as he pretended to keep looking through clothing.  Apparently he wasn’t as oblivious to the exchange as she thought he was.

***

   The disgruntled knight shifted uncomfortably in his full gear and looked decidedly out of place in the inn full of carousing patrons wearing much more relaxed garb.  He quaffed down the contents of yet another tankard of ale and sighed crossly.  He had heard tales of a mighty adventuring band that had committed a great many deeds of valor in their short time in Amn, and he wanted to be part of it.  According to rumor they frequented the Five Flagons and so he had come here, in full armor to further impress them and convince them of his prowess, only to find the place devoid of their presence.  Actually, he was there when said band was at the Copper Coronet but, (he hated to admit to himself)  he had been drunk out of his mind and mistook them for a group of rampaging gibberlings, which, thankfully, he did not lift a finger to battle. 

Sometimes lethargy can be a virtue, despite the dictates of the Order.   He thought wryly to himself.  The Halfling serving wench stoking the fire near him reminded him of his discomfort, however.   Bah!  When will the blasted men get here?!  I can’t stand to be in this hot armor much longer!  I swear, they had better be worth my time…

***

   Jaheira had wandered into a small shop she had never noticed before.  Though she knew the city from her and Khalid’s sojourn here so many years ago, many new places had been established and it made Athkatla seem almost alien compared to what was there in the past.  The air inside was heavy with the heady smells of various dried herbs and components useful in druidic cures and rites, and she was restocking her depleted stores, buying extra for Vessa as she came across them. She had to admit, Vessa was an attentive pupil when it came to herblore; most likely she wanted to make her travels in the wild as easy and painless as possible by taking advantage of the knowledge.  It was a wise decision, of course.  She felt eyes upon her as she was selecting some stalks of lavender Vessa was partial to and whirled around, half-tensed to fight.  It was the owner of the small store.  She recognized him as a druid she saw once at some function or another, and right now he was eyeing her with a teasing smile on his face.

   Why in the Nine Hells is this man not fighting to preserve balance or tending his grove?!  What in the world possessed him to sell such things in a city?  She thought.  She had half a mind to walk up to him and punch him in the face as much for his shamefully lecherous leering as anything when he walked up to her and said in a voice as teasing as his smile:
“Why my dear lady of the forest!  What lucky wind has swept such a lovely druid into this humble shopkeeper’s sight?”

Now Jaheira was annoyed.  “Your ridiculous attempts at flattery will get you nowhere, boy.  I have no patience for fools and will not hesitate to deal with them accordingly.  Just ask that moron at the Copper Coronet.”

“Oh but if you punish me, dear lady, how can I continue to supply you with my fine ingredients?  Surely your need for them in order to preserve the balance far outweighs any less-than-hospitable feelings you harbor toward me?”  By this time his eyes were practically shining with pleasant mischief, and Jaheira wondered darkly at his intentions.

   “Boy, I *am* indeed a druid, and I can get my ingredients from the woods just as well as from your store.  You would do well to remember that, lest you lose a customer.  And another thing, why are you even working here?  This goes against the tenets of a druid!  You should be either actively campaigning against defilers of nature or contemplating within a grove, not tarrying here furthering your capitalist desires!”

   “Ah, but this *is* my grove, beautiful lady!  This conglomeration of the bipedal races is what I have chosen to tend, and as for my “capitalist tendencies”, how else can I supply the needed care for my grove if I do not have the resources at hand to do so?  Surely you agree when I say that it is of paramount importance to garner all that I can to further the success of my grove?”

   “This is…unorthodox.  I feel you are toying with me, boy.  Surely you cannot mean what you say, so I demand that you cease this foolery at once and tell me the real reason you whore your druidic talents out to whoever has the coin before I shame you as you have shamed your kin!”

   The man broke into an amused laugh, which irritated Jaheira even further.   “Oh my my my, but aren’t we aggressive?  It’s a very charming trait you know.  Your eyes light up marvelously when you are angry.  I promise you by Shaundakul that this is indeed my grove.  To tell you the truth, this whole thing began as a rebellion by yours truly against the stuffed robes of the greater druidic hierarchy.  You should have seen the looks on their faces when they found out what my grove was.  It was positively delicious to see them go into a tizzy and not be able to do a thing about it, let me tell you.  Gods, but they can be so overbearing sometimes, can they not?
   
   Jaheira glared at the man even as she tried to suppress an unwanted smile that was threatening to creep into her lips.  “Yes, they can indeed be….difficult….to tolerate at times.  Although I disapprove of your childish actions, I must admit that I find the situation slightly…humorous.”  She took a good look at the man now that she deemed him worthy of slight notice.  The first thing that struck her was the merging of elvish and human features, the undeniable mark of a half-elf.  He had vivid hazel eyes and shoulder-length scarlet hair, and lacked any sort of facial stubble.  That teasing smile had never left his face, which she noticed was weathered by work and wind that his choice of a grove would otherwise belie. He wore a druidic talisman, a simple amulet with a wooden circular carving of a mockingbird on it and a few feathers dangling from it by a leather string.  His clothing was modest and homespun.  She saw him as not unattractive, though perhaps his personality could use some work.  It would do him well to take his life and duty more seriously.

   “Oh come now, my dear!  You tease me with your words and do not even divulge your name!  Could the enchanting princess of the meadows deign to share her lovely moniker to one as low as I, the humble Uilsyth?”

   “You are a silly boy for slathering such large amounts of flattery on every sentence that slithers out of your mouth.  No woman is ever going to take you seriously if you keep up that ridiculous behavior.  However, I shall give you my name if only to silence you, boy.  I am Jaheira.  Please do not create any moronic pet names out of it using an anagram or somesuch nonsense, or you will find a quarterstaff firmly lodged up your nethers.  Now, kindly allow me to make my purchase and be on my way, I have much to do already without listening to some foppish merchant-druid all day.” 
   
   “Oh but of course, of course my darling woodbine!  I would not dream of keeping you from your noble cause!  Do smile more though, my dear.  Your face would light up marvelously with such a joyous display.”  Jaheira’s scowl deepened considerably, which didn’t seem to have any affect on the fool, much to her chagrin.  He winked and bowed with a flourish, then proceeded to count up the price of the various things she had decided to purchase, giving her a substantial discount in the process.

   Moronic boy.  Jaheira thought as she exited the shop.  It requires much more than silly flattery for me to be taken in!   However intriguing the fellow was, she was not about to spend any more time in his presence than absolutely necessary and resolved to find another purveyor of ingredients somewhere else.

She was glowering as she left.
***

   Oh my, but won’t mother be cross with me when I visit her at home.  Jan thought to himself.  She always got a bit flustered during his many prolonged absences.    Minsc had been traveling with him to, as he put it, “make sure the naughty gnome does not try to pull any tricks to steal Minsc’s Boo while Minsc is not seeing him.”  Jan chuckled to himself at the thought and then remembered his mother. Hopefully she will be more sympathetic to me once she had heard where I have been and what I have done. He opened the door and stepped quietly inside.

   “JAN JANSEN!!!  WHERE IN ALL THE CATACOMBS OF GREAT UNCLE PAULY AND HIS OVERGROWN TWIN SONS HAVE YOU BEEN, BOY?!  YOU’RE WORSE THAN YOUR NO-GOOD-TURNIP-STEALING COUSIN BLENG AFTER FIVE TANKARDS OF TURNIP ALE!  I CAN’T BELIEVE YOU WERE AWAY THIS LONG WITHOUT EVEN A LETTER! WHY IF YOUR UNCLE SCRATCHY HEARD ABOUT THIS I SWEAR HE’D…..”

….Then again, maybe not.

***

   Bloody hell on a stick!   Duvheassa thought to herself as she strained to reach a scroll that was just tantalizingly out of her reach on a shelf above her.  She was going out of her way to get it because she had seen the title and recognized it as something sentimental from her past.  I swear, I must be the shortest Bhaalspawn in the whole of Faerun!    She was jumping up in her attempt to reach it now.  I cannot even reach a blasted scroll on a blasted shelf!!  I feel like a blasted three year-old!  And I need to find a blasted thesaurus to look up some synonyms for blasted!  Hells…   

   *My lady, will you please quit jumping now?!  Just let me fly up there and get it for you!*  Was Dymphna’s reply to the situation.  She was getting quite irritated from being tossed repeatedly from her perch.

   *Actually, that’s a great idea!  Glad you’re around, Dymphna.  You shall forever be the common sense to my genius.*  Vessa thought back.

   Just as Dymphna was going to take flight, however, she was thwarted in the attempt.

   “Having some difficulty, My lady?”  She heard Solaufein ask from behind her.  She was about to turn around and tell him that no, she wasn’t reaching for the scroll, it was just national jump up for no reason day when he drew close, reached up, and plucked the scroll down for her with no difficulty.  He turned and handed it to her.  Normally Vessa would have expected a snide “haha, you’re short and I am noooot!” comment at this time, but he did not say a word.  She had to admit she was grateful for that.

   “Thank you, Solaufein.  Now I will not make a complete fool of myself with my ridiculous ‘jump to get something from above me’ tactic.”
   
   “Might I see what is on the scroll that made you endeavor to reach it so, Vessa?”

   Vessa grinned mischievously and turned her back to him, clutching the scroll to her breast.  “Nope!  I am not going to let you see it!!  You’ll never get it from me!!”  She turned her head and stuck her tongue out at him in a playful gesture as Dymphna cawed teasingly.  In her opinion, Solaufein was entirely too serious for his own good, but perhaps this would help him lighten up a little.

   “Vessa?  What is the meaning of this gesture?  If you didn’t want me to see the scroll, you could have just told me.”  Vessa noticed he was frowning slightly.  Drat!  Her plan failed!

   “No, Solaufein, you misunderstand me.  I do not mind at all if you see the scroll, I was just teasing you!”

   “Teasing, Vessa?”

   “Yeah, you know, teasing.  Like…oh hells…”  Said Vessa.  Solaufein inclined his head and arched a snowy eyebrow at her.  Blast!  How is it that a person can be exposed to something her entire life, know it intimately, and still not be able to explain it to others?!  “Sorry, I guess it is just a little hard to explain it to someone who is not used to such behavior. Hmm…  Well, perhaps you could take Imoen and I for example.  We tease each other constantly.  I guess it is almost like you are mocking someone without cruel intent, just being playful or to elicit a playful and teasing response in return, you know?  Like when Imoen teases me about being short.  She is not doing it to hurt my feelings, but she knows it annoys me and says it to provoke a reaction, which is usually me cursing her in some elaborately silly way or teasing her in return about her garish color choices in clothing.  Or I could tease you by saying something that is completely untrue, something like ‘Oh, that Solaufein is such a moron.’  This is not true.  However, you could respond with something like ‘Yeah, I heard he cannot even read.’ or somesuch and play along.  Clear as mud?”

   “I…see.  It would seem that I still have much to learn. I thank you for the explanation however.  It makes the things Imoen has been saying about me getting sunburned with my pale skin make sense now.”

   “No problem.  Here is that scroll, by the way.  It is a poem that is currently not part of my collection and one that I have spent ages searching for.  It was one of Gorion’s favorites, though I admit I cannot remember the entire thing without this refresher.  I am actually surprised they have it here.  This means a lot to me.”

   She saw Solaufein smile at her and hoist the rather large amounts of books and scrolls he himself was planning to purchase onto the counter.  The shopkeeper glared at him suspiciously.  “I don’t know what you’re about, Drow, but I’ll not be serving your filthy kind here.  Your gold is as likely to vanish in my hand as it is to explode in my purse, methinks.”

   Vessa glanced at Solaufein and noticed a strange look behind his guarded eyes.  She knew how it felt to be treated like that, and it made her very angry that he was being treated the same way.  This stupid scroll be damned, she was not about to fund a man who talked to *her* friend in such a manner!

   “I understand sir.  It is what I should expect, I suppose.”  Solaufein said with no trace of emotion in his voice.   Dymphna puffed up irately and glared at the shopkeeper with all her raven fury.  Vessa crossed her arms, drew herself up to her full (if unimpressive) height, looked up at the man with burning eyes, and took an indignant posture that would have made Jaheira proud.

   “Excuse me, but I do not think so.  I will have *you* know, Mr. Pompous-ass-racist-pig-fornicator, that I am PROUD to call this Drow here my good friend,” at this she raised her chin defiantly, “and if you are going to treat him in such a poor manner you can just take this scroll and shove it up your nethers, you anal-retentive clod!  You have just lost two valuable customers this day!”  With this she threw down the scroll she had been so excited to find just a minute before, turned smartly on her heel, and marched straight out that door, Solaufein following behind her and Dypmphna hissing angrily.  She heard the shopkeeper yell something from inside.  “Oh, go kiss an orc!”  She shouted behind her as she stalked off.  She slowed to a stop a few yards away from the store.  What a jerk, treating Solaufein like he was some sort of freak!  How dare he make such an assumption?!  Though her easygoing nature was averse to anger when she herself was insulted, she always lost her temper when the same happened to any of her friends.  It was this fierce protectiveness that often made her look foolish, as she tended to blow things completely out of proportion.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped reflexively.

“My lady?”  It was Solaufein.

   “Yeah?  I am sorry about the theatrics back there, Solaufein.  I seem to have made a spectacle of myself yet again.  I hope I did not embarrass you too badly.  However, I do not regret what I said or did.  That man had absolutely no right to treat you that way!”  She finished with a shake of her head and an incensed snort. 

   “It is not a problem, Vessa.  I find myself relieved that at least one person on the surface considers me an equal, but did that scroll you threw down in anger not have something written on it that was special to you?”

   “Oh, to hells with that blasted scroll.  Having the thing was not worth standing idly by while some gutless troll presumed to judge my friend.  Even Gorion himself would have been displeased with me had I chosen that scroll over you.”  She noticed that Solaufein had not removed his hand.  She did not shrug it off, however.  The instinct to fight it had passed.

   “So you defended me out of respect for your foster-father’s wishes?”
   
   “No, Solaufein, I defended you out of respect for my friend.  That’s all that matters.  Besides, I…I know how it feels to be treated like that.  Bhaalspawn are not the most beloved creatures in Faerun, and a bizarre looking one such as myself is subject to all sorts of mockery, even though I have gone out of my way to prove I am no monster.”  She smiled sweetly up at him and, while reaching up to give his own shoulder a short and reassuring squeeze, noticed he was surveying her with astute interest.  He is probably just not used to having people speak up for him, is all. She thought to herself as an explanation for his gaze.  “I am not much in the mood for browsing through shops any more right now.  How about we go to the Five Flagons and meet up with the others, eh?  I bet you haven’t tasted any surfacer drink yet.  In fact, If I know old Samuel, he’ll have some elven wines hidden waaaaay back in his cellars.  He is a sweet guy, Solaufein, and I know he will not get ignorant with you just because of your skin, so at least our stay there will be relatively peaceful.”

   “I believe I would enjoy that, Vessa.  Let us go.”  With that he removed his hand and walked beside her, and together they made their way to the Bridge District in the fading sunlight.

***

   Minsc was the first to be back at the Five Flagons.  That tricky gnome was not going to fool him again!  He saw naughty Jan reach for his Boo even as his mother yelled all sorts of strange things at him, so he turned and left after threatening Jan with a mighty reckoning should he ever try that again. He sat down at a table to wait for his friends and noticed a man in full armor huddled over a tankard.  He looked to have had a bit too much ale, in Minsc’s opinion.  What kind of silly man stays at an inn in full armor?  Not even Minsc would do such a strange thing!  The armor would chafe very uncomfortably…

***

   When Imoen got back to the Five Flagons, she noticed that everyone was there except for Vessa and Solaufein.  She refused to sit down with the others, for she was worried that maybe they had been attacked while on their way here.  Both of them seemed to attract unwanted attention wherever they went.  She found her worries were unfounded when they appeared in the door behind her, Solaufein looking much less dour than he had just a day ago and Vessa smiling pleasantly. 

   “I hope you have not started the party without us!”  Said Vessa.  “I still have plenty of gold to waste!”  She sat down at the table, and Imoen and Solaufein took a seat on either side of her.

   “You certainly took your sweet time in getting here, Vessa.”  Imoen heard Jaheira say.  “I assume you got lost in some bookstore or another?”

   “Er, wel...l you could say that.”  Vessa replied.  Imoen noticed Solaufein smile.  She was intrigued and felt she would have to grill Vessa on whatever happened after she left the seamstress’ shop, it seemed.  She grinned at the thought. 

Thalia, Halfling wife of Samuel Thunderburp and resident chief serving girl,  walked up to their table carrying so many steaming plates of venison and baked potato that it seemed to defy the laws of physics.  They took the plates from her as the table they sat at was nearly as tall as she was, and it was more considerate than making her strain to put the plates in front of them.  “Hello again, dears.  Samuel and I were beginning to worry when our most frequent patrons stopped showing up, but here you are, safe and sound.”  Thalia surveyed the group appraisingly.  “Who are these new faces?  Is that girl the Imoen you were telling Samuel about?  And who is this dark boy?  He looks new.”

“Yep, I’m Imoen all right.  Has Vessa been talking bad about me again?  It’s just like her to gossip about me when my back is turned!”  Imoen glanced at Vessa and saw her roll her eyes in mock annoyance.

“Yes, Imoen, the entire time you were gone I spent my days telling everyone who would listen about the monstrous evil that is my sister.”  Vessa said with evident sarcasm as she fed Dymphna a scrap of meat.

“Well, you two certainly talk like sisters, in any case.  But that still doesn’t tell me who this new boy is.”  Thalia said.

   “Him? Why he’s-”   Imoen started to answer, but Thalia cut her off.  “Now now, girl, let the boy speak for himself.  I’m sure he’s got a tongue to wag just like the rest of us.  So what about it, newcomer?  What should Thalia call you?”

   “Madame, my name is Solaufein, and I met Vessa and her friends in the Underdark after they had rescued Imoen.  They helped me and I helped them in turn, and now I hope to find my way on the surface.”

   “Well, you seem like a nice boy to me, and so long as you don’t cause any trouble in our inn you are most certainly welcome here.  Now, who wants a drink?”  Thalia said.

   “HUZZAH!!” was the deafening shout that rose at Thalia’s question as a large band of dwarfs who until that moment had been sitting quietly jumped up and slammed their fists to their respective tables.

   “Well, I guess they do…” Was all Thalia mumbled as she went to go get their orders.

   Imoen saw Vessa lean over to Solaufein and say “See, I told you!  They’re nice people, the Thunderburps are.”   Ooooh, but she was going to have fun teasing Vessa tonight!!

   “Oh, by the way,” Thalia said after she had taken the drink orders “There’s been a young man in here looking for you guys. Silly boy has been sitting here for hours in full armor waiting for you to get here.  Very ignorant too.  Apparently he doesn’t like Halflings much, but that might have been the ale talking.” 

   “He did not get rude with you, did he Thalia?  Just say the word and I will sort him out in a heartbeat!”  Vessa said with the typical defensive nature that Imoen was used to seeing.  She listened in with interest. 

   “Oh, don’t worry about it, dearie, I can take care of myself.  He did seem anxious to speak to you though.  Do you want me to send him over?”

   “All right, Thalia.  Thank you.”

   “No trouble at all, sweetie.  I’ll tell him you’re here and then I’ll be just a minute with the drinks.”

   Imoen had just begun to enjoy her meal when the man she had suspected Thalia was referring to walked up to the table.  If he was drunk, his carriage did not show it, though he was sweating profusely. 

   “What’s with all that armor, tinhead?   You forget how to take it off or something?”  Imoen said.  She was thoroughly entertained by the look of momentary indignity on his face.

   *Ahem*  “I shall let that comment slide, young lady, for you have the look of one who has not been properly raised with manners and decorum.  I came here to speak with your leader.”  The man said as he turned to Minsc.  “You there!  I prithee, good sir, for what do you quest on your travels?”

   “Minsc is not the leader, silly armor man.  Minsc follows the directions of Vessa, who helps him put the boot to the smelly backside of evil!”  Minsc pointed to Vessa as he spoke.
   
   “Truly? A lady leads the party?  My lady, are you sure there is not some other, less demanding profession to suit such a delicate flower as yourself?”

   Imoen could barely control her laughter after hearing this comment.  The man had hit a sore spot.  Calling a strong and independent woman like Vessa a “delicate flower” was not a good way to endear oneself to her.  Her laughter exploded out of her when she saw Vessa’s face, for she was giving the man a venomous glare that she was certain would make his head burst into flames at any moment and her raven was giving him the epitome of a baleful glower.  She heard Jaheira snicker and Jan giggle with ill-hidden glee at the spectacle.  Minsc was too oblivious to care as he was feeding Boo table scraps, and Solaufein just looked confused.  Imoen guessed that he had never heard a female being spoken to like that by a male in all his life.  She settled back and decided to remain quiet and watch the show, perhaps stirring the pot when needed but otherwise staying out of it. 

***

   Vessa tried to smother the glare she knew she was giving the man and successfully replaced it with an arched eyebrow.   She understood that in his own patronizing way he was trying to give her a compliment, but she did not appreciate being treated like some helpless and simpering doe-eyed debutante.

   *Not very tactful is he, My lady?*   Dymphna communicated, the thoughts sounding quite sardonic.
   
   *Nope.  Not at all.*  Vessa replied with equal dryness.

   *Shall I pull some hair from his head and use it as nesting material?*

   *Nah…It would probably smell funky.*

Delicate flower, my ass.  Vessa thought. “I assure you, good sir, that I am quite capable of surviving and even thriving on whatever rigors the adventuring life throws at me.  I even know what I am doing and everything.”  She knew the sarcasm in her voice sounded harsh, but at this point she couldn’t help it.  He did not seem to notice it, however, blustering about as he was. 

   “’Tis surely the truth, my Lady.  I was merely taken aback at the thought of such a fair lady reducing herself to adventuring.  Surely one such as you can find a man to take care of you properly, can you not?”  The blusterer spoke.  Where in the world did he get that moronic accent, anyway?  Did he read those ridiculous romance novels that Imoen had a penchant for or something?

   He was *really* pushing it now.   Vessa knew this was probably how the man was raised and tried to be more understanding, but the way he spoke to her made her set her jaw and clench her fists.  “Excuse me, but I have taken care of myself quite nicely all my life.  I do not see the point of depending on someone else to live my life for me now, thank you very much.”  She bit off a cutting remark that was about to launch itself from her tongue and instead distracted herself with a question.  “Why did you wait so long for us to get here anyway?  And why wait in full armor?  That has to be uncomfortable.”

   “Ah, that is the dilemma, my Lady.  I had hoped to make a good impression on you and your party with a shining display of my discipline in the hopes that you would let me join you, but it would seem as if I have made myself seem foolish instead.”  Vessa felt her annoyance with him lessen slightly out of pity.  He looked to be at least competent in battle, but his people skills most definitely needed improvement.  He seemed almost childish in his manner.

   “And why do you wish to join us, sir?”

   “Please, my Lady, call me Anomen.  I was hoping I could join with you in order to commit great deeds under your command and achieve my knighthood into the Order by proving my worth.  I have been training my whole life for this, and I am on the brink of attaining my dream, if only I could find some worthy companions that had the honor and valor required for such an endeavor.  Please my Lady, allow me to swing my mace in your name and together we shall fight injustice and corruption where’re it tread!”

   “Well….I have never lead a group of seven before, but…if knighthood means that much to you and adventuring with us will further your dream, then you may join us if you wish.  However, I hope you realize that I do not enjoy being babied or patronized and will not be happy with such behavior.  Do not treat me like I am helpless and we’ll get along just fine, alright Anomen?”

   “Aye, my Lady, duly noted!  But you have not yet told me your name…”

   “Eh…My name is Duvheassa, Anomen.  Just Duvheassa.”

   Imoen locked eyes with Jaheira, who was trying just as hard as she was to suppress the derisive laughter threatening to spew out of her.  They immediately began to make wagers as to how long Anomen’s enormous ego would last while traveling with Duvheassa, and Jan joined in, offering to play pranks on the hapless man as a means of agitating the situation further.  None of them thought it would take long at all, for while Duvheassa may be easygoing and patient, she had no love for those who felt themselves superior or made snap judgments and her sarcasm could cripple when she deigned use it. 
« Last Edit: April 14, 2006, 03:03:39 PM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #4 on: April 14, 2006, 02:19:23 PM »
Chapter 4: Begin The Adventuring!...I Hope…

   Solaufein rested comfortably on the sumptuous bed in his room in the Five Flagons.  He found himself thankful that Vessa was generous to those who traveled with her, not begrudging a copper to their comfort and gladly renting for them the nicest rooms she could find.  However…His mind flitted back to the events of today, and the experiences that came with it sobered him.  He had expected the reaction of the surfacers to be more welcoming than what he encountered.  Perhaps in this area he had been naïve.  However, he supposed he could hardly blame them, as the Drow had done much to earn the stigma awarded them.  All of the surfacers he encountered looked upon him with mistrust and even hate once they had glimpsed his darkened skin.

…Perhaps not all.   He thought of Vessa and smiled.  She had realized even before he did that he would not be treated with kindness, and so she traveled with him for reasons other than the pretense of making sure he did not get lost in an unfamiliar city.  He saw now that she was actively looking out for him, watching his back, trying to make his transition to the surface go as smoothly as possible.  At first he had wondered at her motives, for he was unused to any such selfless kindness.  After observing her behavior with her other companions however, these suspicions were soon dispelled.  She treated him with the same kindness and respect she gave to the others, which made him realize that this was truly in her nature. 

Her friend….She had said she was proud to call him her good friend.  Well she didn’t *say* it so much as shout it, really.  He never had the luxury of friendship in Ust Natha.  Anyone who called you abbil was likely to betray you as soon as you faltered.  And yet here she was, this young exotic looking elf girl with barely twenty years to her name already trusting a hardened Drow warrior mage with over a century under his belt.  This friendly trust, freely given, sweet though it was, would have meant her death were she Drow; she would have been murdered in a second.   He was glad she trusted him, however. It was safe for her to do so because he knew he would not betray her, and she also made him feel like his escape to the surface had not been a lost cause.  He had to admit to himself that he trusted her also, which surprised him greatly, for the brutal life he once led allowed little room for such a thing.  He supposed the combination of the mercy she showed him in Ust Natha and the decency and equality with which she treated him on the surface accounted for that.

Perhaps also it was how she handled the quest at hand.  While journeying to Amn, Vessa told him that she would keep no secrets from him and outlined in full her heritage, the quest that had trapped her in the Underdark in the first place, her connection to Irenicus, and what she planned to do when they got to Amn.  She said it was only fair to tell him beforehand so he could leave should he feel uncomfortable or in extreme danger around her.  She said other would-be companions had left before, but she refused to lead anyone into anything without them knowing all she did about the situation.  Again, this was a courtesy never given in Ust Natha.  You did what you were told, or you were punished.  Brutally.

His mind wandered farther afield and stumbled upon a more recent memory.  He recalled Vessa’s anger at his treatment the day before, and remembered also how she had fiercely defended him and even foregone something she had desired out of principal.  Her behavior was so strange to him, but he felt very grateful.  It made him feel glad he was traveling with her.  It…it was nice to have a friend.

***

Anomen woke early and rose from the bed of his inn room and strode across the floor with a purpose.  He used the mirror in the room to begin plucking errant whiskers from his beard, frowning as he did so.  He wanted to make a better impression today then he had the night before.  Something in the back of his mind told him that Lady Duvheassa was perhaps cross with him, though he could not understand why.  He had indeed heard that the leader of this mighty band was a woman of exotic beauty, but he refused to believe the rumormongers.  After all, while there were women in the Order, in Anomen’s opinion they were all a bit…well….manly.  He felt his surprise was justified, although she did not seem to agree with that. 

*Pluck* *pluck*  Anomen did not realize it, but in his musings he was tweaking a rather large bald spot into his beard. 

And what about her companions?  A lady of stature and poise such as she could find more suitable traveling members, surely?  That Minsc fellow seemed decent enough, as did that Jaheira woman, but she also had in her party a….a gnome.  Anomen hated gnomes.  Filthy, mean little buggers they were!  There was also the matter of that girl, the one who had called him a “tinhead” and had laughed at him as he tried to talk to Duvheassa.  Who raised such a heathen child?  The one person that was the most obscured from him was the one who had introduced himself as Solaufein.  In the shadowy ambience of the inn, the man looked almost to be a Drow.  He must have been mistaken though, he told himself.  A lady like Duvheassa would never stoop so low as to travel with filth, unless it was perhaps a slave? 

A sudden small pain on his chin brought him out of his thoughts with a start.  Anomen looked into the mirror and saw the disaster he had plucked his beard into.  With a moan and a soft curse, he decided there was no help for it and walked downstairs to the common room to eat breakfast and speak with Duvheassa, hopefully charming her with tales of his daring deeds and awesome bravery.

   As soon as he reached the foot of the stairs and saw Duvheassa, Imoen, and that Solaufein sitting together eating breakfast and waiting for Jaheira, Minsc, and Jan, he realized that his earlier suspicions had been correct.  In this light it was obvious.  Solaufein *was* a Drow.  Hmm……perhaps he could use his confusion to his advantage by finding out about Solaufein and giving Duvheassa a compliment in the process.  He knew the ladies loved compliments.

   He strode over to Duvheassa and began his pitch.  “A good morn to you, Lady Duvheassa.  I trust you are enjoying your breakfast?  Good.  I did not have a chance to ask you about this last night, My Lady, but I am curious about your Drow.  It seems to be a capable enough servant; from where did you acquire it?  Or did you perhaps pull it out of its damnable Underdark abode and are teaching it to repent its heathen ways and worship a true god by keeping it as a slave?  If that is the case, My lady, then your mercy truly has no bounds!”

   Anomen was dismayed, however, when he saw the cold stare his comment awarded him with.  What had he said wrong now?  He saw Vessa’s silvery raven flap its wings in an irritated gesture and it cawed loudly.

   “Anomen, that idea is absolutely disgusting!  Slavery in any form is wrong!  Solaufein is not mine, nor is *he* anyone else’s!  Solaufein joined this party of *his* own will, and *he* is free to come and go anytime *he* pleases!  I will have you know that while in my party, you will treat *him* with the respect and deference any party member deserves, else you will have to latch onto some other adventuring party to prove your worth to the Order.  Am I clear, Anomen?”  Duvheassa retorted with a rising voice.  Anomen was taken aback.  Where had this temper come from?

   “But My Lady!  Surely you know that a free Drow is a dangerous creature?!  He should be enslaved or put to the torch, not allowed to run free!  He will betray you to a fate worse than death given half a chance!”

   Anomen turned to glare at Solaufein as he finished his sentence and saw a glint of anger in the Drow’s eyes.  He had offended him, it seemed.

   “I would never betray Duvheassa, and I am highly offended by what you say aloud and by what you imply.”  Solaufein began before Duvheassa could speak. “ Despite what you may believe, she is a capable and intelligent leader and knows what she is doing by keeping me in the party.  Do you mean to tell me that you doubt your newfound leader already?  I am admittedly new to the surface, but from what I have read such behavior is unseemly for a knight.” 

   Damn it all!  That blasted Drow had boxed him into a corner!  He tried to exit gracefully by biting his tongue and eating the breakfast that the Halfling serving wench gave to him, but the angry glare of Duvheassa haunted him still.

...So much for good first impressions…

***

   The party had just walked out of the Five Flagons when a strangely familiar little boy approached them.  Well, approached Minsc, anyway.

   “H-hey sir!  Re-remember me?”

   Minsc stopped and looked down at the small child.  “Minsc and Boo remember you, oh yes!  You are the little boy Delon who asked us to put the boot to the villains attacking your village!  But Minsc also remembers taking little Delon home.  Why is little Delon back?”

   “It’s a dragon, sir!  A scary black dragon has been flying out of the old temple and eating all of our cows and sheep!  We’re scared it’s going to eat us next!  Can you help us again?”

   “Of course we will, little Delon!  Duvheassa was looking for adventure for us mighty adventurers to perform anyway!  She would never say no to righteous buttkicking of dragons!”

   
Duvheassa looked the boy over closely and saw that Delon was dirty and hungry.  His clothing was torn and ragged and his slit money pouch was hanging limply off a tattered string around his shoulder.  Once again, the village had sent him, a small child raised in a backwoods village, to a big city to find help, where he had obviously been robbed of all the gold they sent with him.  She looked at his haggard little face and wondered when his last decent meal was.   The poor child was probably scared half out of his wits!  Moved, she knelt down and held her arms out to the boy, who immediately rushed into them.  She hugged him tightly, picking him up as she did so, though she was dismayed to realize that this was a bit harder to do than it would have been long before.

   “We’ll go straight to Umar Hills and take care of that dragon right after you get a bath, put on some clean clothes, and get a warm meal in you, Delon.” Duvheassa said.  “I cannot *believe* they did that again!  What were they thinking?!  Poor child…”  She trailed off while still muttering soothing talk into his hair and walking back into the Five Flagons.  Dymphna made a strange yet oddly comforting whirring noise at the back of her throat and flapped over to roost on the child’s shoulder.

   Duvheassa thought back to the reason the dragon was still alive as she got an attendant to draw a bath for the boy in the bathouse.  The Umar Hills had been the first venture she had undertaken, and she had not felt the group was capable of fighting a dragon just yet.  With that in mind, they had marched straight to the Shade Lord with the intention of coming back later once they were more powerful to finish the dragon off.  However, things had gotten a little out of control since that time and, well...Vessa was ashamed to admit that the dragon was forgotten about in face of what seemed to be more urgent tasks.  The fact that it was rampaging throughout the countryside now was directly her fault, and she knew she would have to remedy the situation.  After making sure Delon was all set and making him promise to come back to the inn when he was done, Duvheassa left the bathouse and immediately began strategizing for the encounter.
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #5 on: April 14, 2006, 02:23:57 PM »
Chapter 5:  Oh Dear…

For the fifth time today, Duvheassa called out that it was time for a break.  Everyone slouched against a handy tree or rock and relaxed.  Most of the party members enjoyed the slower and much more relaxed pace, but Jaheira found she was growing restless.  She was not used to such…idleness. Normally it would not have taken the party long to get to Imnesvale, but with the added responsibility of caring for Delon (Duvheassa wouldn’t trust another traveling group to see him home safely) , they were forced to travel much more slowly and indeed had been in the wilderness for around five days now.  She was just thankful that Duvheassa had the presence of mind to stock up on extra provisions after taking Delon in.

 Delon himself didn’t seem to mind the slow pace at all.  He was having fun traveling with the brave adventurers that had already saved his town once.  Jaheira looked at the boy and smiled to herself.  Right now he was chasing both leaves blown across the sweet-scented grass by Duvheassa’s magic and her familiar, and both were giggling loudly.  To see a child at play was a refreshing change of pace, she had to admit.  To see Duvheassa at play was nothing new, however.  Though Vessa was prone to sitting in a corner, lost in thought, her spirit was naturally quite playful when she let her guard down.  That side of her was a treat not often witnessed by the public.

   
Jaheira wasn’t the only one observing Duvheassa’s and Delon’s antics, however.  Anomen looked on their capering with some annoyance.  If she wasn’t having some deep philosophical debate with that Drow, she was playing with that child, or teasing Imoen, or harassing Jaheira, or pampering that spoiled familiar, or scheming something with Jan.  He felt rather ignored. 

She did listen to his stories, of course, and she offered him council whenever he wished it, but… he didn’t get as much attention from her as she gave the others, especially that Drow.  She was more interested in talking for hours on end with Solaufein than she was in listening to his battle tales.  Hmph! Women!  Still…. He would lure her from Solaufein’s clutches yet!  He just had to find the right way to go about it.  Hmm….

 At that moment, however, Anomen’s plans were disrupted by the death scream of a cow and a booming roar above his head.  Everyone in the party instinctively fell to the ground as a giant black mass soared over the tree-tops.  Thankfully the creature was too preoccupied with its now-dead quarry to pay them any heed and so flew off in the direction of the old temple without a second glance in their direction.  Once the threat had passed, they all got up and assessed the situation.

“See?! See?!  That’s the dragon!  He’s been eating all of our animals!  You guys have to stop him!”  Shouted an excited Delon.

“Do not worry, sweety.  We will, we will.”  Duvheassa replied soothingly.

So, this is the dragon.  Thought Solaufein to himself.  Impressive perhaps, but more impressive yet are the skills of our group.  He approached Duvheassa.  “My Lady, may I speak with you?  I would like to discuss possible battle strategies against this creature with you.”

   “Of course, Solaufein.   I already have a plan in store, but extra planning and preparation often saves lives and equipment in the end.”  They both walked off a little away from the group to discuss, and only the occasional whisper of magics to cast or weapons to equip was heard from them by the party.

   Anomen watched this go on with disgust.  Battle strategy.  Pfeh!  That’s no way to win a lady’s heart!  However, he was not entirely convinced by this.  He saw how Duvheassa’s face lit up when she spoke with the Drow, and he saw how Solaufein himself smiled and was curiously lacking the brooding face he had come to be known for when he was with her as well.  Damnable Drow!  He’s out to spoil her, I just know it!  There can be no good intentions from a creature so evil.  I must convince her to make him leave the party somehow!  And so Anomen Delryn began to formulate a plan that would eliminate the rivalry he felt he was developing with the Drow permanently.

***

   After six long days of traveling through the wilderness, they had finally reached Imnesvale.  The first thing Duvheassa did upon arriving was deliver Delon into the hands of his parents and storm the once-peaceful home of Minister Lloyd.

   “And just *what* in the name of Corellon did you think you were doing, sending Delon *back* to the city knowing full well what happened to him the first time?!  Do you have some personal vendetta against the poor child?  What in Faerun did he do to you?  Raid your larders and eat all of your goat cheese?!”

   “Erm…well….” began Minister Lloyd, his fingers drumming nervously against his prodigious girth.  In truth, he had been hoping that Delon would end up looking such a sad sight that someone was bound to take pity on him and help his town out, as he had secretly hoped for the first time he sent Delon out.  However, the dangerous glint in Lady Duvheassa’s eyes told him that he should perhaps seriously consider fudging the truth slightly if he wanted to retain further use of his limbs.  Unfortunately for him, his mind wasn’t conditioned for such sprinting.  “Eh, well, that is…you see….”

   As Minister Lloyd tried desperately to formulate some kind of halfway acceptable excuse for his behavior while facing the threat of evisceration under Duvheassa’s withering glare and her raven’s very sharp beak, Solaufein could not help but laugh to himself.  Duvheassa played with and fussed over that little boy as if he were her own blood, and it seems that this mother henly aspect of her personality was intent on pecking the eyes out of the man that had endangered her chick.  He had never seen a female care so much about a child before.  In Drow culture, a child was nothing more than an expendable resource, easy to lose, easy to replace.  He had to admit to himself that Vessa’s behavior warmed his heart.  In fact, quite a few things about her warmed his heart.  She was intelligent to the extreme, she could see things from many different sides, she was compassionate, she was eloquent, she radiated inner strength, she was brave, and the way her hair cascaded about her neck…

   “Hey Sola, what’cha makin’ moony eyes at my sister for?”  This whisper was punctuated with an elbow poke to his ribs, immediately informing Solaufein that Imoen was the one posing the question.

   “’Moony Eyes’, Imoen?”  He hoped he could feign ignorance of the term to avoid explaining himself, but he found, much to his dismay, that Imoen was far too astute to be tricked so easily.

   “Yup!  Moony Eyes.  Don’t play dumb with me, Solaufein.  You and I both know full well you know what I’m talking about.  I saw what you were reading earlier!”  With this she leaned in and said with a conspiratorial gleam in her eye, “So…what are you planning, Romeo?  Are you going to recite more obscure poetry?  Perhaps pull some other improbable moral quandary out of thin air to have a deep, meaningful conversation with her over?  Or are you just going to start singing again in the hopes that she will once more be entranced by your smooth, low, velvety voice?”

   *Ahem* Am I truly that transparent? “I have no idea what you are inferring, Imoen.  Vessa is indeed an everlasting fount of stimulating discussion, to be sure-“

   “Oh yes, Sola, I’m pretty sure her conversation isn’t all you find ‘stimulating’ about her, judging by the way you were eyeing her neck.  You sure you’re not a vampire or something?   Anyway, you do know that you don’t have to make up all sorts of obtuse excuses to speak with her, right?  Duvheassa is a laid-back and friendly sort, and she’ll talk to you about pretty much anything, or just sit around and enjoy your company in companionable silence if you don’t have much to say.  You are allowed to be close to her without having some matter of huge import to discuss.  Why, you can even flirt with her and everything!  Of course, she *is* kind of dense when it comes to stuff like that, but if she actually realizes you’re flirting, it’ll probably make her blush profusely!  Hee hee!  Oh, and her blush is quite a magnificent sight, let me tell you!”

   Now Solaufein was honestly puzzled.  “I have come across some oblique references to this ‘flirting’ in my readings before, but the term was never clearly defined.  What exactly is the meaning behind it and how does one perform it?”

   “OOOOH!  You mean you don’t know what flirting is?!”  Imoen’s eyes threatened to explode out of her skull with glee.  “Well, let me explain it ALL to you!”  She leaned in and whispered into his ear:  “Now, when a boy and a girl like each other very much…”

***

   “I heard every single word of what you just whispered to Solaufein, Imoen.”  Noting the surprised look on the young woman’s face, Jaheira continued.  “I may be only half-elven, but their astounding audio capabilities were not lost on me.  You, young child, are a little conniver, you know that?”  Jaheira tried to hide the slight grin creeping up on her face and failed utterly.

   Imoen beamed a smile back at Jaheira.  “Heh.  Oh! And look at Anomen!  He’s trying to listen in on every word we’re saying!”  She whispered.  Jaheira felt her dismay grow, for Imoen’s grin now bordered on the frankly disturbing.

“Imoen…”  Jaheira began.

   She was too late, of course.  Imoen raised her voice slightly “And you should have seen what he did to her then, Jaheira!  She was practically swooning into his arms by the time the last word left his lips!”

   Jaheira saw Anomen’s face darken as he hurried quickly off in the direction of the inn, where she knew Minsc, Jan, Solaufein, and Duvheassa had gathered.  She, however, decided to stay outside in order to stop Imoen from going inside and causing more chaos.  She could not help but look at the girl with a strange mixture of disapproval and just a hint of amusement.  Why do I get the feeling that we shall soon be awash in a sea of hormones?

***

   Anomen rushed through the door of Vincenzo’s inn, hoping to catch the Drow in whatever malicious plan he was enacting.  He had not trusted Solaufein from the start, but had tolerated his presence by Duvheassa’s demands.  This, however, was too much.  From Imoen’s own lips came the fact that he was seducing the innocent girl into his bed of heathen sin.  That foolish woman was far too trusting for her own good!  His eyes whirled about the room and caught a flash of light on ebony as a hand reached for a pale body…

   He did not even allow his eyes to focus completely; he just ran over and yanked Duvheassa away from the lecherous hand of the Drow before anyone else had a chance to react.  He smashed her up against himself and riveted her in place with one burly arm, the other held protectively over her.  In his blind panic, he had not noticed the strangled yelp of pain, the struggling against him, or the soft sound of cartilage crunching against platemail.  The only thing going through his mind was his desire to protect her. 

   Dymphna started cawing loudly and began pecking Anomen’s head with all her might in an attempt to get Duvheassa free.  Anomen barely noticed, however; was too busy taking care of Vessa to worry about some raven.

   Solaufein jumped from his seat and took a step toward him, the hood of his cloak slipping from his head in the process; Anomen responded by crushing the struggling Duvheassa closer to him and forcing her to walk back with him a step.  Her continued writhing and protests were completely unheard by the cleric. 

   “Come not a step closer, Drow!  I overheard what Imoen said!  You have known the lady for barely a fortnight and already you try to lure her to your bed of heathen sin!  Do you Drow have no shame?  She is too good for the likes of you to even think about, much less touch!  I shall not allow you to harm her!”  His agitation had caused his hand to reach reflexively for his mace, fingers twitching just above the handle. 

***
   
By this time Minsc was thoroughly outraged by this behavior and got up to pound some serious humility into Anomen, only to be frozen by a Hold Person spell cast by the quick-thinking Jan.  Thankfully Jan had the presence of mind to realize that any outward interference would only cause more danger for both Duvheassa and Solaufein in the end.  However, he regretted not being able to help Vessa right now; she had done him quite a few good turns in the past, especially by healing Jaella, and he hated his inability to aid her in turn.
   
***   

The other patrons had sensed a fight was imminent, and so had either left the building, backed away enough from the three to watch, or began cheering Anomen on for his ‘heroics’ against the evil Drow.  Vincenzo had barricaded himself and the stableboy behind the bar.  He had experience with such fights before, and he knew it would be better to stay out of any fight involving adventuring types.  They tended to be the ugliest.  The excitement of the crowd was egged on by both the dusky face of the now de-hooded Solaufein and Vessa’s continued struggles.

***

“L..l-let go!”  Duvheassa screamed again, and again it was in vain.  Solaufein could hear pain in her screams, and could see the blood smeared down Anomen’s armor.  Now he was furious.  It was one thing for Anomen to be painfully suspicious and even threatening towards him, but to harm Vessa because of some petty racism?!  This was unacceptable.  She did not deserve this treatment.

He lifted both hands, palms outward, towards Anomen. He allowed the scroll he had been trying to give to Vessa fall from his hand in the process.  It was merely a poem Vessa had loaned him earlier for him to scribe into his book of poetry, unenchanted and harmless.  He was trying to suppress the anger welling up inside of him, as he realized that one wrong word would end up getting Vessa smashed into Anomen’s armor again. When he spoke, his words came tight and measured, but his anger still showed through in the growl his voice became.

“You *hurt* her.”

“I hurt her? I hurt her?!  I’m not the Drow here!  I’m trying to protect her!” Anomen shouted in reply, putting one hand over Vessa’s head in what he thought was a comforting gesture, but actually grinding her nose into his armor in the process.  Solaufein winced at the action, but he saw that Vessa had gotten an arm free from against his chest.  Now if only he could distract Anomen long enough for the rest of her to get away…

“LET GO!”  Vessa cried out once more.  With all the strength left with her, she pulled her arm back and let her fist scream through the air with a blow that blackened Anomen’s eye.  Vessa’s familiar screeched and bit him in the nose with its powerful beak. The powerful push he gave Vessa that resulted from his surprise sprawled her across the ground, nose bleeding and head aching from its dizzying introduction to the wonders of gravity and a hardwood floor.  There she lie stunned for a long, frightening minute.  Thankfully, her eyes opened and she tried to get up, but Solaufein could see that she could not get her balance.  He helped her up, steadying her, and led her to the door to find Jaheira.  He threw one last angry glance back at Anomen.

“You need to calm down before you speak with Vessa.  In fact, you should probably wipe her blood off of your armor if you even plan to speak to her at all.”  With that, he led his dizzied leader out the door.

***
The crowd, seeing that their petty bloodlust was not to be slaked this night, had dispersed, leaving Anomen sitting alone at a table with his face buried in his hands.  After seeing Duvheassa’s face and hearing what Solaufein had said about his armor, he had looked down and found to his horror a smear of blood.  He could not believe what he had inadvertently done.  He cared about Duvheassa, and all he had wanted to do was protect her.  Not this. Never this.  His face burned with shame at his behavior.  Once again, he had let his temper get away with him and gave in too easily to the more violent impulses that always lurked within.  Duvheassa had told him that he was better than he gave himself credit for, that he was selling himself short by worrying about losing control.  How he wished he had not just proved her wrong!

There was no real excuse for his actions; his behavior was based on a single overheard conversation and he had attacked the problem with all the maturity of a young, angry child.  He felt he deserved the black eye she had given him as well as the bleeding nose her familiar inflicted him with, and felt also that she deserved no less than him groveling for forgiveness at her feet.  He could not believe how things had escalated so quickly.  He had always heard stories whispered in the halls of the Order of the vicious cruelty of the Drow, of their motives upon duplicity upon deceit.  He just wanted to keep her safe from all of that!  He just wanted…

***

For Vessa, the world had become a painful kaleidoscope of burning light and sickening color.  Her nose was throbbing in aching waves and she could no longer tell the difference in the blood and tears that had conglomerated into a single substance on her face.  Through all of this she became vaguely aware of strong arms supporting her and guiding her through this agonizing world of light.  She leaned on this source of unknown comfort and trusted it to take her where it would, doing her best to correct her lurching gait in the process.  Soon she realized that they had stopped and that she was hearing voices.  However, she could not make out what they were saying through the red miasma clouding her mind.  She now rested most of her weight into the supporting arms in an effort to try and ease the flood of nausea threatening to overwhelm her.  She touched the back of her head and looked at her hand, registering the blood on her fingers.  This was not going to end well.

Or so she feared.  Soon the pain left her nose as Jaheira’s healing magic did its work.  She was quickly turned around and the back of her head was mended as well.  The fog that had slurred her mind began to slowly lessen, though she was still cursed with an enormous headache.  In fact, she believed that if headaches were monsters, this one would be a kraken or some other obscenely large marine creature.

 Curious as to who had been holding and helping her the entire time, she looked up and met the worried eyes of Solaufein, whose arms still supported her lest she stumble.  Surprised and still a bit muddled from her recent skull bashing, it took her a moment to form a coherent sentence.

“Ow.”  Ok, not the most articulate of sentences to be sure, but at least she could say something.  Dymphna began preening Vessa’s hair in a comforting gesture, sending her feelings of empathy and concern through their telepathic bond.


“Perhaps you should sit down, my Lady.” Said Solaufein.  “You still do not seem completely well.”
   
Her pride was deeply injured by the fact that she was so affected by a single blow, but she had no desire to snap at the man who had just helped her get her face healed.  It was not his fault she was weak.  Besides, her mind told her that it would indeed be in her best interests to swallow her pride and listen to Solaufein, lest the contents of her last meal end up displayed about his tunic in perhaps the most disgusting exhibition of digested food known to man or elf.  She allowed him to sit her carefully down against a tree, but just as she got her thoughts in order the now familiar knife of pain sliced deep within her belly again, the condition probably having been agitated by the stress the current situation had put her body through.  Instinctively she gritted her teeth and her hands flew to her abdomen, but she remembered that she was being watched and so moved her hand smoothly to the back of her head, stubbornly refusing to give any indication that something was amiss within her.  In her wincing she became aware of the uncomfortable pull of dried and drying blood on her face. 
“Um, does anyone have a wet cloth or something I could borrow?  I would rather like to remove this blood from my face.”  She was happy to find that her ability to speak was returning quickly.
   
Jaheira pulled a cloth from her nearby pack and wet it with her waterskin.  Vessa took it gratefully and began to wash the blood away, being careful not to tilt or turn her head too quickly in order to avoid getting sick again.  As she washed, she noticed Solaufein next to her, resting on the balls of his feet and looking at her with honest concern etched on his dark face.  She gave him a slow, grateful smile for both his help and his continued worry for her, then discarded the cloth when the last clot of blood came away.

“Aw, no need to look at me like that, Solaufein.  I am not made of glass, you know.  It takes worse than that to break the mighty Vessa!”  She saw Solaufein’s lips twitch into a tiny smile, but the worry seemed a permanent fixture for now.  This was upsetting, as she had not wanted to appear less than able to hold her own at any time.  A thousand alternate scenarios of the little bar event played out in her mind, each ending without her being completely, shamefully helpless, even for a short moment.  Much as it bothered her, what was done was done, and there was no point in dwelling on it right now when she had more important matters to attend. 

“Well then, miss Mighty Vessa, perhaps you could tell us just what happened in there.  Solaufein seemed too concerned for your well-being to divulge any pertinent information.”  Jaheira said impatiently.

At the mention of the word ‘us’, Vessa looked for whoever was accompanying Jaheira and saw a sheepish looking Imoen staring at her with guilty eyes.  This made Vessa remember with sharp clarity what Anomen had said about ‘overhearing Imoen’.  Hmmm…. 

“Well, it would seem that Anomen came running into the inn to er…how did he put it?  Oh yes, I believe he was rescuing me from Solaufein’s ‘bed of heathen sin’ as he succinctly described it.” Vessa began wryly.  “Apparently an overheard conversation led him to jump to this conclusion and believe he had to save me.  Neither of you would happen to know how that came about would you?”  At this she noticed Imoen wince.  It would appear that her suspicions were indeed correct, and this was further reinforced by what Jaheira said next.

“Well, I believe a certain young girl might know how that came about, although I do admit that I was not completely blameless.  I perhaps did not do all that I could to prevent this from happening, but I assure you that I did not think such violence would result from this childish behavior.”


Both Vessa and Solaufein looked expectantly at Imoen for her explanation, while Dymphna merely rolled her eyes in annoyance.

   “Eh….heh heh.  I’m, er….sorry, guys.  I was talking to Jaheira about something and I saw Anomen trying to listen in so I, er…. I kinda migh’ve said something that wasn’t exactly completely canon truth. Possibly.” Imoen began.

Vessa rolled her eyes in exasperation.  “What exactly did you say to him, Imoen?”   Vessa was sure her brain was running out of her ears by this point.  This was just not a good day!

   “I, er….I kinda maybe said that you were swooning into Solaufein’s arms after something he said…heh.  I had no idea Anomen would go all crazy on you like that!  I’m so sorry Vessa!”

Vessa rubbed her temples and leaned back against the tree.  This was well past ridiculous and surging rapidly into the downright unbelievable.
   “Well, all childishness aside, you still haven’t told us how your nose and skull came to be broken, or what has become of Anomen throughout this entire fiasco.  Do I need to memorize a raise dead spell?”  Jaheira said.

   “Jeez Jaheira, there was just a little scuffle, we did not bean the guy to death or anything!  See, when Anomen ran inside the bar, he saw Solaufein reaching to give me a scroll and must have thought he was trying to do something terrible to me.  He jerked me away from Solaufein and broke my nose against his armor.  Luckily for me, I got my arm free and punched him in the eye, but I surprised him so he shoved me to the ground, where my skull made unfortunate contact with the floor.  Then Solaufein led me out here and you know the rest of the story.  I guess Anomen is still back at the inn.”  Vessa was still very angry at Anomen for both breaking her nose and once again exercising his incredible racism against Solaufein.  When she calmed herself and thought about the events that led up to Anomen’s behavior, however, things became clearer to her.  It was no secret to her that the Order in which Anomen had trained under and so venerated was indeed characterized at least in part for their zealous hatred of such races as the Drow, whom they considered irredeemably evil.  In Vessa’s opinion they saw the world entirely in black and white and ignored all the what-ifs and maybes that made the world so fascinating, which could easily account for Anomen’s harsh, judgmental behavior, as the cruel and humiliating abuse from his father could account for his hasty reactions and his inability to squelch his anger.  Another thing occurred to her… He had tolerated Solaufein’s presence in the group thus far, and had only openly attacked when he believed her to be threatened by him.  So if one took this intense anger and learned racism and coupled it with concern for a friend….
   
Though it was by no means a viable excuse for his abhorrent behavior, at least now Vessa could see why the man reacted as he did.  She could see that it was not just Anomen himself, but a variety of people and factors that had led up to this problem.  If she reacted with outrage she knew it would only exacerbate the situation and it would not end well.  She decided instead to try to settle things like a mature adult should and talk the problem out in order to come to a peaceful resolution, or at the very least negotiate a truce.

   “Imoen, later on you and I need to have a very long talk.  For now though, I need to speak with Anomen.  Alone.  I believe that if anyone else in the group listened in it would upset his pride and any hopes of cooperation would instantly vanish.”  Vessa said.  Solaufein, Jaheira, and Imoen agreed to stay outside and Vessa went to the inn to speak with the cleric.

***

   Jan had stayed behind instead of following Vessa in order to babysit the now immobile Minsc, as he knew that once the ranger was free, he would throttle Anomen until he was bluer than a Calimshite dark turnip of explosive thundering bowels at high noon.  Seeing Vessa come back in the door made him grateful that he memorized many hold person spells, as he felt he would need them very, very quickly if things progressed the way he believed they would.  He readied his hands for casting just in case…

***

Vessa walked in and saw Anomen sitting at the table in his undertunic, strangely enough, and his doffed armor lie neatly in a pile beneath his table.  She briefly wondered why he did this but decided not to ask for both their sakes.  When he noticed her walking towards him, he got up and to Vessa it seemed like he was tensed to receive a blow. 

   “My Lady, I-” Anomen began, but was cut off by Vessa.   
   
   “You heard what Imoen said and inferred that Solaufein was going to harm me in some way, correct?”
   
   “Well yes, Vessa, but when I pulled you away from him I swear I didn’t mean to—”

“And when you saw Solaufein reaching toward me, you feared that the thoughts going through your mind were coming true and so you pulled me away….in order to protect me?”

“Y-yes.  I know you said you trust him, but I just can’t-”

“And even though you were making a complete and total ass of yourself in public and quite possibly tarnishing your reputation, all you were concerned about was my safety?”

Anomen seemed thoroughly surprised by this point.  It seemed he was not expecting the conversation to go quite like this.  Vessa smiled sardonically.

“Anomen, believe it or not, I do have a little bit of wisdom rattling around inside of my head.  Look, I know you think that I am not very experienced in the ‘ways of the world’ and that I am allowing a viper to nest in our group, but I am a grown woman and I have gained quiet a bit of knowledge on how the world works as I made my way towards Sarevok along the Sword Coast, thank you very much.  I know you were worried about me and were only trying to protect me from something you perceive as dangerous, but you need to realize that I am a capable, experienced adult who knows what she is doing.   You’ll just have to trust me on the Solaufein issue, alright?”

“My Lady, I know you are an adult, but I do believe you are unwise in some ways.  For example, every day I see you struggle with your pack, which is obviously too overloaded for you to handle, and yet you fight every attempt others make at helping you, only to collapse exhausted by the end of the day and barely able to lift yourself up.  Now tell me, Lady, where is the sense in that?  You are only leaving yourself open and vulnerable to attack by stubbornly refusing to lighten your load.”
Vessa did not appreciate this sudden change in the conversation.  What she did with her pack was her business, and why was Anomen watching her in the first place?

“What I do with my pack and my load has nothing to do with this conversation, Anomen.  I will have you know that I have no trouble carrying it and that I am perfectly capable of defending myself under any circumstance.”  Vessa was disgusted at the defensive note in her voice that she feared would give her away.  She carried the same amount as before, but it had indeed become much heavier after Chateau Irenicus…

“Truly, My Lady?  Then why are you so taxed by the end of the day?”  It was Anomen’s turn to be calm, it seemed.

“Of course I am taxed by the end of the day!  Each of us is, and as a warrior you should know this!”  She paused a moment to think of something that sounded less avoidant.  “It is just….some days can just get more tiresome than others.  Look, this is not what our discussion is supposed to be about.  Please, Anomen, just start treating me like the capable adult that I am instead of a greenhorn on her first mission.  You are the one who has taken me as your leader, and that implies a certain amount of trust.  You trust me enough to follow my orders in battles that could easily cost you your life, and yet you still have no faith in my choice of companions.  Anomen, I am asking you for the sake of both our group harmony and my nose that you at the very least treat Solaufein with a modicum of respect and not suspect him of trying to betray me in some way every waking moment.  Can you do that?”

“My Lady, I still will and always shall perceive Drow as a threat, and that Drow in particular, but I am truly sorry about what I have done.  Trust me, the absolute last thing I wanted to do was harm you in any way.  Please, please accept my heartfelt apologies and my promise to rein in my temper with more skill in the future.”  Anomen said with such humbleness in his voice that it shocked Vessa.

“I am still angry with you and will stay angry with you for a long while yet, Anomen, but I accept your apology, much against my better judgment as it is.  However, I believe you still owe Solaufein an apology for your behavior.  He did not deserve his treatment at your hands any more than I did.”

“I will do no such thing.  I will be rotting in my grave before I apologize to that *Drow*!”  His eyes hardened and his jaw set, letting Vessa know that his stance was not going to change any time soon.  She felt she had to try, however.

“Anomen, please.”  The pleading gesture her slender hands made articulated her point.

“I said I would do no such thing!  I will not apologize to him!  Ask me anything you like to pay penance for what I have done, but do not ask me to apologize!”  The bloom of red on his face told her that it would not be wise to push the issue right now, for his pride was being pushed to his limits as it was.  She sighed and spoke again.

“Alright, Anomen. Have it your way.  But please, actually make an effort to be civil to him.  He already has enough hatred thrown at him every day without more from the party to deal with.”

 A real man would have apologized.  Vessa thought to herself.  She kept that little comment inside though, as she knew that would not have been received well by Anomen otherwise.  As she turned to get her things ready to march to the lair of the dragon, headache still in full swing, she thought she caught a glimpse of deep shame in his eyes.  Weird.  She thought to herself.  He was puffed up with indignant pride a moment ago…

***

Anomen watched Duvheassa leave and assumed she was gathering the group up for the battle ahead.  It seemed not even the recent trauma of having her nose broken and her head smashed was going to stop her stubborn drive to push herself despite her body’s protests.  What was she trying to prove by doing this to herself?  Obstinate woman!

Things had transpired much differently than he had expected them to, that much was certain.  When Solaufein had led Vessa out that door, Anomen had assumed that she would rain punches on him the moment she returned and so had doffed his armor so she would not bruise those delicate little hands.  He was most definitely prepared for that, but apparently he did not know Vessa as well as he thought he did.  When she walked in and spoke to him so calmly and with all of the self-discipline he himself lacked, when she tried to see things from his point of view and understood why he had behaved the way he did, he found it much easier to beg her forgiveness.  Why then, after she accepted his apology, did he feel even more terrible then when he expected her to hit him?

He could sense her disappointment when he refused to apologize to Solaufein.  How could she possibly expect that of him, knowing how he felt about the Drow?  And another thing, *why* should he apologize?  If Solaufein was any kind of man, he should be able to take whatever is thrown at him and then some with no problem!  Hmmph.

However he might have felt about these things, Anomen’s musings were cut short by a bellow of “RRRRAAAAAGH!!”  And before he knew it he was pinned under gods know how many pounds of pure Rashemaar ranger fury.  He could hear the scuffling of footsteps and the knocking over of chairs as the patrons scrambled to get out of the way should Minsc decide to beat Anomen about the face and neck with impunity.

“You shall pay for what you have done to little Vessa!”  Minsc shouted angrily into Anomen’s face, which now wore understandably shocked expression.  “Boo agrees with me when I say that this is no way to treat your leader!”

Right before Minsc’s fist made contact with Anomen’s unfortunate face, both men were frozen in their spot with a well-aimed hold person spell.

Gotta work on my reflexes there.  Minsc can be such a fast one when he wants to be!  Jan thought to himself as he clapped his hands together.  He couldn’t suppress a chuckle at seeing the two locked in this awkward position. This reminded him of the time Cousin Villiney and Cousin Villiney got into a fight to the death over the rights to the name Villiney…of course their weapons of choice were stuffed dolls and small frilly underthings and so neither one died and in fact had only suffered a mild case of diaper rash due to an unfortunate restriction placed on both of them and in the end had decided that Villiney was really a silly name to begin with and so renamed themselves Vladmark and Putskin but that was beside the point...   Anyway, Jan wondered how much longer Vessa could keep Anomen in the party before everybody tried to kill him.  This would make an interesting documentary…. He could call it “A Day No Knights Would Die”, or perhaps “Catcher In The Order”, or even “The Pompous Overbearing Knight In His Natural Habitat…This had possibilities…
« Last Edit: April 16, 2006, 12:42:11 PM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #6 on: April 17, 2006, 05:17:53 PM »
Chapter 6: Dislocations and Dragons

Vast.  That was the only word to describe this cavern the shadow dragon had chosen as a home. Vessa marveled at it, gazing upon the beautiful and intricate designs carved into the walls, dedicated to a god long since gone.  Dedicated to Amaunator, the Sun God.  Dedicated to the god who had fought so hard against the shadows that overran his very sanctuary… Scrutinizing the carvings more closely showed the depressing reality of things, however.  The carvings were worn and uncared for; some were even completely melted by the corrosive, acidic breath of the dragon.  The once brilliant frescoes were now cracked and faded beyond deciphering, and the marble flooring was fractured and puckered in a sad mockery of what it once was.  This then, truly, was a faded monument to a god who once burned so brightly, only to wither slowly into death.

This was no time for poetic thoughts, however, and Vessa turned her mind to the task that needed doing.  The shadowy wardstone given to them by Amauna, the child-prophetess whose bones had been defiled by the shade wolves, granted them complete safety from the dragon so long as they did nothing to provoke it and Vessa was determined to use this to the best tactical advantage.  She laid her pack in an out of the way place and made Dymphna promise to stay as far away from the battle as possible.  She saw Anomen and Jaheira casting Negative Plane Protection on all party members who did not wear an item that protected from the life-sapping energy drain she knew this beast’s breath was capable of.  A quick protection from acid spell on both Minsc and Anomen, the two who would be front-lining for most of this battle, finished off the light protection.  Solaufein prepared a defensive chain contingency to activate should things go awry, but if things went as Vessa had planned, this particular battle would be unfairly easy…

Now this was his time to shine!  He had to admit that Vessa’s plan was ingenious, if heavily reliant on the wizardly arts.  He could only hope his actions would win him his fair share of the glory they would surely earn after defeating such a magnificent beast.  Its very scales seemed to devour what little light reached it.  It looked as a creature already dead, with a skull-like head, great weathered horns and frayed, rotted looking scales.  Anomen offered a quick prayer to Helm that they would all make it through this battle unscathed and began to cast Holy Smite, the spell that would begin this momentous battle…

Of course, being provoked with a spell that burned with the powers of holiness goaded the black one, and so it retaliated with a spell trigger of its own, immediately protecting itself with Stoneskin and Protection from Normal Weapons.  They were all prepared for this, however.  A quick casting of Remove Magic and Khelban’s Warding Whip by Imoen and Jan, respectively, was all that was needed to strip away the meager defense, nullify any future defenses it might cast, and leave it vulnerable to attack once more.  Vessa fired off a quick Greater Malison as Solaufein hit it with a Lower Resistance while the creature was distracted with hitting Minsc.  Things were going well so far.

Minsc was doing his best to distract the dragon, hopping about the best he could to avoid the massive claws threatening to pummel Boo and he where they stood.  Well, he stood anyway.  Boo was hiding in his backpack at the moment. 

Minsc barely avoided another swipe but managed to retaliate with a vicious slash to a single talon, nearly cutting the digit in twain.  This only served to enrage the dragon further and Minsc was suddenly under the full effect of the shadow dragon’s breath, which was not only dangerous but also offensive to the nostrils.  Protected from both acid and energy drain as he was, however, Minsc was unfazed by this and continued to hack away at anything that was unfortunate enough to get near him, allowing Solaufein time to fire off another Lower Resistance and Jaheira to cast Insect Plague.  His luck ran out quickly, unfortunately, as the massive wings of the beast quickly buffeted him to the wall where he was then pinned by a wicked talon.  The beast pressed hard against Minsc and laughed darkly at his squirming, and Minsc himself was beginning to suffocate under the pressure.  It felt as though his head would explode from the crushing pain, and his thick armor had become more a curse than a boon.  This had not been part of Vessa’s plan! 

Quick thinking on Anomen’s part is what saved him; a Bolt of Glory to the back of the head seared the scales there and annoyed the dragon to the point of forgetting about Minsc and turning on Anomen.  Jaheira’s slow moving Insect Plague spell finally latched onto the shadowy creature and it began to thrash about in agony as millions of tiny, biting, stinging, sucking insects found and filled every single little niche of its scaly hide, maddening it with irritation and pain.


Imoen slid against the shadowy alcoves of the vast cavern and from this relative safety fired both ice arrows and magic missiles at the beast to confuse it further.  Now it was too distracted to successfully focus on any one target, thus giving them the advantage of safety by scattering.  Imoen smiled to herself as one of her arrows lodged itself into the dragon’s tongue just as it went to use its breath, the pain making it abandon that plan in favor of removing the ice now forming on its lower jaw.


Jan took that as his cue and fired a Swarmer Mate™ straight into the beast’s mouth as well, giving it even more insects to worry about.  He was feeling a little bit smug right about now as the dragon was choking on gods know how many insects;  How was Uncle Spanky going to top this one?


Vessa was just about to shout the final word to her last Lower Resistance spell when a gigantic tail hurtled toward her with all the force of an impossibly thick stone wall. 

“Damnit!”  She shouted in frustration.  The blasted thing was moving far too fast for her to jump to the side and so she had no choice but to jump on top and hope for the best.  This did not prove to be a good idea because right as she landed the tail flicked upwards and she was sent careening frighteningly high through the air well above the dragon’s head. She knew without a doubt that if she landed after flying this high at this rate she would be no more than an unidentifiable splat on her return to terra firma.  She heard an explosion that marked a spell interrupted and someone screaming her name.  All sounds turned into a cacophony of chaos for her and she knew then that her painfully unfair plan had been spoiled by this unfortunate turn of events.  Spells were flying, blades were swinging, nothing made sense to her anymore.  However, being the chronic procrastinator that she was, Vessa had become a natural at flying by the seat of her pants over the years.  She could most definitely handle this.  She searched the rapidly approaching head of the dragon and saw the now obvious (albeit insect filled) chinks between the scales there that exposed the soft and vulnerable underflesh.  She drew her one of her scimitars, aimed her body as best she could, and hoped for the best…

She was knocked breathless by the jarring jerk of her body as her scimitar plunged into flesh and gifted her with the precious lifeline she needed to survive.  For a moment she briefly wondered how the others were faring, but this business of “staying alive” soon took precedence over any worries she may have had.  She used every ounce of strength to hold on while the massive head swung wildly and found the insects that swarmed the dragon were now swarming her as well.  She heard something and turned her head just in time to see a poorly aimed ice arrow flying towards her.  She swung her whole body to one side and it barely missed her even then, but she thanked all of her lucky stars that the icy effect did not reach her weapon and make the grip slick.  The ice did, however, slow the insects around her just enough for her to be able to concentrate without masses of stings and bites distracting her. 

Her right arm and shoulder became a long, white-hot line of agony as her muscles were wrenched to and fro.  Ignoring the unbelievable pain and quickly assessing the situation, she saw she was hanging from the beast’s cheekbone and that its colossal onyx eye was tantalizingly close, but just far enough away to be out of the reach of an average scimitar.  She, however, had her poisonous liquid blade, Water’s Talon, and it wasn’t just the average scimitar.  She drew the powerful weapon with her left hand and whipped her arm back just as the dragon swung its great head once more. Using the momentum generated, she swung her now whip-like watery blade straight around and into the great eye, completely gouging it out as what was not sliced was quickly dissolved by the viscous poison of the blade. 

Unfortunately, she now had to worry about the blinding splashes of blood caused by the exsanguinating socket as the dragon threw its head about.  She couldn’t dodge the dragon-sized drop of blood hurtling her way, so she ducked her head and was covered in the warm crimson liquid, which made the hilt of the scimitar she was using as a lifeline very slick.  As she felt her hand slipping, she knew she had to act fast if she did not want to lose her grip completely and become Bhaalspawn puree on her return to the floor.  As the dragon threw its head back and roared in agony at the loss of an eye, Vessa swiftly resheathed Water’s Talon, aimed her hand to point directly into the socket once the dragon whipped its head back again, and began to speak the command words to activate the Ring of the Ram.

The massive concussive power manifested by the ring pummeled straight through the now conveniently opened eye socket and literally crushed the frontal lobe of its brain, and if that wasn’t what killed it, the shock of what had just happened surely did.  Unfortunately for Vessa, the pop she heard at the final jerk of the beast’s immense head seemed to be her shoulder, as the screaming anguish careening through her body could most certainly attest to.  She lost her grip completely on the scimitar but quickly grabbed it again with her other hand and kept herself as flat against the head as she could as the whole body came shuddering downwards in the final dirtnap.  As the head finally made contact with the ground and absorbed most of the shock, leaving Vessa relatively unhurt, she leapt from the head, scimitar still firmly implanted in the skull, and used her good arm try and wipe off the insect and blood marinade she seemed to be slathered in.  The fact that she was covered in various random insects did not bother her in the least until she saw…until she saw…. SPIDERS!  SHE WAS COVERED IN SPIDERS!!

Vessa froze completely and tried to suppress the panic welling up inside of her.  She…was….covered….with….spiders!  They were touching her!!  They were all over her!!!  SPIDERS!  Dymphna was affected by Vessa’s overwhelming terror and flew in hysterical circles around her head.

Suddenly she found herself doused in water and watched as the blood and the insects (and spiders) caught within it oozed off of her.  When she turned and saw it was Imoen who saved her from the evil spiders, she felt she could have kissed her and made her queen of the world, and she was much too distracted by her thankfulness at being spiderless to even care where Immy got the water from.  However, a certain very soggy familiar was glaring daggers at the young woman as she landed on the floor with a wet plop.

“Hey sis, it was the least I could do for ya.  You handed that dragon its arse on a silver platter and made it wear it as a festive party hat!  Holy Hells that was awesome!”  Imoen’s grin faded, however, when she saw Vessa’s arm.  “Oh gods Vessa!  What happened up there?!”

The shock of the events that transpired having worn off, Vessa once more felt the pain in her arm and shoulder, which was increased by Jaheira prodding and manipulating the unfortunate extremity.  Vessa clenched her jaw and subjected herself to Jaheira’s ministrations without even a grunt of pain but oh, was she feeling it.

“It’s dislocated.”  Was all that Jaheira said.

Thank you, Mistress State-the-Obvious.  Vessa thought to herself.  Thanks to the medical books she pored over in Candlekeep, she knew what came next and felt the dread rise deep within her stomach.   She looked down and saw Dymphna wince in a way only a raven can, agreeing with her completely when she thought This is not going to be fun.

***

Solaufein too knew what came next and was not looking forward to seeing Vessa in pain.  He also knew, however, that there was no other way to heal the injury and so searched in vain for something distracting to say.  He watched Imoen take Vessa’s good hand and hold it, giving Vessa an empathetic smile and bracing with her. 

What is she doing?  Solaufein thought to himself.

“…Thanks, Immy.”  Was all that Vessa said.  As Jaheira took Vessa’s arm, pulled it forward and up, and braced her foot against the young woman, Anomen spoke up.

“Lady Jaheira, isn’t there some other way to do this?  I think Vessa’s been through enough pain as it is!”

“Anomen, you are a priest and as such are no stranger to the healing arts.  Tell me, in all of your clerical training, have *you* found an alternate method of doing this?”  Was Jaheira’s annoyed reply.

“Well, no, but I don’t think Vessa can-”

“Anomen, this method is the only way available to fix my shoulder.  I can handle a little bit of hurt.  I am not made of glass, blast it!”  Vessa said.  Solaufein could see that she was squeezing Imoen’s hand slightly in pain.

Ah, I see what it means now.  It is meant as a comforting gesture.  Solaufein found himself wishing he had known that earlier.

“My Lady, I did not mean to imply you were fragile, I was merely concerned-” before Anomen could finish his reply, however, Jaheira had yanked Vessa’s arm up and out and an audible pop could be heard by all the party. 

“Hngh!” Was Vessa’s only audible reaction as she squeezed Imoen’s hand tightly.  Just as quickly as it had begun, the healing was over.  Solaufein knew she would be sore for a long while, but at least she could use her arm again.  He did know a way to ease the pain, but his lack of knowledge of surfacer customs made him hesitant to try it.  What if he somehow committed a hideous gaffe? 

“Minsc believes that Vessa has done well!  You defeated that dragon with all the fury of a maiden of Rasheman and did not even cry when your arm got fixed!  Hamsters and rangers everywhere are proud!!”  An overenthusiastic Minsc cried.  Solaufein wondered how he could still breathe, what with his armor being smashed as it was. 

“My Lady, that quick thinking you did under such pressure was highly impressive as well as effective.  My congratulations on your victory.”  Solaufein said.  Once again, her actions had earned his respect.

“Hey, stop talking like I was the only one doing anything!  We all defeated the dragon together!  To tell you the truth, I was more concerned with ‘staying alive’ than I was with actually defeating that thing.  The fact that I slew it while trying to survive is just a perk!” was Vessa’s reply

“Ooooh!  I could use some of these scales!!  Oh, and good job, Vessa.”  Was Jan’s response to the entire situation.  “I wonder if the serrated edges of this one could peel turnips well…”

“Yeah, I think that those scales might make a fine suit of armor.  Could someone else start gathering some?  I am going outside to start making camp.  Then hopefully I can find a stream nearby that will wash this disgusting blood off of me.” 

“Vessa, your bravery in the face of danger would have made even seasoned veterans of the Order proud!”  Anomen said

Now it was Jaheira’s turn to speak.  “You have done well today, Vessa.  Gorion would have been proud of your quick thinking.  And then he would have smacked you in the head for being so foolhardy.  But he would have been proud first.” 

“Thanks, Jaheira.  You know, I need to write a poem about this.  What rhymes with ‘lobotomized’?”

“Circumcised!”  Was Imoen’s immediate reply.

“Yeah, that could work but, well… we do not know what gender the dragon was.  Unless of course you want to lift that massive leg and find out…”

“Um, eeew.  No thanks, I think I’ll leave that a mystery.”

“Hey, that reminds me of Ano the Lobotomized Orc!  Hey Ano, tell me, do *you* think the dragon is a boy?  After all, you both already share one characteristic…”  Jan said with a devilish glint in his eye.

“Silence yourself, impudent gnome!”  Anomen said irritably.  He had had enough of that gnome’s incessant lobotomized orc stories.

“Hee hee!  Oh you should see the look on your face now, Ano-boy!  It’s priceless!” *snicker*

“Damn you, gnome!  Hold your tongue I say!”

   “…I *really* need a bath.” Vessa muttered to herself.

So the various members of Vessa’s band busied themselves with their chosen tasks.  Jaheira and Vessa left the temple to make camp, Solaufein volunteered to gather wood for the fire, Anomen pulled scales from the beast and put them in his pack, Jan began furiously scribbling down new plans for a shadow dragon scale powered turnip peeler, and Imoen let out a delighted little squeal at finding the dragon’s hoard of lovely, lovely gems.  Today was a good day.
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #7 on: April 17, 2006, 05:20:44 PM »
Chapter 7: At Camp


Once again, Solaufein found his gaze wandering about their twilit campsite.  It was the little things he marveled at this eve, such as the small gestures of kindness that most surfacers seemed to take for granted.  Things like Imoen plaiting Vessa’s lovely, slightly damp locks into long braids for her, or Vessa’s hands petting her familiar soothingly as it nestled in her lap, or Jaheira preparing a salve for both Minsc and Anomen to heal and ward off future cases of armor chafe, or Jan deciding to spend time on his latest invention instead of regaling them with yet another painfully meandering story affected him much more than it seemed to affect them; things like this were *never* done in the tightly circumscribed culture of the Drow.  It was either no contact at all or contact performed on orders, and no Drow had the freedom to express simple things such as these.  He wondered if the surface would forever be so strange and new to him.

As he finished up a filling meal of warm partridge caught earlier by a rather distracted Jan, he saw Vessa wince and rub her arms as Imoen finished braiding her hair.  Vessa thanked Imoen, got up to move a bit from the others to sit against a tree for privacy, and began attempting to manipulate the aching muscles herself.   Solaufein knew her arms and shoulders must be miserable after all of that yanking they were subjected to, especially the arm attached to the formerly dislocated shoulder.  He knew the skills he had been forced to learn in Ust Natha would serve well here and unlike many he had to service in the past, he was more than willing to do Vessa some ease.  After all, she had been nothing but friendship and kindness to him since his escape to the surface and he would like to return the favor somehow. 

He was still unsure of how his attempt at aid would be received though; in Ust Natha such things were demanded at the end of a whip, and he did not have enough knowledge of surface culture to judge if such contact was considered offensive or appropriate.  However, seeing the little signs of friendly affection shared by other members of the group during their travels such as a mussing up of hair, a quick clasping of hands, or a clap on the back encouraged him to make an attempt.

He rose from his own seat and padded over to Vessa in his soft-soled boots, tentatively laying a hand on her shoulder as he did so.  She jumped at the contact, but once she looked up and recognized him, she smiled warmly and scooted over, giving him a place to sit.  He took her acceptance of his hand on her shoulder as a sign that his company was not unwanted

“Hello Solaufein.  Glad you could sit here, I was getting bored, and you are usually pretty interesting.  By the way, I never did get to ask you how you were doing after the battle, as I was distracted by the removal of insects and blood.  And spiders. Which are evil.  So anyway, did you get hurt at all?  Or did your fabled Drow reflexes keep you safe the entire battle?”

He chuckled lightly at this comment.  “Truth be told, my ‘fabled Drow reflexes’ weren’t actually used much at all.  The dragon was too busy being lobotomized to attack me, it seems.”  He finished with a smile.  “However, I can see you did not come out of the battle quite so unscathed.  If…if you would like, I know a way to ease the aches your muscles are feeling.  Unless such a thing is considered offensive…I don’t know enough of your culture to be sure.”

“Solaufein, I highly doubt that offering a person comfort can be considered offensive in any culture!  It is very sweet of you to offer, but I am sure you have better things to do than troubling yourself over me.”

“It is hardly a trouble, my Lady.  I would be glad to do you ease.”  With that, he cautiously began exploring the muscles of her shoulders, trying to find the worst of the knots and strains with gentle fingers.  He noticed that she tensed up considerably and seemed highly uncomfortable with the situation.  Now he was worried he had overstepped his bounds.

“My Lady?  Does this upset you?”  She turned to look at him and he saw a flash of something very familiar to him in her eyes; they spoke of memories desperately buried by those who wish to forget.  She seemed to hesitate before she spoke.

“No Solaufein, it has absolutely nothing to do with you in the least, I promise you.  It is merely a weakness on my part.  I need to try harder to put some things behind me.  Anyway, you…what you are doing is helping immensely, thank you very much.”  Her lips twitched into a smile and she leaned into his hands slightly.  Solaufein decided not to press her about the allusion she inadvertently made.  Wisdom gained from years upon years of experience let him know that she would tell him about it when she was ready. 

He once again began to knead at her muscles, feeling her discomfort slowly flow away like water off a leaf after a rain as he continued.  He worked from her shoulders down to her biceps down to her wrists, expertly easing away the pain with deft hands.  As he finished, he could see her head nodding and she leaned back into him sleepily, cheek resting against his chest, eyelids fluttering, long lashes making it impossible to tell whether her eyes were open or closed.  Her breathing slowed to a drowsy stupor as her lips parted in a sleepy sigh. Now it was his turn to be uncomfortable; what should he do now?  Should he wake her?  Should he hold her?  Should he merely be still?

 He decided to just sit for a few moments with his hands at his sides and take the opportunity to study her. He had never been this close to her while she was sans armor before.  His eyes traveled from her lovely face down her arms, and the dancing of the firelight against her pale skin revealed young, pink scars.  They crisscrossed down her arms all the way to her wrists, which had thick, obvious ligature marks much like his own.  He noticed the same marks on her ankles, which were exposed by her lack of boots. 

Are these scars part of the reason she was so uncomfortable with touch?  Did Irenicus do this?   He wondered.  He felt black fury rise in his heart at the thought of what he already knew Irenicus did.  That monster stole her very soul!  He *will* make Irenicus pay, that much was certain.   That man’s dark soul should be plunged in the lowest pits of every layer of the Nine Hells!

As his eyes traveled back up to Vessa’s face, he could see that she was now awake and gazing up at him with an unfathomable look in her eyes.  He was embarrassed at being caught in his scrutiny and quickly looked away.

Vessa yawned sleepily and spoke.  “Do not worry about it, Solaufein. You have done nothing wrong. These are merely little souvenirs from my time in Irenicus’ dungeon, that is all.”

Vessa spoke of them with such nonchalance that it surprised Solaufein.  He himself still struggled silently with the nightmares of Phaere’s torture as well as nightmares brought on by the abuse he suffered in Ust Natha since childhood, and the scars on her made him think that she would be similarly affected.  “Are you able to rid yourself of the ill effects of such treatment so easily?”

“It happened in the past, and there is nothing I can do about it now.  Why dwell on what cannot be changed?”  She shrugged her shoulders.  “I know well that some memories….” Here she hesitated before continuing.  “some of them cannot be pushed away so easily and leave deeper scars than what is on the flesh.  Those are harder to fight away, but also the most strengthening should you be able to conquer them.  It is a long, arduous process, however.  Some never truly heal, do they?”  Those beautiful eyes peeking out at him from beneath long lashes seemed to ask a deeper question.

This made him think for a moment.  “hmm...this reminds me of a poem I read recently:

I see the hands of the generations
That owned each shiny familiar thing
In play on its knobs and indentations
And with its ancient fashioning
still dallying;

Hands behind hands, growing paler and paler,
As in a mirror a candle-flame
Shows images of itself, each frailer
As it recedes, though the eye may frame
Its shape the same.”

“So you mean to say that you are prepared to follow those frail images, those memories of the past, for their own sake, but also as a means of defining the present?  I do not agree.   If we constantly dwell on what happened in the past and use it to color our view of now, which slips all too quickly into the past, then we never look to the new growth of which the future gives birth.”  Vessa replied thoughtfully.

“So you believe that we must deny the past and look only to the future?  How then do we learn from our mistakes?  How then do we gain the wisdom needed to forge a stronger future?”

“I do not believe we should shut our past away, no.  Our past is a part of us, yes, but it is not all of us.  We should not allow the sorrows of what has come before to consume us so completely that all we become is an echo of our own memories.  The beauty and bane of all things is the chance for the most depraved individual to become something better or for the greatest of saints to become the most iniquitous of monsters.  This is a world of endless possibility, with thousands upon thousands of branches for us to walk our lives across.  We may rot slowly away in our own sorrow, or we may allow our spirits to burn brightly in spite of the pain, even if we char to ash in the end.  After all, while corpses putrefy in their fetid tombs, ash can fly always free in the sun and the wind.  I guess all I am trying to say is… it still hurts no matter what choice you make, but that hurt does not have to imprison you.  It does not have to enslave you, for there is always renewal.”

These words caused Solaufein to think deeply at their meaning.  He had not seen things in this light before, and it seemed that entire worlds of avenues had been opened to him.  “My Lady, your musings give me pause.  I shall have to think on your words.  I thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.”

“I thank you for both easing the pain in my arms and increasing my mental collection of poetry, Solaufein.”  Vessa looked away for a moment.  “Aw, Imoen is calling me over, so I had better go see what she wants before she throws a fit.  Thank you for talking with me though.  It is nice to have someone else to discuss such things as this with.”

As she walked away, Solaufein could not help but look after her with something akin to awe in his eyes.  How could a woman such as this possibly be the spawn of murder?  Another thought struck him with such clarity it nearly knocked him over:

Could Vessa be the future?


***


Imoen had been watching the little episode playing out over by Duvheassa and Solaufein, and was thoroughly amused by what transpired.  Maybe now Vessa will realize that she is a girl instead of being completely oblivious to how men reacted to her!  A soft snort to her right distracted her from formulating ways to tease Vessa, however, and she looked to see Anomen glaring at the pair.  Much to her surprise, he made no move to stop what was going on, and indeed his snort had turned to a sigh of frustration. 

“I feel your eyes, Imoen.”  Was all he said.  “Don’t worry, I’m not about to go storming over there and cause some more needless injuries.  I’ll keep my watch on that Drow, but that is all.  Besides…there are more graceful ways to defeat a rival…”

“A rival, Anomen?  Could it be that you are sweet on Vessa?!”  Imoen replied with feigned shock.  She put the back of her hand to her head and fell back dramatically for effect.  It was quite well-choreographed, by any standards.

“Hmph.  Whether I say so or not, you are bound to construe it as such.  Say what you will, Imoen, your teasing shall come regardless.”  His eyes returned to the flames of the campfire.

That comment took all the wind out of her sails.  He was no fun to goad unless he actually took the bait!  Damn… But maybe….  Imoen grinned devilishly.

“Hey Jan, you think you could tell your Ano the Lobotomized Orc story again?  That one was always a real ripper, let me tell you!”

Jan grinned back with an intensity that put Imoen’s smile to shame.  “Oh but of course, Immy!  I do so love reiterating the finer points of that story!”  And so he began to launch into his diatribe once again.

Imoen looked at Anomen to see if this provoked any reaction whatsoever, but his face was still stoic as he sat cross-legged, hands supporting his head, staring contemplatively into the fire, and completely unaware of Jan or his fevered storytelling.  This wasn’t like him at all!  What was the matter?  Imoen moved closer to him and saw once again his blackened right eye, still swollen and puffy.  He had not healed it himself and had not allowed Jaheira to heal it either.  Why?

She got his attention by tapping his shoulder, and noticed in his eyes a careful introspective gaze that seemed new to his features.  “Yes, Imoen?”

“What’s the matter, Anomen?  Ya look lost!”

“Do I?  Lost…is that what it is?  To tell the truth, I…I worry for my sister.  Moira, sweet Moira… I received a letter from her only a little before I joined with this group…  She told me that everything was okay, that Lord Cor was behaving himself better and that she was happier than she had been in a while…”

“Well if she’s okay, why are you worried about her?  And another thing, why in all of Faerun would seeing Vessa and Solaufein together like that remind you of her?”  Imoen was puzzled now.

Anomen looked genuinely surprised at her concern, and Imoen felt a pang of guilt.  She and Jan had been rather rough on him lately, and the fact that he was so amazed at her worry for him was because her jibes often teetered on the meaner side of the fence.   

“Hmmm…  Vessa very much reminds me of my sister, Imoen.  It is part of the reason I want to protect her so badly.  I wish I could do the same for Moira…  and as to your first question, even from a young age I could tell how Moira felt through how she wrote.  When she is relaxed, her script is flowing and languorous across the paper, but when she is upset…”  at this, he pulled out a worn-looking paper that seemed to have been read and reread times uncounted and handed it to Imoen sadly.

Imoen carefully unrolled the wrinkled scroll and looked at what was written.  The script was elegant enough, but the very letters seemed on edge, seemed spiky and agitated, and almost looked to be glancing in a paranoid frenzy all across the page.  This was not the script of a woman who felt safe.  She read the words softly to herself:

My Dear Brother Anomen,

I received the last letter you sent to me.  I always love to hear from you and I’m so glad you’re doing well in the Order!  I’m sorry Jakin stole Sir Ryan’s pauldrons and framed you for it.  I always thought he was an unlikable sort.  What an immature thing to do!  Good thing for you that Sir Ryan was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt, eh?
Things are going well here at home.  Daddy has been behaving himself lately.  I’ve been able to leave the house for hours at a time now, and he won’t even yell at me for it!  He’s been quieter than usual, and he drinks alone in the kitchen.  Daddy dismissed the last of the guards, but that’s okay because we are very safe and I sleep well every night now that they are gone anyway.  They always made me so nervous!
Sometimes I can see a shadow outside my window when I try to sleep at night, though it is clearest when the moon is full.  I think it’s a cat…maybe I’ll let it in and feed it the next time I see it.  I wouldn’t mind a pet, and daddy has been so lucid lately he probably won’t even try to kill it like he killed little Boots.  It was just because he was drunk at the time, I’m sure; daddy loved that kitten when he was sober.  Well, I’m pretty sure you’re very busy doing Knightly-type things, so I will cut this letter short.

                  From your sister who loves you,

                           Moira.

P.S. I always thought that your beard suited you.  Don’t let daddy talk you into shaving it!


Anomen looked at her and spoke gravely. “I haven’t received a letter from her since then.”

Imoen was quite surprised; she could easily see the vast difference between the calm tone of the letter and the agitation of the script.  “Wow, Anomen.  I think I see what you mean.  You know, if you’re that worried about her, I’m sure Vessa wouldn’t mind  you going back to Athkatla to check on her.  In fact, if you really wanted her to, she would probably have us all travel with you.”

“No, Imoen.  I don’t want to be a liability for the party.  I’m sure Moira is safe enough…I just wish she would write back more often.  She is probably just distracted with caring for my drunk of a father.  She refuses to allow me to just pawn him off at a temple and make him someone else’s problem.”

“Oh…Hey, that still doesn’t explain why seeing Vessa and Solaufein together reminded you of your sister.  You just said why Vessa herself reminded you.”

“Well, seeing them together doesn’t remind me so much of my sister as it does….well….”

“Well what, Anomen?”

Anomen leveled his gaze upon her and in his eyes she could see a deep pain.  “My…my mother often talked about how my father behaved in the earlier years of their relationship, while they were still courting.  My father…behaved to her in much the same manner as Solaufein behaves with Lady Duvheassa now.”

With that, Anomen got up and walked into the woods, presumably to be left alone for a time.  Imoen looked in his direction long after he was out of sight in the thicket.  This explained so much!  Though she regretted interrupting Vessa just when she was starting to get all comfortable with Solaufein, she felt Vessa had to know now, so she called her over.  Though Vessa was relatively far off, Imoen saw a quick spark of regret flash through Vessa’s eyes as she left Solaufein’s presence and walked over, sighing quietly.

“Yes, Immy?  It was not like I was having a conversation or anything, so I am *so* glad you called me over.”  Vessa said petulantly as she sat down. 

“Hey, now.  You can always just attach yourself to him like a barnacle on a whale later.  What I’m about to tell you is important.”  Imoen replied.

“Like a barna---Imoen!  I was doing no such thing!  He merely eased the pain in my muscles and we talked.  That was it!”  However, Vessa was blushing, and the fact that her face was so strangely pale did nothing to hide that fact.  Imoen briefly felt annoyed that Vessa never got sunburned; it just wasn’t fair!  She quickly reminded herself that she had information to share, however.

“Yeah yeah, whatever.  Now listen! I think I know why Anomen gets so angry whenever he sees you two together.”

“Oh really?  Do tell, Immy.”  Now she was interested, as the lack of any sort of petulant expression revealed.

Imoen explained to Vessa all that Anomen had told her, and showed her the letter he had left in her hand as proof.  Vessa’s eyes grew wider at each new revelation Imoen spoke, and the letter clinched her surprise.  Vessa slowly lowered the letter into her lap after she read it.

“Wow.”  Was all she said.

“Yeah, tell me about it.  He’s going to go mad with worry!”

“You know…he is much nicer than he lets on, is he not? I mean, I have heard tales of many brothers who cared not a whit as to their sister’s fates, and here he is tearing his hair out over Moira.  This explains why he has been so agitated ever since we met him.  Maybe the Anomen we know now is just the uptight, over-stressed version of the real Anomen.”

“Yeah, maybe…  You know, I kinda feel bad for giving him such a hard time now.  Maybe I should lay off a bit.”

“Yeah, that would be a good idea for now.  Just until he sees his sister is safe, you understand.  Then we can play a showstopper of a prank on him, yes?  It will involve feathers!”

“And cheese!”

“And an angry, rabid weasel!”

Both of them laughed at the insane plot they were hatching, never noticing that Jan hadn’t joined in as he was wont to do in such situations.  Vessa got up to harass Dymphna, as said familiar was now resting on her backpack, and Imoen left to go nibble furtively on some choclatl she managed to nick from Vessa’s pack.


***

The two girls seemed not to notice him, but he knew Jaheira had; He had felt her eyes on him as he eavesdropped on both their conversation, and the one between Imoen and Anomen.  Jaheira had listened in on the first conversation, but then she merely nodded at Jan, the wink she had given him suggesting that she wanted to hear all the information he had gleaned from the girls later.  She then got up to follow Anomen as he left.

 Jan had realized something was up when he did not elicit the usual enraged response from Anomen at the telling of his story, and so he just *had* to know what was going on.  Hearing the reasons Anomen gave for his behavior made him stop and think for a moment, and he found he was not proud of how he had been treating Anomen since he had joined the party.  How was *he* to know such weighty matters bowed Anomen’s shoulders?  It reminded him of his own worry over Lissa and Jaella; their faces had not left his mind since last they parted, and he wondered darkly at Vaelag’s intentions for them.  The only thing that had stopped him from lodging a bolt in his rotten skull was Lissa’s fervent wish that the lowlife wife-and-child-beater remained unharmed.  How he wished he had not listened!

He tended to antagonize the others more than usual after the whole fiasco, especially Minsc and Anomen; it took his mind off of the two in Vaelag’s clutches, even if just for a moment.  He knew he would not enjoy it if somebody did the same to him while he was in this miserable state, however.  He decided to agree with Immy and give old Ano a break for a little while until things got cleared up, but after that, oh what a reckoning there would be!

***

   Jaheira was always in the habit of quietly listening, watching, and absorbing what occurred around her; one of her earliest tutors had taught her as a child that “you are born with two ears, two eyes, and one mouth:  therefore, you should watch and listen twice as much as you speak.”  Even in her youth she had taken that lesson to heart, and it had served her well over the years.  She found that the wisdom she gained from such behavior served others well over the years also, should they be receptive to such help.  She hoped that, at least temporarily, Anomen was one of these people. 
   
   She had experienced such things as his dilemma before, and knew what came of such situations based on how they were handled.  Though many believed druids to be too cold and uncaring to understand the pains and worries that plagued any heart, their lifestyle actually lends them to both the wisdom and the empathy needed to soothe such aches;  after all, even humans are part of Nature’s fold, though they may perhaps deny it.  Jaheira smiled wryly at her own musings.  To her own mind it sounded like she was trying to justify herself to herself.   A foolish reflection.  I have found my balance, and I have no need of self-doubt.

   She found Anomen sitting alone in the center of a ring of trees, shadows crawling over him as if drawn to feast upon the discordant thoughts within.  Perhaps now, at this point, he would be receptive to the words of one who had walked Faerun longer than he had been alive.

   She placed her hand on his shoulder and was rewarded by a slow turn of his head and a gaze that showed his heart was not in balance.

   “I must apologize, Lady Jaheira, but I wish to be alone right now.”  Anomen said, his voice heavy with thought.

   “I have been watching you since you have joined this group, Anomen.  Unconsciously you seek to find balance, but your coherent thought disagrees.  You are divided within yourself, and have not the experience to handle it.”  Was Jaheira’s reply.

   “Lady Jaheira, I know well enough that you desire to give me some kind of lecture, but I’ve no wish to be flayed by your barbs tonight.”

   “Listen, Anomen.  I speak the truth, but with the brashness of youth you discredit it.  Open your ears for once and earn some wisdom.  Now, as I said, I have been watching you.  I have seen you read that note when we camp, when we travel, and sometimes even before we enter a battle.  I have also seen you look from that note to Duvheassa and draw the invisible lines that you use to bind the two together.  Admittedly, I am not overly familiar with the training and tenets of the Order, but it would seem that your mind has been trained to be always focused on one thing, always seeing one bit and drawing conclusions from one thread instead of from the entire tapestry.  You have not allowed your mind time to process the information that has flowed into it, and instead have made assumptions based on a half-conceived notion. I would suggest that you slow down and actually take some time to think to yourself, not only on either Vessa or your sister or your problems at home, but all these things and how they relate to each other.  To borrow a cliché, perhaps you will learn a thing or two about yourself in the process.  I shall leave you alone now.”  She turned to leave, but she chanced to see the bruise he would allow no one to heal.
   
   “Oh, and by the way…you consider that bruise a sign of your guilt, do you not?  You wish to keep it so that you may learn from it and not repeat the same mistakes.  That is an admirable thing to do, and is a strong first step to becoming a true man in spirit.”  With that, she left him sitting there, not knowing with certainty if he was going to heed her or not.  However, she had a feeling that perhaps, just this once, he would listen to an elder.  She smiled grimly to herself and walked back to camp. It would seem the things binding this group together were not only camaraderie and loyalty, but also the burgeoning empathy that that stemmed from shared experience.  Nature’s cycle remained unbroken, and Her children improved and grew well and strong through supporting each other.

***

   
   As he was deep in his contemplations at the time, Anomen had been surprised when Jaheira revealed her presence to him.  When he first heard what she had to say, his foremost reaction was to immediately toss it aside as the self-righteous blather of an old hat.  However, he was astonished by the approval in her tone at the mention of his blackened eye, and the pain in said organ reminded him of his earlier folly.  He decided to heed her.

   Hmm….To slow down and seen the bigger tapestry.  That is what she had been trying to say.  He was angry at his father for how he treated Moira, that was plain and obvious, no mystery there.  Vessa reminded him of his sister, yes.  Solaufein reminded him of the stories his mother told of a young Lord Cor before he became a useless, abusive inebriate, and he hated that Vessa spent so much time with him.

   There must be more to it than that, though.  He thought on Vessa, now focusing not only on the singular aspect of his feelings for her, but also the thought behind those feelings.  Yes, he did love her, he admitted it to himself, but…how did he love her?  She reminded him of his sister and he desperately wanted to protect her.  Solaufein was acting so much like Anomen’s mother said his father acted before they were wed…he was afraid Solaufein would hurt Vessa like his mother was hurt and his sister was currently being hurt by Lord Cor. 
   
He thought further still into his conversations with Vessa.  Now that he actually focused on them and brought Vessa’s views and opinions into clearer focus, he found that, perhaps, he had been overlooking a few things.  He often spoke to Vessa about the Order, and it became obvious enough that she had absolutely no love for it.  It should have been evident to him much earlier, but he had always simply ignored the little hints she gave him that she did not agree with the organization to which he was bound.  Her opinions of the Order were low at best, diametrically opposed at worst.  She saw many of the Order’s faithful as arrogant, prideful, narrow-minded, genocidal inquisitors who shoved their beliefs down the throats of others, although her words were not quite so pointed when she spoke with him.  The only reason Anomen even knew this opinion was through conversations he overheard between Imoen and Vessa. 

Vessa also believed that novitiates are led as sheep, lured in by stories of purity and virtue, and bound to unquestioning obedience to a set of laws that, in her opinion, were flawed, cared less about the individual, and cared more about the punishments inflicted and dishonor suffered.   A good example would be when he had discussed thievery with her;  In Anomen’s eyes it was absolutely unacceptable by the tenets of the order, but Vessa saw thievery as acceptable to feed a family or oneself if one is in desperate straits, and even thievery to gain medicines or money needed to aid a loved one was suitable enough for her.  The fact that the Order held trials and did not blindly execute earned her grudging respect, but the fact that thieves were condemned without regard to the reason for stealing vexed her completely.  In short, she believed that the Order was rigid and unfair.

Hmm…though she supported him as he quested, understood his reasons for wanting to stay in the Order, and made no attempt to change his mind on becoming a full knight, Anomen found that her attitude toward that which he venerated most was an undesirable quality.  How could he get along living with a woman who disrespected all he was raised to believe?  How could they be together if she secretly thought him foolish for joining an organization she disapproved of so heartily?  Well, she *was* a child of Murder…perhaps this black background stopped her from seeing the shining justice of the Order properly.  Perhaps she just couldn’t appreciate the goodness of the Order.

   Another thing that irked him was her prideful foolishness, though he had realized, in his short time with the party, that he had the same trait.   It merely manifested itself differently through him.  He didn’t listen to his elders and allowed his temper to explode; she punished herself needlessly by working to exhaustion, refusing help, and bottling whatever it was she was feeling within instead of talking to someone about it.  He remembered the defensive note in her voice after he had called attention to her behavior.  What was she trying to prove?

   Hmm…he loved Duvheassa…but did he love her as a man loves a woman?  No, he realized he did not.  He merely thought he did through the emotions she elicited in him when he saw her.  Her determination, strength, and good heart reminded him of Moira, and were indeed good qualities, but her very personality seemed to grate against that which he was struggling to achieve.  He realized now that he saw her as perhaps more of a wayward friend, perhaps even sibling, than he did a potential lover.  A pity that.  She was beautiful, yes, and intelligent…but there were many other beautiful, intelligent women out there who were far better suited for him than Vessa could ever be.

   Now he understood why he went so crazy when he saw Vessa with Solaufein.  It was not stemmed from jealousy, but a desire to keep her safe...the same desire that drove him to madness worrying about Moira.  Now that he understood himself better when it came to Vessa, and he felt as though some of his worries had alighted from him.  It still did not, however, take away the burning pain in his heart that the thought of Moira slaving away to take care of their father had caused.  With a heavy sigh, he got up and strode back to camp.  He hoped they would be traveling back to Amn soon.  He needed to have a long talk with his sister, and then he needed to have words with his drunk of a father.
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #8 on: April 17, 2006, 09:13:47 PM »
Chapter 8: Living Nightmares and Dying Dreams

WARNING:  The following scene can be considered disturbing.  Read with care.



   ‘So…you refuse to scream?  You are a stubborn, prideful thing….but I can still break you.’ 

Knocked off the grimy table smelling of death and futile screams …hurts to land, hurting deep inside, blood flowing down my thighs.  Small dirty hands grab, dragging me across the floor.  Head aching, no more tears to weep, throat unwilling to scream. His footfalls echo and make my brain bleed.  Metal scrapes my head.   

Am lifted up roughly.  I look to the side.  A coffin lies beneath…the insides crawl.  Why?  Try to struggle, too weak to fight, my body betrays me.  Am completely helpless.   Look closer, what’s inside?

  no, NO, NO

‘Ah, I see you have noticed your new bedmates.  Perhaps, after sharing yourself with them for a time, you shall come to know fear intimately.’ 

I feel sick.

I cannot fight. 

He throws me down, down… down… down….

Little bodies crumble wetly beneath my tiny weight…more bodies skitter to cover mine, bodies tinier than my own… legs legs…everywhere legs.  Am too horrified to scream, can’t open my mouth, they’ll get in….struggling makes them bite.

His face is above, cold eyes, no emotion.  They freeze me.  Still, my eyes fight back, but I am losing. You cannot fight those eyes.  He lifts the lid, tiny holes carved for air, too tiny for light…

All light dies away.  The locks are snapped.  Loud, so loud.  They are everywhere, there is no escape. 

I cannot fight.

The spiders consume me.

***

Vessa struggled against her own body and finally jerked awake, every muscle rigid and aching.  She was slick with cold sweat and she could see her own breath in her terrified panting, though the night was warm and mild.  Deep within her the familiar icy pain burned with the intensity of Irenicus’ cruelty.  It hurt too much to scream.

Vessa lie curled in a tiny knot at the center of her bedroll, trying desperately to ignore the pain, to shut the memories away.  She refused to let herself cry.  After an eternity of remembered torments, the pain subsided and her muscles relaxed, though her small frame still shook violently with fear. 

By this time Dymphna was at her side, whirring with undisguised worry.  Dymphna knew better than to try to communicate with her Lady while she was in this state, as it only agitated the condition further.

Vessa allowed herself to sit up, still gulping every breath as though it would be ripped from her in the next second.  Everybody was peacefully asleep in their bedrolls. Her struggles against the nightmare were silent, it seemed.  She looked around camp and noticed Anomen’s bedroll was empty.  She was briefly worried until she saw him a little away from camp, his sentinel eyes keeping watch for the night.

 She began to calm down and her breathing came easier, but as her own fear and pain subsided, she could sense the agony of another.  She got up and checked every bedroll to make sure the occupant was soundly resting.  Jaheira, Imoen, Jan, Minsc…they were safe and sleeping well.  The last bedroll, then, was the source of her unease. 

Solaufein was cocooned in his own blanket, struggling mightily against it, his mouth gasping spasmodically like a fish thrown on land.  Vessa knelt immediately near his side, moving aside his pack, a stick, a rock, anything that could possibly harm him in his thrashing.  Though she wished she could free him from the blankets, she worried that he would cause himself more harm should his arms lash freely.  She was unsure of what to do and thought that shaking him would not be a good idea; a violent awakening was not a good way to end a violent nightmare.  She merely sat near him, wringing her hands and despising her inability to help the suffering Drow. 

Soon his fighting had stopped, but this was not the calm of a mind given peacefully over to good dreams.  His body went rigid and his mouth hung slack like that of a dead man.  Had he died in his dreams?

Vessa tried to soothe him, running her palm over his forehead, murmuring comforting words to him until they melted into a kind of mantra.   She pulled a cloth from her pack and wet it with her waterskin.  Then, after gently untangling him from his blankets, she carefully lifted his head with one hand and began to slowly blot the rag against his face. 

   His eyes flew open without warning and locked with hers, glazed, terrified, and uncomprehending in their gaze.  His hands shot out and gripped at her shirt reflexively, holding her as though clutching to his very life.  Vessa was frightened by this action, but she was too stunned to pull away. 

Soon his crimson eyes slid into recognition, and he immediately let go of her shirt.  She had left her hand resting on his forehead, and she watched as he slowly covered it with a larger ebony hand of his own as he sat up.

   “Vessa.”  Was all he could say.

   “Yes, Solaufein.  I am here.  I am here.  You are among friends, and you are safe.”  She cooed softly in his ear.  In her desire to comfort him she wrapped her free arm around him and began rocking him slowly back and forth, for once not even worrying whether her actions would offend him or not.  She felt him relax slightly, very slightly, and his hand tightened over her own.

   “By Eilistraee, what a fiendish nightmare!  Vessa, I fear that Llolth has neither forgotten, nor forgiven me… In my nightmare I saw that we had been surrounded by the foulest of spiders, physical manifestations of her vengeance, and they were strong.  We fought valiantly, but for every one we slew, the others seemed renewed and increased their attack twofold.  I became utterly entangled in their webs and I could not cry out to any of you.  Finally one of them…one of them gave me Llolth’s black kiss and I felt my very soul being sucked back to her…”  He cut himself off and shivered.  Vessa slipped her hand out from under his and held him tightly, wishing she could will away those awful dreams.

   “It is alright now, you are safe.  Llolth is probably just tormenting you in your dreams. There are no spiders here.”

   “I wish I could believe you, Vessa, but this particular nightmare had a feeling of imminence.  I fear we are all in danger…No!  Come, we must wake the others!”  Vessa let go of him and obeyed instantly, running to alert Anomen as Solaufein went to shake Jaheira awake.  Vessa had learned that Solaufein was not one to make rash decisions, and his reaction told her that they were indeed truly in danger.  She trusted his judgment.

   Finally she reached Anomen, who had been glaring suspiciously at some shadows near a copse of trees.

   “Anomen, come on, I think we are going to be attacked.”

   “Attacked?!  From where?  How do you know?!”  Was his surprised reply.

   “I will explain later, just get your butt over here now!”

   The entire party was gathered, and they were hastily donning their armor as Solaufein finished his hurried explanation. Vessa detected a tremor that marked a disturbance in the Weave and warned the others that something approached.  She had Dymphna fly high and away from battle as she readied her defenses.  Solaufein quickly activated his Belt of Fortitude and Minsc immediately changed into his boots of speed, but that was all that could be done before the attack began.

   They seemed to spawn from corruption itself, huge abominations oozing out of some forsaken black pit, radiating evil and malice as they came from all sides.  Vessa was immediately relieved that she was wearing her ring of free action, for the first thing every single one of them did was web the entire group.    Jan and Imoen had managed to haste themselves and were busily running around, distracting the monsters as Anomen and Jaheira cast free action on anyone nearby once they were outside of the webbing effect.  Minsc slipped easily into his berserker side and rushed headlong into battle, hacking away at the spider that had just trapped Imoen against a tree as Jan began casting Fireball at two more that were coming at him fast.    The battle had quickly been carried to beyond the area where webs would be a problem.
   
As she dealt with yet another spider in an attempt to distract it from harming anyone else, Vessa remembered what Solaufein had said about one spider falling only to fuel the rest.  If they did not concentrate their efforts, they would be lost.  She broke free from her melee with the creature and ran towards the others.
   
   “Hey!  Focus on one at a time!  That is the only way we will win!”  She shouted above the sound of a fireball roaring into two of the arachnids.

   Thankfully they had all heard her, and the first spider to receive their attentions was the one that was tormenting Imoen. She was not helpless, however, and while she could not cast spells in this position, she was currently rearranging the spider’s mandibles, courtesy of her Stiletto of the Demarchess.  The creature managed to impale her leg with its own arachnoid appendage, striking through the flesh and crunching through bone, and Imoen screamed in agony. 

“IMOEN!!”  Minsc roared in fury.  He redoubled his already momentous efforts to annihilate the creature after the blood from her leg had spattered his armor.  Unfortunately, its exoskeleton seemed resistant to physical blows. 

Imoen used the fury that came with pain to fuel her flurry of slashes at the thing’s “face”, knowing that she had to keep its poisoned maw as far away from herself as possible. Though the arachnid was resistant to magic, the paralytic qualities of the blade eventually shone through, rooting the spider to the spot as Minsc managed to hack it to pieces with all of his berserker fury. 

The spider went down before anyone else could focus on it, and, though in agony,  a smug smile showed through the grimace of pain on Imoen’s face as she cast skulltrap near the spider that was hasted and now quickly gaining on a fleeing Jan.  It burst just in time and the beast flew sideways at the impact, giving Jan just enough time to leap forward and roll as the leg of the second spider that was chasing him slashed at his back, leaving a bloody trail in its wake.  They seemed to all be focusing on him, for some reason, and he didn’t have time to do much more than run.  However, he quickly activated and flung a Bruiser Mate™ behind him, effectively stunning them just long enough to get near Anomen, who quickly healed the wound.  Solaufein was busily eviscerating the spider recently harmed by Imoen’s skulltrap spell, and the creature fell quickly.
   
   The two stunned spiders had recovered during this time, regenerated by the death of their kin, and one had pinned Vessa to the ground.  The other spider had gone after Jaheira, only to be distracted by a bear she had summoned quickly.

 Normally Vessa would have been able to battle a large spider despite her phobia, but the memory of the nightmare was too fresh on her mind and she was quite literally rendered immobile with fear.  She saw her doom in those many eyes, and in her fog of terror she thought she could actually see a cruel black face, laughing maliciously at her weakness and impending death.  That laughter goaded her into action, and she rolled out of the way as a killing bite nearly decapitated her.  She knew that if she didn’t get help quickly, she would become nothing more than a pile of Bhaalspawn dust.  Just as the creature made to bite her once more, Minsc threw himself at the spider, actually knocking it over, landing on top of it, and stabbing through the thing’s tough carapace with Lilarcor.   Of course, the moronic sword was shouting some meaningless and highly annoying quips the entire time.

Jaheira could not help Minsc, Vessa, or Imoen; she was too busy dealing with the spider nearest her.  It had taken out the bear she had summoned without making any effort, so she quickly cast cause critical wounds.  As she felt the vengeful side of Nature filling her heart and hands, she skillfully ran to the beast as it tried to pry its legs from the impaled bear.  She courageously planted her hand right at the center of its bulbous head, the spell working powerfully and causing the spider to cry out with a chilling, unnatural scream.  She bent backwards and her head grazed the grass in order to dodge as the spider pulled its legs out and almost chopped off her head. She kicked it right under the mandible as she allowed herself to fall back. 

Anomen quickly cast Holy Smite at the creature, knowing Jaheira would not be harmed by the spell, and this gave her time to get away.  Now the spider looked to be roughly the arachnid adaptation of royally pissed, and its carapace veritably sizzled with the holy retribution of Anomen’s god.  This weakened its unholy exoskeleton to the point that Solaufein’s blades and Jan’s crossbow bolts quickly sent the creature back to Llolth.


Imoen had to fumble through her pack to search for a potion of healing, as she had forgotten to place one on her belt for easy access.  What a fool she was! Her progress was unfortunately hampered by the disorienting effects that marked the end of a Haste spell.   Her leg was pinned to the tree by the leg of the spider, and she did not have the strength to free it.  She had no desire to do so, however, as she knew the only thing staunching further bleeding was the huge spider leg effectively plugging the wound.  She felt herself grow cold as her body slowly slipped into shock, and she was pulled to the ground in her weakness.  Dizzy from blood loss, her hazy mind nonetheless directed her through the motions of searching through her backpack, though even if she found a potion her mind would not have registered it. 

Anomen had caught sight of Imoen’s predicament and bounded towards her, praying to Helm that she was not as badly injured as he first feared.  As he saw Imoen fumbling weakly through her backpack, fully under the effects of shock, he felt violently ill.  Even though he had indeed been in many battles before under the banner of the Order, seeing a young girl so maimed and desperately fighting for life was different than seeing a grown man fall to a quick sword strike on the battlefield.  He pulled the pack away from her, gently pushed her against the tree, and screamed for Jaheira to come over. 

Jaheira heard him just after she threw Sol’s Searing Orb at the spider menacing Vessa and Minsc and rushed over.  Jan had also heard Anomen’s call and hurried over as well, standing guard over Anomen, Jaheira, and Imoen as he realized what the situation was.  This did not stop him from peppering the remaining spider with bolts, however.

“Jaheira, I’ll pull the spider leg from her own leg right when you finish casting your most powerful healing spell.  We can’t afford for her to lose anymore blood.”  Anomen spoke quickly, obvious anxiety in his voice.  They couldn’t mess this up.

Jaheira nodded her agreement and quickly began whispering the incantation needed to heal, and just as the last word left her lips, Anomen ripped the spider leg out of both the tree and Imoen, who was too deep in shock to react.  Jahiera quickly placed her hands over the free-flowing wound, pouring all of Nature’s healing into the girl.  Jaheira’s body relaxed as she felt the familiar mending energies flow through her and she could hear Anomen’s audible sigh of relief as he saw the bone restoring and the flesh molding itself together once more.  It took a few more spells before Imoen was completely healed, but she was once more well and sound in the end.

Fully healed but now with a limp, Imoen gave both Anomen and Jaheira a quick glance of thanks before turning back to the battle.  She saw Minsc grappling a spider and Vessa quickly casting Lower Resistance on the creature.  Jaheira began to use her sling to pelt the creature with bullets, trying to hit it in the eyes, and Anomen rushed into the fray, whirling the Mace of Disruption over his head.  As the beast reared up in order to smash Minsc with its legs, Vessa cast acid arrow at the exposed underbelly to soften its exoskeleton and make it more vulnerable to attack.  Soon enough, Imoen saw Minsc stab Lilarcor through the spider’s immense belly. 

“HEY!  I am not a glorified pig-sticker!”  The moronic blade yelled.

The spider rolled backwards as it was pushed back by the thrust of the blade, and Imoen quickly cast Disintegrate at the abomination before any more damage could be done.  The final spider had been defeated.


The group gathered up their things and prepared to find another, less spider-filled clearing to rest in.  They commended each other on their respective brave deeds and skill in battle, but Solaufein remained silent and worried.  These good, brave people had been attacked merely because they associated with him.  His continued presence in their group was a danger.  He wondered if he should perhaps leave them and draw all the misfortune he caused away.  Perhaps his grim countenance set off a warning, for Vessa was immediately by his side the moment that thought finished formulating itself in his mind.

“Solaufein.”  She said.  Her glowing eyes asked him what her worried mouth did not.  He felt he had to tell her of his decision; at the very least, he owed her that much.

“Vessa, I have come to realize that my continued presence puts all of you at significant risk.  Any one of you could have been murdered by one of these beasts, and I will not allow any of you to be harmed further by those that hate me.”

“No, Solaufein.”  Here she shook her head.  “Do not say such things.  Think you not that we knew of the dangers when we first took you in?”  Here Solaufein’s face registered surprise.  How could they possibly have known when he himself did not?

Vessa smiled weakly at his response.  “When Viconia traveled with us, she not only drew the attention of the usual racist bigots, but was also attacked by the slaves of Llolth.  Even after she was attacked and we knew of the danger, we stood by her, and in the end the attacks stopped.  You, Solaufein, are much more companionable than Viconia was, so what makes you think that we would not do for you what we have already done for her?”

Without either of them realizing it, the rest of the party had been listening in on their conversation with interest.  Solaufein suddenly found himself being clapped on the back (and lower back, in Jan’s case) from many different sources.

“Don’t ya dare leave us, Uncle Sola!  I’m not going to stay up all night worrying about ya!  We’ve got your back any time, don’t you ever forget it!”  said Imoen with her usual charming flair.

“Yes, Solaufein.  We are not people to abandon a friend.  You have proven yourself as both a capable fighter and a worthwhile companion to know.  Besides, if you ever did leave, Vessa would probably travel the length and breadth of Faerun in search of you.  She never was one to leave a friend to fate.”  Jaheira said wryly as she patted his shoulder.

“Yeah Sola, and besides, things would get rather boring around us without you to spice things up!”  Jan grinned up at him. 

“Minsc would never leave a warrior behind!  There is no honor in turning your back on a friend, no matter how dangerous they are!  So says Boo!”  Minsc clapped Solaufein on the back so hard that the Drow was propelled forward a step.

Solaufein turned to look at Anomen, who had been regarding him intently.  Finally, the man spoke, his words coming measured and slow.

“I do not enjoy your company, Dro—Solaufein, and that is no secret.  However, there is nothing lower than a man who would desert a comrade that has done nothing to harm him.  You are harried by enemies, this is true, but….So is Vessa.  I have not forsaken her to her fate, and neither shall I forsake you, unless you give me just cause to do so.  Do not leave this party.” He inclined his head gravely toward Solaufein and walked off, leaving in his wake an entire party stunned by his behavior.  Solaufein’s own eyes widened in shock; perhaps there was more to this man than he had given him credit for.  Anomen had earned his respect.

Vessa tapped him on the arm, and smiled hesitantly up at him when he looked down at her.  “Even if the whole of Faerun turns its back on you, Solaufein, remember: I will not.  I know you are good, I will not desert my friends.  Please do not leave, because I do not want to go through the bother of finding your butt and convincing you to come back.”

Solaufein was astonished at the obvious show of support by these Surfacers who had already been through so much.  He saw honesty, and perhaps even loyalty etched into every face that gazed at him. he felt his throat constrict as the full weight of what they had said sank into is brain.  They truly meant what they had said.  They truly valued him.  He blinked rapidly for a few moments, and finally managed a quiet “thank you” in response to their candor.

Thusly the group walked on, finally setting camp near a meadow of wildflowers, the scent of which was at once both comforting and exhilarating.  The breeze that blew this blessing toward them the rest of the night covered them in this spicy reminder of both life and renewal.
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #9 on: April 22, 2006, 10:38:07 PM »
Chapter 9: Like Hell You Say!

*Author's note: Ok, I seriously revamped chapter 9 to be less ridiculous and more in-character. Hope it worked.


   Anomen had arisen early from his slumber, the ‘early waking’ mentality gained through years of drilling in the Order goading him to action as the others slept late.  He made his rounds about the campsite for about the ninth time now, though he did this more out of boredom than from any fear of attack. 

He had grown bored with staring at rocks, and had moved on to counting leaves, when he saw Vessa and Imoen walking towards camp from the direction of a nearby stream.  Vessa was drying her long hair with a towel, Imoen allowed her wet hair to flow freely, and both were giggling loudly about some immensely funny thing, apparently.

After speaking with Jaheira last night, Anomen realized that he had no feelings for Vessa.  He was unsure if Vessa had feelings for him, however.  Honestly enough, the thought would never have even crossed his mind were it not for the behavior of the debutantes back in Amn.  Those ladies would often subtly use one man in order to gain the affections of another.  The fact that Vessa did not fly into hysterics at the very real threat of Solaufein leaving left that open to the realm of possibility.  If this were the case, he would have to speak with her about it in order to avoid any later misunderstandings.

***

“You cannot possibly be serious?!”  Vessa said, laughing loudly at Imoen’s story about catching Vincenzo mixing horse feces in with the food of one of his rowdier patrons back in Imnesvale. 

“I swear he did!  And he giggled the whole time the guy ate it!  The moron didn’t even realize he was literally eating shi-”

   “Lady Duvheassa,” Anomen said as he approached them, “I would like to speak with you of something,” he turned his head toward Imoen, “in private, if you would be so kind.”
   
   Vessa looked at Imoen, her face reading confusion like that of a puppy which had recently attacked its own reflection in a mirror.  Imoen raised an eyebrow and shrugged back at her, having no idea what Anomen was going to say next.  She was unhappy that Anomen didn’t want her listening in.  Thankfully, she could get around that if necessary.  “Aw, come on, Anomen!  You’re no fun at all!  Fine, I’m goin, I’m goin….”  Imoen walked away, and once Anomen’s eyes were no longer upon her, she stealthily slinked into a thicket, the leafy growth perfect covering for an eavesdropper such as herself.

   Anomen looked to Vessa, “Now, my Lady.  I am not exactly sure how to approach this situation with proper tact, so I suppose I shall just have to say it outright.  I do not want anything to be misconstrued.  I have no romantic intentions towards you.  You may very well not feel that way about me, either.  I just wanted to get this out in the open before any awkwardness develops.”
   Vessa looked surprised by this statement.  “Oh.  Well, um, ok.  That is all right, because I felt only friendship towards you as well.  So, is that all you wanted to talk about?”
   
   “Well, yes, that’s about it.”

   “Oh, ok then.  I am glad we got that cleared up, then.”

   “So am I.”

   “So, that’s it then?”

   “Yes, I guess so.”

   “Ok, then.”

   “Right.”  With that, Anomen turned to leave.  As he walked away, Imoen ran up to Vessa, who turned to her and asked:
   
   “What brought that on?”

   “Well, it would seem that Anomen has broken things off with you,” Imoen replied, amused by the situation.

   “Er…I am not too sure about that, Immy.  After all, we never had a relationship to break off.  Besides, he said he expected me to not have feelings for him, either.”
   
   “Oh, pish.  He mentally broke things off with you, Vessa.  He just hid it well.”

   Vessa rolled her eyes Imoen.  “Ok, Immy.  Right.  I am just going to ponder your infinite wisdom as I go to the field of flowers over there.  That’s where I’ll be if you need me,” Vessa went to her pack, pulled something out of it, and walked in the direction of the field.

***

   Jan was just putting the finishing touches on his Shadow-Dragon-Scale-Powered Turnip Peeler of the Future™, when he heard some boring conversation or another.  A little while afterwards, Anomen strode by him, a thoughtful look in his eyes.  After another pause, in which Jaheira had approached him to ask him to stop grinding the scales so loudly, Imoen scurried up to them, giggling madly all the while.

   “Jan!  Jaheira!  You will *never* guess what just happened!”

   Jan noticed that Minsc had rolled over in his bedroll and was currently focusing on every word Imoen was saying, though the ranger was attempting to feign sleep whenever he thought he was being watched.  Subtlety, thy name is not Minsc.  That may be the name of subtlety’s uncharacteristically loud and tactless red-headed stepchild, however.  He would have to look that up.

“Well, girl?  Spit it out already!”  Jaheira very nearly shouted.  Jan found her impatience to be highly amusing.

   “Well, you see, Vessa and I were talking, and Anomen walked up to her…”

***

Hello again, Journal.

It would seem as though I have had my first failed relationship today!  To tell the truth, I never saw the end coming, as I had no prior knowledge that a relationship had even begun that required such voiding.  However, Imoen believes that one must have existed somewhere, as she said that Anomen has ‘mentally ended things’.  I think that Imoen is just being silly again.  I thought that to be somebody’s companion, you had to, well, you know, court each other.  Which we were not doing, I assure you.  Unless you count beheading random goblins and such ‘courting’.


   Vessa closed her journal after scribing in this little tidbit.  In all actuality, her journal was not so much a coherent biography of her life and times as it was a chaotic amalgamation of whatever thought happened to be in her head at the time.  It was not that Vessa was a lackwit; in fact, the opposite was true.  It was just that she never did find writing in her journal an incredibly interesting thing to do, and so only wrote down the ‘actiony bits’ as Imoen had once referred to them.  If a playwright had read this particular journal in order to write a biography, said playwright’s head would probably combust from the sheer confusion the quotes would present him with.

   She sighed and slipped the small journal into a large pouch in her belt.  Vessa wasn’t exactly sure what gave Anomen the idea that she might fancy him.  She could not remember flirting with him or any such thing.  Imoen was far better at such things than she was, anyway. 

Imoen always had a way with the boys.  While they lived in Candlekeep, the sons of those who visited would always follow her around, plying her with flowers and little treats as Vessa sat hidden in a tree, reading some book or another, as she often got teased by those same boys for looking so bizarre.  In fact, Vessa had become quite used to fading into the background as Imoen got all the attention; besides, when others were paying attention to Imoen, they tended to overlook Vessa’s strangeness, thereby not teasing her.  Even after they left Candlekeep and went out into the outside world, Imoen always got the attention, which didn’t bother Vessa much.  Imoen was a beautiful girl, and Vessa felt she deserved it.

            Vessa spent a few minutes attempting to puzzle out this most recent sudden change in behavior, but quickly gave up and chalked it up to the fact that she would never be able to fully comprehend the minds of men.

   With that latest worry out of her mind, Vessa stopped to admire the flowers, each one unique and lovely in her eyes.  As she stood gazing at an attractive violet flower, thinking on which angle would be best to sketch it from, she felt something rub against her leg.  Her first reaction was to jump, but when she looked down, she saw the most endearing creature she had ever laid eyes upon.

   It was a tiny, delicate, roguish-looking, raven-colored kitten brindled with orange flecks, and right now it was looking up at her with the largest orange-green eyes, entreating her to play with it.  Vessa could never resist kittens, and no amount of teasing by Imoen in Candlekeep could stop her from attempting to keep one as a pet, much to Gorion’s dismay.  He had always frowned on housecats.  Or housedogs.  Or houselizards.  Or housegibberlings.  Although she had to agree with that last one in the end.  They tended to break things, and were very hard to housetrain.

   Vessa furtively scanned the area around her, and once she realized that it was satisfactorily devoid of people who could possibly see her with said kitten, she immediately lied down on her stomach and proceeded to pet and play with the infant feline.  A tufted grass-stem served as a play-toy for Vessa and the kitten to play “kill the fluffy”.

***

Solaufein yawned and stretched languidly, his book of poetry falling from his lap as he stretched his muscles, loosening the tightness that forms over a long period of stillness.  He had slept late today, as he had stayed up most of the night mulling over what everybody had said to him after the battle.  He was still taken aback by their desire for his continued presence, and Anomen’s in particular.  The man had grown up a bit in the short time he had joined the party, it seemed.  At least now he did not jump to ridiculous conclusions anymore.   At least, not to his knowledge anyway. 

   Another thought then danced across his mind.  How long had Vessa watched over him as he thrashed about in the icy grip of his nightmare?  He could swear he saw true empathy in her eyes as her gaze with worry was fixed upon him, and in her ministrations she had shown him a gentleness that he had never known before.  By Eilistraee, but she was so different from the females he had known in Ust Natha!  Then again, they all were.  Well, all the women in this particular group, at least.  Imoen was obviously nothing like the vicious priestesses of Llolth, what with her mischievous nature and grinning countenance,  and even Jaheira, whose barbed tongue flayed alive all those that would cross her, still had a heart of softness beneath that layer of thorny wit.  It seemed that the Surface held not only beauties and wonders in nature, but in its people as well.

   Unfortunately for Solaufein, his musings were cut short by a giggling Imoen literally tripping over his inert, sitting form in her haste.  Luckily, he leaned over and managed to catch her in his muscular arms before her face made contact with an ill-placed rock near him.  He lowered her slowly down, and noticed that her face was bright red with undisguised mirth.

   “Imoen?”  Solaufein began.  Her laughter seemed to be choking her, and he now worried for her health.  “What causes you to laugh so?”

   In a flurry of amused giggles, Imoen made an attempt to explain.  “Aw, Sola, ya should’ve seen it!  Or, heard it, actually,” A sudden sly gleam in her eyes made Solaufein wonder what was coming next, “Anomen broke it off with Vessa!  It was so horrible!!  I still can’t stop laughing!”


   “Well, that much is obvious by your ill-contained giggles.  But tell me…what do you mean by ‘broke it off’?  Some Surfacer terminology still remains unknown to me, it seems.”

   “Ahh, I keep forgetting ya don’t know our slang.  Ok, um…. When somebody ‘breaks it off’, it pretty much means that they are ending a romantic relationship with the person they ‘break it off’ with.”

   “Anomen and Vessa were in a romantic relationship?!  And the fool boy actually rebuffed her?!  Where is his mind?!  How could he do such a thing?!”

   Imoen snorted.  “Will anyone ever comprehend the insanity that is ol’ Ano’s mind?”  Suddenly a wily grin curled upon her face.  “You know,….Vessa is over in the wildflower field, if you want to talk to her.  I’m sure she wouldn’t mind some company right now, what with her poor little heart being crushed as it is.  Anomen really hurt her, Solaufein.  She needs somebody now.”

   Solaufein raised an eyebrow at her.  The tone of her words did not match the tone of her voice, and he very much doubted that she would truly be so mirthful if Vessa was really hurting.

   “Imoen, if your sister is truly so sorrowed, why do you laugh?  You do not seem the type to take delight in the torments of one so close to you.”

   Here her face slipped into the ultimate expression of seriousness.  Her mossy eyes were watered with tears as she spoke.  “But…but Solaufein, I thought you knew,…I thought you’d b-be more sensitive to…to the way I am.  I--,” and here she sniffed dramatically, “I always laugh like this when I am deeply troubled.  It…it helps make the pain go away, at least for a little while.”  Her lips trembled as she looked at him, sorrow writ large across her features.

   Solaufein found himself swayed against his better judgment, though he was still suspicious of her motives.  “Hmm…If what you say is truly the case, then, I shall go to her.  I hate the thought of her being bowed by sorrow.”  He could have sworn he saw her lips twitch at his last sentence.

   “Yeah, Sola, please, go to her.  I have to go and tell the others of what has happened.  Maybe they can help her feel better as well,”  with that, she got up and ran with a swiftness and grace that belied her earlier clumsiness. 

   Solaufein then rose himself, unconsciously stalking silently through the undergrowth as he headed towards the field of flowers Imoen referred to.  When he reached said field, however, he was greeted with a sight that was decidedly unbroken-hearted. 

   “Whoooo is a vicious kitty?  Whooo is a vicious little baby?  Kill the fluffy!  Kill that bad fluffy!”  Vessa was lying on her stomach, surrounded by the drowsing flowers, and using a fluffy grass blade to tease a small bundle of what looked to be black and orange fur, all tiny teeth and miniscule claw.  Vessa was giggling unrestrainedly, her sun-caressed raven locks tumbling wildly about her, and her smile lit up the flowers already dripping with sunlight as their heady scent surrounded her small form.
 
Now she was teasing the miniscule thing with her hands, completely ignoring the little scratches the creature’s swipes left behind.  “Awww, so cute!  You are the cutest little kitty!”

   Solaufein’s face broke into a wide grin as he crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against a large, leafy tree, the expression so foreign to his features that surely thunder must have clapped in the distance, such a rare event this was.

He had never caught her in such an unguarded, vulnerable moment as this.  This was, without a doubt, the most adorable thing he had ever witnessed in his entire life.  He couldn’t help but laugh at her antics, and he could only hope that she did not hear him, as he did not want her to stop just yet. 

   Now Vessa was lying on her back, and the small animal jumped on her stomach, making a strange little noise as it did so.  Vessa responded by scratching it behind the ear, cooing nonsense to it all the while.  She looked so sweet and carefree in this moment, so smiling and joyful…

***

Vessa was having so much fun playing with the kitten that she had not noticed the Drow now observing her affectionately from where the forest touched the field; however, he was so quiet anyway that she probably would not have noticed him even if she were on her guard.  She was patting the kitten’s soft, warm fur when she chanced to lean her head back, and caught the dark brown of boots in her field of vision.  Her face grew hot and she immediately jumped up, catching the unfortunate kitten before it fell too far, and cradling it in her arms as she did so.

“AH!  Uh…S-Solaufein, I-I did not…I did not s-see you there.  He-heh.  So, u-uh…what are you d-doing here in this…this field, of, uh…flowers, y-yes, flowers, on this lovely d-day?”  She finished this surprised sentence with a fit of coughing.  Oh, how Vessa wished she had Imoen’s smooth-talking charm to cover her embarrassment and her stutter!

She felt her face grow even hotter as she found herself thinking about how handsome he was as he leaned against the tree. His long silvery hair played over his chiseled physique and danced in the breeze, the pose he struck was quite becoming, and the huge grin on his face gave it quite a comely cast.  Vessa darted her eyes away from the Drow, hoping her blush went unnoticed, and cursing her shyness all the while.

“I was watching you play with that little creature, it would seem.”  Solaufein replied, and the amusement in his voice was not lost on Vessa.

“H-hey!  It i-is not a little creature.  Sh-she is a kitten.  And I was n-not ‘playing’ with her.  I w-was merely er…t-testing her reflexes.  Yes, that is it.  Her reflexes.  That was all, nothing more.  There was absolutely no playing whatsoever.  At all.”  Vessa was glad to find she could now suppress the stutter.

Solaufein’s grin grew wider, if such a miracle were possible, and he chuckled affably.  “So you say…  You looked quite cute when you were playing with the kitten, by the way.”

He thinks I am cute?! “Er, I am *not* cute! Puppies are cute, kittens are cute, but the great Duvheassa is not cute!  Hmph.  Come here and pet this kitten.  You will see what I mean.”

Solaufein merely rolled his eyes as he walked over to her.  She carefully laid the kitten in his arms, and he began to softly pet the feline.  “She is quite an endearing little creature.  Hmm…What shall we do with her now?”

“Well, I think she must not have lived in the wilderness long, as wild animals are unlikely to approach people with such friendliness as the kitten did me.  She must have been raised domestically, but I guess we can keep her.  Hey, she can be your familiar!”  Well, it would be a good excuse to keep the kitten around, and Solaufein had no familiar that she had seen.  Just as Vessa was thinking that, Dymphna landed on her shoulder, as she had returned from her early-morning hunting.  The raven glared at the kitten balefully.

*You are not seriously considering keeping that…that abomination around, are you, my Lady?!* Dymphna communicated to Vessa after seeing the kitten.

*Of course we are!  Look at her.  Is she not cute?  Besides, she is much too small to be much of a threat to you, Dymphna.  She is just a baby!* Vessa replied fondly.

*That little runt will chase me and steal my feathers, I know it!*

*That is why you have wings, my dear raven.*

Dymphna ruffled her feathers and glared irefully at the now-sleeping kitten.  Vessa laughed at her familiar’s reaction.   She supposed it was the fact that Dymphna was a bird, but she got the feeling that Dymphna didn’t like cats much.  Not that it was obvious or anything.

“Hmm….perhaps I will indeed keep this little kitten.  It would certainly cause no harm.  Speaking of familiars, Vessa, what exactly *is* Dymphna?” said Solaufein as he looked up from petting the infant feline.

“Dymphna?  Oh, I guess you would not know.  Dymphna is a celestial raven.  I was pretty surprised when I cast the calling spell and got her, let me tell you.  A creature such as her is certainly unusual to obtain as a familiar, but I can’t say I am disappointed.  Dymphna and I have grown close in our adventures.  Plus, it is very funny to see people having to take a second look at her.   See, everybody immediately assumes all ravens are black, and it really surprises them to see such a contradiction to their long-held belief.  Perhaps Dymphna was summoned to me in order to aid me in messing with people’s psyches,” replied Vessa wryly.

“Does her name have any special meaning behind it?”

“Actually, yes it does,” Vessa said.  Her eyes deepened as she allowed nostalgia to take over.  “There was an aged man who often visited Candlekeep, one of Gorion’s friends.  He was a great warrior-poet from a faraway place, and his voice still boomed with awesome power, though his frame was bowed with age.  Whenever he came to visit, he always saw me either writing or reading poetry, whether it was outside in a tree, perched precariously on the ramparts, or inside, buried in the musty tomes of the great library.  He nicknamed me the ‘little poet’, or dymphna, as it is known in his ancient tongue.  When I first summoned Dymphna and she asked for a name, it somehow just seemed appropriate for me to name her that.  My hunch was right, because the name immediately fit.”  Vessa smiled at the memories as she stroked Dymphna’s feathers.

She saw Solaufein smile gently at her.  “My Lady, may I…may I be so bold as to refer to you as such from now on?”

“You…you want to call me Dymphna?  Well, that would be kind of confusing, as I would never know if you were referring to either me or her, but I wouldn’t--”

“No, my Lady.  I do not want to call you Dymphna.  I would rather use the translation.  I would like to call you Little Poet.”

Vessa felt her blush return with frightening swiftness.  He…He wants to give me a nickname?  He wants to give me a nickname!!  “Oh!  Uh…s-sure, Solaufein.  Y-you may call me that whenever you like.  I would not…would not mind at all.”  She didn’t realize it, but her hand was rubbing the back of her neck, as it always did when she was embarrassed or shy.

Solaufein’s smile brightened at her acceptance.  “My little poet… You know, I originally sought you out because Imoen said that Anomen “broke things off” with you.  She said you were quite distraught over it, and that my presence would help you feel better, somewhat.  However, it would seem as though Imoen was mistaken in her assessment of the situation.  Either that, or she orchestrated this entire thing…”

“Hah ha!  That sounds like Imoen, all right!  As to Anomen, well, he just wanted to clarify that he didn’t have feelings for me, and wanted to be sure I felt the same.  Nothing more than that.  I am not heartbroken, there was nothing earth-shatteringly spectacular about it.  I guess it was just business as usual.  Imoen is likely trying to cause trouble again.”

Solaufein looked surprised by this, “So, I…I take it that you did not ‘fancy’ him in that manner?”

“Nope.  I have no feelings for Anomen other than the affection awarded with friendship, nothing more.  I believe he is a good person, but his personality leaves something to be desired.  That is just my opinion, though.  I am sure there are many ladies that appreciate a man like Anomen.  I am just not one of them, and apparently, the feeling is mutual.”

“He is more the fool for his folly.”  Solaufein said, looking her straight in the eye as he spoke.  Vessa was astounded at what he just said.  Was she hearing things?

“Wh…what did you say?”

“I said that he is more the fool for his folly.  It is the truth.  Any man who would turn *you* away is indeed a fool who has not a whit of sense in his mind.”

Before the flabbergasted Vessa could properly process this huge compliment she had just been given, Imoen ran into the field.  Imoen had an uncanny knack for interrupting things, it seemed.

“You guys!  We cooked up a hilarious trick to play on Anomen!  You gotta help out!”

“But Immy, I thought you said you were not going to play pranks on Anomen until he had those worries of his sister cleared up.”  Vessa replied.  How quickly Imoen changed her mind!

“Sister?  Of what is it you speak, Vessa?”  Solaufein asked.

“We’ll explain later,” Imoen said.  “and yeah, Vessa, I did *say* that, but….he broke up with my sister!  And besides, a little prank would loosen him up a little.  Come on, whaddya say?  Eh?  Eh?”  Imoen poked Vessa in the ribs with her elbow at each ‘eh’.

“Well, if it is not needlessly cruel, I do not see why we cannot do it.  So, what is your plan, Immy?”  said Vessa.

“Well, I’m not exactly sure what Solaufein could do, but I’m sure he could come up with something,”  Imoen winked conspiratorially at Solaufein, who arched a brow at her in response.  “Anyway, Vessa, what I want you to do is simple….”

***

Anomen had been gazing at his reflection in a stream for a while.  He felt much better now that things had been cleared up between Vessa and he.  He also hoped that they would be returning to Amn soon, as he had some business to settle before he could be truly relaxed and focused on the road ahead.

His reflections were interrupted by the sound of soft footfalls behind him.  In one fluid motion, he leapt up, drew his mace, and whirled around, tensed to fight.  His stance was immediately dropped when he recognized that it was only Jaheira who approached.

“Anomen, I believe there is something you should know.  You do realize that Imoen listened in to your conversation, correct?”

Anomen sighed, “I wouldn’t put it past her, the little troublemaker.  Why?  What is she planning this time?”

“Well, Vessa believes you’ll realize it’s a joke, but they are all planning to put on quite the little drama for you when they hear you approaching.  This makes me very glad that we are not part of a theatre troupe.”

“If that is the case, Jaheira, how do I know you are not part of this little charade?”

“Excuse me, Anomen?  For as long as you have traveled with us, you should know by now that I have no time for such idle foolery.  I merely told you about this childish prank because I wish to avoid it if at all possible.”

“Hmm…yes, your personality does seem averse to such things.  I, however…”

“Anomen, you do not mean to tell me that you are actually going to participate in this little farce?”

“Oh, I believe I will…I feel I shall be quite amused at whatever Imoen and the others have concocted for me.”

Anomen saw Jaheira shake her head and snort as she walked away.  As much as she might not enjoy this, Anomen thought the silliness inherent with such foolery would be quite a boost for his mood.

***

   Minsc had been quite confused when he had first heard Imoen’s plan.  If Anomen really did not do anything to harm little Vessa, why must they act like he had?

   “Awww, come on, Minsc!  It’s just a harmless joke!”  Imoen told him.

   “But Minsc wants to know why we play such a joke on Anomen.  I see nothing funny about play-acting that he hurt Vessa’s feelings.  Would that not be cruel?”

   “No, no, Minsc.  Not at all!  He’s not stupid, he’ll know we’re just teasing him when he sees it happen!”
   
   Boo was telling Minsc that it was indeed ok to play the joke on Anomen for it is just harmless teasing.

   “Ok, Minsc will play the trick with you.  Now, what must Minsc do?”

   “Ok, well, it’s really simple.  All I want ya to say is…”

***

Anomen made his way toward camp, and when he drew close, he heard the unmistakable sound of a woman wailing in distress.  He snuck closer and saw Vessa, her tear-stained face showing grief as she ran towards Imoen. Vessa tried to speak through the sobs threatening to choke her.

“I…I am so crushed!!  What shall I ever do without Anomen’s love?  Oh Anooooooooooooooomeeeeeeeen!!!  I’m carrying his chiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiild!!!!   OUR BABY WILL BE FATHERLESS!!   WWWWHHHYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEE?!” Her sobs grew louder with each stretched vowel, and she cried on Imoen’s shoulder as her sister hugged her comfortingly.

   Carrying my child? I should like the details on the conception!   Highly amusing, I must admit.  She’s got quite a wail on her, that Vessa.

“Oh Vessa, that reminds me of the time my ninth-aunt’s cousin’s brother’s niece Myallia ran off with that knight back in Calimshan.  Rather silly fellow he was, wearing all of those hair shirts under his platemail as a sign of suffering for the sins of others in the heat of that desert, which caused an unfortunate case of hair chafe that lasted the rest of his life, but that’s not including the case of hair chafe he gave her after he and she spent a long night of passion under the sand dunes, which was unfortunate because he met his end by an unlucky case of sand in his-”  Jan began.

“Minsc will CRUSH THE SKULL of the bad man that hurt little Vessa’s heart!  There will be horrible vengeance wreaked upon his head with impunity! Minsc will make sure he can never make other children!  I shall slap him about the face, neck, and nethers until he sees the grievous errors of his ways!”

“My my, Minscy, but your vocabulary has improved of late, hasn’t it?”

“Minsc often listens to Solaufein talk now.  He puts flowers in everything!”

   Gods, I hope Minsc is in on the joke!  If not, then I should probably add some extra protection to the codpiece of my armor…


“WAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!! This is supposed to be about me being sad, remember?  My heart is hurting here!  My baby is fatherless here!  Oh Anoooooooooooooooomen!”  Her sobbing increased with a worrisome rapidity.

“There there, Vessa.  It’ll be ok.  I’m an archmage, remember?  I can do all *sorts* of horrible things to him!  Remember that time I turned that guy who insulted my hair into a small, eyeless, anal-dwelling dodo bird?”

Anomen found that he was feeling rather grateful that this was all just a joke.

“Oh Immy…How could I forget?  It was so funny to see him squirm around, just looking for an anus to dwell in.  I remember, that orc just never was the same after that incident…”

Ok, extremely grateful.  He thanked Helm that this was just a prank.

“Oh, do not fret, dear Vessa, for I am here to comfort you!”  Solaufein said.  Anomen had not seen him before then; It was like the Drow had appeared out of nowhere!

Vessa removed her head from Imoen’s soggy shoulder and turned to look up at the dark elf.  “You…you can?  You can make my poor little heart stop hurting after what that cruel, horrible Anomen did to me?”

Solaufein smiled with a charisma that would put a priest of Sune to shame, “Oh but of course, Vessa.  I have had much experience with…comforting women in the past.  I know just what to say.  Now come, run off with me into the thicket!  I can take you away from all these bad thoughts!”  Here he grabbed her hand, and both of them ran speedily into the woods.

Anomen grinned to himself.  They expected him to give chase, no doubt.  As a fledgling knight, what more could he do than be chivalrous and oblige?  Thankfully he had not yet donned his armor, as this would be quite an exhausting endeavor otherwise.  As he jumped up to leave, he nearly ran over Jaheira, who had been waiting in the bushes for the entire thing to be over.  After he helped the disgruntled druid up, he ran after Vessa and Solaufein, laughing to himself all the while.

***

   Vessa could not contain her giggles at what was happening.  Solaufein had not had a part in this horrible, melodramatic sap, but he had the heart of an actor, it seemed.  He insinuated himself into this little play flawlessly, and even now the devilish twinkle in his eye told her that his plans were not quite done.  They flew through the forest, the wildness of the melding greens dizzying her eyes as they sped above the grass blades.  Finally he stopped, whirled her around dramatically, and caught her up in his arms. He was pressing her against him, and his lips were just a precious hair’s breadth from her ear. 

“Anomen has been following us this whole time,” he whispered slowly into her ear, which was tickled by his breath.  “What say you to truly mortifying him, my Little Poet?”

Vessa could feel her heart beating through her breast at the close proximity of Solaufein, and her shyness was threatening to take over once again, but at the same time she was drunk on her own giddy laughter.  This was fun!  She leaned up to breathe a whisper in his ear.

“I doubt that we could mortify him now, but I say that it would be indeed a worthwhile past-time to peruse, Solaufein.”  She could tell that he smiled at her response.

   “As you wish then, My Lady,” his lips curled into a devilish grin as he spoke. Solaufein raised his voice so as to be clearly audible to any who might be eavesdropping.  “Vessa, I think we’re alone now.”

   Vessa caught on and raised her voice in kind, although she couldn’t suppress her giggling, “Yes, Solaufein.  There does not seem to be anyone around.”

   “Hmmm…then perhaps it is time to show you my own unique brand of comfort.” With that, the world became a breathless, wild swirl for Vessa as Solaufein dipped her in a way that would make women daydream and men’s knuckles white with rage. He lowered his face within an inch of her own, locking his stormy emerald eyes, now ablaze with roguish mischief, with hers.  Vessa’s own eyes widened with undisguised shock as his actions.   What happened to brooding, aloof Solaufein?!

AAAAH! What do I do now?!  Vessa thought to herself in a panic.  Once again, she felt the blush bloom on her face.  If this kept up, Vessa wouldn’t have enough blood to fuel the blush!

 “Come now, my dear, no need to act the blushing maiden,” Solaufein purred lowly,  “I will make you forget his traitorous touch...." Solaufein’s face hovered slowly closer…closer..….closer……

“NAY, DROW!  YOU SHALL NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS LADY TODAY, NOT WHILE I’M AROUND TO STOP IT, YOU BLACKGUARD!”  Anomen came crashing out of the undergrowth, running towards them with suspiciously embellished fury.  Vessa could swear she heard a laugh in Anomen’s voice as he made his “attack”.

Solaufein quickly pulled a thunderstruck Vessa up and, with a wink and a waggle of an arched, snowy brow, he grabbed her hand and ran into the forest once again. Swiftly and without a sound, he led her through enough obstacles so as to render their trail untraceable by the hoodwinked knight and returned them safely to camp.

As they tumbled, breathless and laughing hysterically back into camp, Vessa and Solaufein were immediately accosted by the other members of the group as they pointed to a grinning Anomen. He had returned to camp much earlier than they had, and was not covered with quite as much foliage as they were..  As everyone’s laughter rose with each passing syllable uttered by the two, Vessa was distracted by one nagging, excited thought. 

Was Solaufein really going to kiss me back there?
« Last Edit: May 07, 2006, 12:17:05 AM by Noctalys »
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #10 on: May 07, 2006, 12:42:29 AM »
Chapter 10:  Madness In the Moonlight

   Jan’s feet were uncomfortably sore by the time they reached Imnesvale, but that petty annoyance was soon assuaged by the fat sack of gourmet turnips dumped on the table he was sitting at.

   “From Vincenzo,” Vessa stated, “That is just his little way of saying thanks.  Apparently, your cousin Kylie is extremely persuasive in convincing people to buy things that they will never use,” she finished with a wink and a flourish of her hands.

   Jan made a mental note to himself that, should Kylie be back at home when they returned to Amn, he would share his new turnip peeler plans with her out of thanks for the gift she had inadvertently given him.  However, once that note was out of the way, his mind stopped concentrating on thinking in order to make room for enjoying the taste of every delectable bite he took out of these delicious turnips. 

   After spending the better part of his time eating, Jan decided to save the rest for annihilation at a later date.  He cast his gaze about Vincenzo’s inn, his sharp eyes taking in every minute detail as he searched for potential threats.  In his time traveling with Duvheassa, Jan had found that even the most innocuous of places held secret dangers when a Bhaalspawn was involved.

   The hum of conversation in this particular in was more muted and dull than in the inns they frequented back in Amn.  The common area was cozily lit in the lazy scarlet and ginger glow of the fire, and the smoke blurred everything slightly as its thin fog filled the room.  Whatever tree it was these logs came from, most likely cedar, the pungent smell wafted through the entire space, cleverly masking the scent of spilled ale and the more…unsavory odors such places normally suffered.

 The chairs and flooring planks were of aged, worn wood; good stout stuff that he assumed held up many a drunkard over the years.  The grain of table he was sitting at was splintered with age, but for the most part it seemed well-kept.  Jan could make out some words carved into the wood: “Hyram and Yanna love forever” in a heart, “KC & EL” in a cross, and some more shallow words, too faded into the wood to decipher.

The patrons were, for the most part, a quiet bunch, minding their own business or occasionally casting admiring glances in his group’s direction.  Jan smiled, as once again, he saw that Jaheira pretended to be oblivious to all the male attention she was receiving. Most likely she did this because she did not want to be bothered by their petty proposals.  Vessa was completely oblivious of the attention as well, but he thought it was more honest unawareness than grave annoyance that attributed to her ignorance of their stares.
People were mostly impressed by the great show of strength and bravery that was Minsc.

Jan knew most people didn’t know what exactly to make of he himself.  That’s just one of the perks of being enigmatic.  Jan caught some uncomfortable shifting in the various people as their eyes chanced upon Solaufein, whose hood was still up lest he frighten the patrons fully.  Not even seeing a tiny kitten curled in the mighty warrior-mage’s lap could quell their bone-deep fear of Drow.  Even Jan was having hard time getting used to the idea of the mighty, jaded Drow caring for a kitten.

Hhhmm….Minsc was, once again, sitting at the table with Jaheira and feeding Boo crackers.  It looked as though the grateful accolades of the town were not just limited to turnip-giving, as Boo was getting some pretty fancy looking crackers, there.  Jaheira was scowling about something or another once again.  Perhaps a practical joke or the like would surprise the frown right off her face…he would have to think on that.  Anomen was fidgeting impatiently at his own table.  Jan suspected that something was bothering him, but he doubted Anomen would speak of it to anyone.

  Vessa herself, her familiar loyally sitting on her shoulder, was currently ordering something or other from Vincenzo.  Occasionally Jan caught her furtively peeking at Solaufein and blushing brightly.  Jan chuckled to himself.  It would seem we have quite a distracted leader on our hands…

   Looking at Solaufein revealed still more. Solaufein had his usual brooding countenance, to be sure, but the gaze of said Drow seemed to be directed thoughtfully in the area of Vessa’s visage when he thought she wasn’t looking.   Whatever happened in those woods, it sure proved to have some interesting consequences…

   There was a kind of awkwardness between the two that made Jan laugh to himself.  He knew well those first little brushes of love.  They reminded him of his earlier, happier days with Lissa…those blissful days when they were engaged to be wed…those perfect days before Vaelag came along. 

Jan turned away; He could not stand looking at them anymore.  Even after all these years, it was still too painful to be reminded of Lissa and the accompanying pain her loss gave him.  He felt doubly so after he lost Lissa a second time not so long ago…

   He began to feel the familiar anger and melancholy rise up in his breast again.  He cursed the impotence he felt at being unable to stop Vaelag from the first.  It was horrible enough that Lissa was crazy enough to go back that bastard after what he had done, but to bring the child back as well?!  It was especially maddening because they had already healed the little girl once, and she knew full well it was Vaelag that caused the injury!  How could she put her own child at risk like that?!  How could she…how could she go back to him?  How could she go back to the man who mistreated her and saw her as dirt, when she could have a man who would give her the world?  How could she…abandon him like that?  They were going to be married.  They were going to be married!  They were going to…

   Vessa startled him out of his own brooding by slamming a tankard of turnip ale in front of him.  How she managed to secure the turnip ale remained to be seen, but he had a suspicion that perhaps Kylie tricked Vincenzo into buying more than just a sack of turnips.

   “Hey, Jan.  You look unhappy.  Is there anything you would like to talk about?  Or would you rather I just leave you alone for now?”

   Jan shook his head negatively.  Vessa was a sweet girl who meant well, but…some things are meant to be borne alone.  His pain was one of them.

   He saw her face soften into a look of empathy.  “I will not presume to say that I know what you are going through.  I probably have absolutely no idea whatsoever.  I know this is not much of a consolation, but…if you ever need someone to talk to, you have my ear.”

   Thanks for the offer, Vessa, but…I’d rather be alone right now.  Thanks for the ale.” Jan said in reply.

   Vessa merely nodded at him and took a seat next to Jaheira, and across from Solaufein.  She swirled a small glass of violet wine in her hands.  Jan noticed that Vessa didn’t drink much.  Probably doesn’t have the liver for it.  He thought to himself.

   Jan had a suspicion that he was missing something…or someone.  Wait just a minute here… where was Imoen?

   He didn’t have to wait long for that particular answer, however, as loud footsteps followed by an opening of the inn door told him that something large this way comes.  There, of course, was Imoen, entering the room in her typical climactic fashion after jumping down from the shoulder of a large ogre-mage.  Surprisingly enough, the patrons of the inn barely stirred at the ogre’s presence.  They had grown used to the large visitor, and indeed some even nodded to him as he followed Imoen towards Vessa.  Jan shook his head.  The little pink troublemaker had arrived.

***

   “What did you do now, Immy?” Vessa asked after a sip of wine.  Imoen was prone to pulling little stunts like this, but riding in on Madulf’s shoulder like that?  He was an ogre, not a pack horse!

   “Little girl ask Madulf for ride.  Was going this way anyway, so picked her up.”  Madulf said, his puffy lips smiling pleasantly as his great black eyes twinkled.

   Vessa just sighed as Imoen tousled her hair and laughed.  “See? No harm done!”  the cherry-haired troublemaker replied.  “Besides, Madulf wanted to talk to ya anyways.”

   “Is that so?”  Vessa replied with a smile.  “Well then, Madulf, pull up a chair and sit with us!  Bartender, bring our good friend here an ale!  So, what is the problem, Madulf?”

   Madulf lowered his considerable girth into two of the chairs at the table.  He was not an overweight ogre by any means; he was just a large creature.  He folded a great, battle-scarred hand over the tankard set in front of him by Vincenzo, and spoke.  “Thanks to yous, Madulf and others is living peacefully in hills now.  We do much scouting to protect human village, and we finds another village nearby.  Is full of humans too, but they can put wolf-skins on.  Are good people even with furry skins, very kind, and nice to us,” here his sallow face sagged, “not so much now.  They used to avoid humans here, knew humans didn’t like skin-changers, but now at night on full moon they go crazy, attack and kill, attack and kill some more. They used to not go crazy when put on skins. Very, very bad.  Madulf no want fight his friends, but Madulf also promise to protect village from hurt.  Madulf know his friends not do this because they want to.  Madulf thinks something is making them be angry and kill.  Can you help them?”

   “Well, of course we will help your friends, Madulf.  Do you have a map or something we can use to find this village?”  Vessa said as her familiar cawed at Madulf.  .

   Madulf’s face brightened with joy at hearing this.  “Madulf friend can help.  He’sa ranger named Kruth, see?  He orc, he knows woods good.  Can take you to village faster than any of us can.”

   Vessa cast her gaze over her companions.  “Well, guys?  It is not like we have anything better we could be doing.  Let us go.”  As she got up to gather her things, Vessa heard Madulf speak again.

   “Hey, Drow.”

   “I assume you are speaking to me.  What is it, Madulf?”  Solaufein spoke from under his hood as he pet the sleeping kitten in his lap.  Vessa could not help but smile at the bizarre sight of a fully grown Drow warrior caring for a tiny kitten.

   “You’se a drow, so many not be liking you either, yes?”

   “I have learned as much from my life on the surface, yes.”

   “Well, you’se in good company,”  Madulf smiled amiably, “lady elf was nice to us an’ helped us, even though most elves think us monsters.  They be nice to yous, too.”

   Solaufein smiled warmly at Vessa, though his words were addressed to Madulf,  “Yes, I have recently been shown that, at least with these good people, I am treated as an equal in all respects,”  his eyes then flicked to Madulf’s face, “oh, and, Madulf?  Remember, you are only a monster if you perceive yourself as one.  Don’t allow others to mistreat you because you are an ogre.  You are still a person, same as everyone in this room.”

   Vessa smiled to herself after hearing this.  Even though he was raised in a society that valued anger and hate, Solaufein was kind to anyone who showed him the same courtesy.  That character trait impressed her deeply, and she couldn’t deny that it was an attractive one.

***

   Kruth, the orc of whom Madulf spoke, guided the party through the wilderness with surprising ease.  Solaufein had to admit that this orc knew what he was doing.  He found the quickest routes through the underbrush, and they were making good time.

Solaufein found his eyes resting on Vessa’s lithe form far more often than usual as they traveled.  He just couldn’t get his mind off of the events that spawned from the prank they had played on Anomen in the woods.  Where had his mind gone?  Over a century of learned caution, of careful, minute planning, of methodical processing and deliberate thought, all swept away in the untamed emotion of an instant like so many used spell components.  All in a moment.  One single, precious moment of blissful abandon, one breathless moment where, suddenly, all his many years of cruel indoctrination and forced subservience melted away, and he was free to embrace his own desires.

What am I thinking?  Surely I went too far.  How can I possibly presume to think she would accept such a forward display? There is no way my behavior could have been considered acceptable.  I must have crossed a line.  I must have broken some sort of Surfacer taboo.

He began to third-guess himself.  Vessa had looked to be enjoying herself as they ran through the woods.  Certainly there was a nova of laughter in her great, dark eyes.  Her very smile seemed to radiate happiness as they had run together.  When he twirled her around and caught her up in his arms, she was closer to him than she had ever been before.  He had caught a fleeting wisp of her scent then, and he found it enthralling.  Lavender, jasmine, patchouli…who knew he would have to learn the names of so many Surfacer plants just to describe Vessa’s fragrance! 

When he held her so close to himself, she had not pushed him away.  She did not seem offended by his actions…and in that precious half-second their lips nearly touched,  she made no move to leave his arms.   Would she…would she have returned my kiss?  Would she have shown me how she felt about me?  Would she have…

Solaufein felt the hair on the back of his neck rise, a sure sign that he was being watched.  At first he thought it was the as-yet-nameless kitten hitching a ride on his shoulders, but he remembered then that the creature was resting in his pack.  He whirled his head around just in time to see Vessa’s cheeks color as she looked hurriedly downwards, examining a particularly fascinating blade of grass that had caught her eye. 

Such shyness…I am unused to females exhibiting this emotion.  He grinned secretly to himself, pleased with her blush.  Perhaps he was over-thinking the situation.  Perhaps he just needed to worry less and let things be. 

It was getting late, and the sun was preparing to lay itself to rest on the rim of the horizon.  Madulf had not lied about Kruth getting them there quickly, however, for soon enough, they came upon a seemingly benign settlement of humans.  They were all busily going about their daily chores, and nary was a glance thrown in the direction of Vessa and her party.  Solaufein noticed that all of the villagers were crowned by extremely shaggy hair.  As he saw no wolf skins lying around, Solaufein assumed Madulf was speaking of werewolves when he mentioned that they ‘put on wolf-skins’. 

Kruth motioned them to follow with a wave of his burly, chartreuse arm.  He led them to a deer-fur hut that was only marginally larger than the other huts in the area.  Upon ducking under the fur-flap door, the first thing noticeable was the smell of the place: a warm scent, like that of aged leather.  For Solaufein, the interior was pleasantly dim, with just enough light filtering through to keep his natural infravision from working. In the fading sunlight, the entire inside glowed with a pleasant brown color.

Within was a swarthy giant of a man, whose long, unkempt hair matched his grizzled, shaggy beard.  Though he was aged, his muscles still rippled with power, embraced by the scars of battles long since passed.  His vermillion eyes burned fierce and proud, the eyes of a warrior who would do much to protect hearth and kin.  At his side stood a clever-looking woman with warm, golden eyes, and long, gleaming, windswept grey hair, wildly decorated with a myriad of leaves.  Her hands were curled around a staff, and they were well-formed and dexterous, and if Solaufein had to guess, he would have to say that she was a healer of some sort. She radiated calm and focus where her mate exuded wild, untamed energy.  Even at this first glance, Solaufein thought that they seemed to suit each other perfectly.

Kruth bowed to the two and motioned for the party to do the same.  However, as Solaufein was dropping to one knee, the aged male spoke.

“Kruth, I have said before, do not bow,” he motioned for them all to sit on the surprisingly clean furs that covered the floor, “the traitor-wolf bows to hide the lies in his eyes. You will respect us with actions here, not empty gestures.  Kruth nodded his head and left, leaving the party to their own devices.

The giant man’s appraising eyes swept over the group, “I am Heirkefs, the alpha, the clan chieftain, here.  This beautiful woman here is my mate, Teinlarra.  So, now.  Why have you come to our clan? I think Madulf sent you, because Kruth is a close packmate of his.  But…why?”

***

   Jaheira recognized the woman at Heirkef’s side.  She was an old friend, and a druid as well.  She did tend to be a bit more tribal than most, but being the leader of a werewolf pack tended to have that effect on a person.  However, she was very wise in her twilight years, and her word was highly respected among the druids.  Jaheira’s swift eyes were quick to catch Teinlarra’s appraising gaze on her.

   “Heirkefs, this one recognizes that woman.  She is this one’s friend, and a druid as well.  But, Jaheira, the tang of sorrow-scent is heavy over you.  Where is your mate?  He never strays from your side.  This one does not smell him anywhere.”  Teinlarra did some extra sniffing about the room to be sure. 

   So, even his scent is gone…Khalid truly is disappearing from me forever now… Jaheira had hoped she would at least still be able to catch lingering snatches of Khalid’s unique scent in the clothing she wore.  Even that, it would seem, was now rendered nonexistent to even the perceptive nostrils of a werewolf.  Her heart was once again full of the painful emotions that she nailed behind a trap-door deep within herself.  Jaheira’s heart still ached to be reminded of Khalid.  She still longed for his presence, and every morning she awoke to the cold emptiness of the bedroll they once shared was another morning lost to grief.

  She felt a hand on her shoulder, but did not turn to see who it was; Vessa was sensitive to the feelings of others, and this wasn’t the first time she had caught on to Jaheira’s still-frequent bouts of loneliness and heartache.  Dymphna roosted on her shoulder, comforting the druid as only a raven can.

“Khalid is…Khalid is no longer with us.  He was murdered by the foulest of evil, a cold man whom we are going to destroy!”  Jaheira felt hot tears in her eyes, but she managed to keep them in check.  These memories still hit her so hard…

“This one then asks:  Why then, are you here?  Why are not you hunting he who has slain your kin?”

Vessa squeezed Jaheira’s shoulder and spoke before the proud woman was forced to reveal the tremble of sadness in her voice, “We cannot fight him yet.  He lies, as a coward, behind his sister and a vanished kingdom.  A wall bars our way, and we can do nothing but become stronger and destroy his protection, should it not crash in on its own gluttony.”

“This sounds a great tale to weave, child of a god.  Yes, this one can smell it on you.  There is the black of murder-scent on your flesh.  You are welcome here, though, you who are friends of my sister-druid.  As she trusts you, so does this one,” replied Teinlarra, “but that is a tale for later.  Why, now, have you come here?”

“Madulf asked us to help you.  He says that you are a peaceful people who merely want to be left alone, but that lately, during the full moon, you are no longer able to control your actions and kill anything nearby in a feral rage.”

“Such a thing makes Boo’s little toes curl under with rage!  Why would these wolf-people want to kill?”  Minsc said.

“We have no want to kill, forest-warrior,” Heirkefs intoned in his deep growl of a voice, “we have no choice.  There is an angry fire in the moon had not been there before.  It blinds our minds, makes us kill and kill and kill again.  I don’t think the humans have fallen to our claws yet, but there is danger, bad danger.  Hmm….Teinlarra trusts you, or at least her sister-druid.  I give you free permission to roam our territory, but fight without being attacked first and you shall all fall to our fangs.  Now go.  Speak to the shaman.  He knows the magic of the moon far better than I.   His hut is the one with bright paints on the furs.”   With finality, he gestured to the door, signaling them to leave.

Jaheira felt strangely comfortable as they walked through this simple village.  It was surprising to see an entire community of natural lycanthropes, because they kept their villages a secret out of a strong need for the safety that comes with ignorance.  Not even druids were made aware of such villages unless necessity dictated it, and they were defenders of nature!  In the fading light the sunset used to paint the land, the people here seemed ancient, earthy, and proud.  All were possessed of a quiet strength gifted them by their nature.  The children that gamboled happily about reminded her strongly of puppies first allowed out of a den.   These people were truly different than the lycanthropes encountered in the Windspear Hills.

The shaman’s tent was obvious due to its bright coloration.  Jaheira recognized the natural dyes on the pale furs, dyes made from flowers and roots.  The tent was decorated with various symbols of nature: nuts, twigs, berries, leaves, and small, polished animal bones.  They ducked under the tent-flap and were greeted by the sight of a ruddy-haired, slightly-muscled, middle-aged man grinding something reddish with a mortar and pestle.  After a cough from Vessa, he looked up and smiled broadly.  “Oh my, but I have visitors in my tent!  And outsiders, as well!  Such an odd sight you are!  Now, what can I do for you today?  Need you some potions, perhaps?”

Jaheira immediately disliked the man.  There was something false and hollow in his voice, and there seemed almost to be a predatory gleam in his eye as he surveyed the group.  It reminded her of…but no.  That was a preposterous thought.  One such as that would not remain comfortable among werewolves for long.

“No, we have not come for potions.  Your chieftain said that we should talk to you about the recent odd behavior occurring at the time of the full moon.”  Vessa said, showing no signs of suspecting the man of anything. 

The shaman’s face immediately slid on a mask of concern.  “Ah, yes.  Well, I myself have fallen prey to whatever influence it is that has us in its thrall.  I believe that whatever is causing this is a strong, outside force.  Most of us wake from our bloody trances near the northern mountains, the ones we call the Wychallarn.  I have explored as much of the area as I could, but there is one particular path, the only path through that part of the mountains, that I cannot pass.  It is as if it has been warded against my kind.  Here, allow me to scribe out a map for you to follow.”  Using some rich, black ink and a crude quill pen, he drew out a rough map on the hide of some small creature and handed it to Vessa. 

‘there is one particular path, the only path through that part of the mountains, that I cannot pass’ Good excuse.  I wonder… why is it that we are somehow always the ones to go and do the menial labor for others?  I swear, all of Faerun would fall apart if it weren’t for those such as us to run all the petty errands for those perfectly capable of doing it themselves.  Jaheira thought wryly to herself.  She was truly disliking this shaman.  Maybe it was simply his shifty personality but…something tugged at her. 

She cast her gaze about the room once more to get a better feel for the shaman’s personality.  Things such as what a room looked like could tell much about a person.  Hmm…there was various alchemical paraphernalia, and small skins with notes and potion recipes written on them thrown haphazardly about the room…the various gaudy treasures that decorated the room showed a certain bit of vanity, to be sure.  The bedroll was frayed, but otherwise well-cared for.  However, Jaheira caught the edge of something peeking out from beneath the skins…  It looked to be a trapdoor.  She tucked that little note into the back of her mind, and began to pay attention to what was being said once more.

“…and another thing, my lady.  I worry for your safety, as the night is blanketing our land once more.  The wilderness at the foot of the Wychallarn is both ancient and dark, and many old evils lurk there.  Also, we have no idea what is beyond that path…it could mean doom for the unprepared.  The moon is not full, so you shall be safe with us for tonight.  We have no inns, as we are a secretive people, but a large tent could easily be pitched for you near the hot springs.  I am sure the Chieftain would not mind you spending the night here.”

Jaheira was not all too sure about this.  “Excuse me, but what I have gathered since being here, your people are extremely suspicious of outsiders.  Why do you treat us with such deference and concern?”

Here the shaman’s face twisted into a look of gravity.  “The health of my pack is all in all to me.  If that means I must see to the comfort of outsiders, then so be it.  I would rather humble myself serving you and having my pack safe, than throw you out on your ear and have you get killed and your equipment used against us.”

Vessa nodded.  “We accept your offer, then.  We shall do all we can to aid your pack.”   The shaman nodded, walked outside, and called one of the villagers.  With a whisper and a not the villager was sent running, and soon a large tent was being erected nearby.

Jaheira felt an elbow poke her ribs as they walked out of the tent.  Imoen was becoming quite annoying with that habit.  “Say, Jaheira,” she whispered slyly, “I saw ya casing the joint.  Find anything interesting?”

Jaheira rolled her eyes as she looked over to Imoen.  “Perhaps, although it may mean nothing…”

“Aw, come on, Jaheira!  Ya could elaborate, you know!”

“And give you the satisfaction of winning?  Never.  Now come, I would like to sample these hot springs.  Being slathered in the grime of the road is not conducive to maintaining the balance.”

“Oh yeah, the hot springs!  This is gonna be great!”  Imoen ran ahead, hurriedly throwing her things into the large tent and preparing to jump in.  Jaheira smiled at her retreating form.  Her childish exuberance could indeed be refreshing.

***

   Vessa sighed happily and relaxed beneath a bounteous canopy of stars.  She smiled blissfully, allowing the soothing heat of the water to flood into her muscles, relaxing away the cares of many a too-worn road.  She had waited until well after sunset to go out to the hot springs, as she was guaranteed to be alone.  The rickety wooden privacy fence, overgrown with ivy and currently inhabited by a sleepy Dymphna, made her feel completely shielded from the outside world.

   She simply savored the experience for a while, but soon felt her eyes grow heavy.  Wisdom dictated that she should finish bathing before she fell asleep in the water.  A mixture of potent herbs served as a useful cleansing concoction for her hair, and she ran it through each curly strand.  Once done, she flipped the entire mass over her head and bent over into the water.  As she was scrubbing out the last of the mixture, she heard a masculine gasp of surprise and a slide of feet against rock.  Vessa  tensed up, realizing instantly what had caused the gasp, and felt a sickness slowly root into her stomach at the thought of what she might have to explain.

***

   Solaufein had waited until late at night to go bathe, as his previous attempts to use public bathing areas were met with ignorance and abuse once he stepped inside.  At least now, in the velvety darkness, none of the inhabitants of this village would be reposing in the waters. 

   He had been startled, to say the least, when he saw none other than Vessa, her silhouette made warm and soft through the steam, rinsing her hair out in the water.  His surprise had quickly frozen into shocked horror after he saw what was carved into her back.

   Vessa turned herself around to see who it was, then blushed crimson and moved to cover herself from his gaze.  She realized her back was still to him, so she obscured the brutal scars by flipping her hair over.  Dymphna squawked loudly and flew around, attempting to distract Solaufein for her mistress.

   “I-I am sorry,  S-s Solaufein.  I did- di-did not know you w-were c-coming out h-here.  I…I will l-leave.”  She moved to get up, still trying to maintain her decency in the process.

   “No, My Lady.  It is I who should allow you some privacy to finish bathing.  But Vessa…who did that to you?  Who hurt you?  Did that happen in Ust Natha?” Solaufein hoped that she was not hurt by the upset tone of his voice.  How could somebody do that to her?!

“N-nn-no, not Ust Natha,” Solaufein saw her curl up into an even tighter ball as she spoke.  She took a deep breath, and seemed to be summoning forth her powerful will to steady her voice. “This…this I-is part of what Irenicus…what he d-did to me.”

“Irenicus?  That vile beast?!  There are not enough torments in all the hells for that monster!”  Here he stopped and wondered if the full weight of the phrase was known to her, “Vessa…do you know what it says?”

“Xa’huuli  ssindossa.  I-I s-saw it through Dymphna’s eyes ss-soon after leaving Irenicus’…I-Irenicus’ dungeon.  T-there are other words on me too, s-some in Elvish, some in Common.”

“Do you…do you know what it means?”

“W-well, I’m pre-pretty  sure it d-does not mean ‘ravishing angel’, knowing Irenicus,.  Ss-so, what d-does it mean, Solaufein?  Do n-not worry, I can handle it, what-whatever it is.”

Solaufein shook his head, though Vessa’s back was still to him and she could not see the action.  “No, I shall not tell you.  Suffice it to say that the words are both cruel and untrue in every way.  Is this…is this the reason you bathe alone?”

Vessa shook her head, her watered locks rippling beautifully with the action.  “No, Solaufein.  I do not hide from my past.  I p-promised myself long ago that I wou-would not allow these scars to r-rule me, that I would not allow these scars t-to define me or become an important part of my life.  It is n-no problem bathing with Imoen or Jaheira, b-because they understand, and they don’t ma-make a fuss over it.  I used to go to the bath houses and ignore the stares… I-I expected them, but I did not care.  B-but then…but then it started to spiral.  The looks eventually changed from shock and horror to pity.  People began approaching me, sometimes even as I was bathing in privacy, to offer me their pity-money.  Overheard whispering soon showed me that the general consensus was that I was poorly-used prostitute from rough country.  Sometimes people would ask me about my scars, and they made all of the nightmares escape from their prison in my mind.  I was accosted by many clerics of Illmatar with promises of safety and healing should I ever wish to turn from my ‘lifestyle’.”

 Vessa laughed quietly, but there was only bitterness in the sound.  Solaufein was shocked at the harsh vehemence in her voice as she continued, “sometimes men even told me that they could ‘treat me better than that’, and that they would ‘take me in.’ I…I just could not stand it anymore.  I couldn’t stand the pitying glances, the patronizing speech….they all treated me like I was a beaten dog!  They acted like it was the ultimate reward to pat me on the head or whisper some empty words of comfort to me, when all I wanted was to bathe in peace!  It…it got to be ridiculous!  They were more concerned with my scars than I was!  I am not an animal, and I am not these scars!  I am an elf, and I have a name!  I am Vessa, and I deserve to be treated like a person!”  Here she tried to calm herself down, “ Finally, I just got sick of it all, and I decided not to be bothered with it anymore.  I got disgusted with the looks, disgusted with the pity-coins, disgusted with the preaching to reform my ways…Now I wait until everybody has left before I emerge to bathe.  They do not see Vessa when they look at me…they see my Vessa’s scars.  No…no matter how hard I try to remain free from these scars, it seems the world is bent on binding me to them.”

Vessa trailed into silence, looked over her shoulder, and locked eyes with Solaufein, “but listen to me, I sound like a whining child.  You must find me terribly selfish to groan about the petty reactions of a few people in the bathing chambers when no one can see the noble, good soul that resides in your dark flesh.”

Solaufein shook his head at hearing this.  “*You* see me, Vessa.  It is all I could ever ask for,” he responded gently, “now, I shall leave you to finish your bath.  Fear not, my Little Poet, I shall stand guard that you will not be interrupted again.”

“…thank you,” Vessa whispered.  She was so quiet as she said this that even Solaufein’s keen ears could barely detect the words.

“Vessa?” he asked as he turned away, “do not confuse compassion with pity.  I am ever at your service, and shall always listen should you wish to talk.”  With that, he walked through the old gate that lead out of the bathing area, set his things to he ground, and stood guard over Vessa.
***

   Vessa looked after Solaufein as he walked away, surprised by his words.  She quickly finished bathing, but had to pause as her strange streak of purple hair got tangled in her ring.  As she untangled the odd lock, she mused over the thin band of enchanted metal. 

   She no longer recalled where she had obtained the ring; perhaps in some forsaken dungeon or another?  In any case, she did remember the feeling of profound relief when she first slipped it on, and it had not left her finger since.

   She had been pondering a change in that situation, however.  Ever since that battle with the spiders, Vessa had been thinking about giving the ring to somebody who could benefit from its effects even more than she could.

   Vessa heard Dymphna land on the fence nearby; apparently, the over-protective familiar wanted to make absolutely sure that Solaufein wasn’t peeking, as she had been circling over his head to make sure he stayed put.

   *You ponder the ring, my Lady?* the raven communicated to her mistress.

   *Yes, Dymphna, I have finally made up my mind.*
   
   *You are going to make a gift of it?*
   
   *Yes, I am.  Given the nature of his enemies, I believe that this ring shall serve and protect him quite well.*

   *Are you sure this is a wise course of action, my Lady?  What of you?  What of your protection?*

   Vessa twisted the ring around her finger thoughtfully, *What of me?  He needs it much more than I do.  After all, it is not I who had demonic spiders teleporting out of nowhere to contend with.*

   *You never know, my Lady.  You are a Bhaalspawn, never forget that.  Spiders may very well be summoned after you next.*

   Vessa shuddered at the image that statement conjured.  *Er…well, regardless, he needs it more than I do.  I can always obtain another such item from somewhere, anyway.*

   Vessa felt a wave of skepticism from Dymphna as she finished her last thought, but the familiar dropped the conversation.  Vessa got dressed and headed out of the bathing area, finding Solaufein just beyond the gate.

Wow…he really*did* stand guard over me.  She thought to herself.

   Vessa approached Solaufein, nervously twisting her ring in the process.

***

“…Solaufein?”

   Solaufein turned to his side and looked down into Vessa’s face, now shimmering with the heat his infravision always detected in the darkness.  Her striking eyes, however, glowed brightly for him even without such as skill.

“Um…,” she continued after some uncertainty, “I-I would just like to say…thank you.  For e-everything.  I, um…I have s-ss-something for y-you.  It…it will p-protect y-you against wha-whatever your n-nightmares conjure.  I was…er, I w-was going to gi-give this to y-you earlier, but… I didn’t…didn’t get a chance.  Here.”  Her small hand reached for his own, turned it over, and opened his fingers.  She placed something small, warm, and circular into the center of his palm, covering his fingers over it.
   
Vessa hesitated once more, and Solaufein’s infravision showed a bloom of heat growing in her cheeks.  Quickly, she stood on tiptoe and brushed a butterfly-light kiss on his cheek.  She then rushed away, leaving Solaufein stunned, and more than a little touched.

Solaufein laid his fingers over the spot her lips caressed wonderingly, and then opened his hand to see what she had given him.  It was a small band, thankfully enchanted, as otherwise a ring that fit Vessa’s tiny finger would likely be too small for his own.

He could not see any runes on the ring with infravision, so he summoned up a small globe of light to aid him.  The little globe hovered over the ring, making the markings clearly visible.  He recognized the band as a ring of free action, useful against all forms of paralyzing attacks, such as hold person, entanglement, or…webbing.

Solaufein smiled to himself as he slipped the ring around his finger.  His sweet, shy Little Poet wished to protect him from his hunters, it seemed.  Her gesture was not one he would forget.

He thought on the kiss still tingling on his cheek as he watched the heat-trail left by Vessa dissipate into the cool night air.  Why had she kissed him?  Why did she blush so as she did it?  Was this the ‘flirting’ that Imoen was referring to, or was this just as Surfacer way of saying thank you?  For that matter, why had Vessa thanked him?  He could not think of anything he had done for her that would merit such thanks. 

Solaufein sighed over the questions as he slipped into the hot springs and allowed the soothing water to play over his sculpted physique.  As he began to aid the water in working out the kinks in his muscles, he decided that, perhaps, he shouldn’t question things quite so much.  What was that Surfacer phrase Vessa had taught him?  Oh yes: “Never look a gift horse in the mouth.”
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #11 on: July 30, 2006, 12:06:38 AM »
Ok, for starters...HUGE apologies all around for taking sooooo long to add something new to my fic, and even bigger apologies that I am essentially just adding in the rewritten chapter 11.  It's been split into 2 chapters and does indeed have a sizeable chunk of new material in it, so please do read it over.

Secondly, the next chapter is mostly written, I was going to post it but found I had some continuity problems....there are pieces of it I have to rewrite, so please bear with me and hopefully I will have a shiny new chapter worthy of you all to read.  Thank you, and here we go!


Chapter 11:  The Consequences of Playing Hooky

   Anomen sighed irritably as the party trudged once again through some insect infested, itch-causing, sweat-inducing, gods-forsaken wilderness or another.  *He* mistrusted the werewolves and thought they were a threat, but of course nobody listened to *him*.  Vessa had said the he should try not to see them as beasts to be killed, but as equals.  Hmph.  It was easy enough for her to say, but had she ever seen an entire village massacred by these abominations, or watched children murdered by their claws?  No, she had not.  He had, and he was forever scarred by the experience.  She was still far too trusting and unwise, even though she had proven herself seasoned enough in battle.  In fact, Anomen heartily believed that map given to Vessa by that crazed shaman was leading them straight into the maw of some horrible trap.

   Besides that, when exactly was Vessa planning to return to Athkatla?  He knew that she would in a heartbeat if he merely asked her, but his pride would not permit him to ask such a favor.  He would rather they just go so he could conduct his business in private, with no one else’s knowledge of his endeavors.  He didn’t need anyone else getting into his business; it was touchy enough as it was.

   I can still remember his hands…his hands after he beat me.  His hands after he hurt me.  They would be just as bruised and bloodied as I was, and he had broken many a bone in those hands after a bout of ‘loving ministrations’ to my benefit.  I pray he has not plagued Moira in the same manner since I left.  Sometimes I fear it was only mother and I keeping her safe.

   But…but Moira is no fool.  She is strong, clever, and brave.  Certainly she would be intelligent enough to get out of there should things escalate to outright abuse.  Perhaps.  Yet her loyalty, aye, that indeed is the rub.  She would never abandon that bastard, no matter how cruel he may become.  I can only pray to Helm that he has not auctioned her off to some filthy, perverted ‘noble’ to help pay off some of his drinking debts.

   
   Anomen shook his head roughly and clenched his fists, willing the paranoid thoughts to tumble out of his mind.  However, the horrendous images kept swirling about, whispering terrible fates for his sister if he kept dallying.  Something is wrong.  Something *must* be wrong.  I…I can feel it!  Oh gods, may we return to Athkatla soon!

   Anomen was startled out of his thoughts at the sound of fast footfalls gaining on them.  He turned to see that it was one of the village women, red-headed, tanned, and dressed in the simple, rough animal skins of her tribe.  She ran immediately to Vessa, who stopped the party in order to listen to the woman speak.

   “Lady, please!  I must speak to you!” said the peasant woman.
 
   “Of course.  What is it that you need?  Are you in trouble?”  Vessa replied.
   
   “No, Lady.  Not me, I am not in trouble.  It is my child who is in danger!  She, along with the children of many other mothers, went missing about when the moon started driving us mad, and I cannot smell her anywhere.  I worry for her.  Please, tell me you will look for her as you travel.” 

   Anomen saw Vessa’s eyes widen at hearing the woman, “Oh, really?  The Shaman said nothing of this.”

   The woman nodded her head at this, “no, the Shaman did not.  He thought it would be best for one of the women to tell you.  He said you might be more willing to help that way.”

   “Excuse me?  I told him that we would do all in our power to aid your people.  Why would he think he would need a plea from another to sway us?”

   “Most people do not like our kind, Lady.  The Shaman is unsure as to why you wish to help, but he truly wishes the best for our people.  He thought that this was the best way to do so.”

“Well, I assure you that we shall do all in our power to aid your child, and the children of others, should we encounter them.”

   “Oh thank you, thank you, good Lady!”  After vigorously shaking Vessa’s hand, the wolf-peasant left.

   Anomen now mistrusted the villagers even more.  It truly seemed like they were trying to manipulate Vessa, whose good heart tended to make her a tad gullible, in his opinion.  He knew that talking to her about it would be wasting his breath, as had learned that Vessa was obstinate when it came to helping others.  This reminded him of the time she reprimanded him in Athkatla after he scolded her for giving money to a beggar who was obviously conning her.  When will she realize that he was far more knowledgeable in these areas than she was?  Bah!  Ah, well….

   Vessa looked to be checking her map as they approached a pass at the rocky base of a mountain.  Good.  Now maybe they could go through the pass, kill whatever needed killing, and be done with this fiasco.

***

   Vessa scanned the pathway through the mountains, but was once again caught up in the beauty of the area.  They had been wandering about, as the map they Shaman gave them was less-than-clear, and already the sun was kissing the horizon.  The beautiful forest they were in erupted in a flaming cascade of dripping gold and molten vermillion as the sun slowly drifted to its bed of rest.  Vessa marveled at the beautiful tapestry her familiar’s silvery feathers became as she was gilded in the blazing sunlight while she flew overhead. 
   
Enjoying the view?  Her familiar asked in her mind as she began showing off her feathers even more, sounding at once both amused and, well, slightly conceited.  That bird had an ego the size of Anomen’s sometimes, in Vessa’s opinion.  Always going about, preening all the time, fixing every single feather if it so much as looked to be coming out of place….

   Well I was until you had to go and spoil it with your antics.  Now I just feel dizzy.  Vessa replied wryly.

   Hmph!  You just don’t appreciate good showmanship when you see it.  It’s not like the ravens around here are any better.  Pfeh!  Not a one is suitable for a mate, can you believe it?  They can’t even strip a corpse correctly.  I mean, even day-old hatchlings know to spear the eye straight through and pull it out in one clean motion, not to try to excavate around it like all these younglings are so keen on doing these days.

   Er…I’m sure I could have lived *without* that particular bit of imagery, thanks.

   But you know…I *do* rather like their glossy black plumage.  Not like the celestial ravens back home, oh no.  Just imagine…little beads of water slowly rippling down their feathers, only to be shaken off in a perfect, shiny motion by ebony feathers…oh yes.  And it would seem that I’m not the only one who fancies black, now, am I?

   I am quite sure I have no idea what you could possibly be referring to, Dymphna.

   Oh, don’t you?  You must remember, Vessa, our minds are inextricably linked.  I know your thoughts, and I can honestly say the ones you keep buried the most are a source of endless entertainment…

   GAH!  This is worse than Immy stealing my diary!  You had better stop plundering my mind, bird, before I pluck your feathers out and enjoy your drumsticks with some salt!


   Vessa caught a wave of amusement crashing forth from her familiar, and was under the distinct impression that she was being laughed at.

   Vessa forced herself to ignore her familiar and focus on the road.  They had approached a craggy road that led into the mouth of a path through the ever-ascending rocks leading to the mountains.  She believed that this road was the correct one, but they had already dead-ended several times in the forest.  Vessa, by this time, seriously doubted the sanity of this Shaman.
   
   Another thing bothered her; the Shaman had said that this was a forest filled with ancient evils, and yet it lacked any aura of foreboding.  They hadn’t been attacked once since entering the wood.

   Vessa cautiously walked the perimeter of the pathway, trying to get a sense of any enchantment or any alteration of the weave.  She asked Imoen, Solaufein, and Jan to check as well, just to be sure, and they came to the same conclusion.  There was nothing here.  Once this was verified, Vessa used her own magic to detect the magic of others.  Once her eyes adjusted to seeing magic, and she could see the auras of the enchanted equipment her companions wore. She also knew what protections they had cast upon themselves, but she could sense nothing untoward about the pathway.  Strange, indeed.

   “Well, I can find no evidence of a barrier of any sort.  Can anyone else?”

   At the negative responses of her comrades, Vessa warily approached the opening of the path, and then walked through it and on a few steps.  She encountered no resistance.  She walked back to her friends, and her exit remained unbarred as well.

   “It’s too bad we don’t have old Cernd with us, what with him being infected with lycanthropy and all,” Jan began, “He could tell us if there was a barrier or not!  Why, this reminds me of the time uncle Turblebottom accidentally erected an impenetrable magical shield around the room when he was sick with diarrhea in the privy.  He liked to use old magic as curse words, you see.  Anyway, trapped in there for a week, he was, before it was finally dispelled.  I remember the stench, oh, the horrible stench.  There just aren’t enough leaves in the world….”

   By this time, Dymphna had begun to peck at Jan’s head in an attempt to shut him up.  By the intense waves of annoyance she was picking up from her familiar, Vessa knew all too well what Dymphna felt about Jan’s stories.  He may wish to check his head later, as a large white splat was soon going to be upon it…

   “GAH!  Minsc demands that somebody make the gnome shut up!  Boo cannot take such verbal meandering!  Although, verbal and meandering were both Boo’s words…

   “Er, hey, you know, Jan,” Vessa said in a desperate attempt to get Jan to shut up before poor Minsc was driven to the edge and finally broke him, “Cernd is not a natural lycanthrope,  so I am not exactly sure just how useful he would be here.  I mean, the villagers *are* all natural lycanthropes, correct?”

   Jan continued on, having ignored her completely.  “Well, I was just trying to say that he got out of it in the end.  Apparently not even the barrier could stand the stench.  Quite an explosion of magical energy, let me tell you!”

   Vessa sighed in exasperation as she motioned for everyone to continue on the path.  Imoen and Jan immediately ran ahead of the others, working their own unique brand of magic and blending in with the shadows quite well as they skillfully scouted ahead.  Dymphna flew with Imoen under the pretense that Immy might need a guide in case it became too dark outside.  In reality, Dymphna was Vessa’s little way of keeping an eye on Immy in case she was planning to do anything stupid.  A smart familiar, Dymphna was, though she could be *quite* trying if she wished.  Made Vessa proud. 

As Vessa was keeping her wandering mind in check by scanning for danger, she sensed a presence next to her.  She turned to see Solaufein, smiling empathetically down at her.

   “It was a commendable effort, my Little Poet, but alas, I fear that Jan’s stories are not so easily deferred.  I shall have to find a way to distract the gnome, it would seem.”

   They continued to walk together in a kind of comfortable silence, with Solaufein’s eyes drinking in the surroundings as Vessa’s own had been doing just moments before.  As she looked at his content visage, Vessa couldn’t help but wonder about some things she had purposely avoided thinking about.

   Normally, Vessa was a confident woman with great faith in her skills and abilities.  She knew, for the most part, both what her limits were, and just how far she could push them.  When it came to men, however, she was not nearly so secure with herself.

   As she snuck another peek at Solaufein, she felt the familiar self-doubt begin to plague her.  In the time following Sola joining with them, Vessa had resigned herself to the fact that he would begin to fancy Imoen, if he fancied any of the ladies in her party at all.  After all, it is how it had always been with boys and men in the past; why should anything be different now?

   However, Solaufein did not show any such interest towards Imoen, and if Vessa had more confidence in herself, she would have realized that he was directing such attentions towards her.

   Be that as it was, Vessa doubted herself to the point of being completely blind to the true meaning of his affections.

   The almost-kiss, the nickname, the fact that he came to comfort me after Imoen had tricked him, his kindness once he found out about my scars…No.  How could he have feelings for me?  Irenicus said…over and over… no man could possibly love me now.  It is simply not feasible.  Besides, even if I escaped unharmed from Irenicus, what redeeming qualities do I have that could *possibly* make up for the fact that I am a Bhaalspawn?  I am more trouble than I am worth.  I am undesirable, and there is just no way…

   She was brooding so deeply that Solaufein’s title as top brooder looked to be seriously threatened.  Then why…Why is he treating me the way he is?  It just does not make sense.

   No, it did make sense.   Vessa understood now.  She knew that Solaufein had been treated abysmally by nearly all of the people in his life, but by females, especially.  Since escaping to the surface, Vessa had taken pains to ensure that Solaufein would be treated well.  He was probably unused to such deference being shown to him.  It all made sense now.  Solaufein was grateful, and he was showing it to her in the only way he knew how.  That was it -- that must be it.  She would have to reassure him that there was no need for such a display.  She desired no such treatment if it was given out of a sense of duty or obligation.  That was no better than paying for it, in her opinion.

   Her heart felt like a heavy pendulum head swinging on the thinnest thread, ready to snap off the string and shatter, as she looked at Solaufein again.  She had been trying to accept the cold consequences of Irenicus’ cruelty, had been trying her hardest to suck it up and move on with her life, but… it really, really hurt her inside sometimes.  She wished he felt the same way she di---No.  She was a dreamer at heart, but she would deny herself pointless wishing. 
   
   Vessa gasped sharply as pain once more sliced through her abdomen.  She stumbled forward a few steps before Solaufein’s strong arms caught her.

   “My Lady!  Are you well?  You seem to be in great pain.  What is the matter?” Solaufein said, concern obvious in his gaze.
   
   Vessa found herself enjoying the contact much more than she felt she should, given her dark thoughts from before. “It is n-nothing, Solaufein.  I g-guess my last meal didn’t…didn’t agree with me.”  Vessa could see by the worry in his eyes that Solaufein was not entirely convinced.  It warmed her heart to see that he was at least concerned for her health.

   She looked away from Solaufein for now; it was too painful for her to imagine joys that would never be hers to hold within her heart.

   Vessa distracted herself from her increasingly melancholy thoughts by scrutinizing the area with uncharacteristic focus.  There was nothing untoward about the craggy pathway, nothing to suggest any sort of foulness afoot.  The sun was lying ever lower upon the horizon, and Vessa worried that their meanderings would render fruitless their efforts.

***

   Nothin’.  There’s absolutely nothing’ here.  Imoen thought to herself as she and Jan scouted.  Its getting dark, as well.  Good thing Vessa’s mangy bird is with me…If I get lost, I could always cook it…

   A sharp rap to her head indicated that perhaps Dymphna wasn’t quite as oblivious to her inner thoughts as she had assumed.  Damned bird…why couldn’t Vessa have gotten a cuddlier familiar, like…like a beholder.  Yes, ugly as Jan after too much turnip beer, but far more preferable to a mean old raven, that’s for sure.

   “Ya see anything, Jan?”  Imoen finally whispered in exasperation to the gnomish tinker at her side.

   “No, but-shh… I hear something.  Tell those noisy armor-heads to quit making such a racket.”

   Imoen craftily snuck back to the path proper, where Vessa and the others were marching.

   “Hey, quiet, willya?  Jan’s heard something!  Stay right here, we’ll come and get you if it’s something important.”

   An immediate silence, followed by an abrupt cessation of movement, greeted Imoen’s command.

   They’re like trained dogs or something!   Imoen thought cheerfully to herself as she crept back to Jan. 

   Though Imoen’s eyesight would soon be rendered useless by the drapes of nightfall, she snuck beside Jan anyway, readying a scroll of infravision should the need arise.

   They made their way silently through the trees now, and as they parted the last leafy boughs, now softly glowing a faded vermillion as the light fast vanished, saw that a glade had been nestled among the woods.  At the end of the glade opposite them, beyond a circle of mismatched stones, stood a decent-sized wooden hut.  Imoen could tell that it was occupied, as sinuous tendrils of smoke danced lazily from the chimney before dissolving into the twilight air.
   
A woman walked out of the hut then, a woman dressed in sensible, homespun, dark clothing that allowed a good degree of mobility.  She had quite a bundle in her hands as she walked toward the circle of stones.

   Imoen looked down to Jan, who nodded to her.  Taking this as his signal, Imoen went to the others, finger over her lips, motioning for them to follow.  As they all crept as quietly as they could (Minsc and Anomen having considerable trouble with this, clad in enchanted plate-mail as they were) they gave Imoen questioning glances.  She shook her head and said nothing, merely motioning for them to keep following.

They made it once again to the edge of the glade, and Imoen thanked her lucky stars that the woman seemed unaware of the clanking of the two heavily armored men.

Imoen could not make out much of the woman due to the encroaching darkness obscuring her vision.  However, she could tell that the woman had dark, straight, long hair.  Her clothing was dark, possibly black, and her body seemed fit beneath the fabric.  Her eyes seemed bright within the darkness, and she exuded an eerie aura. 

Imoen watched in fascination as items pulled from the once nondescript bundle were fashioned into a simple, yet beautiful and elegant, totem of some sort.  A pair of deft hands skillfully fit the pieces, resembling various animals of the forest, together, binding them with a thick substance.  Once the strange, colorful totem was completely assembled, the woman began chanting over it in an unknown tongue.
   
Imoen did not recognize this as something from any of the accepted schools of magic; this was something far older, something primal, but very powerful.  The hair stood up on the back of Imoen’s neck as the woman’s voice became more commanding, as it gained more fire and steel without raising a decibel in volume.

The woman began swaying side-to-side as she chanted, her eyes open and unseeing, her hands flowing like a glassy liquid as the magic caught her up in its wild throes.

Finally, her body shuddered, and then seemed to almost snap in twain as her upper body arched back in an inhumanly precise motion.

The air around the totem exploded with an electric blue light, coating the area in some sort of shimmering shield, which seemed to burst into an infinite number of stars before evaporating into the darkness.

   Imoen could indeed feel the unmistakable crackle and buzz of magical energies in the air now.  These energies felt defensive in nature, and she had no feeling of unease as she sensed the spell strengthening around her. 

   The woman looked breathless after the bizarre ritual was competed, and she staggered tiredly in the direction of her cabin.  Imoen looked to Vessa, who motioned for the group to walk down the path.

   They remained cautiously silent until well after they had quit the entrance to the mountains, and Imoen was getting impatient.  Why the secrecy all of a sudden?  Why couldn’t they just interrogate the woman and be done with it? Now would be the perfect time…

   “You all saw what transpired in the glade a moment ago, correct?”  Vessa began.  Imoen nodded her head anxiously.  When was Vessa going to spit it out?

   “Well, I believe that we should inform the Shaman of what exactly was done, and see if he knows what it is.  For all we know, that spell could very well be connected to the woman in some way.  If we alarm her and she is able to retaliate somehow, it might cause harm to the people of the village as well.  After all, if it already affects their minds so roundly…”

   “You are wise to show such caution, Vessa.  I would also like to add in my own opinion, here,” Jaheira said.  Imoen did love it when Jaheira got all lecture-y on Vessa.  It could get quite amusing.  “I would suggest showing vigilance with the Shaman as well.  We have all learned that he is not the best cartographer in Faerun; who is to say that he does not have an ulterior motive of some sort?”

   Darn.  She’s not going to scold Vessa this time.  Oh well…

   “You have a point, Jaheira.  I shall exercise proper caution while dealing with the Shaman.  Now, I have a question for all of you.  Would you like to wait until we reach the village to rest, or would you prefer we set camp out here?  Game is plentiful around here, so there is no need for us to suffer through any more iron rations.  I can hear flowing water of some sort, but we would be sadly lacking in hot springs to bathe in…”

   Imoen did want to go back to the hot springs, but she was also exhausted.  They had been tromping about ALL DAY, and she was sweaty, hungry, weary and cranky.  She was one of the five party members that raised their hands simultaneously. Vessa had, once again, stayed out of the party vote, leaving her own preference a mystery. 

   “Camping out here it is, then.  Imoen, would you mind hunting some game for us?  Looks like Jan has already set about gathering firewood…” Vessa said that last bit because, well… a rotting tree branch seemed to have fallen onto the spine of the unfortunate gnome.  On top of the decaying wood clung a very stunned looking raccoon, which immediately fled at the sight of so many people. 

   After checking that Jan was ok, then laughing loudly at his misfortune when she found that he was sound, Imoen turned to look at Vessa.  There was a look on her big sister’s face that she had seen before; it was the same look Vessa used to get back in Candlekeep before she started avoiding the attention of boys.  Imoen knew the guys teased her, but she never realized how badly the introverted Vessa took it until after she began to withdraw from people and bury herself in the vast library within the keep walls.  Why, after all they had been through, was Vessa wearing that look now?

   “Hey, Vessa.  What’samattah?  You look really down about something.”

   “Hmm?  Oh.  It is….nothing.  Nothing at all,” Vessa replied, using her ‘I’m-not-going-to-let-you-know-how-I-feel-so-I-am-going-to-speak-in-a-monotone voice’. 

   “Oh, come on, Vessa.  I know when something’s buggin’ you.  What’s up?”

   “Look, I want to handle it on my own, ok?  You know I love you, Imoen, but please, just this once, do not interfere.”

   Imoen was taken aback by that answer; Vessa never truly minded her interference before!  She stayed silent as Vessa walked towards the woods.  It seemed as though Vessa was searching for someone.

    I won’t follow you this time, Vessa.  If I find out that this is what I think it is, though, somebody is going to be in for a world of hurt when I catch them.  Imoen thought darkly to herself as she let Vessa go.
***

   Vessa had gone into the woods, knowing that Solaufein would be sitting somewhere nearby, marveling at the beauty of the waxing moon and the stunning gauzy cloak of silver it threw over the land when it rose.  When she saw him lying on the ground, his head resting in his folded arms as he gazed at the sky, she felt her heart catch in her throat. Not even the ever-faithful presence of Dymphna on her shoulder could make her feel any better.  She did not want to say what she had to say, but it would be selfish and stupid of her to allow these affections to continue when they didn’t have the proper meaning behind them.  She felt Dymphna preen a lock of her hair in her strong beak.

   Vessa, I can feel your heart wringing itself into knots within you.  Perhaps not all is as bleak as you paint it.  Remember, you *are* painfully pessimistic.  Besides, all of those little signs must certainly mean more than you give them credit for.

   The blessing of a pessimist,
Vessa communicated back wryly, Is that they are always either right, or pleasantly surprised.  In this case, I fervently hope for the latter, though I doubt it is to be.

   Oh, stop it.  You sound like a heroine from one of Imoen’s tawdry romance novels.

   I most certainly do not!

   Of course not,
her familiar replied in a patronizing voice that made Vessa temporarily forget her worries and fears in a wave of annoyance.  Now, however, she had no more time to talk.  Her feet drew her ever nearer to the poet, and she knew she needed to speak.  She approached him slowly, surprised as stood up to greet her.

   “You are a quiet walker, my Little Poet, but I have trained for many years to detect the subtle nuance of every tiny shift in the environment,” Solaufein said in answer to her startled look.

   “Oh.  Right.  I guess you would have to be,” Vessa fidgeted nervously with her fingers as she spoke, her eyes riveted to her hands, “U-um, Solaufein?  May I-I speak w-with you?”

   “It appears to me that you are already doing so, Vessa.  What is it?  What is troubling you?”  The concern in his voice only made Vessa feel worse.

   “S-Solaufein, you have….h-have been very k-kind to me as we ha-have traveled together.  Y-you have sh-shown me a-affection and e-even a sort of tenderness,”  Vessa quickly looked up into his eyes, and saw puzzlement in his ruby gaze, “I-I know that y-you are grateful for m-me helping you ad-adjust to the s-surface, but p-please do n…do not feel like y-you need to-”

   She saw a quick rise of heat on Solaufein’s cheeks, and an unaccustomed hesitation in his eyes, but nonetheless was silenced by his finger on her lips.

   “Ah, I believe I understand what concerns you now,”  He shook his head and smiled gently down at her, his eyes intense as they locked with hers, “No, my Little Poet.  I am Drow, yes, but do not search for hidden motives in my actions.  I…care for you…And I mean you, for your heart, your mind, and your beauty.”

   Vessa knew her eyes widened at his comment.  She was used to being commended for her intellect by the monks of Candlekeep, and her heart was praised by those she aided in the past, but her beauty?  Never.  Well, unless you counted drunks at the bars who would probably say the same to a half-decayed ass’s head if it looked vaguely feminine after all that swill, or people who were just trying to con something out of her.

   “Th…thank you, Solaufein,” was all she could manage to stammer.  He cares for me!  He said he cares for me!  What do I say now?!  Oh, blast, what in all the planes do I say now?!

   The familiar on Vessa’s shoulder radiated smugness by this point.  However, Vessa was too flabbergasted by what Solaufein had just assured her to be chagrined by Dymphna.

Solaufein must have realized how awkward Vessa was beginning to feel, for he spoke before Vessa felt pressured to converse once more.

   “Little Poet, would you care to watch the stars with me?  I have read about ‘constellations’ in the surfacer-books before, but I do not recognize any of them in this twinkling canopy.  Perhaps you can introduce me to some?”

   “Oh!  Uh, sure, Solaufein,” Vessa said as she stretched out on her back beside Solaufein, her heart still racing in her chest, “I have read about some, and Gorion used to sometimes take me out at night and point his favorites out to me.  Now, do you see that cluster of stars right there, headed by a brighter star?” Vessa gestured to a specific bunch in the sky, “Humans say that the bright star is the pommel gem of…”

   She and Solaufein stayed up for a long while, sharing stories on constellations and prose.  They were so absorbed in their conversation that both completely forgot about the evetide feast, and neither thought to alert the others as to where they were.  Vessa’s familiar was still burning with smugness as she flew up to the trees.  Solaufein was an engaging speaker, and at first Vessa found it simple to fend off reverie while listening to him.  However, rest would not be so easily deterred, and it quickly swept her up when she faltered for merely an instant.  She began to feel drowsily detached, listening to her own slowing speech with a kind of hazy amusement.  It was not long before she finally surrendered to the blissful embrace of sleep.

   In the silken bonds of her somnolence, a cold wind blew over Vessa, causing here tired mind to search for a means of comfort.  Soon enough, she discovered something warm and burrowed against it.

***

   Solaufein had watched with smiling eyes as Vessa’s speech trailed off and she drifted into sleep.  It seemed a stark change from the persona she presented to others while awake.  While she led the group, she came across as strong, confident, and capable; but now, as she slept, she looked soft, vulnerable, and trusting. 

   Cautiously, he allowed his fingers to play in her hair, marveling at its cool, velvety feel.  He laughed to himself: It was markedly difficult to brood when a beautiful woman was slumbering peacefully beside him.

   However, he still managed to find occasion to brood as he looked upon her lovely face.  Why had she thought his actions towards her were merely the product of gratitude?  What he felt towards her had long since transcended that emotion.  Was it because he was a Drow that she believed this?  Solaufein doubted that was the case.  Vessa had never made a distinction like that about him before, either consciously or subconsciously.  In fact, she was one of the few that granted him such a treasured luxury.

   He decided not to wonder about such things any more, and just enjoyed the rare time with Vessa that he had been given. 

   
BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #12 on: July 30, 2006, 12:07:27 AM »
A cool wind picked up, and he could see her shiver as the gooseflesh rose on her arms.  He did not have a chance to do anything about this predicament, however, as he found the young woman snuggling up against him right after the breeze rose.  Her face was in his side, and her arm was draped across his stomach. 

This was…unexpected, but very sweet.  He had considered himself jaded compared to the surfacers he encountered, and yet his heart fluttered wildly at her mere closeness to him.  He marveled at the trust the Vessa showed him, even in her sleep.  He thought of all the horrible things that would have been done to her had she been sleeping near one of his peers in Ust Natha when this happened.  Actually, she would never have had the chance to fall asleep next to one… It would not have ended well.  He was honored that she trusted him enough to allow herself to sleep by his side.

   He had no desire whatsoever to awaken his tired friend, but some adjustments had to be made.  For one thing, her face was firmly implanted in his armpit, and he was more than a bit convinced that waking up in that position would be less than pleasant.  Though the Drow were not known for smelling foul, he decided to be on the safe side with this. He slowly lifted her head, placed it on his chest, over his heart, and froze when he saw her stir.
   
   “Sssollaaauufeiinn,” Vessa murmured dreamily, rubbing her cheek against his chest.  Solaufein’s heart lit up at hearing his name being whispered like that by her. 
   
There. This is a much more preferable position.  Solaufein thought to himself as he resumed stroking her lovely hair, threading that odd amethyst lock through his fingers.  He was quite sure the smile that was on his face right now would easily be mocked by Imoen, but at this point, he didn’t care. 

Solaufein allowed his eyes to wander languorously over Vessa’s exquisite face.  It was amazing…Even after all of the time he had spent on the surface, some customs were still alien to him, perhaps even overwhelmingly so.  In Drow culture, the only forms of closeness permitted between two people were massage, and such things as could be conducted in the bedchambers.  That was it.  Yet, here he was, doing neither of those things, yet feeling closer to Vessa than he had ever felt with one of the many cruel, nameless lovers with which he had been forced to share a bed.

 Truly, he did desire to be with Vessa, but… for her, he wanted it to be perfect.  He did not desire perfection out of fear of reprisal; he wanted it to be perfect because of how deeply he cared for her.  He wished to wait.  He had to know that she felt the same way for him that he did for her.  Otherwise, it would mean nothing, and he didn’t think he could take being used like that again, especially after he had so much emotion invested in her already.  Plus, he knew that she had been brutally tortured in the dungeon of that bastard of a man, Irenicus.  He had seen her shy away from touch, much as she tried to hide it.  Whatever happened to her in that pit of hell, it had left her scarred in more ways than one.  He wanted to be sure she was ready for such an embrace before he did anything that might frighten her away.  This was too important, and as tempting and beautiful as she was, he knew that her trust was a hard won treasure, and he vowed not to let it slip through his fingers.

   …Her hair smelled exotic, and her fingers caressed him as she twitched in her sleep.  He would by lying if he said he was not enjoying every moment of this, but he wondered if this was considered inappropriate behavior on the Surface.  Then again, if it was, why would Vessa have allowed herself to drift off?  She looked so innocent and carefree as she slept...

   His hand lingered in her hair a while more before Solaufein himself began to feel drowsy.  He did not even hear the squawk of Vessa’s familiar as his eyes fluttered. His hand drifted to her shoulder, and he gently tightened the embrace as Vessa murmured softly and hugged him in her sleep.  He now slowly slipped into a reverie of his own, for once feeling blissfully at peace with the surface world.

***

   The night was young, the campfire was warm, and the scent of fresh game roasting in the flames reminded everyone about how hungry they were.   

“When are they gonna get back here?  I’m starvin’!”  Imoen moaned in dismay,  “Come on, Jaheira!  They’re probably just out kissing in the woods! Let us eat!”

   “We will do no such thing until *all* of our group is accounted for.  If you are hungry enough, you will look for them yourself,” Jaheira replied tartly.

   “UGH!”

   “Fear not, Imoen.  I shall go in search of the lady and the Drow.  Of course, for his sake, I hope I do not catch him doing anything untoward to Vessa.  He will not enjoy the consequences.”

   Boo advised Minsc that it was not a good idea for Anomen to go looking for his friends, as the glint in the cleric’s eyes looked menacing indeed.  Boo thought it would be better if Minsc went to look himself.

   “Minsc will go search for them, Anomen, do not worry!  Boo can sniff Vessa out anywhere!”

   Anomen still did not look entirely convinced.  Astonishingly enough, Jan came to Minsc’s aid.

   “Oh, hey, Ano.  If you go to search for them, I should go with, seeing as how I have infravision and all…”

   “NO!  Ah…I believe Minsc shall go.  Yes, ah….go with Minsc, my good gnome,” Anomen said hastily.

   “Aww, why Ano, I’m crushed!  If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were avoiding harmless little old me.”

   “Perish the thought,” Anomen said wryly.

   Jan giggled as he ran up to Minsc, who most definitely did not trust his intentions.  Minsc held Boo close to him as Jan looked up.

   “Ohohohoh, but I wonder what we’ll catch them at, eh, Minscy?  I’m sure it will be hilarious to see the looks on their faces when we find them!”

   Minsc was not sure what Jan was getting at, but he was certain it was something offensive.

   “I do not like what you are hinting at, gnome.  Vessa and Solaufein are maybe looking at flowers! Yes, or talking about the poetry he likes so much.  Nothing naughty like your bad mind dreams up.”
   
   “Hmmm…shows how much you know, Minscy.”

   They wandered through the woods for a while, Minsc holding Boo up to sniff them out.  He followed Boo’s little twitchy nose, and found Vessa’s familiar flying towards them.  The silvery raven called once and began to fly off.  Boo told Minsc that they should follow, and they soon came upon Vessa, lying with her head on Solaufein’s chest.  Minsc did not have a chance to sneak up on them, however, as Solaufein’s head snapped up at the first sound of movement.  Before Minsc could even react, Solaufein had moved to shield Vessa, seemingly undisturbed by the motion, swiftly drew a wicked-looking dagger from his boot, and was aiming it at his direction.  Once Solaufein recognized who it was that approached, he resheathed the dagger and put his finger over his lips, signaling Minsc to be quiet.  The familiar landed on a branch above Vessa and began calmly preening her feathers.  Minsc got the feeling that Dymphna was feeling quite pleased with herself.

   Minsc’s hands went to Lilarcor, whose muffled battle cries could still be heard through the scabbard.  He had half-drawn the sword, and was prepared to rush at Solaufein to defend Vessa’s honor, when Boo told him that it would be unnecessary.  Boo said that they were still wearing clothes, and that they had both been sleeping.  They just fell asleep while they were talking!

   Yes, Boo.  That makes sense.  I am so glad to have you around to stop me from hurting my friends with my silly ideas!

   Minsc turned to see Jan’s eyes widen, and he clamped a hand over the gnome’s mouth to stifle the laughter he knew was coming.  Of course, Jan immediately tried to steal Boo while Minsc was distracted, so he had to settle with hitting him on the head.  Lightly….Jan didn’t pass out, at least.

   “Come, Jan,” Minsc whispered so loudly that he might as well have said it out loud, “we should go tell the others where these two are.  That way, Jaheira will let us eat!”

   Jan just gave Minsc a look that clearly said ‘I wish you hadn’t hit my head, you large ogre’ but went along anyway.

   Minsc made it back to the camp and relayed what he saw.  Imoen began sniggering, Jaheira rolled her eyes and chuckled knowingly, and Anomen appeared incensed. 

   “They are what?!  That behavior is scandalous! I demand that we go back over there and talk some sense into them right this instant!”  Anomen said, an edge of anger in his voice.

   “Scandalous, Anomen?  Vessa is a grown woman who can make her own choices, and Solaufein is a grown man who treats her well.  Besides, all they are doing is sleeping.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, so don’t get overwrought about it.  We shall simply finish our meal here, save some for them, and move our camp over to them, if it offends you so much,” Jaheira said patiently.

   “Overwrought?!  I am not overwrought!  Vessa may be a grown woman, but you have to admit that she isn’t the most brilliant gem in the bag where men are concerned!  Sure, we all *think* he is treating her well, but how do we know?  He is a Drow, and is therefore no stranger to lies and deceit.  He could be making fools of us all, and Vessa will be the one to suffer most from our lack of vigilance,” Anomen spluttered.

"Anomen, I know that you miss your sister, but Vessa is not Moira, and can make her own decisions.  She is a capable adult, and honestly, you have no right to interfere with her personal life,” Jaheira replied.

Anomen glared and clenched his teeth, but otherwise said nothing.  Minsc was not sure why what Jaheira said had calmed him, but he was relieved.  When Anomen got angry, it could put the fury of a Rashemi warrior to shame! 

   They quietly snuck back to where Solaufein and Vessa were resting, with Solaufein still awake and Vessa sleeping soundly.  Minsc noticed that it was getting rather cold out, and both of them were starting to look uncomfortable.  Vessa tried to snuggle even closer to Solaufein’s side to avoid the cold, though she already looked as if she were welded to him like melted armor.  Minsc smiled, pulled a blanket from his pack, and draped it over the two.  He winked conspiratorially at Solaufein and went to his own bedroll, his heart joyous at seeing how happy his two friends looked together.

***

   Ba-dum.  Ba-dum.  The powerful thrumming of a steady heart beneath her cheek soothed her as she slowly awoke.  It reminded her of life, of strong, beautiful life, and instinctively she nestled closer to it.  She felt an answering embrace around her waist, and fingers curled in her hair.  She smiled contently as she welcomed these lovely feelings, her eyes still closed, and murmured something nonsensical sleepily.  She had not felt so safe since those happier times before Irenicus, and she savored the experience.

   She flexed her fingers, and felt hard muscle beneath them; this surprised her so that she was fully awake.  She opened her eyes and saw that she was resting her head atop a chest.  Not only that, but half of her body was lying atop this one!

   Uh-oh.  Whoever this is, I hope they are not awake.  Maybe I can just move and pretend like this never happened…  Vessa thought to herself nervously.

   She looked up to see Solaufein’s smoky jade eyes gazing at her fondly, and a tender smile played across his features. She realized that it was his arm embracing her waist, and those were his fingers threaded through her hair.

   Oh no…

   “Good morning, my Little Poet,” Solaufein whispered into her hair.

   Vessa blushed so brightly that a rainbow would have been envious of the hue.  She had practically thrown herself at the dark elf in her sleep!!  He must think I am some sort of wanton trollop!  What am I going to do?!  Oh gods, but what will Immy say when she sees this?!  What will any of them say when they see this?!  What are they going to think we…OH NO!

   “Wh—what?  Where…where are the others? How long were we here?  Have I been here all night?”  She blurted out, frozen in place by indecision.  As she moved to look around, she realized that a blanket was covering them both.    Please tell me they did not…

   “The others?  They all came over once Minsc found us, and set up camp here so as not to wake you.  We have indeed been here all night, and though you may have shifted a few times, you are in relatively the same position you were since you fell asleep,” Solaufein looked at Vessa’s face to see the mortification writ large across her features, “Vessa?  Why do you look so flustered?  Have I offended in some way?”

   “Offended?  No!  Not at all. You have not offended me at all.”  fact, quite the opposite.  It is truly a shame that this has to end.  I am rather enjoying it. a hoped he couldn’t notice the now red color of her cheeks.  Blast!  Why must I always blush like a fool around him?!  “I was worried that I may have offended you by my actions.  I did not mean to fall asleep on you like this.  Er…I should probably get off of you now.  I must be squishing you,” Her unwillingness to leave the haven of his arms made her hesitant to move, and she was treated to a small earthquake as Solaufein laughed.  The kitten she just now noticed was on her back gave a delicate snort and jumped off, sauntering away haughtily.

   “ ‘Squishing’ me, Vessa?  Hardly.  You are far too light to ‘squish’ a Drow,” he shook his head in amusement as she hurriedly removed herself from his chest, his arm still around her waist, “and you have not offended me in any way by your actions.  In truth, I found the entire experience rather… pleasant.  Do Surfacers oft engage in such displays as this?”

   “Er…ask Imoen.  I would not know.”  Vessa said self-deprecatingly.  “Oh, dear.  You realize that our friends are going to jump to conclusions about all of this, do you not?”  Vessa said as she sat up, his arm still not moved from her waist.

   “What do you mean, ‘jump to conclusions’?  What conclusions are there to jump to?”  Solaufein said in confusion.  Just then, Vessa saw Imoen run up to them with a grin so large it threatened to devour her face.  Solaufein removed his arm as Immy approached.  Is he embarrassed by public shows of affection?

   Perhaps, Dymphna communicated as she perched on her mistress’ shoulder, but I doubt he’d be so shy in private.  Oh no, not shy at all.  In fact, I’d say he is the type to be *quite* demonstrative of his emotions…

   Dymphna!!
   The images her familiar was sending to her made her entire face feel like it was on fire.  It wasn’t that she disapproved, of course.  She just didn’t need such…distracting thoughts now.

   What?  Dymphna replied in a voice dripping with false innocence.

   “Hey, Uncle Sola!  Are ya taking liberties with my sister?” Immy shouted gleefully.

   “…Conclusions like that,” Vessa muttered in defeat.

   “Cuz’ it’s about darned time!  Gods, you two were moving so slow before now that it was like watching a snail try to outrun a tortoise!”

   “Eh?!”  Vessa practically shouted.

   “Aww, come on now, you know what I’m talkin’ about!” Imoen winked at her.

   Vessa was shocked by what her sister had said, but was quickly distracted by the leftovers Immy shoved into her hands.  Glorious food! was her only thought as she thoroughly enjoyed each bite.
***

   Jaheira had been watching Vessa and Solaufein as they slept.  It was wonderful to see Vessa looking so peaceful for once; that expression had been absent from her face for far too long.  Still, it was strange for her to see, because Jaheira had grown used to viewing Vessa as a young child.  Right now, however, Vessa looked to be the young woman Jaheira knew she was, though this image was dulled somewhat by the kitten curled up on her back.

   It was already painfully obvious how those two felt about each other.  Jaheira herself did not look down on a union between a surface elf and a Drow; she considered it natural, as such a coupling could produce healthy offspring.

 She also knew of the social stigma that they would suffer as a result.  She realized it would be extremely hard for them to be accepted no matter where they went.  However, she understood that Vessa was made of stern stuff, and already she faced a societal prejudice of her own.  Even a kind-hearted Bhaalspawn such as she was treated cruelly in most places.  Vessa would willingly take all the mistreatment in stride if it meant staying with the one she loved.  That was simply Vessa’s way. 

   That was not what Jaheira was concerned about at the moment.  What Anomen had said about Vessa being unfamiliar with the ways of men struck a chord within her.  Jaheira knew that Gorion would have sense enough to teach her much of the wiles of men, but from the letters he would send to her regarding Vessa, he did not like the thought of her growing up, and had kept certain information from her.  Just how much *did* Vessa know, exactly?  Jaheira would soon find out.

   The sight of Imoen antagonizing a very mortified looking Vessa made Jaheira laugh.  She waited patiently until Vessa hungrily devoured the leftovers from last night’s evetide feast.  It was her opinion that Vessa was small enough without skipping meals as well.  Once that was done, Jaheira wordlessly drew Vessa aside.
   
   “What is it, Jaheira?” Vessa said, curiosity in her voice as Jaheira checked to see that they were relatively alone.  Once that was verified, Jaheira spoke:

   “Child, Gorion taught you the ways of men, I trust?.”

   Vessa looked at Jaheira as if the druid were addled as she answered, “Well, yes, Jaheira.  Gorion warned me that men would say whatever they felt necessary to achieve their desires, and then move on to new women once they slaked their needs.  Why?” her eyes became suspicious as realization dawned in them.  “Is this about Solaufein?  I swear to you, we did nothing!  We were simply stargazing and fell asleep!  Well, I fell asleep.  I think he fell asleep after I did.  And no, he has not asked me anything inappropriate, if that is what you are hinting at.”

   Jaheira smiled slightly, though it was tempered with sadness as she remembered when Khalid and she first courted, “I trust Solaufein enough to believe he would not do anything potentially hurtful to you if he knew it would do so, but you must remember that ways of the Underdark, the ways he was raised under, are not our own.  Something that may seem perfectly natural to him might very well be considered lewd and offensive to us.  Remember, child, in their own society Drow think nothing about lying with one, only to toss them away once the pleasure is over.

   Vessa looked taken aback by Jaheira’s response, but her eyes grew thoughtful, “I believe I had taught him most of the pertinent information about surfacer culture, but I suppose I seem to have…neglected…those particular little details.”

   Jaheira chuckled out loud, “I realize the subject would feel awkward to broach, although you do seem to be…comfortable in his presence otherwise.  I would just like you to tread carefully when it comes to him, that is all.  Perhaps you could further explain to him the surfacer customs that he is still unacquainted with?  I can tell that he trusts you, and he enjoys conversing with you quite a bit.  Though I do not moralize quite so much as he does, I have learned to view situations…differently, since our fateful encounter with the order I once served.”  Jaheira’s slender fingers caressed the pin given to her by Elminster after she left the Harpers.  That had been a hard lesson for her, but she felt she made the right decision.  Right now said decision was currently in the process of formulating the correct way to bring up the topic to Solaufein, no doubt.

“Well, I….”  Vessa cut herself off quickly and clutched at her stomach, her eyes closing tightly in pain.

“Vessa?  What is the matter?  Are you feeling quite all right?”  Jaheira said with concern.

“Wh—Oh, yes, I am fine.  I guess I just ate breakfast a bit too quickly.  That is all.  I am sorry if I--”

   “Never mind that for now, Vessa,” Jaheira said dismissively, “Perhaps I shall have that talk with him myself, instead.  In the meantime, child, we need to have a talk and dispel some of your naïveté.  I remember Gorion, and while he was a mature, easygoing man, he was not exactly comfortable with talking to girls about men. We'll start with the basics. What do you know about the anatomical differences between a man and a woman, and what do you know about how men think?”

   Vessa raised a brow as she spoke, “Well, hmm…I do not know, Jaheira.  I know that ‘boys do it standing up’.  Is that the anatomical knowledge you require?”
   
   Jaheira rolled her eyes, “No need to take that tone with me, Vessa.  I am merely trying to educate you.  Now, did Gorion teach you nothing of such things?”

   “Gorion did not teach me of such things, no.  But Jaheira, listen to yourself.  I have *Imoen* for a sister.   Do you think with a sister like Imoen I could possibly escape that knowledge?  She saw such talks as vital to my education,” Vessa finished wryly.

   “Hmmm…that may well be the case, but perhaps some pictorial evidence is in order,” Jaheira picked up a stick and proceeded to sketch the aforementioned anatomy into the dirt.

   Jaheira could hear the sarcasm in her voice as Vessa spoke, “Oh is that what they look like?  OH GODS!! I LOOKED!!  Will I get pregnant now?!”  Vessa’s voice grew more serious.  “Jaheira, I know of these things already.  Let us just go.  We have a long day of marching to and fro ahead of us already, and these silly talks are merely taking up time.”  Jaheira noticed Vessa shifted uncomfortably, however.

   “You certainly are on the defensive now, aren’t you, Vessa?  There is no need to be embarrassed, child, it is a perfectly natural thing to be curious about.  Besides, you need to know of such things for when you decide to--”

   “Decide to what, Jaheira?  I am not planning to do anything untoward with anyone for quite a time yet to come, and I doubt anyone in their right mind would have a Bhaalspawn anyway.  This is a moot point, let us leave.”

   “Do not speak of yourself in such a negative tone, Vessa,” Jaheira’s voice softened in understanding,  “You are a Bhaalspawn, yes, but do not allow that to become the be-all and end-all of your life.  And as for the former, you have not done anything yet, this is true.  However, I know that eventually it will happen.  After all, not even your tremendously strong and stubborn will can allow you to fight off natural instinct forever.  Sooner or later, you two shall indeed--”

   “Jaheira!!”  Vessa shouted, blushing brightly with shock clearly written across her face, “you do make bold assumptions!  Why do you speak as if it is guaranteed to happen?  If I have learned anything in my travels, it is that nothing is ever guaranteed.  I mean, it is not as if he--”

   “Loves you? Please.  Child, the elf stares at you when he thinks you are not looking, he searches for any excuse to speak with you, and you passed the entire night crushing his ribcage without him uttering a word of protest.  Not only that, but he puts up with your excruciatingly evident naïveté!  If that isn’t love, then I don't know what is!  Just because he is not throwing himself at you, or pulling all manner of foolish stunt to impress you, or has a life outside of you, does not mean that he does not care for you.” 
   
   “I never said that it did, Jaheira.  I just do not see anything about me that could possibly draw his fancy-”
   
   “Then you are blind.  Come, now, let us gather the others.  We have much to do today.”  Jaheira finished the conversation quickly.  She had no desire to listen to Vessa’s self-doubt at this time.  Perhaps, one day, the girl will see for herself how foolish and untrue such negative thoughts were.

***

   Anomen was…disturbed by the events of last night, to say the least.  He cared about Vessa’s feelings, and he didn’t want her to be used and thrown away, like he had seen done so many naive girls in Athkatla.  However, he knew from experience that talking to the girls themselves would have no effect; he would have to confront the source.  As the group was marching back to that damnable werewolf village, Anomen took the opportunity to speak with Solaufein.  He had not been at the camp as Solaufein was finishing up his breakfast, and Jaheira had gathered them up to march so quickly Anomen had not had time to speak with him privately.  He decided that now was the best chance he would get.

   “Solaufein, I wish to speak with you.  Would you mind coming to the back of the group, out of earshot of Lady Vessa?”

   Solaufein gave Anomen a curious look, but decided to follow the cleric, “Of course, Anomen.  Of what do you wish to speak?”

   “Solaufein, I now know enough of the Lady’s personality to realize that nothing happened last night that should not have happened.  However, I am no fool.  I can see that she is developing feelings for you, and you for her.  Do not waste your breath trying to deny it.”

   Solaufein shook his head negatively, “I do, perhaps, harbor…feelings towards Vessa.  However, I cannot speak for her.  She may very well feel mere friendship towards me.”
Anomen ignored this comment and continued on, “I realize that mutual attraction often o’erpowers that of common sense.  I know that you care for her, but…may I perhaps talk you out of it?”

   Solaufein shook his head, “Say your piece, Anomen, but do not expect me to be swayed easily.”

   “Solaufein, you realize that, should you two decide to become lovers or even marry, that Vessa would be measured and found wanting all of her life, do you not?  While I realize that even now the ignorant ostracize her for the circumstances of her birth, it is not something that is outwardly visible.  If she were the partner of a Drow, it would be obvious for all to see.  What can you offer her that can possibly outweigh this burden?”

   Solaufein seemed stricken by these words.  “I…I do not know what would make me worthy of such an honor.  You have made a valid point, cleric, I give you that.  However, Vessa’s heart will bless some wretched, undeserving man with her love.  I can promise you that, should she ever choose me, I would do everything within my power to make sure she never regretted her decision.  She is too fine and pure for me, I know, but I cannot help wanting to be with her.  I could wish I were different, a surface Elf who hasn't the black marks on his soul that I have....but, this is who I am, and I....care deeply for Vessa.”

   Anomen was not anticipating such an eloquent response from the Drow.  Well, actually he was, but he was expecting some more foppish poetry or the like.  “Just realize, Solaufein, what you are getting both her and you into.  Not only will she be the mate of a Drow, but you shall be the mate of a Child of Bhaal, and likely to be less accepted than you are now.  Think on it, Drow.”  With that, Anomen walked to the head of the group, leaving the pensive Drow to his brooding.  He hoped he had chosen the right words, hoped he got his point across well.  Another part of him wondered if discouraging the budding romance was the correct thing to do.

 It is true that Solaufein is a Drow, but he *has* been decent to all of us, I grant him that.  Perhaps he would indeed be good for Vessa, but just the same, I would rather her find another lover, preferably one with an ancestry firmly rooted on the surface.  Then again, most surfacers haven’t exactly been models of decency when it comes to Vessa, either.  Her life seems to be just as unfair as my own, sometimes…




BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #13 on: July 30, 2006, 12:12:44 AM »
Chapter 12:  The Consequences of Hate

   It felt like a long time walking, but they had actually made it back to the village in fairly good time.  It was much faster than yesterday, to be sure, as they did not depend on that crazed shaman’s poor directions.  Jan personally thought that the shaman’s hut smelled like a wet dog that wandered through a berry patch.  Smelly people always gave bad directions.  In fact, it reminded him of the time Uncle Scratchy tried to tell those adventurers how to reach the Firewine Bridge in Baldur’s Gate.  Of course, they were in Calimshan at the time, and Uncle Scratchy didn’t know a whit of the language and accidentally made some very obscene calimshite hand gestures that got them thrown out of the palace they were so nicely loitering in.  The guards were so irate that they eventually had to escape through the sewer systems, which were not filled with rats so much as giant space ants who had a penchant for Calimshite guard flesh….ah, but those were the days…

   And here they were, back in the smelly wet-dog tent of the shaman.  He looked quite nervous after Vessa explained to him what he saw, and began rushing around the tent, searching for something.

   “Oh dear, that could indeed be what is causing this trouble.  I know how to destroy this totem, but you must take care that the witch does NOT witness the act!  This is of utmost importance, and it must not be performed incorrectly,” he settled on an onyx stone, then used some kind of crushed berry paste to paint a rune upon it.  Jan thought the berries were a silly idea.  After all, turnips were much more potent when it came to spell reagents.  He knew…oh, how he knew. 

   The shaman chanted something over the rock in a language Jan was unfamiliar with, and the rune became a purple symbol upon the rock.

   “Here, use this, my Lady.  Merely smash this rock upon the totem and the entire contraption will shatter.  That should free us from this polluting corruption.  I would like to thank you in advance, my Lady.  You know not what a wonderful service you do here.”

   “Um, yes, indeed.  We shall go and do the deed at once, Shaman.  I hope that this shall save your people.”

   As they left, Jan couldn’t help but notice the satisfied smirk on the Shaman’s face.  It was the same smirk he saw on Uncle Spanky’s face after he just tricked Uncle Scratchy into eating a turnip with blasting powder in it.  Jan readied his crossbow just in case.
***

   Jaheira had been scanning the surroundings as they traveled back to the mysterious totem, and a flash of light on metal caught her eye.  She turned to see Solaufein running his hand through his foolishly unbound hair, and he was wearing a suspiciously familiar ring….

   “Solaufein, may I see your hand?  The one with the ring on it, please.”  Jaheira said.

   Solaufein looked at her quizzically, but extended his hand for her.  Jaheira inspected the hand closely.  Yes, it was as she thought.

   “Hmm…Solaufein, I must admit, I am surprised,” Jaheira said.
   
   “Surprised?  How so?” was Solaufein’s reply.

   “I believe that to be Vessa’s ring.  Specifically, her ring of Free Action.  Am I correct in that observation?”

   “Yes, you are.”

   Jaheira’s eyes widened, “I am surprised Vessa gave you that ring. It has been her only source of comfort as we've traveled along in forests or dungeons.  Vessa has often told me that she would rather be eaten alive by angry Orcs than get caught in a spider's web.  It means much to her, and she would not give it away lightly.  However, I do not believe that this accurately represents the magnitude of her attachment to it.  Perhaps you should know… Irenicus forced me to watch every single thing he did to Vessa, so I know her tortures intimately.  At one point, he locked her in a coffin…full of spiders.  He knew her greatest phobia and capitalized on it, magnifying it one thousand fold. Think on this, Solaufein.”

   Solaufein closed his eyes, “By Eilistraee, I had no idea!  Vessa gave me something that important to her?  She gave me something so integral to her feelings of safety and she didn’t even tell me how much it meant to her?!”

   Jaheira smiled slightly, “Perhaps the question should not be how precious the ring is to her, but how precious *you* are to her?”

   “I…I am unsure as to how to return this kindness.  There is nothing in my possession that could compensate.  Perhaps my book of poetry, but…Vessa cannot read the tongue of the Drow.”

   “Perhaps you could protect her as that ring once protected her.”
   
   Solaufein gave Jaheira an odd look, “Jaheira, you should realize more than anyone else here that Vessa can protect herself.  She doesn’t *need* me.”

   “Solaufein, I have never seen Vessa so peaceful as when she was resting in your arms.  She needs her friends, and she needs you.  She has been thrown into a maelstrom of chaos, and her life has become one of wild scrambling for any sort of foothold.  She needs someone she can depend upon, someone she can actually open up to and someone who won’t abandon her when she needs them the most.  She needs someone she trusts, and she obviously trusts you.  You can be that person, and I believe that you desire to be.”

   “You do not consider me her friend, Jaheira?”  By this time that kitten of his had poked its head out of his pack, curious of the exchange.

   “Do not play that game with me, Solaufein.  I consider you more than her friend, and I believe that you do as well.”

   “Anomen had attempted earlier to dissuade me from…caring for…Vessa. Are not you going to try the same?”
   
“Are you deaf, boy?  Have I not been saying the opposite this entire time?  You are supposed to have keen ears, use them for once!  Vessa is seen only for what she is, not who she is, much as you are.  What cares she for some stigma imposed upon her by heedless people whose opinions she doesn’t care about anyway?  Trust me, it wouldn’t bother her in the least what they thought about her.  She has always been shy and reserved, and she is content on her own.  She doesn’t need the love and accolades of the many.  All she needs is the friendship of the few…and the love of one.”

   “Which brings me to another matter I wish to speak with you of,”  Jaheira continued, “I realize that Drow culture does not put any emphasis on committed, meaningful relationships, but you must realize that ours does, and that and that sex is usually reserved for such relationships.  For many surfacers, there is nothing “casual” about it.  Many wish to reserve such activities until marriage. Vessa is one such surfacer.  Do not hurt her. If you do hurt her, or abandon her like she has been abandoned so many times before....all of nature's fury will pale in comparison to mine own.  Do I make myself clear, Solaufein?”

   “Completely, Jaheira.  It also warms my heart to know how much you care for her well-being.  I admit, I know next to nothing about ‘marriage’.  From what I gather out of my readings, it is a permanent union of some sort, correct?  Weren’t you married?”

Jaheira took in a deep breath before she spoke, “I was married to a wonderful man.  He was murdered in Irenicus' dungeon, and I miss him with every beat of my heart - but I would not trade one moment I had with him.   Marriage is forever with surfacers, Solaufein.  If this is not a commitment you feel you can make, that is the only way I would ask that you do not pursue this relationship with Vessa.”

   Solaufein nodded his head gravely, "I hear you and understand your words, Jaheira."

   Jaheira realized that men, even Solaufein, needed to take much time pondering such a commitment before they bound themselves to one woman.  She left him to his musings, satisfied that he would not lead Vessa on.

***

   Jaheira had given Solaufein plenty to brood upon, and brood he did, completely ignoring the squirming in his pack; he had grown used to the kitten resting within.

 Jaheira spoke true when she said that Drow placed no stock in committed relationships.  Such a thing was unheard of.  In fact, Phaere was taken away and tortured for her lack of desire to throw him aside…

   Solaufein thought back on his love for Phaere.  Back in those happy days when she was still the woman he loved, he had thoughts for no person other than her.  He had no desire for another love, and it never crossed his mind to toss her aside as she could have done him.  He never set his sights to more than just the immediate moment with her, however.  He had never actively pondered any sort of commitment.  This was not because he did not want to commit; rather, it was because, subconsciously, he realized that there was little hope for such a bond to be formed in such an environment as theirs.  His waking mind just did not want to see it, and so never looked beyond the now. 

   Vessa was another matter, however; ever more often she flitted through his mind, and his memories of Phaere lessened in frequency.  Vessa’s image did not replace Phaere’s in his mind or in his heart.  They were two distinct people, and one could not be the other.  He realized that with Vessa, he did have a chance to forge a permanent bond.  The question is, was he ready for such a commitment?  To never lie with another besides her? He turned his gaze upon Vessa as she sent her familiar to scout high above them. 

   He couldn’t deny how he felt about her.  He knew he wanted to be with her, as he had once wanted to be with Phaere.  He would like to discuss the possibility of a future together with her, but…he didn’t even know if she loved him.  Solaufein stopped in his tracks.  Wait…why would it even matter how she felt about me unless…Sweet Eilistraee!  I love her!  I truly love her…

    Though he may just have admitted it to himself, he felt he could not reveal his feelings to her, not yet.  After all, she was missing her soul, a very integral part of her.  She didn’t need any more emotional turmoil of any sort right now.  It was not the time.  Perhaps later, in the future, when feelings are more cemented and emotions are clearer, they could speak of such things.  For now, however, he decided that he should simply be there and support her, as any friend, or ‘more-than-friend’, should do.

***

Minsc was getting a little bit sore from all this tromping about. It was noon, and his armor was uncomfortably hot.  He was proud of the cause, though.  They had to smash the evil totem and the village would be saved!  Vessa said he could do the honors when he asked to destroy it himself.  It will be another swift kick to the tenders of Evil!!

However, all the pride in the world couldn’t stop the relentless tide of fatigue that was beginning to take its toll.  He was a large man, and the fact that he was a large man currently encased in a large, heat-retaining metal sheath did nothing to reduce his discomfort.  Perhaps he should wear less armor for long marches? 

Minsc looked at his companions as he tossed nuts out for his woodland friends.  Imoen seemed only mildly uncomfortable, clad in light mage-robes that seemed to gather shadows about her.  Solaufein’s chainmail was as light as a shirt, and he didn’t seem to be sweating his insides out as Minsc was.  Vessa was wearing the same light, green, leafy looking chainmail Solaufein was, and though her hair was very long, she had it bound into a myriad of braids and the heat didn’t seem to be affecting her much at all.  Jan was….Jan.  Boo said that perhaps it was impossible for Gnomes to react to climate.  Jan certainly seemed the most unperturbed of all of them, in any case.

Finally, there was Anomen, he seemed just as irritable and hot as Minsc felt, and he looked just about ready to complain about it.  However, they had made it to the totem just as he was about to open his mouth.

   Now they were finally at the clearing, the first think Minsc wanted to do was to SMASH THE EVIL TOTEM.

   “Minsc wishes to destroy the evil totem now!  Let us go and save the werewolf-men!”

   “Ha ha ha.  Yes, Indeed, Minsc.  Let us go!”  Vessa said in reply.

   All Minsc had to do was smash the totem using the magical rock with all of his mighty strength of justice.  It was easy enough, and he was disappointed that he barely had to use any force at all.  He did like the pretty red sparkles, though.  The whole totem exploded in pretty red sparkles.  So did the rock. 

   “Well, that was anticlimactic,” quipped Vessa as the sparkles died down in a disappointingly short time, “now, perhaps we should search the house?  I assume it is vacant, as there was a lack of any sort of resistance to our totem destroying.  Perhaps this woman had something to do with the missing children.  Let us investigate.”

   Wordlessly, they all crept into the house, and Minsc smacked his head on the low doorframe.  Boo said that the woman must be short, and that Minsc should probably bend his head a bit more to avoid more injuries.

   The house smelled funny, like old, drying plants.  Boo could smell cats.  Boo didn’t even need to say anything to Minsc, he could just tell by Boo’s shivering.  He always shivered around cats.  And Madame Nin before they heroically rescued the slaves.  But mostly cats.

   They had all split up to search the individual rooms (there was a surprising amount, and the dimensions of the outside of the cabin did not match the larger interior.)  Minsc had volunteered to take what looked to be a cozy den of some sort.  He looked under couches, in the fireplace, and even under a plate at one point.

“Little children…Little Children!!  Come out, come out, wherever you are!  It is we great heroes who have come to rescue you from the bad lady!  Come out, children!”  Minsc shouted as the started manipulating the stones around the fireplace as he had once seen Imoen do back in Nalia’s keep.  He thought that if Imoen could press a random stone and have a secret doorway appear, then so could he!  However, no amount of poking, smashing, or hitting could make a magical secret door appear.  However, he did manage to make the mantle collapse.   This made him feel slightly better.

“What happened?!  Minsc, are you ok?  Were you attacked?!”  Shouted Vessa as she ran into the room, scimitars drawn, with the others rushing in behind her. 

“Eheheheh….Minsc was just looking for secret passages, and I seem to have smashed this mantle, here.  Boo says I should apologize for worrying you, so I am sorry.”

Vessa sighed tiredly and shook her head.  “That is ok, Minsc.  Just, please, do not scare us like that again.”

“I have not seen any sign of children, nor have I found any evidence to suggest their whereabouts,” began Anomen, “has anyone else had fairer luck?”

Everybody shook their heads at Anomen’s words.  Minsc was disappointed.  How he had wanted to save the children!!  Boo told Minsc not to worry, though.  He said that they would find the children because they were traveling with Vessa, and that is what Vessa did.  Minsc was cheered by Boo’s explanation, and went, uncomplaining, along with the group.

They had just reached the doorway, and were about to head out, when a rather irate woman in flowing black robes and about as small as Vessa, simply appeared at the entrance.  Just appeared.  There was no sound, no lights, no smoke, nothing to warn anyone of her arrival.  Minsc wanted more red sparkles.

The woman ran her fingers through her chestnut hair and tapped her foot impatiently, “Would you kind people please enlighten me as to why you are so carelessly tromping about my residence?” her ocean eyes gleamed with annoyance as she pushed her spectacles up.  Boo said that she was not one to take nonsense from anyone, so Minsc decided that it would be a bad idea to charge at her right now.
   
“Perhaps you would be so kind to enlighten *us* as to why you’ve been bewitching the lycanthropes in the village nearby?”  Vessa said with evident sarcasm.

“Doing what to what?  I’ve done no such thing, you silly girl!  Is that why you’ve been tearing about my house, leaving scuff marks on my wooden floors with your terribly practical boots?  I must say, while highly useful for an adventurer, those boots are no good for impressing…well….anyone.  They make you look rather scruffy.”

Vessa looked stunned by what the crazy lady just said.  “Wh-what?  I am not a silly girl!  And I will have *you* know that these boots are all the rage in Athkatla.  They are stylish *and* comfortable!  So there.”

“Don't worry about it, Vessa.  We fashion pioneers are often misunderstood,” Jan chimed in,  “In two years, everyone will be following what we're wearing now, but we will have moved on to some other glorious, turnip-filled, trend setting ensemble.”

The lady snorted, “Fashion pioneers?  More like fashion victims.  Tell me, did you get your entire wardrobe from a temple's donations for the poor?”

“WHAT?!”  Vessa shouted, “well *excuse* me, Ms. I-wear-pretentious-flowing-black-robes!  At least I do not look like somebody poked holes in a sack-cloth and stuck it over my head!”

Minsc heard some quiet snickering, and turned to see Solaufein trying desperately to squelch said laughter.  Minsc himself was confused as to why Vessa was arguing clothing with this lady who might be the person that kidnapped the children.

Vessa must have heard the snickering as well, for she shot Solaufein a dirty look, which only made him explode into laughter.

“Just what do you find so funny, young man?” said the lady, turning her venomous gaze on the Drow, “It is not like you are dressed any better than your companion.  Did you shop from the same refuse heap?  Or perhaps you two swap between outfits?  You look like you’d be good for each other, tackiness wise.  I mean, not even your complexions match!  You are far too dark to properly accent her eyes!  And that hair!  Certainly this girl would have sense enough to teach you how to care for it properly?  It’s clumping together, for heaven’s sake!  You look like a ratty pirate after six months on the high seas!”

“H-hey, you leave him out of this!” was Vessa’s clever rebuttal.  “It is not his fault none of us bothered to show him the proper upkeep of one’s hair while adventuring on the surface.  And your spectacles are greasy and smudged!  Beat that, child-stealing lady!”

“I *told* you, I didn’t kidnap anyone, especially not children!!  They get into the ingredients, you see…horrible cleanup afterwards.  By the gods, I swear, you children are getting less and less intelligent with each generation!  Look, just because a woman goes out on a five-year journey of growth and self-discovery and returns to her cabin in the woods does *not* mean she is out to kidnap children, or make houses out of gingerbread, or any such nonsense!!  And for your information, your little sweetheart is about to go into convulsions over there.  You might want to help him out with that.  Perhaps you could untie the laces of that terribly outdated tunic of his a bit, it looks like it’s asphyxiating him with ugly.”

Minsc laughed to himself as Vessa blushed brightly.  Boo knew how those two felt about each other, there was no denying it!  “He-he is not really my sweetheart,” Vessa stuttered.  “...I mean, I like him a lot, he's very nice and handsome....Um....”

***

Sola's laughter abruptly ceased upon hearing Vessa proclaim that he was not, in fact, her sweetheart.  He wasn't sure what the word meant, but he was pretty sure that he didn't like that he wasn't hers.....

***

The woman raised an eyebrow at Vessa.

“Hey, wait!  Why am I answering your questions?  IT IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS WHETHER HE IS MY SWEETHEART OR NOT!  AND YOUR HAIR IS FRIZZY!  Now, where are you keeping the children?!”

“Oooohhhh, good one, sis.  What’re ya gonna say next?  That her knees are crooked?  You need some better material than that!”  Imoen joined in.

“You know, this reminds me of the time my great-aunt Brunhilde--”

“GAH!  NOT A GNOME, AS WELL!!  SILENCE YOURSELF IN MY HOME, YOU DIMUNATIVE LITTLE BRAIN-ROTTER!” shouted the woman.  Minsc decided that he liked her.  Perhaps she knew of Jan’s evil Boo-stealing schemes and didn’t like him for it!

   “Well, I was just saying…” began Jan once more.

   “NO! You will say nothing! 

   Look, the shaman said you were the one causing this corruption, and what cause would he have to lie?”  Vessa said with a glare.

The lady seemed to be genuinely surprised by this, “Shaman?  What shaman?!  That village isn’t supposed to have a shaman, they have a druid already!  And for the last time I DO NOT HAVE ANY CHILDREN!  How many times do I have to say that before it gets through your thick skull, you addle-pated young woman?”

   “Oh, I will addle your pate, all right…”  Vessa mumbled as she flexed her fingers.

   “Addle my pate?  That was…that was simply awful.  Truly,” The odd woman chuckled.  “Although I admit, my use of the term addle-pated was probably not the most inspired choice.  Truce?” the woman offered her hand, “my name is Rowena, by the way.”

   Vessa tried unsuccessfully to suppress a smile, then shook the proffered extremity.  “Truce.  And my name is Vessa.  Now, tell me, um…that…that totem you had out there…it was not, er, important at all…was it?”

   “Oh, you mean the totem I have outside, in that circle?” the lady said, “Well, yes, actually.  I am a natural lycanthrope, just like the villagers nearby, whose children I’m assuming are the ones you believe me to have stolen.  I fell under the influence of a fell curse on the full moon of my return to my home, and I resolved to protect both myself and the village from harm.  I erect that particular totem near the full moon, and it is supposed to shield us all from the curse.  However, the magic of the curse is so strong that the totem always ends up exploding, but at least it stops us from going to that human settlement nearby as the magic urges us to do.  Thankfully, the full moon isn’t for a couple more days yet…I just wanted to have everything prepared ahead of time.  I’m just glad I had the foresight to make the ingredients earlier.  They take two weeks to properly enchant, you know.  I don’t have any more supplies, and I’m going to need to go get some more…”

   “Oh, truly?  Eheh…um….well… we were sent here by the shaman of that village because he said there was a lycanthrope-proof magical barrier erected on the pathway to your house that he could not get through…he led us to believe that whatever was causing the trouble was coming from here…and when we saw you creating the totem, we went back and told the shaman…and then we sort of… well…destroyed it.  Utterly,” Vessa said sheepishly. 

   “WHAT?!?!  YOU INEPT, FOOLISH, INCOMPETENT, MORONIC, GULLIBLE FOOL!!!” shouted Rowena.

   “Heh heh…looks like their truce is already broken,” said Anomen with amusement.  “Hey, Jaheira, why haven’t you said anything yet?  Usually you are the first to bring your opinion to the fray!”

   “Contrary to what you might believe, cleric,” Jaheira replied, “I am not stupid.  I am staying well away from this one, as should you.”

   “THAT VILLAGE HASN’T EVEN HAD A SHAMAN IN YEARS!! Do you know nothing?!  What need would they have for a shaman when they have a perfectly capable druid in the tribe?!”

   “But…then…why would the shaman’s presence be tolerated if they had no desire for one?  It was the chieftain that directed me to him!”  Vessa protested.

   “Hmmm…Perhaps you have a point.  Very well, I shall refrain from turning you all into creatures of an amphibious nature.  Now, missy, you destroyed my totem.  This shaman told you to destroy my totem.  This shaman also has suspect motives for being in the village to tell you to destroy my totem.  Now you are going to do what?”

   “Get you a new totem?” Vessa said sarcastically, an impish smile curling on her face.

   “GO THERE AND PULL THE GUTS OUT OF THAT BLOODY SHAMAN, YOU SILLY GIRL!  He’s got to be the one that’s started all this mess!”

   “Hey! Wait just a minute here!  Why don’t you come with us instead of acting all righteous and mighty while sitting on your high horse?”  Imoen said.

   “Because, you pink-headed ball of disgusting cheerfulness, I am no longer welcome in that village!”

   “Oh, so you would have motive for sabotaging them, then!”

   “NO!  It’s…it’s not what you think.  Look, I don’t want to talk about it, all right?  Just go,” Rowena lowered her head.”

   “Nope!  I’m not goin’ anywhere until you tell us exactly why you’ve been banished!”  Imoen said stubbornly.  Minsc thought that Imoen was just being mean.  Boo said that the lady was telling the truth!  Why did Imoen need to know more?

   “Very well.  May you damn your ears once you hear my tale, cruel child.  I was banished from the village seven years ago.  Why was I banished?  I loved an outsider, a non-lycanthrope.  Not only did I love an outsider, a capital offence in that culture, but I also brought him to the village proper, the most forbidden of all forbidden actions.  They…they found us together, one bloody night.  My lover was-” her voice choked up and a crystal tear dropped from her eye, “my lover was devoured by wolves that night, and I…and I was branded with hot irons as a constant reminder of my ‘betrayal’,”

She unlaced the top of her robes and pulled the collar to one side.  There, over her heart, was a wicked brand, the scar tissue thick and obvious.  “There, happy now?  If you must know more, that is why I left.  I hid in the wilderness for two years, then got disgusted by it all and left…traveled the world, tried to see all that I could, tried to learn and experience all that I could…then I came back to where it all began.  I came back, only to find that my former pack is being threatened by some wicked outside force.  I want vengeance for them, and I would go and murder this shaman myself if I could…”

   “Oh jeez…I’m so sorry, Rowena.  I didn’t mean to bring all those bad memories up…I know what it’s like to have horrible memories…” said Imoen.

   “But, my Lady, if these people abandoned you, and murdered the one you love, why do you wish to aid them?”  Anomen said.

   “They abandoned me, yes, but they are still the only family I have ever known…I want to protect them.”  Rowena said.

   “I…I can understand that well, my Lady.  Pray forgive my questioning.”

   “It’s all right.  Now, please, go and save my people.  I will never be able to look at them after what they have done to me, but I still desire their safety.  I was foolish for bringing Cheylen there…I was reckless…”

   “Do not worry, Rowena.  We shall save your people, and put this shaman to rest beneath the earth, should he be the root cause of this problem,” Vessa assured Rowena.  Minsc was happy that they were helping Rowena.  She was so sad, but she cared so much about those people!  Boo said that it made her a good woman.

   Minsc followed the group, no longer caring about the hot sun, or his sore feet, or the trials that lie ahead.  He was proud of his mission, and he wanted more than anything to rescue these good people.

***

   Vessa allowed Jaheira to lead and her familiar to fly.  She had been walking near Solaufein at the back of the group as they marched toward the village.  Truthfully, she was looking for any excuse just to be near him, for she was too shy to be more direct.  She had been lost in her own thoughts, however, and Solaufein startled her out of her reverie by speaking suddenly.

   “Vessa…I would like to ask you…what is the meaning of the term ‘sweetheart’?  There is no such term in my own tongue that I can recall.”

   Vessa could feel the blush rising on her cheeks.  He *would* ask her, wouldn’t he?  “Uh…eh heh.  Hmm…a simple way to explain it… if someone is your sweetheart, it means that they wish to pursue a romantic relationship with you, and you with them.  I suppose it is a stage that has transcended friendship, but is still experimental in nature.”

   Vessa could have sworn she saw Solaufein’s face fall slightly at this, “Oh…My Little Poet, I had thought...hoped that, perhaps, I was your sweetheart, then..."

   “You….you *want* to be my sweetheart?!”  Vessa took a step back in surprise.

   Solaufein smiled gently down at her, “"I do indeed.  And you are the sweetest of all hearts, My Little Poet.”

   “O-oh.  Th-then, I would l-like to be your s-sweetheart as well,” Vessa replied as she smiled shyly up at him. 

   As they walked together, a little closer than before, their hands bumped casually into each other.  Solaufein’s hand enveloped hers, and he brushed his lips across the top.  They walked together, hand-in-hand, for some time before Solaufein broke the comfortable silence.

“Vessa?  What is wrong with my hair?”

***

   Vessa flicked a long braid over her shoulder and scrutinized the trees once more.  She was no ranger, but Dymphna had told her that they were being trailed.  Vessa didn’t want to tip the mysterious followers off to her knowledge, however, and had remained quiet.

   She felt Solaufein squeeze her hand, “What troubles you, my Little Poet?  You seem uneasy.”

   Vessa realized she still needed to act casual, so she leaned up, kissed him on the cheek, then quickly whispered in his ear exactly what she suspected.

Luckily, she had devised a sort of signal system with her party much earlier on in their adventuring, and a seemingly innocuous thing like, say, two pats and a shake on the shoulder could easily serve as a concealed warning.

   The entire party was now tensed for a fight, but the unseen trackers didn’t show their hand yet.  Vessa had a feeling they would be ambushed ahead in the path, where the trees grew thicker and provided a useful natural choke point.  She would not allow her party to be put at such a risk while she could help it.

   “I believe we should rest here for a while.  We have been walking for a long time, and I do not know about you, but I am rather tired.”  That should serve to annoy them, at the very least.  She thought.

   Good planning, Vessa.  Dymphna replied to her mistress’ ruminations.  The one who seems to be the leader is looking rather irritated.  I believe…yes, he has the pointed ears, I can see him better now he’s stopped.  So do his companions.  They have wicked bows, and the arrows glow with enchantment.  Thankfully the enchantment seems generic, so there will be no burning clothes, burning blood, or freezing flesh to worry about.

   Yes, so instead of my leg melting off by acid, I will just get shot between the eyes by some magical mithril arrow.  But wait…you said they were elves?  Why would *elves* be stalking us?  We are in league with Elhan, arrogant prat that he is.

   Perhaps they didn’t appreciate the tone your voice held when you spoke to their leader?  I have heard elves can be very particular about that sort of thing.

   Well…he was being an ass!  I do *not* appreciate having people in my mind, Irenicus was enough, thank you very much!


   Making the mistake of mentioning Irenicus began to bring back horrible memories, but they were quickly dashed away as the first of the arrows whistled past her head.    She managed to dodge, agilely springing to the side, and swung around to see where the shot was fired from.  She readied her hands for the casting even as she searched out her assailant.  Clear line of sight, clear line of sight…an arm, a leg, a nostril, anything will do!

   Aha!  She could see part of his face among the boughs, and wasted no time casting her spell.  Glowing orbs of magic shot from her fingertips and screamed towards the elf in the trees, zipping about the branches and blasting him in the chest.

   Stunned by the force of the impact, the elf dropped from the trees. He recovered enough to land gracefully on his feet, and wasted no time in drawing his sword and springing for Vessa, rage burning bright in his eyes.

   “What are you doing?!”  Vessa shouted as she parried his blow, “we work with Elhan!  Why do you attack us?”  Vessa kept dodging, dodging and weaving.  She was thankful for the training she had received in her childhood, a different fighting style than what the soldiers were drilled with back at Candlekeep.  No, this was far more fluid than anything the guards were taught.  It was centered on agility, and keeping your opponent off-balance.  A person could still be deadly even without the strength normally associated with a warrior with this style, and that made her feel very grateful indeed.  However, if he managed to pin her into a small area, she would be in trouble...

   She didn’t know how the others were faring as she fought defensively.  She could hear the shriek of magic and the sharp, stinging breath of arrows, but the sound loudest to her was the clang of sword against sword.

   “Listen!  We are not the enemy!  We work to aid Suldanessallar!  Why do you attack?!”  Vessa said once more.

   “Foul one! You lie! You *dare* call yourself an elf?  You fraternize with DROW!  This makes you just as evil as one of them, if not worse!  You betray your own people!”  The elf spat.

   “What?!  Solaufein has rebelled against his people!  He-” Vessa was cut off by a vicious slash she managed to dodge, but it still left a rather nasty, painful gash across her forehead.  Vessa knew there was a danger of the blood blinding her as it oozed down her face, and her mind raced to find a way to end this battle quickly -- and hopefully peacefully.

   “Silence your licentious tongue, whore of a Drow!  You’ve spoiled yourself with filth!”

   “HOW DARE YOU?!  Damn you, and damn your blind arrogance!  Solaufein is far better than that, and you are not fit to lick his boots clean!”  Vessa screamed.  Now she was out for blood, and the hilt of her sword collided with his nose.  Vessa smiled in grim satisfaction as she heard the crunch of breaking cartilage.  “Solaufein is NOT your enemy!  You are a harlot of your own hate!”

   She could hear the dull thud of a staff colliding with armor, and knew Jaheira was nearby.  If she could just get closer…

   Suddenly she heard a wet ‘thunk’ as more arrows flew, a masculine groan, and the thump of a body collapsing to the ground.  Her spine turned to ice; she instinctively knew that it was not an assailant that fell.

   She parried once more, and wiped her face against her sleeve to clear away the stinging blood in her eyes.  The fury was still there in his eyes, and the broken nose hadn’t slowed him down as much as she had hoped.  There is no way this will end peacefully.  Vessa thought to herself.

   Another thump, this time the sound of wood against bone, and another thud as somebody collapsed.  Vessa did not have to worry about parrying further attacks, as her assailant was so absorbed in causing her grievous bodily injury that he did not notice the druid behind him until after her own blade was pressed against his neck.

BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #14 on: July 30, 2006, 12:13:23 AM »
   “You will tell your men to cease this foolishness at once, elf.”  Jaheira growled.

   The elf showed no fear, but as he struggled to get away and Jaheira’s blade bit closer to his skin, he reluctantly snarled “disengage the enemy!”

   Now that Vessa no longer had to worry over the immediate threat of a sword being introduced to her gut, she surveyed the battle.  Jan wasn’t injured at all, Immy was favoring her left leg slightly, Anomen’s armor had a dent in it, Minsc was severely wounded and was rapidly quaffing healing potions, and Jaheira was currently holding a hostage.  The elves had all either been knocked out of the trees or had jumped down of their own volition.  There looked to be four of them, not counting their leader, and two were heavily wounded.  One was knocked out by Jaheira’s staff, and the last one was standing over…was standing over…

   “SOLAUFEIN!” Vessa shouted, her stomach icing over with dread and fear.  He was lying on the ground, an ever widening pool of blood being fed by the wound in his chest. Vessa could not tell if he was conscious or not, and she was so hysterical at the thought of him dying that she tried running to him, heedless of the still armed elves standing near him. NO NO NONONONONO He cannot be dead he cannot be dead no…

   Her way was barred by the three elves, and they were not letting her through.  “Anomen!” Vessa shouted,“hurry! Heal Solaufein!”

   Anomen had already been attempting to do so, but one of the elves had aimed his bow at Solaufein’s prone body.  “Take one step closer and I’ll end his life sooner!

   “You WILL drop your weapons now!”  Vessa screamed, “we have your leader hostage, and he *will* die if you do not comply!”  Solaufein!  Please, please do not let him die!  Please

   “Don’t listen to her, my brothers!  My life is worth nothing next to the death of a Drow!”

   Vessa could feel the ice in her heart melt, only to be replaced by a blood-red fire.  She knew what would come next, but this time she wasn’t sure she wanted it to stop.

   “You *will* stand aside, and you *will* leave us in peace, do you understand me?”  Her voice was low, icy, and sibilant, “If you do not comply immediately, you will not enjoy the consequences…and if you do not leave quickly enough, and he dies because of it, I will hunt each of you down…and I will make you suffer.”  The black anger was bubbling through her like burning pitch, the infernal power that came with it singing its song of murder all the while.

   From the corner of her eye, Vessa could see Imoen blanch.  “You’d better do what she says, guys.  You don’t want to see what comes next.”

   That’s right, Vessa thought bitterly, you perfect little elves. I cannot believe my own race could be so blind!  Since I am with a Drow, I am a stain on your race you cannot bear, am I not?  Soon you will get a taste of just what a monster I can become…
   
Does it have to devolve to that, Vessa?
  Dymphna sent to her mistress, every time you unleash that beast, you lose a piece of yourself to Bhaal.  You know this!

   It is worth it if it means saving Solaufein, Dymphna.  I will not see him die, not when it in my power to stop it! 
This newfound ruthlessness would normally have disturbed and terrified her, but now Solaufein was in trouble, and she would do anything to protect him.

   “We do not fear some harlot of a Drow, fool girl!”  One of the elves spat at Imoen, “and you will die along with her for defending him!  All of you will!”  He drew his bowstring back.

   “NO!”  There was no time.  For the first time, Vessa made no attempt to suppress the murderous taint of her sire.  The pain screamed through her, agony convulsing though every nerve.  The buckles of her armor slid open, causing it to slide to the ground as her clothing ripped from her ever-increasing size.  Her bones shattered and reformed, her flesh shredded open and morphed into a defiled mockery of its former state. Through her suffering, she could see the elf drop his bow, his face a mixture of disgust, hatred, and horror.  The horns were sprouting now, ripping through her, and her teeth drilled out of her head like macabre daggers.  Then she screamed.  She screamed her pain, she screamed her sorrow, she screamed her anger, and the song of death wound its way through their ears.  Ripping off the last of her old flesh, she cast it aside like a husk, turning her baleful yellow eyes to the ones who would dare harm those she cared for.
   
   The part of her that was still Vessa was shut away in a tiny corner of her mind, trying to exert its control over the twisted maze of hate and murder her thoughts became.  With a bestial roar she charged at the elf that would hurt Solaufein and slapped him aside like a gnat before he even had a chance to dodge.  He hit a tree and slumped to the ground like a rag doll.  Vessa-thing didn’t know if he was stunned or dead; Vessa-thing didn’t care.  She wanted death, she wanted to kill, and she wanted them to suffer!  The others were running, and Vessa-thing chased, chased the puny toys away from…something.  Something important?  Something they wanted to hurt, something Vessa-thing had to protect.  Yes, Vessa-thing would protect that thing, and they would PAY for hurting it!  She would MURDER!

   Two of the puny ones tried to limp away; Vessa-thing could smell the blood, could taste it even before she could devour it.   She didn’t waste her time with those yet, however.  She turned to the one held by the other…Vessa-thing would have attacked the other, but something stopped her…some little but commanding voice inside of her.  Instead, she waited for the other to let go, and chased the enemy as he ran off.  He was fast, though, very fast, and Vessa-thing cursed his quick legs and her own lumbering body.  She still tried, however, she had to punish him for what he did, had to protect the thing that must be protected.  He ran, faster and faster, and Vessa thing could not catch him.  He kept running, and now he was far away.

   Vessa-thing was hurting now, her body shaking violently with the strain of supporting her enormous wrath.  The mighty beast collapsed in a clatter of horns and hollow roaring, still not fully satiated on the blood that was rightfully hers.  A few dark moments, a short burst of fury, was all that it had been given to kill.  With one final, defiant roar, the beast left and Vessa was herself once more.

   Vessa got shakily to her feet, swaying even as she walked. Her armor was gone, her clothing a useless heap of tatters. She felt extremely disoriented, and the world made no sense to her.  Then she remembered the reason she allowed her taint to consume her. Heedless of her nudity, Vessa raced to where Solaufein had fallen, collapsing to her knees at his side.  Anomen and Jaheira both knelt beside him, sweat pouring down their brows as they worked frantically to revive the fallen Drow.  His long, snowy hair was crimson with his own blood, his face ashen, his eyes were glazed and unseeing even as they faced the sky and his breath was coming in short, strangled and wheezy gasps.  He occasionally whimpered softly from the pain. Vessa clutched his large hand with both of hers, praying fervently in her mind for him to live.  She felt something hot trickle down her face.  Blood?  Tears?  It did not matter.  He was all that mattered, and he could not die!  She was shivering madly, but was only vaguely aware of something being draped across her shoulders.  She reflexively clutched it around herself, but one hand still grasped Solaufein’s.  She felt a hand cup her chin, and felt something being brought to her lips.  Reflexively she drank it, and the pain she had already forgotten left her forehead

   “Wh-why is he breathing like that, Jaheira?!  Please tell me you can heal him!”  Vessa said, fighting away the tremble in her voice.

   “He bleeds inwardly, Vessa,” Jaheira replied, “he has lost much blood; his very lungs are flooding with it.  Though a spell may close his wound, we need much more than that if we are to return that which was lost.  It will take all of my and Anomen’s power to pull him from the brink of death.  He…he may not make it.  Now, do not distract me, child!  I must dedicate every second to his care!”

   Vessa did not know how long she lingered in the hell of waiting.  Minutes?  Hours?  Time held no meaning for her now, save that every second he still breathed was a second she blessed in her heart.  She was unaware of just how tightly she was clutching Solaufein’s hand, or just how shallow and irregular her breathing was.  Eventually she became slightly aware of a hand pulling at her shoulder, and the voice of Imoen, her sister and friend, telling her she should perhaps fix herself up.  Vessa would have none of it, however, and no amount of prodding would move her from the spot.

   The world around her was dark, and this scared Vessa all the more; her infravision was detecting only the merest traces of heat emanating from Solaufein.  The two healers working on him glowed brightly, however.  They were sweating with exertion, breathing heavily as they chanted still more spells, as they combined magic with the mundane to staunch his bleeding and drain his lungs.  His eyes…she did not like what she saw in his eyes.  They were not twinkling with laughter, not unfocused with dreaming or burning with intensity…his eyes were cold, so very cold.

   Something…something was changing within those dying eyes.  Vessa could see it, she could almost taste it as her stomach was writhing around within her like a snake trying to bite its own tail.  There was a spark in them now, a dawning of life!  She could see it!  Quickly she looked to check his wound.  There was no indication there had ever been one, save the cut away fabric of his tunic or the fact that he was lying in a pool of his own congealing blood.  Vessa allowed the tears to run freely down her face now, tears of absolute, radiant joy, and the first thing she did upon hearing him breathe properly was to nearly strangle said breath out of him by throwing herself upon him with all the force of her fervent, and surprisingly strong, embrace.

***

   The first thing Solaufein noticed upon being pulled from the brink of his own demise was that he was tired and sore.  The second thing he noticed was that a beautiful woman clad only in a cloak had just thrown herself on top of him, and it seemed she was trying to burrow her face into his chest.

   “IamsohappyyouareokIwassoscaredandIthoughtyouweregoingtodieneverdothatagainorIwillpersonallydragyoufromtheheavensmyself” The words were muffled due to being spoken into his sternum, and they tumbled out of her lips so fast he could barely understand them, but he got the gist of it nonetheless.  He wondered for a moment if he had perhaps died and this was the heaven blessed Eilistraee promised for all her followers.  He smiled, sighed happily and wrapped his arms around her in return, one draped across her back and his other hand gathering in handfuls of hair at the nape of her neck. 

   “Vessa, I believe you will strangle the Drow if you keep clinging to his neck so tightly.  Although I will admit, he *does* seem to be enjoying himself…” this last bit was said with a trace of amusement, and Solaufein realized immediately of what it was she referred. 

   Now, how to handle this situation delicately?  Solaufein wondered.  He had an inclination that surfacers had some sort of silly taboo about showing such…physical reactions in public.

   Vessa sheepishly loosened her grasp around his neck and looked into his face, seemingly oblivious to Jaheira’s inferred joke.  If the dampness at his chest wasn’t enough, he could tell she had been crying by the redness of her eyes and the tears still running down her cheeks. He also noticed there was blood on her face, but he could detect no wound.  She was truly scared to lose me…  He tenderly wiped away her tears and smiled warmly at her.  “I am glad to see you safe and unharmed as well, my Little Poet,” Solaufein pulled her close and kissed her forehead as she hiccoughed, “Do not shed tears over me.”

   “Well do not scare me like that, and I will not cry!”  Vessa said, but her relieved smile stayed nonetheless.

   “Oh, come now,” Solaufein replied with a grin, “surely you realize by now that I am rather hard to kill?  And you have to admit, I am older and more experienced than you.  You needn’t worry for my safety, I assure you.”

   Vessa rolled her eyes, “Sola, is this *really* the best time to brag at your durability when you are so weak you can't even sit up without assistance?”

   “Well I don’t know, Vessa, it would seem a large part of him has recovered beautifully!” Jan said with a smirk.

   “What?”

   Solaufein pulled her head closer to his own, and his soft breath tickled her ear, “the only reason I am remaining in this position,” he purred, “is the fact that there seems to be a beautiful, naked woman lying atop me, and I am enjoying this so much that I intend to thoroughly savor the experience by remaining here.”

   Solaufein couldn’t help but laugh as Vessa gasped sharply and her eyes widened in shock.

   He heard chuckling, and the sound of footsteps.  Imoen had approached, and was holding the sad remnants of what appeared to be an article of clothing.  “You know, Vessa,” the pink-haired girl began, “you should really learn to control the Slayer, if only to protect your wardrobe.”

   Vessa’s blush deepened considerably as the full weight of what both Solaufein and Imoen had said dawned on her.  She jumped up with a squeak, wrapped her cloak around her, grabbed her backpack, and fled into the relative privacy of the woods.  Imoen ran after her, teasing her all the way.  Pity, Solaufein thought to himself as he watched Vessa run off, shapely legs in full view, I must say I am rather sad to see her go…

   Jan grinned devilishly, “You know, this reminds me of the time when Aunt Barida joined a nudist colony.  Very colorful characters there, you see.  Although they weren’t colorful in the way you’d think.  It turns out the mushrooms they had become so fond of eating had the added side effect of turning their…”

   “You know, in all my time at the Order, I cannot recall a single story in which a maiden behaved quite like that,” Anomen hastily began in order to cut Jan off.  Solaufein noticed that the normally hale knight looked beyond the point of exhaustion, “and while I am sure any member of the Order would have reacted similarly to said maiden’s behavior, platemail armor covers that up quite nicely.  You should consider investing in a suit for yourself.”  Anomen finished with a wink.  Solaufein was extremely surprised.  Did the knight just make an off-color joke?  And more importantly, was that relief on his face?

   “Indeed,” said a drained Jaheira, a hint of laughter in her voice, “though, poets *are* known for their ‘ardor’, so to speak.”
      
   Solaufein couldn’t help but grin at them as he sat up.  “Yes, well…anway, you two have saved my life!  I fear I do not have the words to properly express my gratitude.”

   “It was not only us,” Jaheira began.  She related to Solaufein the entire story of the elves, Vessa becoming the Slayer to chase them off, and their own frantic attempts to heal him.

   “I must say, old cleric Lysander would have been pleased had he seen my efforts this day.”  Anomen said proudly.  He looked to be rather faint, “there was no guarantee you would pull through.”

   “Yes, Anomen, you heroically healed Solaufein all by yourself, ripping him from the mighty jaws of death with your great power and skill,” Jaheira replied, sarcasm dripping from her voice.

   “Er…well of course, you did help.  That was some very impressive helping you did, yes ma’am.”

   “You mentioned some of the elves were wounded…where are they now?”  Solaufein asked.  He was answered by the loud clanking of platemail as Minsc came tromping out of the woods, an extremely satisfied smile on his face.

   “Minsc took the mean elves out of here, oh yes!  Boo told Minsc to carry them all far away and now they won’t be bothering us again!”

   “They will survive,” Jaheira said, “though I found their behavior quite abhorrent.  To attack merely because they saw a lone Drow in the party…ridiculous, I tell you! But come, enough of this talk.  You should get yourself cleaned up; you are attracting every single insect in this entire forest to you while you are covered in blood.”

   Jaheira had a point.  He found himself the unwitting host of a variety of unpleasant insects, all crawling over him and getting stuck in his own blood.  He grabbed a change of clothing, his spare water skin, and a towel to clean himself up.  Who knew drying blood could be so itchy?

***

   Vessa had volunteered to be the wood gatherer for the evening, because she needed some time to collect her thoughts.  Her body was tired; yes, very tired, and her mind ached.  The hollowness within her had intensified when she willingly gave herself to the Slayer.  Worst of all, however, was the grief in her heart.

   Is it going to be like this for him forever?  She thought to herself as she twisted one of her long braids in her hands, completely forgetting about gathering wood,  is he going to be attacked, persecuted, and hunted down like an animal simply for his skin?  Is this the culmination of the freedom he dreamed of, the freedom he fought and bled for?  She shook her head at the thought.  No, I have read in Candlekeep of groups of Drow successfully living on the surface, under Eilistraee.  Perhaps…perhaps we could find a place like that, when this is over.  Of course, that would be assuming I get my soul back, AND assuming he would wish to stay with me.  I would travel to the ends of Toril with him, if that is what it takes to find a place he would truly be happy.  He is my friend, and yet he means even more to me than that…

   Did it ever occur to you that you should perhaps *voice* these sentiments to him instead of walking around in a daze, mulling them over in your head?
  Dymphna communicated to Vessa, landing on her shoulder after swallowing a thankfully unidentifiable chunk of dead flesh,  After all, you humanoids seem quite intent on this whole “communication” business.  I say a few simple songs will tell your entire heart true, but you insist on muddling things up with your ‘shades of grey’ and whatnot.  There are never any absolutes until something drastic happens, it seems.

   Tell him what, Dymphna?  That I worry over him constantly?  Or that I wish I could protect him from the cruelty of the world? Or that I see his face every time I close my eyes? Or that even though I am a Bhaalspawn and a monster, I still lo-
here she stopped herself.

   Still what, Vessa?  I don’t think I quite caught that last bit.

   Er…nothing, Dymphna, nothing at all.

   Oh come now, enough with this foolishness!  You and I both know well enough how you feel about the Drow, now admit it to yourself and save us both some grief!

   I am sure I do not know what you are talking about.


   Vessa was unable to continue her denial, however, for her familiar’s sharp beak was now tugging roughly at her earlobe.

   “OUCH! Ouch ouch ouch ouch!  Stop that right now, you insufferable silver chicken!”  Vessa shouted aloud as she tried unsuccessfully to bat her familiar away from her sensitive ear, “Stop I say!”

   Not until you admit your feelings for him, Vessa.  I am doing this for your own good, you know.  You are a very stubborn chick, but there comes a time when even the most bull-headed must be pushed from the nest…
   
The tugging was actually bringing tears to her eyes.  She had forgotten how sensitive her ears could be, now she was away from Candlekeep and there were no children around to yank at them.

Ouch!  You…you BRUTE!  You cruel, carrion-eating, violent brute!

   Yes, yes, whatever you say, Vessa.  Now, the admission, please.

   Never!!
   “AAIIGH!” OK FINE!  I LOVE SOLAUFEIN!  There, happy now?  I am pretty sure I am losing blood quite rapidly from my poor, eviscerated appendage.

   Ok, now say it with actual meaning, and not because I was swiftly granting you hearing loss.

   Fine.  I love…gods, I really *do* love him.  Oh…

   Why do you sound so disappointed with yourself?

   Because!  I am a Bhaalspawn!  A life with me would bring him nothing but misery, assuming he even wants to be with me!

   Pfeh.  I am quite sure your heritage means less to him than a pile of owl pellets, Vessa, just as his own heritage means little to you.  As I said, you humanoids can be so foolish sometimes.  It is also quite obvious he wants to be with you, anyway.

   How can you say that, Dymphna? He has never *said* anything…
   
   He does not have to, fool girl!  Even if you do not take into account the fact that he’s always looking for an excuse to speak with you, or staring at you when he doesn’t think you are looking, or the fact that he has been reading far more poetry of love than he did when first we knew him, you must surely realize by now that your familiar can sense such things.

   How can you-
   
   I know, Vessa.  Trust me, I just know.

   Vessa sighed in exasperation.  Fine, Dymphna.  Whatever you say.


   She did not realize that she had been wandering aimlessly as she held discourse with her familiar, and she found that she had wandered into a large field of…a large field of…

   “By all gods!  I have not seen the like since….”

***

   Solaufein had finished washing away most of the blood on his body and tangled hair, and was now leaning against a tree trunk near the campsite they had chosen, brooding as was his wont.  Once again, because of him the group was targeted.  Once again, he was attacked because of his race. Is there to be no respite for me?  He wondered to himself as he gently stroked the kitten in his arms, is this it?  The life of a rogue and a wanderer, to be hunted wherever I tread?  I wonder if that famous Drow, Drizzt, encountered such difficulties when he first escaped to the surface.  It is something to ponder, I suppose.  But in the meantime, mayhap…mayhap I should leave?

   He was startled out of his thoughts by something tugging at his hand, causing his kitten to jump from his arms and saunter over to Minsc with affronted dignity.  He looked down and saw it was Vessa, excitement shining in her eyes.  Her cheeks were flushed with exertion, most likely from running, and she was grinning widely.

   “Come on, Solaufein!  There is something I wish to show you.”

   Solaufein did not wish to dampen the high spirits of his friend, but he had no desire to be roused from his ruminations.

   “Perhaps later, Vessa.  For now I am rather…distracted.”

   Her face fell, but her eyes quickly lit up once again, this time with mischief, “Ok, fine, then.  Whatever you say….”

   This is odd, Solaufein thought to himself, usually she puts up more of a fight than-

   His thoughts were abruptly ended when he felt little fingers dancing across his ribs.  He had never felt such a sensation before…he felt as if he wanted to jump away, yet it was not an unpleasant feeling.  He tried to squirm away, choking down laughter as he did so, but Vessa was not giving up.  Finally he decided to reciprocate in kind, and he found himself guffawing loudly at Vessa’s attempts to escape his clutches while still trying to subdue him with her own.

   The attacks went on for a little while, and they ended up collapsed on the ground, breathless with giggling, and completely apathetic to the bemused looks of their companions.

   “Really, my lady, could you not perhaps save such indecorous behavior for a more…private…setting?”  Anomen began, “I would rather like to think that my leader had at least SOME measure of-“

   “You know, this reminds me of the time I invented the Janson Patented Ticklemaster Delight*tm.  I was going to put it on the market, but the name unfortunately sounded too much like an, er…intimate plaything, so I had to quit distributing it or face incarceration-” Jan said.

   “Oh yes, Jan, I truly regret that they did not arrest you.  I would pay much gold to see you telling your stories to a grizzled killer,” Jaheira said with amusement, “I am sure he would find many alternate uses for that turnip peeler of yours…”

   “Boo is quite the little ticklemaster as he runs across Minsc’s scalp at night, oh yes!  Sometimes it takes Minsc hours to fall asleep if Boo is feeling particularly energetic”

   “I think I saw something like your Ticklemaster in a naughty lingerie shop once, Jan.  It was selling out quite fast, if I remember correctly.  You sure you pulled it off the market completely?”  Imoen said,

   “Well, not *completely*, per say…let’s just say I became very selective with my clientele in regards to that particular item.”

   Jaheira turned to Imoen, a stern look in her eye, “Child, what on Toril were you doing in a shop like that?”

   “What?  They sell a lot of great pink stuff!  Do you know how hard it is to find pink underclothes?”

   “I would have to agree with Immy there,” Vessa began, “Some of those lingerie seamstresses can be rather…creative…in their designs.”

   “SUCH TALK IS NOT MEANT FOR A MAN’S EARS!!  Anomen shouted, dismayed by what he was hearing, “I am a champion of Helm, I harbor no impure thoughts.  I am a champion of Helm, I harbor no impure thoughts, I am a champion of Helm…”

   Now that the other members of the party were sufficiently distracted by Anomen’s consternation, Solaufein leaned in close to Vessa and whispered, “now, tell me a bit more about these creative designs?  I find that my interest has been quite…piqued…by what you imply.”

   Vessa looked to be struck dumb by his words, and he laughed as the blush on her face grew with an astounding rapidity.

   “I…er…um…that is…er…I WAS NOT IMPLYING ANYTHING!  It was all completely innocent.  Yes, that is what it was.  Nothing untoward here, no, not I.”

   Solaufein allowed his face to show disappointment, “Oh?  That is too bad. I must say I was rather entertained by the thoughts forming in my head at the idea of you…”

“YES WELL UM…..Now that you have suffered the infamous ‘Candlekeep Tickle Torture of DOOOOOM’, have I sufficiently convinced you to come with me?  Or shall I have to continue?”  Vessa said quickly.  Solaufein allowed the subject to be changed…for now.

   He chuckled lightly at this comment, “Tickle, is that what this is called?  Well, Vessa, I am sorely tempted to take you up on your offer of continuing, truly.”  As he spoke, he had snaked his arm around her to keep her from running, and proceeded to tickle her belly.  She squealed and tried to wriggle away, playfully batting at him and calling him a cheater.

   “Vessa, I am Drow,” he said with a wide grin that threatened to devour his face, “you should know by now that my race isn’t known for playing fair…”  He should not have allowed himself to be distracted, however, for now she was tickling his armpits, which proved to be very sensitive spots indeed.

   “Ha ha ha ha!  All right, Vessa, you stubborn little imp!  I yield! I yield!”

   Vessa gracefully leapt to her feet and wordlessly held her hand out to him, still grinning largely.  Solaufein found the expression rather endearing, and took her hand.  Without warning she sprinted off, taking him by surprise as he struggled to keep up.  Thankfully he was able to match his pace with hers quickly, for he didn’t want to appear ungainly in her sight.

   Vessa was slowing slightly now, and Solaufein could see the trees thinning ahead.  She let go of his hand and motioned him to keep going.  He could hear birds twittering sleepily, and the heady scent of some exotic perfume clouded the air.  He was just about to part the final boughs obscuring his vision when Vessa came up behind him, got on her tip-toes, and covered his eyes with her hands.  His eyes widened at the feeling of her chest pressed against his back, and without realizing it he leaned into her, almost causing her to stumble.

   “Whoa, Solaufein!  I would gladly carry you to the ends of Toril if that is your wish, but you must wait until I find a stronger back first!” Vessa said, laughing merrily.

   Solaufein was still rather distracted by the softness of her breasts pressed against his back, which made him recall how they felt unclothed against his chest, which made him imagine how they would feel if….anyway, all he could manage was an incoherent mumble.

   “Well, what are you waiting for?  Keep walking…oh, come on, do you not trust me?”

   “With my very life,” Solaufein said gravely.  He walked forward a few more steps, trusting in her to make sure he did not stumble.

   “Ok, now I am going to uncover your eyes, and you are going to see one of the most amazing sights on all of Faerun.”  Her hands slowly slipped away, and she backed away from him.   

   Solaufein was amazed by what his eyes revealed.  It was an entire field of the loveliest flowers he had ever seen.  They were in full bloom beneath Eilistraee’s moon, and they each glowed with a soft, gorgeous, pastel inner light, reminiscent of fireflies. They all seemed to be the same species of flower, but they were in a myriad of colors, in shades and tints Solaufein had never seen before.  The smell snaking its tendrils to his nose was absolutely intoxicating, and he spent a few minutes absorbing in the breathtaking sight before him.

   He felt a hand, so delicate in comparison to his own, slip into his once more.  Her grip was firm, but not domineering.

   “You know,” she began shyly as she looked up at him, “When I was a little girl, Gorion took me to the only other field of these flowers that I know of and taught me a little of the world.  ‘Do you see all the different colors?’ he asked, ‘each flower is lovely, is it not?  Each one is unique, and they all serve to make the field that much brighter. And yet, should even one of these colors be erased from the field, it would never match its former glory.  Choose a color, Vessa.  Choose any color, and I shall remove it and show you what I mean.”

   “Which color did you choose, Vessa?”  Solaufein asked.  He had always been curious as to her past, and he found this spontaneous revelation rather intriguing.

   Vessa chuckled softly as she continued, “Yellow, I chose yellow.  I have never been over fond of that particular color.  I remember how impressed I was when Gorion made all the yellow flowers close up with a wave of his hand.  I found that, even though the color I did not care for was gone, the entire field looked dull, looked incomplete, you know?  I remember I begged Gorion to make the yellow ones bloom again, for I hated the thought of the field being spoiled.”

   “Did he?”

   “Of course he did,” Vessa’s smile was warm and her eyes were distant with nostalgia as she spoke, “he said ‘Do you see now, little Duvheassa? Do you see the effect your dislike had on the field?  If the yellow flowers were not meant to be there, then the field would not look less lovely for their passing.”  She now looked intently at Solaufein, and it seemed to him her eyes were trying to read his reaction.

   “You knew I was thinking of leaving, didn’t you?”  He said in response to her gaze.

   The smile on her face faded as he said that, “Y-yes, I had a feeling you would.  I was hoping that, well… I was hoping that maybe you would stay, if I told you about what Gorion taught me…it sounded less foolish before I spoke it aloud, truly.  You…you are not still planning on leaving, are you?”  Her face showed true distress at the thought.

   “Why do you wish me to stay if I cause more fighting and grief by my very presence?  Surely you suffer enough of the fool prejudices of surfacers without my presence exacerbating the situation?”

   “Solaufein, your absence would cause me more grief and suffering than your presence ever could.”  She met his eyes directly as she said this, and he saw honesty and determination in those moonlit orbs.  Her other hand joined the first in holding his own.   “Please, do not go.” She whispered softly.

   He found himself touched by that quiet request, and he couldn’t bring himself to leave her.  No, not…not after hearing this.  “I will not leave, Vessa,” he smiled reassuringly as he saw relief flow across her face like the dawning sun breaking through the clouds, “I would like to ask a question, however.  Was I the yellow flower in that little parable of yours?”

   “Most certainly not!”  Vessa began, “you are the purple flower, because purple is my favorite color.”  She caught herself too late, and quickly looked away, embarrassed by her inadvertent compliment.

   “Indeed?  That is…good to know.”

   A gentle breeze blew as they both spent some time together, simply staring at the flowers and enjoying each other’s company in companionable silence.  After a long while of this, Vessa sighed and broke the quiet.

   “Solaufein…is this not truly beautiful?”

   Solaufein smiled down at her and picked the loveliest purple flower he could find in all the field, “not half as beautiful as you, my Little Poet.”  He then wove the flower in with her braids, but did not move away when he was finished.

Vessa was still gazing at him as he turned to face her fully, and did not seem to mind his closeness.  Cautiously, he put his hands on her shoulders and drew her even closer, bending his head lower.  Vessa’s eyes trembled closed, as did his own, and their breaths were commingling as his lips drew still nearer to her own.  His very heart fluttered madly…nearer…nearer…

   A twig snapped, the tiny sound multiplied a thousand fold in their minds, startling them both.  Vessa instinctively drew closer to Solaufein, who covered her protectively with one arm.  With his free hand he drew his sword, ready to fight at the first sign of aggression.

“My Lady!  There you are!  We are urgently awaiting wood for the fire!  I certainly hope you…” Solaufein smirked to see that even Anomen had the grace to blush at such an obvious fib.

Anomen stopped, his mouth spasmodically opening and closing like a drowning fish, unable to find the correct words to speak at the sight of his leader and a Drow seemingly embracing, “Oh dear…I seem to have interrupted something.  Much as I may not approve of such open displays of affection...er…well, I guess it wasn’t exactly open, as you were in the relative privacy of the forest and I barged in at a most inopportune time,”  he shifted his feet in embarrassment, “I…I suppose your affairs are your own, my Lady,”  he cleared his throat awkwardly several times, “he does seem to mean…very much to you.”  The words sounded as though Anomen had to force them from his chest, but Solaufein could tell there was good intent behind them,  “However, do not for one moment think this negates your duty of collecting firewood.  I certainly will not be doing so for you, dalliance or no.”  With that he walked off, not once looking behind him.

Vessa sighed and grinned up at Solaufein, but he thought he could detect regret in her dark eyes, “I suppose he is right.  There is nothing more heroic than gathering dead wood to fuel a campfire, is there, Solaufein?”

“Surely, bards are running their inkwells dry attempting to commemorate this momentous occasion,” Solaufein said dryly as he reluctantly released her from his embrace, “I suppose it would be cruel to keep from them the amazing tales of our exploits, in which we wrest the unwilling lumber from the unyielding earth to feed the fire that shall save millions of lives.”

“Ha!  Come then, Solaufein, let us heroically gather the wood, for tomorrow, we may need the heat from the fire to warm our hearts as we face the cold glares of the witch!”

Solaufein grinned and rolled his eyes at her words.  That woman could turn the most mundane of activities into an adventure, can’t she?

 
 



BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #15 on: September 25, 2006, 10:38:29 PM »
Hello, all!  Many apologies for the delay, real life hates me is all I have to say about that!

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  The beginning of this chapter is a wee bit...risque.  If you find yourself offended by such things, please scroll down a smidge and ignore.  It's not explicit, but it's implied...

Chapter 13: Merely The Beginning

The colored flowers were blooming, filling the air with their sultry aroma.  The decadent night sky enveloped them both with its velvet caress, and the wind was cool and gentle across his bare back.  However, the only thing that mattered to Solaufein was the beautiful woman standing before him, gazing up at him with eyes that glowed hot with desire.  He gently stroked her cheek, smiling as she leaned into him.  Though he trusted her completely, he was still conditioned to harsh treatment in such a situation and was pleasantly surprised when her touch was gentle. Her little fingers were shyly exploring him now, tracing the outline of every muscle of his chest and stomach, making him growl his approval.  He pulled her close in his strong embrace, leaning his head to hers.  Her soft lips yielded deliciously to his own, and he found his hands were traveling the length of her back as they matched the rhythm of his tongue.  He could feel her heart beating faster against his chest, could feel her silky hair playing in his fingers.  Her hands were dancing across his back now, and the feel of her nails softly dragging across his skin almost made him purr.

   His lips drifted to her throat, causing her to murmur in delight as he lavished leisurely kisses on the vulnerable skin there.  His hands began unlacing her tunic, causing her to blush deeply even as her kisses landed on his chest and neck like droplets of rain.  He slipped his hands onto her ribcage even as her light tunic was drifting from her ivory shoulders.  She backed up suddenly, looking bashfully away, and tried to cover herself.

   “Vessa, you are perfection to my eyes.  Be proud of your beauty, there is nothing to be shy of,” he murmured, slipping his hands around her again.

Slowly his hands slid upwards, gently tickling, and cupped her breasts.  He heard her gasp at the sensation, and he marveled at the perfection he felt in his hands, the same perfection he had felt on his chest not so long ago. He could feel her trembling with yearning against him. He dropped one hand and cupped her bottom, pulling her ever closer to himself.  It seemed as though her shyness was falling away, she pressed herself into him, trying to get ever nearer.  He picked her up, his kisses increasing in passion and fire as she wrapped her legs around his waist.  He sank to his knees then, still kissing and caressing, and laid on top of her.  Though they were both still wearing breeches, Solaufein’s own felt *very* tight.   Vessa moved in a way that made him shiver with desire, and his body instinctively reacted to the position, grinding against her even as his nimble hands grew bolder.

“Solaufein,” Vessa whispered huskily as his lips traveled further down, now exploring the length of her collarbone,

“Oohhh, Vessa, I want…” Solaufein rumbled lowly in response.

“Solaufein…”


“Solaufein?”

Solaufein opened his eyes to see none other than Vessa kneeling above him.  He didn’t stop to wonder why she was on top of him when she was beneath him a precious second ago, and neither did he stop to wonder why he was suddenly in his bedroll instead of the field of glowing flowers.  He merely wrapped an arm around her waist, pulled her down, and rolled on top of her once more.  His hands began to glide up her sides once again, and he vaguely wondered how her tunic got back on.  He ignored that little detail and began tenderly nuzzling her neck.

“Solaufein?!”  Vessa sounded extremely surprised.  Why did she sound that way?  She was not surprised a moment ago…

He heard a quiet snicker nearby and suddenly, it dawned on him.  He had been dreaming, now had the object of said passionate dream beneath him, and had been grinding his pelvis against her the entire time she was pinned.

“Solaufein, do you always wear your swordbelt to sleep?  Does that not get uncomfortable?”

His eyes widened at her innocent comment.  Did she truly not know?  “Er…” he began, his voice strangled, “one can never be too prepared.  I um…I learned that lesson well in Ust Natha.”

“By the gods, Vessa, did you *really* just ask him if he was wearing his SWORDBELT to bed?!”  Solaufein heard Imoen say from her bedroll, laughter heavy in her voice, “You’re so incurably naïve!”

He heard footsteps and turned his head up to see a highly annoyed Jaheira.  “Children, if you are going to engage in such activities, would it not behoove you to do so farther in the forest, where there is less a chance of disturbing the rest of us?  I am on watch, and for a moment I thought we were being attacked!”

“Attacked?  Oh no, Jaheira, you do not understand!  I heard Solaufein moaning and calling out for me in his sleep, so I went over to check on him and saw him writhing in his bedroll.  When I woke him up, he must have grabbed me on instinct.  I am sorry if it startled you.”

“Yes, I would say it was…instinct…as well,” Jaheira began, a ghost of a smile on her lips, “Solaufein, you may want to keep your…instincts…under more control in the future.  I know of herbs that can quell them, if you wish to learn…”

“You can give him herbs to cure his nightmares, Jaheira?”  Vessa said, still underneath him as he had not yet moved, “that would be wonderful!”  She set her eyes on Solaufein, “ Then again, your last nightmare came true…what if the herbs stop the next nightmares that warn us of danger?”

“Oh, I dunno.  Would it really be all that bad, Uncle Sola?”  Imoen said, voice dripping with false innocence.

“Um…Solaufein?”  Vessa began, “no offense, but all of that muscle on you is a bit heavy.  Would you mind letting me go now?”

Actually, I would much prefer it if you were in this same position, but with us being in a more private setting.  Solaufein thought to himself even as he shifted to the side and allowed her to leave his embrace.

“Solaufein, you are not wearing a swordbelt at all!”  Vessa said with surprise.

Solaufein sighed deeply, “No, Vessa, I am not wearing a swordbelt.  That was me you felt.  Now, if you’ll excuse me?”  With that he got up and, without looking behind him, made his way towards the nearby river.  It seemed he would be taking two baths this eve. 

However, as he walked, he found that the cool night air was enough to stifle his ardor…for now.  He also found that the beauty of nature called to his ancient elven roots, and was compelled to wander and simply enjoy the natural wonders that surrounded him.  As he wandered, he allowed his musings to envelop him.

***

   “You know, he has been out there for quite a while,” Vessa said nervously, “what if there are more elves about?  Though we were not much of a deterrent before, seeing Solaufein without the company of surfacers could easily goad them into attack.”

   Jaheira sighed, “Child, there is still much time yet before the dawn. If you are going to babble worriedly, do so in a more quiet manner, as the humans and the gnome wish to sleep.”

   “I am sorry, Jaheira,” Vessa said, dropping her voice to a whisper, “I am merely concerned.  He has already been attacked once this day…what if there are further patrols?”

   “If you’re so dang worried about him, Vessa,” Imoen whispered brightly, “why not go look for him?  It can’t hurt anything.”

   “Er…I am not sure that is a good idea.  He did leave for a…” she blushed brightly, “a reason, you know.”

   Imoen’s grin turned disturbing, “awww, come on, sis!  You’re worried about him, aren’t ya?  If he’s in trouble, you can be his heroine, and if he’s not….well, you could just say you were taking a perfectly innocent stroll through the woods.  Yup, no laws against that.”

   “Immy, that excuse never worked when I caught you spying on me, you know.”

   “Er…well, it might work on him.  Ya never know!  And besides, he really *could* be in danger….”

   Vessa snorted, “Instigator.  Fine, I will go.  I would rather you did not accompany me, however;  there is no doubt in my mind that I will once again stumble blindly into a potentially embarrassing situation, and if you are there you will only serve to exacerbate said situation.”

   Imoen schooled her face into a perfect mask of innocence, “what, me? Never…”

   Vessa felt another familiar slice of pain through her belly as she walked, and she was highly grateful there was no one around to see her fall to the ground, doubled over in agony.  The attacks had been increasing in intensity, and she hoped fervently that the next one wouldn’t rip out her stomach entire.

   Vessa! Vessa, are you all right?  Dymphna communicated to her mistress.

   I am fine, Dymphna.  Perfectly fine, Vessa growled back through the link.

   You should go to a proper healer and get that looked at, Vessa!  You may be damaging yourself more by ignoring it!

   Nonesense!
Vessa stated with more confidence than she felt, It will pass, and I shall be *fine*.  Now , let us go. With that, she stubbornly picked herself up and walked further into the forest.

I certainly hope he will not be annoyed with me if I find him unharmed… Vessa thought to herself a few minutes later as she moved through the trees with the unconscious grace gifted to her by her elven heritage.

   Annoyed?  Vessa’s familiar asked through their link, I believe it will be quite the opposite.  It is often very flattering to see your mate worries for you.

   Er… we are not mates, Dymphna.

   And this mitigates your feelings for each other in what way? Besides, in order to become mates, all you need to do is engage in a very personal and highly pleasurable bonding…it is time you flew out of the nest for that as well, Vessa.

   Dymphna!  I must concentrate on finding Solaufein, NOT these…rather... erm… rather intriguing images you are sending me.  Oh my…


   The flush on Vessa’s cheeks was increasing steadily as her familiar continued to send her rather interesting images through their link.  Vessa had only put up token resistance to this abuse of their bond, however.  Though she was shy, she wasn’t frigid by any means.  Oh no, not frigid at all.

   Of course, being distracted by such thoughts set her up to be completely surprised when she finally did find Solaufein.  Well actually, she didn’t so much *find* him as stumble over him, truly.  She stumbled right over his sitting form, in fact, landing with a decidedly ungraceful crash on the ground beside him.

   BLAST!  Fie on you, Dymphna, fie! Vessa communicated to her familiar as she tried to pick herself up.  She felt the uncomfortable sensation of dirt down her tunic,  I am going to get you back for this, just you wait…maybe I will put ink on your feathers whilst you sleep…

   Excuse me?  You seemed to be quite enjoying those educational little images I was sending you, Vessa.  Don’t even blame me for your lack of attention to other matters.

   Not fair!  You knew exactly what effect they would have on me, you did this on purpose.  In fact, I would not doubt that you planned it from the start! And another thing…How *exactly* do you know so much about how elves make love?  You are not even remotely in the same category as our own species!
  Vessa could sense her familiar was laughing loudly at her, though to her own ears it sounded more like the impudent bird was choking.

   “Er…Vessa?  Are you quite all right?”  Said Solaufein from somewhere behind her.  She was now aware that her bottom had been sticking up in the air in a most undignified manner.  She scrambled to sit herself upright while still managing to look refined in the process, not an easy feat considering the circumstances.  She quickly whipped her hair out of her face and set to dusting herself off, avoiding Solaufein’s eyes as best she could.  However, he began to aid her in dusting off, and the feel of him touching her brought back many of the more delicious bits of those distracting images.  Her blush deepened at the thoughts,  “Er…I er….I-it is n-nothing,” She managed to stutter.

   “Are you certain?”  He asked uncertainly, “you are quite flushed.”
   
   “YesIamperfectlyfine!” Vessa said quickly, hiding her face.  She felt so very awkward right now.  He made her feel things she had never experienced before.  Was this normal?  She had no frame of reference....they had certainly never mentioned anything like *this* in the anatomy books at Candlekeep.  No, no mention of how he made her heart pound at her ribs like it wanted to escape the prison of her flesh,  or how his touch on her skin felt like white-hot magma was pouring from his fingertips, or how his every word enraptured her senses… no mention at all.  Not only that but…wait…was that a twig in her cleavage?!  It was!  Oh, the indignity of it all!

   Vessa grunted with disgust as she proceeded to fish said twig out of her bosom, completely failing to notice the sharp intake of breath this action produced in the now-mesmerized Drow sitting beside her.  The blasted think kept wriggling out of her grasp, and she thought with chagrin that it was sentient and avoiding her on purpose.

   I swear, this is absolutely ridiculous, I cannot believe I am being subjected to the machinations of an evil, sentient twig.  What does it think it is going to do down there, plant down some roots and grow?  And just *what* are you laughing about, Dymphna?!  Blasted feather-brained, flat-beaked, showoff silver bird…

   Vessa had risen to her knees now and was leaning forward, shaking her top in an attempt to dislodge the offensive piece of a vascular plant.  The stubborn twig really did seem to have grown roots, for all the shimmying in the world would not extricate the thing.  Finally she turned her back on Solaufein, thinking herself to be discreet, and unlaced her tunic to fish the twig out.  What she failed to realize was that her bottom was now waving to and fro in front of him.  Finally she got the offensive bit of wood out, laced her tunic hurriedly, and turned to face Solaufein once more.  His eyes were wide, and Vessa’s infravision told her his face was heavily flushed.

What is the matter with him?  Vessa wondered, tossing the errant twig aside.

   Well, it could be the fact that you just performed a mating dance for him…  Her familiar replied.

   What in Toril are you talking about, Dymphna?

   A highly amused snicker was all her familiar replied with.  Vessa had to admit the situation was awkward, and she could not remember being looked at that way by anyone.  It seemed like his eyes were going to set her on fire with the intensity of his stare.

Vessa noticed a bug flying about Solaufein’s head, and in an effort to both dispose of the annoying creature and dispel the discomfiture between them, she reached to swat it away.  However, her hand brushed against his ear in the process, and he growled when it did so.  She quickly snatched her hand back.

   “Solaufein?  Did I hurt you?”  She could not think of why touching his ear would hurt, unless he had perhaps injured it earlier?

   Solaufein gave her an incredulous look, “No, you did not hurt me.  My ears are highly sensitive…aren’t yours?”

   “What do you mean?”  Vessa replied, unsure of why he was surprised.

   “Well, you *are* an elf… hmmm…here, let me show you.”  Solaufein reached over, brushed her hair behind her ear, and began to slowly trace the odd spiral with his finger.

   Vessa never felt this way when her own finger touched her ear, but when Solaufein did it, a shiver tingled its way down her spine.  She was glad she was sitting, for her knees felt unable to support her, and her stomach felt like it was bouncing all over inside of her.  Not only that, but the tickly feeling this was causing made her want to both jump away and lean closer into him at the same time.  It made her want…something.  She was not quite sure what.

   You want to mate with him, silly, her familiar sent from their link, go ahead, he’s certainly ready.

   WHAT?!  Dymphna, I cannot do that!
  Was Vessa’s shocked reply.

   Why not?  You both want it, so…get to it!  You are both likely to explode from tension if you don’t.

   But…I do not even know if he loves me!

   It is obvious he does, Vessa, else I would not counsel you so.  You are as a raven, and we mate for life, you know.

   Well, what about…What Irenicus did?
  Vessa shivered in spite of herself at the thought, and was vaguely aware that she was leaning against Solaufein’s chest.  He was still tracing her ears, and it felt lovely.   No man in his right mind would want a woman after that, Dymphna.  No man wants damaged goods.

   Vessa felt an explosion of deep hatred and revulsion from her familiar at the reminder of Irenicus and what he did,  If Solaufein were a *real* man, he would support you, comfort you, and teach you that it is not supposed to be an act of hurt, violence or shame, no matter what Irenicus did.

   Vessa shifted a bit, still in such a reverie speaking with her familiar that she did not fully enjoy the treatment she was receiving at Solaufein’s hands.   As delicious as the images Dymphna sent her earlier had been, she was still afraid of such things.  Not only that, but she was terrified of Solaufein’s reaction to learning the full extent of what was done to her.

   Her rational mind, the one that knew Solaufein well and loved him, told her he would be outraged at the cruel, humiliating tortures she endured, and rather than push her away, he would hold her closer to his heart.  However, the more insecure, self-doubting, nervous part of her mind told her that he would be disgusted by her very presence, that he would want absolutely nothing to do with her, that he would think her filthy.  Just like Irenicus said…

   She could feel disapproval from Dymphna as she thought these things, so she tried to distract herself from such gloomy images by focusing instead on what was going on outside her mind.  She had to admit, she was thoroughly enjoying the attention she was receiving now she wasn’t communing with Dymphna.  However, what Solaufein was doing only increased the strange sensations she was feeling, and she began to feel uncomfortable with the whole situation.  She tried to think of a way to gracefully end these attentions, lovely as they were, and an opportunity presented itself in the form of Solaufein’s unguarded ribs.

   Though he was usually quick to react to any sudden movements, Vessa had caught him at a vulnerable moment.  She exploited this advantage without mercy, and soon he was laughing loudly, trying to reciprocate the ‘attacks’ he was receiving.  Eventually Vessa jumped from his lap and began running away, laughing and knowing he would follow.  She teased him, slowing down just enough for his fingertips to graze her back…right before she sped up again, as unreachable as a mirage in the golden desert.

   She could hear running water up ahead, but she paid it no heed.  Instead, she turned her head and stuck her tongue out at Solaufein teasingly, not noticing the tree root in the path of her sprinting feet.

   What a spectacular trip it was!  Vessa went flying, soaring over the bank of a river concealed by tall grasses and reeds, and landed with a painful flop into the water.  To her the water was freezing, and she jumped in shock.  The river itself wasn’t very deep; when she stood, the water line ended a bit above her navel. 

   “You think that’s going to stop me, Vessa?”  Solaufein called from the bank before jumping in.  He began wading toward her, moving quickly through the water.  Vessa began laughing anew as she tried to escape Solaufein, but she was not as strong as he, and the water offered quite a bit of resistance.  She found herself falling into the water often in her struggles to get away, and was now shivering greatly from the cold.

   Finally, Solaufein leapt forward and grabbed her around the waist before she could dive into the water and attempt to swim away properly.  He pulled her close to him and wrapped his arms around her, pressing her back against his chest.

   “I have you now,” he purred softly in her ear. Vessa squirmed around and managed to face him, fully intending to splash him in the face and escape.  However, he had grabbed her waist again, “You seem cold, Little Poet.  Your lips are almost blue,” was all he said before he lifted her up and out of the water. 

   Try as she might, Vessa couldn’t suppress her laughter, “Solaufein!  You put me down right this instant!”

   Solaufein began to spin around, grinning up at her as she laughed with joy.  She cherished the sparkling red stars of his eyes, prized the carefree look on his face.  Such a sight was all too rare in the melancholy Drow.

   As they spun around and the world became a blur of fantastic colors and shapes, their eyes met once more, and it seemed as if the entire universe had distilled itself into a precious droplet, dangling tremulously on the tip of a leaf.  Their smiles faded, the laughter in their eyes replaced with something far more fiery.  For one blessed second, all the awkwardness, all the uncertainty and fear, all of it washed away like bitter ash after a long rain.  As Solaufein brought Vessa ever closer, it seemed as though that droplet of her universe held itself still in time, awaiting breathlessly the moment that could crystallize it forever, or dash it cruelly from the leaf.

   Her eyes fluttered, then drifted shut just as his lips landed softly on her own.  Unconsciously, the arms that were clinging to Solaufein just a moment ago wrapped themselves around his neck, and Vessa’s once cold body felt warmed by a new kind of blaze, a heat she had never felt before.  She could feel his arms wrapped securely around her, cradling her body against his own as his kiss lingered.  Vessa was thoroughly enjoying this new experience, and all other thoughts had fast flown from her mind.  Solaufein had become her entire world.

   Though his kiss had begun gently enough, his fervor increased.  Vessa opened her eyes in surprise as she felt Solaufein’s tongue glide across her bottom lip.

   Aaaah!  I have never kissed anybody before!  What if I am not adequately experienced? What is he doing with his tongue?  What am I supposed to do?!  Vessa thought to herself, teetering on the edge of that special kind of panic one only feels during a potentially incredibly awkward social moment.

   You’re doing fine, Vessa! Dymphna communicated to her, trust me, from this angle, he looks to be enjoying himself immensely.  You trust him, don’t you?  Just follow his lead!

Vessa *did* trust him, and so tried to take her familiar’s advice to heart.  However, just as he began teasing her lips apart, he pulled his head away.  His crimson eyes seemed dazed, he was breathing heavily, and Vessa noticed that she was as well.  He seemed to be hesitating between letting her go, and holding her even closer to himself.  In the end, he decided to keep his arms around her as he spoke.

“Vessa,” he said hoarsely as he moved a strand of wet hair from her face, “It must be obvious by now.  I desire you, and I will wait for you so long as you need.  However, *please* do not tease me further like you did earlier. I don’t believe I can take that a second time.”

“You…you what?   H-how did I tease you?”  Vessa spluttered, surprised by his frankness.  She guessed such bluntness was common in Drow culture, however.  This called to mind the argument she had with Dymphna previously, and all the things Irenicus did to her.  Vessa shook her head sadly at Solaufein.

“No, Solaufein, you do not want me,” she said, turning her head away from his gaze, “Irenicus…h-he did…he d-did *things* to m-mme,” she started shivering, “he h-hurt me an-and he ma…made sure n-no man would ev…ever l-love me.  He t-told me so…o-over and over…”  she could not bring herself to tell him the entire truth, the whole story, and it made her feel even more miserable about herself as a result. She had been trying so hard not to let what Irenicus did rule her life, tried so hard to ignore it and just live as normally as she could, but the memories of what happened and her guilt for not telling Solaufein the entire truth ripped at her to the point where her carefully crafted walls seemed to be crashing all around her.  She tried unsuccessfully to dam up her tears, and she steeled herself for the rejection she knew would come even with this partial confession.

She felt Solaufein remove one arm from around her and knew without a doubt that he would push her away.  Needless to say, she was shocked when Solaufein gently traced her jaw line with his fingers, wiping droplets of water and tears away before cupping her chin and turning her head to face him.

“Look at me, Vessa,” he began, now cradling her cheek tenderly and stroking it with his thumb, “you couldn’t be farther from the truth.  It is easy, so very easy to… to care for one such as you.  Irenicus zhah biu verin s'ck fa'la zatoast!” he hissed in his native tongue before his gaze softened and he held her closer, “treemma naut, whol usstan zhal sslig'ne dos dal ukta, ussta ssin'urn uss,” he whispered protectively in her ear.

“Wh…what did you just say?”  Vessa whispered back as she took comfort in his unexpected embrace, burying her face in his chest.  She tried to make sense of his words. The first sentence was said in anger, but the last… the last was said with a tenderness most surfacers would never expect from such a tongue.

Solaufein smiled down at her mysteriously, “what did I say?  Your heart shall know in time.  For now, all you need to know…is this,” with that, he brought his lips to hers once more.

Vessa closed her eyes and leaned into Solaufein, feeling completely safe in his strong embrace and perfectly content in the immeasurable sweetness of his kiss.

BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

Offline Noctalys

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Re: Cinders and Rebirth
« Reply #16 on: September 25, 2006, 10:55:07 PM »
***

Ignoring the questioning comments both he and Vessa received from their comrades on their return to the campsite, they had gone about their business as if it was perfectly normal to walk into camp both fully clothed and sopping wet.

“OOOOHHH Vessa, just what were you two doing out there?”  Imoen began, giggling in amusement.

Though Solaufein was still leery of showing affection in public, he shoved his misgivings aside, and wrapped his arm around Vessa’s shoulders.  He gave Imoen a level stare before replying,  “that, miss Imoen, is private.”   However, Vessa’s face, which was in the corner of his eye, bloomed with heat his infravision detected.

“Er…y-yes, that is right, Immy.  None of your business,” Vessa replied while leaning into Solaufein, “and on that note, I suppose I shall retire for the night.  We have a long day ahead of us, yes?”

Once this was said, Vessa took her pack and walked off into the bushes, where Solaufein assumed she was changing into dryer clothing.  He decided to follow suit, and when he returned, he saw her settling down for the night, her bedroll now conspicuously far away from the still-giggling Imoen.

Vessa had fallen into reverie rather quickly, and Solaufein had moved his bedroll nearer to hers, watching the peaceful rise and fall of the blankets she was securely tucked within.  She was lying on her side, curled up as was her wont, but, for once, she wore a smile on her face. 

His mind slipped back into the context of his earlier dream as he watched her reverie.  He could not remember the last time any dream had been so…pleasant.  In fact, the last time he had dreamed instead of reveried, the entire party was attacked by demonic Lolth-spiders.  This was…different, however.  In the dream there had been much shared passion, and there were none of the staples he had come to expect from his previous experiences in his own society.  He remembered the time he and Phaere had once shared together.  Though things had become less violent as their relationship progressed, it was still nothing at all like this dream.  He wondered how he could dream of something he had never experienced.  After all, his dreams of the sun were pale reflections of the true, awesome power of that burning orb.

He checked his wandering mind and focused more on the only relationship he had ever known.  One of the most painful things about his relationship with Phaere was the fact that she never allowed him to touch her except during massage or sex.  He could never just hold her, or touch her, or show her any sort of affection whatsoever.  What had confused him the most was how illogical his feelings had seemed in light of his situation.  Phaere behaved as any proper Drow would, always; centuries of betrayals and murder had corroded her ability to trust.  Even when they were at their closest, Phaere could never fully let her guard down around him.  Always he found excuses just to touch her… dust on her clothing, a smudge on her flawless ebony skin…but it was just never enough.  He remembered how isolated he felt, and how at the same time he chided himself for allowing himself to slip up in her presence.  Oh, how badly it had hurt when she was taken away…and how badly she had hurt him when she returned.  Of course, the “new Phaere” couldn’t possibly comprehend the fact that her emotional cruelty towards him hurt worse than any tentacle rods ever could.

He tried to banish his melancholy reminiscing by focusing on Vessa once more.  How different his life on the surface was compared to that of the Underdark!  Vessa had taught him so much since his departure to the surface, and he had a strong suspicion she didn’t even realize this.  He wasn’t just referring to his education on surfacer etiquette, either; he was also referring to her teaching him that kindness was not taboo and gentleness was not a sin.  Already she had shown him, a houseless Drow with nothing of material value to give, more trust and affection than Phaere ever could.  She had touched him, held him, comforted him, allowed herself to sleep by his side, in his arms, with no hesitation or disdain whatsoever.  This gift of trust was so beautiful to him, and he cursed his inability to express how he felt.

Vessa slept so close to him, and yet so very far.  She was as a star in the sky; seemingly fixed and immutable, but now she seemed forever out of his grasp.  He wondered if, perhaps, he could just hold her, one more time.  He wanted to feel that trust again, he wanted to know that affection once more.  At the same time, he hesitated.  What if she dashed his hand away even in her sleep, as Phaere had done many times before?

He shook his head at the lack of logic in his own thoughts and carefully, tentatively, wrapped a single arm around her waist.  He froze as Vessa’s eyes fluttered open and rested drowsily upon his face.  She smiled that slow, sweet smile of someone not quite awake, and curled up close to him.  It was not long before she was fully asleep, wrapped firmly in Solaufein’s arms.  He enjoyed the feel of her in his embrace, relished the sensation of her soft breath on his neck as she slept.  Now ready to slip into reverie himself, he sleepily wondered if the dream he had was a portent of the future.  After all, he reveried far more often than he dreamed, and his past dreams have come true whilst he was on the surface… He fervently hoped this was true, and that, one day, he could admit his love for her.

***

   Anomen had, once again, arisen early from rest.  There was some sort of commotion that had briefly disturbed his repose the night past, but he had fallen asleep quickly and so was ready to move on this morning.  The first sight he witnessed upon waking, however, was that of Solaufein and Vessa, arms and legs entwined in sleep like two morning glory vines sharing a trellis.  He sighed to himself.   It looked as though they were both bound and determined to be with each other, despite the odds stacked high against them.  Anomen could only hope this was for the best.  If only Helm gave answers on matters of the heart!

   Solaufein was the first to stir, and Anomen watched as he registered Vessa’s presence in his arms with some surprise.  However, that surprise quickly melted away into a look of love Anomen could have recognized from halfway across the world.  Did the Drow have to be so blatantly obvious?!      Solaufein’s hand was already securely twined through her hair, and he dragged his fingers through it, smiling tenderly all the while.  As much as he might not approve of such a public display, Anomen decided it was not his place to interfere.  After all, he did ruin what he assumed would have been their first kiss together.  He didn’t want to spoil this peaceful moment for Solaufein as well. 

   Helm knows he’s had few enough in his life, Anomen thought to himself, surprised at this sudden burst of empathy towards a man he was taught to hate,and for that matter, the same holds true for Vessa.  They have both been through so many trials, and here they have been rewarded with each other. 

Vessa was awake now, and she was smiling softly as she gazed into Solaufein’s eyes, blushing as Anomen expected she would.  It was clear she had no wish to leave his embrace, so instead she softly traced Solaufein’s handsome face with her delicate fingers.  The contrast between their flesh was striking, like snow against black marble, but this made it look all the more beautiful.  Anomen had to admit he felt the twinges of envy as he looked at the couple, for he never had what they have now.  There was never a maiden who looked at him as Vessa looked at Solaufein, never a maiden who reciprocated his feelings as Vessa did Solaufein’s.  He had his fill of unrequited love, however. 

He remembered her flaxen locks, her stunning hazel eyes, her ready smile.  She was such a beautiful, noble lady, a woman any knight would be honored to champion.  Of course, she was in far too high of a station for a lowly squire such as himself to even contemplate romance.  He stubbornly persisted, though, and would always take the job of scrubbing the flagstones outside just so he could catch a glimpse of her as she rode by with her entourage.  Her hair would drift lazily behind her on those little trips across the road, swirling threads of sunlight dancing in the breeze.  Her laughter tinkled across his heart like gilded bells at the church, her smile burned itself into his mind like a brand, exquisitely painful and sweet.  She was perfect.

Unfortunately for him, Anomen was not the only one who felt this sentiment.  A young noble by the name of Asher had his eyes on the fair lady, and he courted her well.  All she had wanted in the world, he laid at her feet.  In a short course of time, she had eyes for none other than Asher, and Anomen was nothing more than meaningless dust in her view.  If he could, he would have brought down the moon for her, wrapped it in ropes of spun silver, and woven it through her hair.  He would have sung for her until his throat burst, or slain the foulest of beasts in her name.  He would have showered her with precious fabrics and jewels, a diamond for each eye, and emerald for each fingertip, and a ruby for her lovely lips.  Unfortunately, he had no such fortune available to him.  Even then, Lord Cor’s “empire” was vastly diminished, and Anomen would have been fortunate to even be able to acquire the basest of coarsely-spun silken slippers for his maiden fair. 

Not like Cor would have given me the money anyway,   Anomen thought bitterly, The last he heard, she was happily married to the man and had a child on the way.  She should have been *my* wife, it should have been *my* child…

Solaufein and Vessa were up now, along with the rest of the group.  There would be breakfast to attend to, and then they would be traveling to the Shaman’s lair.  Anomen knew he had to clear his mind of these bitter, dark thoughts before he prayed to his God, and did so with much difficulty.  As he paid his respects to Helm, Anomen sent a secret, silent wish along with them, only half conscious of it even being formed.  Helm saw this wish, as he saw all things, and he smiled upon Anomen that day.

***

They were finally at the entrance of the Shaman’s hut.  Imoen heard the soft chanting of Jaheira and Anomen, and guessed correctly that they were using their respective powers to protect themselves and their allies for the battle within.  She, Jan, Solaufein, and Vessa all wove a few protections of their own, preparing for whatever petty tricks the shaman might have in store.  Imoen chanced to hear a whispered exchange between Vessa and her brooding rogue (as Imoen had taken to calling him in her mind)…

   “Remain vigilant while we are within, my Little Poet.  I would be grieved to see anything untoward befall you while we are within,” Solaufein softly whispered.

   “I shall, and I hope you follow your own advice, Solaufein.  I do not want to see you harmed,” Vessa murmured in response.

   Imoen’s grin grew wider as she saw the two lock eyes.  Their faces drew closer to each other…ever closer…..

   “Aww...the lovebirds being pwotective? gotta watch out now, uncle Sola! We wouldn't want delicate widdwe Vessa getting hurt now, would we?”  Imoen shouted in glee.

   Solaufein and Vessa were both startled out of the trance they had caused in each other.  Solaufein looked very uncomfortable with Imoen’s scrutiny, and she saw him give Vessa an apologetic smile before turning away.  Vessa gave Imoen a look that could poison a snake.

   "Oh, I will show you ‘delicate’, all right...."  Vessa growled under her breath at Imoen, “just you wait until we are alone…I will stab you in the face with a rusty fork.  You hear me?!  RUSTY FORK!”   The last two words came out in a malicious hiss.

   Imoen just giggled, “oh, but aren’t you quite sure you would need big, stwong Sowaufein to help you with that?  I mean, you are so dainty and petite!  You would need a manly sort, with rippling muscles enough to stab me through, wouldn’t you?”

   “Imoen, you are truly asking for it.  If you value your life, you shall desist in your teasing. Now.”

   Imoen couldn’t suppress her snickers, but remained silent all the same.

   “Say, Immy, since you seem so intent on my protection, I feel I would be doing you a disservice if I did not allow you to scout the shaman’s tent first. Unaccompanied,”  Vessa said with a smirk of her own.

   Imoen was not about to allow her sister to show her up by making her seem a foolish coward, so she glared at her sister and snuck right on in through the flap.  Her eyes did a cursory scan of the room, noting at once the absence of the now infamous shaman.  Odd…
   
She kept searching, however, and seeing nothing to indicate his presence, she whispered the words of a handy spell she had memorized last night, the magic quickly flowing throughout the room to detect what would have eluded her eyes before.

   Blast, still nothing!  Imoen thought to herself with annoyance, hells, I’ve been hanging around Vessa too long.  First I pick up her habit of saying blast, next thing I know I’ll be speaking like a silly bookworm and shunning contractions!  Must avoid use of that word, blast it!  Oh, sure, Sola thinks Vessa is all sweet and wonderful *now*, but just wait until she keeps him up all night with the incessant scratching of the quill as she writes, or her habit of humming while she reads!   That thought reminded her of something else, and the fat little sack of sneezing powder she had persuaded Jan to fabricate for her appeared in her mind.  I know what I can do with this stuff now!  Won’t Vessa be surprised when she opens up the stopper of her inkwell and this stuff flies out…  After thinking up this devious little plan, her mind wandered to different ways she could thwart Vessa’s romance.  Nothing serious, just little pranks to annoy the piss out of those two.  After all, adversity makes the heart grow fonder, or something like that.  Solaufein was simply too serious, and Imoen felt it was her solemn duty to make him a bit more merry.  That way, he could help her tease Vessa!

   As Imoen was busy plotting, Anomen, of all people, stuck his head in the flap to check up on things, scaring the evil plot right out of her.

   “I see you are yet alive and well, Lady Imoen.  Perhaps you could give us some sort of warning *before* your mind wanders far along the fields?  You had us worried for a moment,” Anomen said.  Imoen strongly suspected a hint of teasing in his voice.  She felt like she was the brunt of a joke, and she did *not* appreciate that.  She decided to use the powder on Anomen, instead.

   “Well, Anomen, I wouldn’t expect ya to understand this, being the big muscleheaded warrior that you are, but I need to quietly survey my surroundings using my stealthy guile before I can return to my party and inform them of the current situation,”  Imoen replied huffily.

   “Is that so?  Well, does utilizing such ‘stealthy guile’ require staring off into space with a slack-jawed expression?   Hmmm?”  Anomen turned his head and shouted to the others, “It’s all clear in here!”

   “I could do sooo many horrible things to you, Anomen.  You’d best watch yourself.”

   “Oh my, but I shiver with fear at the thought.”

   A snort of impatience drew Imoen’s gaze to Jaheira, “So, Imoen, you found nothing?  Not one sign of where he could possibly be?”

   “Nope, not a thing.  You’re welcome to look for yourself, if you’d like,” Imoen replied, fully confident the druid would discover nothing.

   Imoen’s smug expression soon melted right off her face as Jaheira pointed to the shaman’s bedroll, which was disturbed, moved aside from its original location, and right next to a trapdoor.  Imoen couldn’t believe it.  How did she miss that?!

   “It would seem your mind isn’t focusing as it should, dear Imoen,” Jaheira said with an arch of a brow and an almost-smile threatening to form on her lips.

   “Watch it, Jaheira.  Unlike the others here, I’m not afraid to take you on.”

   “This may be true, Immy,” Jaheira said with an amusement that worried Imoen, “but remember, druids know much of herblore. I could easily slip something into your food that would cause you to curse your mortal body as your innards turn to fire and explode from within you.”

   “That’s a very…vivid picture you paint there, Jaheira.”  Imoen decided that she wasn’t going to mess with Jaheira right now.

   “Not getting quite the reception you hoped, eh, Immy?”  Jan said with a poke of his elbow and an amused waggle of his brows.  Imoen contented herself with shooting him a filthy look.

   The trapdoor was a heavy thing, but Minsc easily lifted it.  However, the shaman they knew from earlier would have had trouble with such a door.  Perhaps he was not all that he seemed?  Imoen and Jan, of course, were once again the first to go down and scout.  However, they quickly discovered there wasn’t much to scout.  Down the rickety, termite-infested wooden steps was a single room, and its contents were so shocking that Imoen felt she had just been rammed in the chest by an enraged Balor.

   She was aware enough of her surroundings to realize that Jan had gone back to alert the others, but she felt as though all her flesh had melted, binding her to the ground on which she stood.  It seemed like her blood thickened and slowed with the chill seeping into her, and her mind rebelled against her as it struggled to comprehend what it saw.  The vision in front of her forced long-repressed flashbacks of her time in Irenicus’ clutches to the fore, and she could not fight them back.  As she dissolved into a terrified, shaking, struggling shadow of herself, she fell, tumbling into the black and desolate void that was the prison of her mind.

***

   Anomen had rushed down the stairs at Jan’s nearly incoherent shout of “the children!” before anyone else had a chance to react.  He nearly rammed Imoen across the room as he reached the foot of the stairs, and it only took one glance at the girl’s face to realize that she was locked in the grip of some powerfully cruel flashback.  He had seen such a face only once before, when he was younger and had just begun honing his clerical abilities at a temple.  He had been in the infirmary that day, learning how to tend wounds without the divine aid of his God, when an aged paladin by the name of Rylkar entered the room.  The paladin was calm enough until he caught sight of the wounded and sickly in the various beds.  Anomen remembered well his confusion and even fear as the paladin’s face twisted into grotesque mockeries of itself as he screamed and thrashed about.  It took 4 clerics and Anomen to drag Rylkar out of the room and hold him down until he came to his senses.  Anomen had not understood then what drove the paladin to such apparent madness at the sight of blood.  It was only later that he learned of the terrible consequences of war, of how such experiences and sights can break a person’s mind.  He never forgot that lesson, and secretly dreaded that it might happen to him, should he stay on the path he was currently treading.

   Anomen understood Imoen’s reaction, as he was told about her treatment at Irenicus’ hands, but she had to be moved to safety if she was in no shape to fight.  He had his hands on her shoulders and was preparing to move her aside when a hideous slurping noise reminded him of the potential danger within the dimly-lit room.

   He snapped his head towards the direction of the noise, his eyes adjusting to the malevolent gloom, and saw what looked to be the very same shaman who had manipulated them. His back was to Anomen, and he was using his teeth to rip into the chest of a still twitching figure.  The figure turned, and his bloodied lips curled into a ghoulish grin as he tossed the mangled body of a little girl onto the pile of children’s corpses already littering the floor.  Anomen pulled Imoen behind him, took a step forward, and nearly slipped on the blood pooling on the flagstones beneath his feet.  He felt nauseous, and at the same time, full of searing rage at the atrocities he bore witness to in this…this madman’s sanctum!  Was carnage such as this what Imoen and Vessa were forced to bear witness to in Irenicus’ care?!

   The “shaman” merely stood there as Anomen and his compatriots stopped in order to try and master the horror they felt at what they saw.  There was a reddened altar near one of the walls.  The room reeked with both the tang of spilled blood, and the acrid scent of nigh-palpable terror.  The bodies of slain children lay tossed about the room like so much rubbish, hair matted by the commingling of their own blood.  There were tiny, bloody handprints on the walls, and closer inspection of the little children revealed markings only used in corruption magics….the magic used by rakshasa, those foul cat-people from the planes.

   A sadistic grin carved itself into the shaman’s place as he watched the puzzle fit itself together in Anomen’s mind.

   “Figured me out, did you?” the shaman began, the amusement in his growling voice freezing Anomen’s heart, “I’m surprised it took you so long, truth be told.  Well, there is no point in keeping up this clumsy charade then, is there?  This skin was becoming so itchy, anyway.”  The shaman’s very flesh seemed to warp and slide about his body, twisting and morphing into something far different than the frail man from before.  Orange and black fur replaced flesh, snout replaced jaw, and claws were where fingers once grew.

   An inhuman snarl from the rakshasa’s feline maw was the only warning Anomen got before the creature flung itself at him.  Anomen ran forward, ramming into the creature and knocking it back to the far wall. 

   There was a time, long ago, when Anomen would not have been able to face such a creature, even with the aid of several people at his side.  However, he was older, wiser, and far more experienced, and he traveled with those who had fought such creatures before.  This was no longer that time.

“Somebody take care of Imoen!”  Anomen shouted as he rushed the rakshasa once more.  The creature was stunned by his sudden attack, and a single bash from Anomen’s mace cracked its skull and sent it flying across the room.  However, rakshasa are made of stern stuff, and the creature recovered and landed on its feet, though it was dizzied by the blow.  This gave them the advantage, as it was too stunned to cast spells and was hopelessly outnumbered in any case.  The former shaman now dodged Anomen’s blows and Jan’s crossbow bolts with grace, choosing a different target for its attentions.  Its choice of attacking Imoen was rather poorly thought out, as it was met first by the scimitars of Vessa, then the spear of Jaheira, the sword of Minsc, and finally, a powerful blast of fire from Solaufein’s fingertips.  It never stood a chance. 

   The nameless rakshasa stumbled backwards, bleeding, burning, and weak from the crippling blows.  It tripped over a crude stone altar, and a single gemstone was the only offering upon its bloody face that night.  The rakshasa grinned, grabbed the stone, and shattered it upon the altar, screaming “I won’t end here!”  In a blinding flash, he was gone.

   Anomen turned to check on Imoen.  She was weeping into Jaheira’s arms, clutching at her tunic, and the druid worked desperately to calm her.  Anomen did not want to think of the terrors that must have been visited upon the girl for her to react so strongly to the sight before her.
   
   Vessa moved forward, her eyes eerily black, and surveyed the slaughter.  She looked to be on the verge of breaking down herself.  “Anomen,” she began quietly, Anomen detecting the tremble in her voice, “please, please tell me these children may be raised.  Please.  I shall pay for it all myself, if need be, but they *must* be saved!”

   Anomen examined the tiny bodies, but he already knew the answer to her question.  Corruption magic had befouled them beyond all hope of resurrection.  Not even the most high priests of Helm could return life to these broken little bodies.

   “My Lady, I am truly sorrowed by this, but…there is just no way,”  Anomen replied softly, his voice full of emotion.  He quickly dashed hot tears from his eyes.  This was…this was wrong, this was wrong on every level and beyond.  His soul raged at the injustice of it all.  He made a silent vow to Helm that for every child murdered in this black place, a rakshasa would die for the sin.

   Solaufein stared somberly at the children, though he tried to keep his features stoic.  His jaw was clenched tightly, and Anomen noticed a suspicious shine in the warrior-poet’s eyes.  The cleric was mildly surprised at the Drow’s reaction; though he was making an effort, he found he was still struggling with the notion that a Drow could feel true emotion.

   Anomen inclined his head gravely.  “This must be stopped.  No more children should suffer for this.  What I don’t understand is why, why in the world would he need to do this?  What could he possibly gain from the murder of children?”

   By this time, Jaheira had calmed Imoen down and moved towards the altar.  “This foul thing reeks of unnatural magics.  Whatever preparations he made with those children were done here.”

   “Minsc will hunt down every last rakshasa to muddy the land with their vile footsteps of evil!”  Minsc screamed as he rushed to the altar.  “We will all destroy you!  This is for every child dead!”  Minsc’s anger had consumed him completely, and burning tears ran down his eyes as he pounded away at the altar, which cracked with each mighty blow.  Nobody moved to stop him, for they were all wise enough to realize this was the only way for Minsc to handle his grief.  Finally, the altar could stand up to his rage no longer, and split in twain under his fierce assault.   

   Minsc and Jaheira both took an involuntary step back at the peculiar reaction the altar had to being destroyed.  A vile, red gas oozed forth from the center, only to be quickly blown away by a powerful, liberated wind.  The altar fragments glowed softly with a sapphire light, and it seemed as though the very room grew hushed with reverence. 

   A ghostly little girl coalesced in the air above the altar, a joyous smile dancing across her unscarred, glowing face. 

   “Thank you!  You freed us!  The bad man’s trap is gone.  Now we can go play!”  She floated about the group, giving each member a little, ghostly kiss on the cheek in thanks.  Then she giggled, touched the altar and said, “Come on guys, its time to go!  Can’t you hear her calling?”  She tilted her smiling face to the sky, reached for unknown arms, and shot upwards on a ball of azure light.  The altar erupted with the same blue lights, one for each corpse in the room, then crumbled into dust.

   Anomen was rendered speechless by the display.  In all of his years training for the Order, he had never witnessed anything like this.  In truth, he would have doubted what had just occurred had he not witnessed it with his own eyes.  Even the air felt…different, somehow.  It seemed as if an oppressive mantle he hadn’t even noticed earlier had been lifted from the room; suddenly Anomen felt freer, lighter. 

   Vessa shook her head slowly, her voice filled with wonder, “I do not know whether we should feel sorrow that the children are dead, or joy that they are now in paradise.”

   Solaufein spoke, his voice quiet with seething wrath, “they may be in paradise now, but…at what cost?  Their torture?  Their desecration at the hands of this…of this foul beast?!  I know all too well what was done with these children; my people have had dealings with these monsters for far too long.  It makes me wonder just how truly the consciences of my people have been destroyed,” Solaufein shook his head sadly.

   “The death of the innocent is the most bittersweet, in that respect,” replied Jaheira, “I would much prefer that they had died natural deaths of old age.  For a life to be cut so short by unnatural means is…is the gravest of sins!  An affront to nature!  We *must* make this rakshasa pay, as we must make every rakshasa involved pay!”

Vessa sighed heavily, “I agree with you Jaheira.  We must and shall hunt down those responsible for this so that they may never befoul another innocent. But come, now we must steel ourselves; there will be many grieving families this night.”

   With hung heads and heavy hearts, these seven friends, brought together by struggle and united by pain, left the shaman’s black abode to spread sorrow through the streets.











BLOOD SUN!!

Can you hear the drums, Fernando?

You will bow before the new Solaufein Flirt Pack!

 

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