Makings of a Monster

Baldur's Gate. The city sprawled large and bustling beneath Sarevok and Tamoko, who were marveling at the sunrise on the top of the Iron Throne tower. The roof of it was actually a balcony, and Tamoko was leaning on it. Sarevok had cupped his arms around her, nibbling her earlobe. She smelled so good. She had been sad lately, but their lovemaking had been very passionate, perhaps further fueled by her sadness.

- "I like Baldur's Gate better than Ordulin," said Tamoko. "It is more... diverse somehow."
- "And yet you have been in low spirits for some time now," answered Sarevok. "Once I am a god, I will give you everything you desire. Anything at all."
- "You don't have to be a god to give me what I desire," said Tamoko. She could feel Sarevok's muscles tense. "I only want you."
- "I am growing, Tamoko. I will be more, as you surely agree I should try to be," answered Sarevok a little tensely.
- "People grow, that is the way of things. But they grow to be older, wiser people. Gods are something else entirely. Perhaps it is not a fate worth looking."
- "Tamoko, I was a helpless, weak, laughable boy! A mediocre bastard like Reiltar could hurt me!" Now the anger was unmistakable.
- "I fell in love in that helpless, weak, laughable boy. You were very brave and honest. You are still. You are just more... broken and bitter." Tamoko turned to face him.

- "You think... that I shouldn't pursue my destiny?" Sarevok looked defensive, but at least he was listening.
- "Your destiny will find you regardless. I just want you by my side. Together to find our purpose to live," she ventured. "You'd still have your immortal soul, and in afterlife lovers can join... in Kara-Tur, once a soul has fulfilled its destiny, it enters the realm of blessed ancestors, Yomi, and it can still visit the realm of mortals if it so wishes."
- "Here we have just planes and planes, where the gods dwell... where I would dwell too if... not many have returned to tell their story," said Sarevok.
- "But if we spent our days together, wherever we'd be, we'd end up the same place," said Tamoko, glad to see the seed of doubt in Sarevok's golden eyes.

- "Why, good morning!"
The couple heard a silken feminine voice behind them and turned around to face the owner of it. A slim, rather tall woman with long, golden hair, green eyes, and somehow ethereal skin. She wore a little bit too much facepaint to Sarevok's liking, but he couldn't help noticing that she was a striking beauty. She had an confident, sensual smile that suggested she knew it too.
- "Sarevok Anchev, wasn't it. And... Tamoko." She flashed her perfect teeth.
Cythandria. They had met the woman briefly. She was the Throne's resident magician, living in her quarters at the uppermost floor. She liked mage robes all right, and had chosen ones that became her excellently. She had a lot of dangling bracelets around her wrists.
- "Good morning," answered Sarevok levelly. Tamoko nodded irritably, annoyed that the woman had interrupted their discussion.

- "So, Sarevok. How have you liked Baldurs Gate and our little operation so far?" asked Cythandria, tilting her head a little and gazing Sarevok into eyes. She parted her lips just a little.
- "Well enough. Seems that everything is run competently," answered Sarevok, wondering what the woman wanted.
- "Hm. We will probably work together some, you know. I am the head magician here so it is likely there will be some operations. Would be nice to get to know each other better," smiled Cythandria.
- "Sarevok does have a lieutenant mage of his own, though. Winski Perorate, I'm sure you were introduced," said Tamoko, trying to establish an eye contact with the mage.
- "Oh, I'm sure he is quite useful. But I know this city well and would be happy to show you around a bit. Just come to my chambers sometime and we' ll share a winebottle and have a tour," Cythandria went on, her eyes never leaving Sarevok's. "Oh, Tamoko. The invitation is for you too, of course." She turned to face the other woman, smiling briefly.

- "We were just about to leave. Good day to you," said Tamoko, nodded courteously and took Sarevok's hand, leaving the rooftop.
As soon as they were in the stairwell, she muttered a curse in Kozakuran and spat: "What a bitch!"
- "Why do you say so?" frowned Sarevok. "Sure, she acted a bit strange, but she was friendly."
- "Friendly. She was trying to attract you! She wants to be your lover," said Tamoko, shaking with anger. It was rare that she couldn't control her emotions better than this. It was just that Sarevok was the life to her, and she was damned if that calculating harlot stole him from her.
- "If that is so, then you have nothing to worry about," said Sarevok, turning to look Tamoko in the eyes. "You are the loveliest woman in the world, my companion, soulmate, love, comrade in arms..."
He hugged her tightly, meaning every word of it with all his heart. He wasn't sure it was something an aspiring Lord of Murder should say, but at the moment he didn't give a damn.

High atop the building Cythandria smiled to herself. It would only take some patience. Men were fools, and the warrior woman who didn't even bother to make the best of her looks by applying facepaint and perfumes, would only be a hindrance. She had briefly considered Reiltar himself, after all he was a widower and the head of the organisation. But the son would do as well, and Cythandria could tell that he had more vision and willpower than his father. Thus, more possibilities. And if the hot-headed youth went down, well, Reiltar would still be there for taking. The son was also certainly more pleasant to look at, though such things were secondary considerations to her. Just you wait, Tamoko. Eventually he will be mine.