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Tide of Destiny - 149, Epilogue


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#1 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 23 November 2003 - 06:53 PM

*breathes* Alright. This is a BIT long to be an epilogue. But what the heck...

It's over! Over! Except for, y'know, that mass which is ToB looming on the horizon. Which I've started on, but then I have other projects too. I SO know what I'm going to write next out of the options. But I shall come up with something. It probably will be ToB, but don't be surprised if something else pops up at the same time.

Anyway, enjoy, the final chapter of Tide of Destiny!! (woot.)

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Chapter 149: Peace

“He was always braver than any of us, wasn’t he,” Imoen mused sadly as she stood next to Harrian in front of Minsc’s grave, a day after the defeat of Irenicus and the party’s return to the living. The hours since had been hectic, the elves using them to start the rebuilding process of the city, the party using them to recover from their ordeal, and there had been little breathing room to relax and enjoy the end of their quest.

“He was always a better person than any of us,” Harrian agreed, arms folded across his chest. “And I sometimes wonder if he was smarter than all of us.” He paused, his eyes turning skywards towards the boughs of the Tree of Life. They had thought it fitting to bury their dead friend here. “Of all of us, he was the one who deserved pain the least.”

Imoen grabbed Harrian’s arm, clutching to it, and when the thief lowered his head he saw that her face was a mask of grief. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It’s how he’d have wanted to go,” Harrian told her, hating the words he spoke – even if they were true.

Imoen nodded slowly, closing her eyes. “And he’s probably right now in the big lodge in the sky, regaling the other dead warriors with his adventures.” She smiled thinly. “He’s had some good ones.” She raised her other hand, the one holding Boo gently, and detached herself from Harrian to stroke the little hamster. “He’ll be missing you, won’t he.”

“I don’t know how we’re expected to carry on adventuring without him,” Harrian said quietly, looking down. “Since Nashkel, Minsc’s always been here… and we’re supposed to plod along without him? Who’s going to kick evil’s buttocks? Who’s going to point out when we’re being infinitely stupid? Who’s going to bring to our attention the deceptively simple answers we’ve missed because we’ve been tripping over our own two feet trying to be clever?”

“We’ll have to do that,” Imoen mumbled, patting his arm lightly. “But come on. We should get back to the city. Ellesime said she wanted to talk to you.”

“She’s been saying that since midday yesterday, and has never come up with the time. Always doing something.” Harrian shrugged as the two of them moved away from the Tree and started back on the path up towards the city. “I can wait. She probably has something incredibly morbid to tell me, and I’m happy being… happy.”

“Can feel that soul within you?” Imoen asked wryly, smiling in a slightly lopsided way.

He nodded firmly. “More than ever. I can feel everything more… everything’s more alive. More real. Louder.”

Imoen returned the nod. “That’s how it is… of course, I didn’t get mine back in the happiest of circumstances… but now, I intend to sit back… and enjoy it. Appreciate it more than I ever did. And a place like this… even if Suldanessellar’s in this sort of state… it’s still beautiful. Relaxing. Wondrous.”

“And will be even more wondrous once they’ve rebuilt it. I do want to stay and help with that for a bit… do something productive for others for once,” Harrian agreed. Then he glanced at her. “But there are the rumours of the Bhaalspawn in the south moving. Something’s brewing. And I don’t know if I should wait and see what’s happening before leaping in, or get involved in the start.”

“Find out more, first. We don’t have any idea of what we’d be hurtling in to,” Imoen suggested.

He looked at her. “There’s a ‘we’?”

She poked him lightly. “Hey, I’m a Bhaalspawn too, you know. This affects me just as much as it affects you. I’m there, all the way, brother.”

“And the others?” Harrian asked, frowning.

“You honestly think Jaheira will let you flit off on your own?” Imoen challenged.

He smiled a little, a smile that was both wry and quietly pleased. “No. I suppose. I was thinking more about Anomen and Reynald. They’re free to head off wherever and whenever they please,” Harrian said at last.

Imoen bit her lower lip. “I suppose that’s true. I don’t know what else Reynald has to do, but Anomen has the Order.” A frown crossed her face.

Harrian gave her a knowing look as a silence settled upon the two of them for a few seconds once more. His voice was soft and thoughtful when he spoke again. “Bhaal spoke to you. In Hell.” She looked at him sharply, and he shrugged. “Didn’t he?”

Imoen faltered for a moment, then came to a halt and looked at him. “I… was angry,” she stumbled. “And there was this voice in my head…”

“…telling you to accept the anger, use it, take the power against whoever wronged you. I know it,” Harrian completed for her, his eyes serious. “When Anomen fell, from Irenicus’ spell… he spoke to you. Offered you that power. You took it to bring Irenicus down.” He reached out for her shoulder as she looked away, and squeezed it reassuringly. “I’m not criticising you, Im. No way. He’s whispered in my ear before too… promised me the power to save the people I love, bring down the evil and pain, and… well, you saw what happened in the Underdark. I became the Slayer.”

“However it ended, I gave in to that part of myself.” Imoen took a deep, shaking breath and shook her head. “I don’t want to give in to the taint. I don’t want to accept this Bhaal blood in me. I don’t want to be a child of murder.”

Harrian nodded slowly, pulling her along gently back along the forest path, his expression understanding. “Ah, but Imoen… you are so much more than that. We both are. And that’s how we’ll defeat the taint.”


* * * *


“Anomen?”

Anomen tore his eyes away from the impressive greenery of Suldanessellar, straightening up and looking across to the door of the balcony that was attached to the rooms the elves had given him. They were large, impressive rooms; more luxurious than any he’d ever enjoyed, even at the height of his father’s wealth… but for some reason, they encouraged him to stand outside more. Outside seemed more… real. There was something disconcerting about how ethereal the elven structures were.

His expression cleared up as he saw Imoen leaning against the door to the balcony, looking worn and tired but as chirpy as ever. The elves had almost insisted on giving the entire party a new wardrobe, and so the mage was wearing a long, emerald green gown that nearly made her look stately. Her shocking pink hair rather managed to off-set the effect, however. Anomen didn’t care – the mere sight of her was enough to raise his spirits, which was quite an achievement considering how cheerful he was with the resolution of their quest.

“My lady!” he said, his eyes lighting up as she crossed the balcony to stand next to him and lean against the railings. “I am glad you have come. We have not spoken since… the burial, last night.” And even then, our conversation was brief and contact fleeting, he mentally added ruefully.

She nodded, smiling a little, though he could yet see the fatigue behind her eyes. “Yeah, I know… sorry. Things have been hectic. Demin wanted a full account of the adventures, to try and… I don’t know. Understand Irenicus, or something.” She shrugged. “I told her what she wanted to know, but I have no idea what she’ll make of it. I don’t want to. He’s dead, and gone, and that’s how it should be.”

Anomen also nodded, leaning casually against the rails of the balcony. “You have spoken to Harrian? Where is he?”

Imoen shrugged. “Ellesime’s been wanting to talk to him for ages now. He’s finally run off to have a chat.” A wicked grin crossed her face. “Then I think he wants to spend time with Jaheira. Whatever’s happened, with his soul back, I haven’t seen him this chirpy since we foiled Sarevok’s plans back in Baldur’s Gate.”

Anomen returned the smile. “He has a right to be cheerful, I think, my lady.”

She leant back a little, giving him a quirky, evaluating look. “How many times have I told you not to call me my lady, Anomen?”

His grin broadened, even though his expression became mildly sheepish. “At least as many times as I have called you so… my lady.”

There was a short pause as Imoen’s smile softened, and she looked down at her hands briefly. “I haven’t yet thanked you for saving my life, have I,” she said quietly, her tone becoming less teasing, more serious.

Anomen blinked, mildly astonished, and straightened up. “You need to thank me?” he asked, his voice a little hoarse.

She looked up at him, similarly surprised. “Well… yes. Anomen, that spell could have killed you…”

“It would have killed you,” he replied calmly. “Your spell protections were down. I had the protection of Helm.” He shifted slightly at her unconvinced expression. “Yes, my lady, it was a risk. But it was one I was willing to take.” He lowered his hand slowly to grip hers, a little tentatively but with sincerity in his eyes.

“I thought you were dead,” Imoen said quietly, frowning. “That’s… that’s why I was able to do it, you know. Bring Irenicus’ defences down, I mean. I wouldn’t have been able to do it, otherwise.” She pulled back a little, reluctantly taking her hand out of his, and looked him in the eye firmly. “That’s… sort of what gave me strength. It’s what made me angry and afraid enough to find the power to do it.”

Anomen stared. “I don’t understand,” he said blankly.

“The taint. It needs a door to get in, a way to tempt me. Bhaal… used my anger then. Told me to wield it and strike Irenicus down. I was afraid you were dead, and so took the power offered and used it against Irenicus,” she said quietly, visibly miserable.

Anomen lowered his head, thinking for a moment, until he stepped forward and looked her in the eye again. “Is that supposed to chase me off?” he asked, his frankness surprising even himself. “You have been trying to do that since your soul was stolen.” A slight feeling of betrayal was creeping up upon him.

Imoen looked at him indignantly. “Have I done it since it was restored?” she challenged, and shook her head. “No. I haven’t.” There was a pause as her expression softened, and she shrugged. “We’ve hardly spoken since,” she acknowledged, lowering her head. “I just want you… need you… to understand.”

Anomen tilted her head up by her chin gently. “Understand what?” he whispered, his brow furrowed.

“Understand… what it means. What it means for me to be a Bhaalspawn,” Imoen replied, shifting uncomfortably, but at last not stepping back or pulling away from his touch.

There was a pause as Anomen assembled his thoughts in reply to this, and so when he spoke at last, his voice was low and thoughtful. “I don’t think I quite understand. I’m not sure it’s something I can understand without experiencing. But I’ve seen it – I’ve seen Harrian in his darkest times, lost under the control of the Slayer, and I’ve seen you struggling with the taint… even though I didn’t realise what it was you were struggling at the time. I may not understand it. But I know it’s there. And I know how very dark it can get.” A slight, rueful smile tugged at his lips briefly. “As much as an outsider can know, that is. I am never going to presume to be able to truly understand.”

Imoen’s expression flickered for a moment as she regarded him. “I suppose I can’t…” She paused, her voice trailing off, and stopped for a moment to assemble her thoughts. “It’s partly why I didn’t tell you originally. I didn’t know how you’d take it. Haer’Dalis was… unique enough not to care, Harrian couldn’t condemn me for it, Jaheira already knew… you… were an unknown,” she confessed quietly.

“I did not condemn Harrian,” Anomen reminded her gently, though he had been hoping for an explanation of this sort for a while.

She nodded. “True. But you never stayed up all night talking to Harrian just because you felt like it. You never got jealous when Haer’Dalis would talk to Harrian. You never stepped in front of a death spell for Harrian.” A wry smile tugged at her lips.

“I would lay down my life for him,” Anomen corrected, looking a little sheepish. “But, ah, your point is well made, my lady.” He paused, looking at his hands. “And that is why you did not tell me?”

“I was afraid you’d push me away, condemn me… and for some reason it was more tempting to delay telling you so you’d certainly stay than explain it all to you and run the risk of you leaving. I know you did not condemn Harrian… but things are different between us,” Imoen whispered.

Anomen nodded slightly. “Harrian is my friend,” he agreed. “You are…” His voice trailed off, leaving him with a whole new world of complications as he realised he would probably have to finish that sentence at some point.

Imoen’s smile gradually became more teasing. “I’m what?” she asked, catching his eye.

He opened his mouth slowly. “I… ah… words do not quite cover it, my lady,” he said, and though his voice was a mixture of amusement and embarrassment, there was a sincerity in his expression that did not go unmissed.

She gave him a light, playful punch on the arm. “Oh? So I’m that wonderful, am I?” she joked.

“That wonderful and beyond, Imoen,” he assured her, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.

She visibly struggled against a smile for a few seconds, before losing and beaming happily at him. “You knightly types are all the same… with your flowery words, and all that…” She pulled her hand away to stroke his cheek gently.

“I am not the typical knight,” Anomen reminded her, taking a step forward and, a little hesitantly, resting his forehead against hers. She didn’t pull back, which he considered to be a good sign. “And I find myself incontinently unable to throw such flowery language around at will, unlike my fellows. When I say such things, I mean them, Imoen.”

The broad, happy smile became a little more of a smirk, but her eyes were still shining. “Well, that’s easy to say, isn’t it… a bit harder to back up,” Imoen teased, looking up at him. The contact, his lips on her hand, their bodies so close together, had triggered an intense jolt in her stomach, the sort of topsy-turvy sensation that was present before a battle, but of an altogether far more pleasant type.

“Not so much,” Anomen mumbled, lowering his head slightly. Her eyes closed, their breath slowed, then their lips met gently.

Time stopped, and right then, neither of them cared much if it didn’t start up again.


* * * *


Harrian looked around the large communal room the elves had given the party, which all their private quarters were connected to. It was where they met to eat dinner, so far, and although they’d spent precious little time together as a group, it was reassuring to be so close to the others.

At that moment, Reynald stood in the middle, having moved all the furniture to the walls, evidently doing his daily exercises. He was wearing an elven training garb that didn’t quite fit his muscular frame; although the Fallen Knight was not a giant of a man, being larger than Anomen but having never been close to rivalling Minsc, his forearms were still bare, there was a rip around the neckline which showed adjustments he’d made, and if it weren’t for the bastard sword Blade of Searing that he swung around with expert skill and speed, he would have looked quite comical.

“You don’t need to switch weapons,” Harrian said dryly, leaning against the wall. “The elves retrieved the Sword of Chaos. It somehow didn’t end up being shattered or stuck so solidly in the ground that they couldn’t retrieve it.” He had mixed feelings about that sword. It had been Sarevok’s, and a part of him wanted to just get rid of it, throw it out to sea and let it sink. The other part, well… wanted to hang onto to this last remembrance of his half-brother. And there was something satisfying about using it to do good.

“True,” Reynald said, coming to a halt as he brought the Blade of Searing up into a half-salute and turned to face Harrian. “But a good warrior is skilled with several weapons. When I found myself without my claymore on the Tree of Life, all I had was a short sword I was inexpert at using. I shall not dwell, but I cannot help but think I might have got to Minsc sooner if I had borne a different blade.”

Harrian considered briefly. “Then learn with a bastard sword, by all means. If you won’t cart a shield around, that’s the best weapon to have if you ever get disarmed.”

“It takes strength to wield this one-handed,” Reynald commented, swinging the sword efficiently. “And technique to wield it two-handed. Honing my battle skills is one of the few things I have left to fill my time which does not lead to dwelling. If I am to battle until redemption or death – or both – then I should at least be very good at that battling.”

“You have other things, no? You said you played the lute. You sang briefly for us. Life does not need to be only about redemption.” Harrian thought for a moment. “And redemption comes from things other than just battle. I doubt Torm wants only warriors. Torm wants… men of honour. Not just killers, battlers.”

Reynald considered this for a moment. “I suppose Suldanessellar is a better place than most to… adapt to living life,” he said slowly, sheathing the blade. There was a pause, then he glanced at Harrian. “You spoke to the Queen?”

Harrian nodded, looking grim. “She gave me the expected talk about how grateful she was. There is an official ceremony tonight about… general thanking of us all. That sort of thing. She told me a bit about Irenicus. I didn’t really want to hear it, but she seemed insistent on venting. I made sympathetic noises.” He shrugged, shaking his head. “I can’t really understand her – doing that to someone she loved. Death would have been kinder. But I have no sympathy for Irenicus, either.”

“Did she say any more?” Reynald asked, mopping his forehead with a towel and wiping the sweat from his brow. “About the rumours from the south?”

“About the Bhaalspawn? Some.” Harrian shifted uncomfortably. “There have apparently been reports of armies forming in Tethyr… led by Bhaalspawn, allegedly. Battles. Increased fear of Bhaalspawn – some executions in smaller villages following murders.”

“We cannot escape that forever, then,” Reynald pointed out grimly. “It would be prudent to remain in Suldanessellar for the time being, gather as much information as possible instead of leaping into insanity.”

“I agree.”

They turned to see Jaheira striding calmly into the room, the druid looking quite at peace, if a little concerned by the conversation. She looked levelly at Harrian. “The destiny of the Bhaalspawn is catching up on us. But that is no reason to go gallivanting around the south.”

Harrian looked indignant. “I wasn’t thinking of doing so!” he said defensively. Behind him, Reynald chuckled and tossed the towel aside, heading off for his room to escape any ‘conversation’ between thief and druid.

“I should hope not,” Jaheira said with a wry smile, shaking her head. She meandered over to one of the chairs Reynald had pushed to the edge of the room, and sank onto it, stretching out in a relaxed manner. “It is important. Troubled times are brewing. And we should… keep an eye on them… but…”

Harrian nodded, moving to sit down next to her, taking her hand casually and leaning back. “But don’t we deserve some rest right now?”

Jaheira considered this, then raised a hand to his forehead. Harrian didn’t react – for most people, it would be a judge of his temperature, which he’d usually think to be an odd sort of move at a time like this. For Jaheira, well… her druidic ways never ceased to confuse him, and she’d been doing this a lot over the last day.

“How do you feel?” she asked at last.

Harrian gave her a smirk. “Well, a bit under the weather, healer. Have a temperature, and all my food tastes like rock…”

She clipped him around the ear lightly. “I was referring to your soul. How is it… settling?” Jaheira asked, brow furrowed with concern.

Harrian raised an eyebrow. “’Settling’? It’s a soul, I don’t know how much it can settle.” He shrugged. “I feel fine. Better than fine. Better than I have in a while.” He gave her an accusing look. “You never coddled Imoen like this after she got her soul back.”

Jaheira pulled back and gave him a look. “I did happen to be dead when Imoen got her soul back,” she reminded him, managing a wry smile that belayed his expression of guilt. “And are you complaining to the coddling?”

He chuckled. “Not at all. In fact, I might be feeling a bit under the weather… possibly bed rest would be the best way to deal with it,” Harrian assured her, affecting an injured air, lounging back more.

Jaheira rolled her eyes, but her wry smile broadened as she leant over to kiss him gently, brushing his hair back. “You, Harrian Corias, are one of the most foolish men I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.”

“You seem to have made the most of that misfortune,” Harrian pointed out, sitting up a bit and pulling her closer to him.

“There are worse misfortunes,” she conceded, tracing a finger along his jaw, and there was a long silence for a moment as they just sat there, revelling in the presence of each other, left to their own thoughts until Jaheira continued. “You plan for us to stay here for… a while?”

“As long as is possible,” he murmured as she rested her head on his shoulder. “We… need time to rest. To relax. I haven’t enjoyed it since Baldur’s Gate.” He sighed. “There’s much to do, I know. And things are stirring in the south…”

She gripped his hand, entwining their fingers. “There will always be things to do. Never be complete freedom. We just have to… savour these breaks. Allow them to last for as long as is possible.”

Harrian nodded, glancing down at her. “I think we’ve earned a break. After all, when was the last time we got to just sit like this? Before… before Bodhi, certainly. And that was hardly a full rest.” He paused, his brow furrowed. “I do wonder if…”

Jaheira glanced up as his voice trailed off, her expression thoughtful. “Wonder if what?” she asked quietly.

He paused, then shook his head slightly. “No. Never mind. Now is not the time for dark wonderings,” he said, closing his eyes.

She nodded slowly, then kissed him again, and he did his best to banish thoughts about Irenicus, who was long gone, or the Bhaalspawn wars to the south, which were a long way away, focusing only on the now. There were issues he would have to contend with, battles left to be fought, a destiny still out there demanding his attention, and the whole question of his heritage and where it would take him to address… but right then, he did not need to contemplate it beyond the concerned consideration. It did not need to be his life.

Here, with his friends, his companions, and his lover… this was his life. Everything else – the wars, his destiny, his heritage – were just what he had to fight through to find that life.

#2 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 23 November 2003 - 08:23 PM

*breathes* Alright. This is a BIT long to be an epilogue. But what the heck...


It's over! Over! Except for, y'know, that mass which is ToB looming on the horizon. Which I've started on, but then I have other projects too. I SO know what I'm going to write next out of the options. But I shall come up with something. It probably will be ToB, but don't be surprised if something else pops up at the same time.


Congrats! I think that this earns you the runners-up spot behind Silrana for a comprehensive BG2:SoA walkthrough. And I am looking to get that third spot, in a few weeks time, myself :D

Funny, but there are some interesting coincidences in those three novels - all of them are Jaheira-romances (can't get enough of a good thing, I suppose :wink:) and in all of them, dear little sister is also involved in a relationship... just with three different people. :)

Oh, and regardless of what you are going to write next - I hope you won't disappear from our sight for too long :D

“He was always a better person than any of us,” Harrian agreed, arms folded across his chest. “And I sometimes wonder if he was smarter than all of us.” He paused, his eyes turning skywards towards the boughs of the Tree of Life. They had thought it fitting to bury their dead friend here. “Of all of us, he was the one who deserved pain the least.”


:twisted: You know, I did note that there was no one special that would miss Minsc (well, aside Boo) - now I caught myself thinking of his parents. Were they still alive and waiting for him back in Rasheman? :twisted:

Imoen nodded slowly, closing her eyes. “And he’s probably right now in the big lodge in the sky, regaling the other dead warriors with his adventures.” She smiled thinly. “He’s had some good ones.” She raised her other hand, the one holding Boo gently, and detached herself from Harrian to stroke the little hamster. “He’ll be missing you, won’t he.”


Poor little thing. Well, at least looks like it will be Imoen who will adopt him.

“She’s been saying that since midday yesterday, and has never come up with the time. Always doing something.” Harrian shrugged as the two of them moved away from the Tree and started back on the path up towards the city. “I can wait. She probably has something incredibly morbid to tell me, and I’m happy being… happy.”


Nah, she probably can't decide what dress to wear for the celebrations and wants to hear Harrian's opinion.

Imoen returned the nod. “That’s how it is… of course, I didn’t get mine back in the happiest of circumstances… but now, I intend to sit back… and enjoy it. Appreciate it more than I ever did. And a place like this… even if Suldanessellar’s in this sort of state… it’s still beautiful. Relaxing. Wondrous.”


Theo: *mutters* And full with racist elves.

“And will be even more wondrous once they’ve rebuilt it. I do want to stay and help with that for a bit… do something productive for others for once,” Harrian agreed. Then he glanced at her. “But there are the rumours of the Bhaalspawn in the south moving. Something’s brewing. And I don’t know if I should wait and see what’s happening before leaping in, or get involved in the start.”


Oh, they'll find you, so to speak.

“And the others?” Harrian asked, frowning.


“You honestly think Jaheira will let you flit off on your own?” Imoen challenged.


Heh, Harrian better be on his best behavior around Jaheira, because she won't stand for being pushed aside, ever again.

“However it ended, I gave in to that part of myself.” Imoen took a deep, shaking breath and shook her head. “I don’t want to give in to the taint. I don’t want to accept this Bhaal blood in me. I don’t want to be a child of murder.”


Harrian nodded slowly, pulling her along gently back along the forest path, his expression understanding. “Ah, but Imoen… you are so much more than that. We both are. And that’s how we’ll defeat the taint.”


I thought it was good that you showed that Imoen is being affected by the taint, even before the ToB strikes. I'll have to think on this myself, because until now my own Immy has been a bit too normal.

His expression cleared up as he saw Imoen leaning against the door to the balcony, looking worn and tired but as chirpy as ever. The elves had almost insisted on giving the entire party a new wardrobe, and so the mage was wearing a long, emerald green gown that nearly made her look stately. Her shocking pink hair rather managed to off-set the effect, however. Anomen didn’t care – the mere sight of her was enough to raise his spirits, which was quite an achievement considering how cheerful he was with the resolution of their quest.


Have you ever read some info on the elven clothing? I particularly like the no-nudity taboo... and of course, the fact that more exposed flesh means trust and implied safety... uhuh! I will have such fun with making Jaheira to wear a all-too-suggestive dress. :) :) :)

Imoen shrugged. “Ellesime’s been wanting to talk to him for ages now. He’s finally run off to have a chat.” A wicked grin crossed her face. “Then I think he wants to spend time with Jaheira. Whatever’s happened, with his soul back, I haven’t seen him this chirpy since we foiled Sarevok’s plans back in Baldur’s Gate.”


Hopefully that stuuupid Illasera will stay away for a while.

“It would have killed you,” he replied calmly. “Your spell protections were down. I had the protection of Helm.” He shifted slightly at her unconvinced expression. “Yes, my lady, it was a risk. But it was one I was willing to take.” He lowered his hand slowly to grip hers, a little tentatively but with sincerity in his eyes.


Yeah, my saving throws are better than yours, so there. :)

“The taint. It needs a door to get in, a way to tempt me. Bhaal… used my anger then. Told me to wield it and strike Irenicus down. I was afraid you were dead, and so took the power offered and used it against Irenicus,” she said quietly, visibly miserable.


Awww... it's hard for her. She thinks he won't accept her as a Bhaalspawn. :wink:

“Understand… what it means. What it means for me to be a Bhaalspawn,” Imoen replied, shifting uncomfortably, but at last not stepping back or pulling away from his touch.


I don't think he can do that. :D

“I was afraid you’d push me away, condemn me… and for some reason it was more tempting to delay telling you so you’d certainly stay than explain it all to you and run the risk of you leaving. I know you did not condemn Harrian… but things are different between us,” Imoen whispered.


Anomen nodded slightly. “Harrian is my friend,” he agreed. “You are…” His voice trailed off, leaving him with a whole new world of complications as he realised he would probably have to finish that sentence at some point.


Like duh. I believe I said something about speeding this relationship along... well, they still have to pull words out of each other. Maybe it's a common problem when loving a Bhaalspawn?

The broad, happy smile became a little more of a smirk, but her eyes were still shining. “Well, that’s easy to say, isn’t it… a bit harder to back up,” Imoen teased, looking up at him. The contact, his lips on her hand, their bodies so close together, had triggered an intense jolt in her stomach, the sort of topsy-turvy sensation that was present before a battle, but of an altogether far more pleasant type.


“Not so much,” Anomen mumbled, lowering his head slightly. Her eyes closed, their breath slowed, then their lips met gently.


Time stopped, and right then, neither of them cared much if it didn’t start up again.


That's much, much better.

“You don’t need to switch weapons,” Harrian said dryly, leaning against the wall. “The elves retrieved the Sword of Chaos. It somehow didn’t end up being shattered or stuck so solidly in the ground that they couldn’t retrieve it.” He had mixed feelings about that sword. It had been Sarevok’s, and a part of him wanted to just get rid of it, throw it out to sea and let it sink. The other part, well… wanted to hang onto to this last remembrance of his half-brother. And there was something satisfying about using it to do good.


Keep it. Sarry might want it, eventually.

Harrian considered briefly. “Then learn with a bastard sword, by all means. If you won’t cart a shield around, that’s the best weapon to have if you ever get disarmed.”


“It takes strength to wield this one-handed,” Reynald commented, swinging the sword efficiently. “And technique to wield it two-handed. Honing my battle skills is one of the few things I have left to fill my time which does not lead to dwelling. If I am to battle until redemption or death – or both – then I should at least be very good at that battling.”


Iirc, bastard swords should have been allowed to wield as two-handed swords as well? Poking the designers, are we?

Harrian nodded, looking grim. “She gave me the expected talk about how grateful she was. There is an official ceremony tonight about… general thanking of us all. That sort of thing. She told me a bit about Irenicus. I didn’t really want to hear it, but she seemed insistent on venting. I made sympathetic noises.” He shrugged, shaking his head. “I can’t really understand her – doing that to someone she loved. Death would have been kinder. But I have no sympathy for Irenicus, either.”


He showed quite admirable restraint, there. I don't think Theo would be quite as understanding if the Queen would want to weep on his shoulder.

“About the Bhaalspawn? Some.” Harrian shifted uncomfortably. “There have apparently been reports of armies forming in Tethyr… led by Bhaalspawn, allegedly. Battles. Increased fear of Bhaalspawn – some executions in smaller villages following murders.”


I'll be cutting down on the scale at which the ToB operates. My Bhaalspawn definitely won't have armies, I find it hard to believe that Tethyr's Queen Zaranda would just stand there and watch Saradush being destroyed, or idly observe others to gather such forces. That said, I don't mind anyone staying closer to the apocalyptic storyline of the game - but as I said, I want my characters not to be near godlike after the ToB, but more mortal.

“I should hope not,” Jaheira said with a wry smile, shaking her head. She meandered over to one of the chairs Reynald had pushed to the edge of the room, and sank onto it, stretching out in a relaxed manner. “It is important. Troubled times are brewing. And we should… keep an eye on them… but…”


Say no more, Jae. We understand! :) :(

Jaheira considered this, then raised a hand to his forehead. Harrian didn’t react – for most people, it would be a judge of his temperature, which he’d usually think to be an odd sort of move at a time like this. For Jaheira, well… her druidic ways never ceased to confuse him, and she’d been doing this a lot over the last day.


Theo: Been eating strange herbs, too? Ooops, I wasn't supposed to talk about that. :)

He chuckled. “Not at all. In fact, I might be feeling a bit under the weather… possibly bed rest would be the best way to deal with it,” Harrian assured her, affecting an injured air, lounging back more.


Bed, yes... rest? I doubt that...

Jaheira rolled her eyes, but her wry smile broadened as she leant over to kiss him gently, brushing his hair back. “You, Harrian Corias, are one of the most foolish men I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.”


Oh, I agree with her 100%. :(

Harrian nodded, glancing down at her. “I think we’ve earned a break. After all, when was the last time we got to just sit like this? Before… before Bodhi, certainly. And that was hardly a full rest.” He paused, his brow furrowed. “I do wonder if…”


No, he didn't have a soul then. This is totally different.

She nodded slowly, then kissed him again, and he did his best to banish thoughts about Irenicus, who was long gone, or the Bhaalspawn wars to the south, which were a long way away, focusing only on the now. There were issues he would have to contend with, battles left to be fought, a destiny still out there demanding his attention, and the whole question of his heritage and where it would take him to address… but right then, he did not need to contemplate it beyond the concerned consideration. It did not need to be his life.


Here, with his friends, his companions, and his lover… this was his life. Everything else – the wars, his destiny, his heritage – were just what he had to fight through to find that life.


Aww. Nice ending, good to see them enjoying at least some peace.

Congrats on completing the saga! Hopefully we won't have to wait long for something new from you. Cheers! :wink:

#3 Guest_argan_*

Posted 23 November 2003 - 09:20 PM

Hey, ho!

Congratulations on finishing the fiction! Was great reading, at all times. The first time when I saw it on ff.net I sat up til 4 in the morning, reading it. :)

#4 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 23 November 2003 - 09:58 PM

It's over! Over! Except for, y'know, that mass which is ToB looming on the horizon. Which I've started on, but then I have other projects too. I SO know what I'm going to write next out of the options. But I shall come up with something. It probably will be ToB, but don't be surprised if something else pops up at the same time.


Whoo! Congrats on finishing it! And have fun writing whatever it is you write next. :D

“She’s been saying that since midday yesterday, and has never come up with the time. Always doing something.” Harrian shrugged as the two of them moved away from the Tree and started back on the path up towards the city. “I can wait. She probably has something incredibly morbid to tell me, and I’m happy being… happy.”


LOL! Nice to see him in a good mood for once. :)

“And will be even more wondrous once they’ve rebuilt it. I do want to stay and help with that for a bit… do something productive for others for once,” Harrian agreed. Then he glanced at her. “But there are the rumours of the Bhaalspawn in the south moving. Something’s brewing. And I don’t know if I should wait and see what’s happening before leaping in, or get involved in the start.”


:( Unfortunately, Harrian, you likely won't get much choice.

He smiled a little, a smile that was both wry and quietly pleased. “No. I suppose. I was thinking more about Anomen and Reynald. They’re free to head off wherever and whenever they please,” Harrian said at last.


Heh, I think Ano might find an excuse to stay, somehow. :)

“My lady!” he said, his eyes lighting up as she crossed the balcony to stand next to him and lean against the railings. “I am glad you have come. We have not spoken since… the burial, last night.” And even then, our conversation was brief and contact fleeting, he mentally added ruefully.


To be fair, Ano, funerals are hardly the time for romantic interludes. :)

Imoen shrugged. “Ellesime’s been wanting to talk to him for ages now. He’s finally run off to have a chat.” A wicked grin crossed her face. “Then I think he wants to spend time with Jaheira. Whatever’s happened, with his soul back, I haven’t seen him this chirpy since we foiled Sarevok’s plans back in Baldur’s Gate.”


Indeed - he's been a bit on edge in recent times (although admittedly not without reason). :)

Anomen nodded slightly. “Harrian is my friend,” he agreed. “You are…” His voice trailed off, leaving him with a whole new world of complications as he realised he would probably have to finish that sentence at some point.


Think before you speak, Ano. :)

“Not so much,” Anomen mumbled, lowering his head slightly. Her eyes closed, their breath slowed, then their lips met gently.


Time stopped, and right then, neither of them cared much if it didn’t start up again.


Awwww! :D

“It takes strength to wield this one-handed,” Reynald commented, swinging the sword efficiently. “And technique to wield it two-handed. Honing my battle skills is one of the few things I have left to fill my time which does not lead to dwelling. If I am to battle until redemption or death – or both – then I should at least be very good at that battling.”


Aw - I hope he finds happiness somewhere along the line, too. He's kind of odd man out in this party, what with the others all being coupled off now.

Harrian looked indignant. “I wasn’t thinking of doing so!” he said defensively. Behind him, Reynald chuckled and tossed the towel aside, heading off for his room to escape any ‘conversation’ between thief and druid.


Very wise, Reynald. :)

He chuckled. “Not at all. In fact, I might be feeling a bit under the weather… possibly bed rest would be the best way to deal with it,” Harrian assured her, affecting an injured air, lounging back more.


Jaheira rolled her eyes, but her wry smile broadened as she leant over to kiss him gently, brushing his hair back. “You, Harrian Corias, are one of the most foolish men I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.”


He's kind of sweet when he's being foolish, though. :)

He paused, then shook his head slightly. “No. Never mind. Now is not the time for dark wonderings,” he said, closing his eyes.


:( A lot of dark things to wonder about when you're a Bhaalspawn, unfortunately.

Here, with his friends, his companions, and his lover… this was his life. Everything else – the wars, his destiny, his heritage – were just what he had to fight through to find that life.


Aw - that's a good way to think about it, Harrian. And I hope he still thinks the same way when he finally comes to make his choice at the end of ToB. But I guess there's a lot of ground to cover before then...

Great story! I've had a lot of fun reading. :D

#5 Guest_Oryx_*

Posted 24 November 2003 - 11:35 AM

*breathes* Alright. This is a BIT long to be an epilogue. But what the heck...


It's over! Over! Except for, y'know, that mass which is ToB looming on the horizon. Which I've started on, but then I have other projects too. I SO know what I'm going to write next out of the options. But I shall come up with something. It probably will be ToB, but don't be surprised if something else pops up at the same time.


Haw haw.

Anyway, enjoy, the final chapter of Tide of Destiny!! (woot.)


-------------------------------




Chapter 149: Peace


“He was always braver than any of us, wasn’t he,” Imoen mused sadly as she stood next to Harrian in front of Minsc’s grave, a day after the defeat of Irenicus and the party’s return to the living. The hours since had been hectic, the elves using them to start the rebuilding process of the city, the party using them to recover from their ordeal, and there had been little breathing room to relax and enjoy the end of their quest.


awwwww

“He was always a better person than any of us,” Harrian agreed, arms folded across his chest. “And I sometimes wonder if he was smarter than all of us.” He paused, his eyes turning skywards towards the boughs of the Tree of Life. They had thought it fitting to bury their dead friend here. “Of all of us, he was the one who deserved pain the least.”


ooh, that is cool to have him buried there

Imoen grabbed Harrian’s arm, clutching to it, and when the thief lowered his head he saw that her face was a mask of grief. He squeezed her hand reassuringly. “It’s how he’d have wanted to go,” Harrian told her, hating the words he spoke – even if they were true.


it truly is

Imoen nodded slowly, closing her eyes. “And he’s probably right now in the big lodge in the sky, regaling the other dead warriors with his adventures.” She smiled thinly. “He’s had some good ones.” She raised her other hand, the one holding Boo gently, and detached herself from Harrian to stroke the little hamster. “He’ll be missing you, won’t he.”


awwwwwwww

“I don’t know how we’re expected to carry on adventuring without him,” Harrian said quietly, looking down. “Since Nashkel, Minsc’s always been here… and we’re supposed to plod along without him? Who’s going to kick evil’s buttocks? Who’s going to point out when we’re being infinitely stupid? Who’s going to bring to our attention the deceptively simple answers we’ve missed because we’ve been tripping over our own two feet trying to be clever?”


lol




Anomen tore his eyes away from the impressive greenery of Suldanessellar, straightening up and looking across to the door of the balcony that was attached to the rooms the elves had given him. They were large, impressive rooms; more luxurious than any he’d ever enjoyed, even at the height of his father’s wealth… but for some reason, they encouraged him to stand outside more. Outside seemed more… real. There was something disconcerting about how ethereal the elven structures were.


mmmmm

His expression cleared up as he saw Imoen leaning against the door to the balcony, looking worn and tired but as chirpy as ever. The elves had almost insisted on giving the entire party a new wardrobe, and so the mage was wearing a long, emerald green gown that nearly made her look stately. Her shocking pink hair rather managed to off-set the effect, however. Anomen didn’t care – the mere sight of her was enough to raise his spirits, which was quite an achievement considering how cheerful he was with the resolution of their quest.


awwwwwwwwwwwwww

“It would have killed you,” he replied calmly. “Your spell protections were down. I had the protection of Helm.” He shifted slightly at her unconvinced expression. “Yes, my lady, it was a risk. But it was one I was willing to take.” He lowered his hand slowly to grip hers, a little tentatively but with sincerity in his eyes.


awwww


She nodded. “True. But you never stayed up all night talking to Harrian just because you felt like it. You never got jealous when Haer’Dalis would talk to Harrian. You never stepped in front of a death spell for Harrian.” A wry smile tugged at her lips.


awwww

Anomen nodded slightly. “Harrian is my friend,” he agreed. “You are…” His voice trailed off, leaving him with a whole new world of complications as he realised he would probably have to finish that sentence at some point.


haw haw

Imoen’s smile gradually became more teasing. “I’m what?” she asked, catching his eye.


He opened his mouth slowly. “I… ah… words do not quite cover it, my lady,” he said, and though his voice was a mixture of amusement and embarrassment, there was a sincerity in his expression that did not go unmissed.


She gave him a light, playful punch on the arm. “Oh? So I’m that wonderful, am I?” she joked.


lol

“That wonderful and beyond, Imoen,” he assured her, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.


aww

She visibly struggled against a smile for a few seconds, before losing and beaming happily at him. “You knightly types are all the same… with your flowery words, and all that…” She pulled her hand away to stroke his cheek gently.


“I am not the typical knight,” Anomen reminded her, taking a step forward and, a little hesitantly, resting his forehead against hers. She didn’t pull back, which he considered to be a good sign. “And I find myself incontinently unable to throw such flowery language around at will, unlike my fellows. When I say such things, I mean them, Imoen.”


Onyx: Ooooh, nice comeback! *jots down in The Most Noble Flowery Line Book*

“Not so much,” Anomen mumbled, lowering his head slightly. Her eyes closed, their breath slowed, then their lips met gently.


Time stopped, and right then, neither of them cared much if it didn’t start up again.


awwwwwwwwwww

* * * *



“You don’t need to switch weapons,” Harrian said dryly, leaning against the wall. “The elves retrieved the Sword of Chaos. It somehow didn’t end up being shattered or stuck so solidly in the ground that they couldn’t retrieve it.” He had mixed feelings about that sword. It had been Sarevok’s, and a part of him wanted to just get rid of it, throw it out to sea and let it sink. The other part, well… wanted to hang onto to this last remembrance of his half-brother. And there was something satisfying about using it to do good.


Wait, what happened to the Warblade? Did they bury it with Minsc?

“True,” Reynald said, coming to a halt as he brought the Blade of Searing up into a half-salute and turned to face Harrian. “But a good warrior is skilled with several weapons. When I found myself without my claymore on the Tree of Life, all I had was a short sword I was inexpert at using. I shall not dwell, but I cannot help but think I might have got to Minsc sooner if I had borne a different blade.”


awwwww

Harrian considered briefly. “Then learn with a bastard sword, by all means. If you won’t cart a shield around, that’s the best weapon to have if you ever get disarmed.”


“It takes strength to wield this one-handed,” Reynald commented, swinging the sword efficiently. “And technique to wield it two-handed. Honing my battle skills is one of the few things I have left to fill my time which does not lead to dwelling. If I am to battle until redemption or death – or both – then I should at least be very good at that battling.”


heh



Jaheira rolled her eyes, but her wry smile broadened as she leant over to kiss him gently, brushing his hair back. “You, Harrian Corias, are one of the most foolish men I’ve ever had the misfortune to meet.”


aww

“You seem to have made the most of that misfortune,” Harrian pointed out, sitting up a bit and pulling her closer to him.


awwwwwwww

She nodded slowly, then kissed him again, and he did his best to banish thoughts about Irenicus, who was long gone, or the Bhaalspawn wars to the south, which were a long way away, focusing only on the now. There were issues he would have to contend with, battles left to be fought, a destiny still out there demanding his attention, and the whole question of his heritage and where it would take him to address… but right then, he did not need to contemplate it beyond the concerned consideration. It did not need to be his life.


Here, with his friends, his companions, and his lover… this was his life. Everything else – the wars, his destiny, his heritage – were just what he had to fight through to find that life.


aw

CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP

BRAVO, Slide, BRAVO. An excellent end to an excellent saga. Not the end of ends, I suppose, but...well, congratulations. It's really an amazing accomplishment, 149 chapters...a hundred and a half...and 'twas a treat. Whatever you do next, I know I'll enjoy it.

#6 Guest_Yazston_*

Posted 24 November 2003 - 01:28 PM

*breathes* Alright. This is a BIT long to be an epilogue. But what the heck...


Wasn't too long, I think! :)

It's over! Over! Except for, y'know, that mass which is ToB looming on the horizon. Which I've started on, but then I have other projects too. I SO know what I'm going to write next out of the options. But I shall come up with something.


I already miss this story... :P

“He was always a better person than any of us,” Harrian agreed, arms folded across his chest. “And I sometimes wonder if he was smarter than all of us.”


Agreed! When you learn to 'know' him (as well as one can know a character from a game... :) ) you do notice he is... something... more..

“It’s how he’d have wanted to go,” Harrian told her, hating the words he spoke – even if they were true.


Yep.. Minsc certainly wanted to die in this way... lol I don't mean he wanted to die... but... he wanted to die in a battle... or...

Stop it, okay?

Imoen nodded slowly, closing her eyes. “And he’s probably right now in the big lodge in the sky, regaling the other dead warriors with his adventures.” She smiled thinly. “He’s had some good ones.”


They will be red with envy when they hear about Minsc's life, I'm sure! :)

She raised her other hand, the one holding Boo gently, and detached herself from Harrian to stroke the little hamster. “He’ll be missing you, won’t he.”


Hey! What will they do with Boo? :)

“Who’s going to kick evil’s buttocks? Who’s going to point out when we’re being infinitely stupid? Who’s going to bring to our attention the deceptively simple answers we’ve missed because we’ve been tripping over our own two feet trying to be clever?”


Hmm... Boo? We still have to solve the mystery of the hamster! Is he really that wise?

“He’s whispered in my ear before too… promised me the power to save the people I love, bring down the evil and pain, and… well, you saw what happened in the Underdark. I became the Slayer.”


And almost killed the ones you loved... Instead of saving them! Bhaal's an idiot... a cunning idiot... a very dangerous idiot... but still idiot!

“He’s dead, and gone, and that’s how it should be.”


Can't understand why they want to know about Irenicus when they should forget him. And they should understand that maybe Har and Im don't want to talk about him after all that he did to them.

“That wonderful and beyond, Imoen,” he assured her, taking her hand and raising it to his lips.


Awwww! They're in love! :)

He was wearing an elven training garb that didn’t quite fit his muscular frame; although the Fallen Knight was not a giant of a man, being larger than Anomen but having never been close to rivalling Minsc, his forearms were still bare, there was a rip around the neckline which showed adjustments he’d made, and if it weren’t for the bastard sword Blade of Searing that he swung around with expert skill and speed, he would have looked quite comical.


LOL! He still looks quite comical! At least in my mind... :D

“You have other things, no? You said you played the lute. You sang briefly for us. Life does not need to be only about redemption.” Harrian thought for a moment. “And redemption comes from things other than just battle. I doubt Torm wants only warriors. Torm wants… men of honour. Not just killers, battlers.”


Yeah! It's kinda dumb to be always fighting. You could do so much with your life! :)

Harrian nodded, looking grim. “I made sympathetic noises.”


LOL! (That is all I can say... :D )

Behind him, Reynald chuckled and tossed the towel aside, heading off for his room to escape any ‘conversation’ between thief and druid.


That is what I'd do too if I was Reynald... Jaheira is a bit scary when she's serious... or mad. Or both!

“You never coddled Imoen like this after she got her soul back.”


So, it's unfair that she coddles you, but not Immy? ;) Weird...



A great ending for a great story! :) I hope you will post something soon! :lol:

#7 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:30 PM

Congrats! I think that this earns you the runners-up spot behind Silrana for a comprehensive BG2:SoA walkthrough. And I am looking to get that third spot, in a few weeks time, myself 8)


Heh! It feels... veeery good to get it done. But it's a little painful how you know that it's NOT over...

Funny, but there are some interesting coincidences in those three novels - all of them are Jaheira-romances (can't get enough of a good thing, I suppose :P) and in all of them, dear little sister is also involved in a relationship... just with three different people. :)


LOL! That's true. Just goes to show that Jaheira is the best.

Oh, and regardless of what you are going to write next - I hope you won't disappear from our sight for too long :?


I expect that, by Xmas, at the latest, I'll have started on something else. I'm quite sure what I'll do next. :P And no, it's not ToB...

:D You know, I did note that there was no one special that would miss Minsc (well, aside Boo) - now I caught myself thinking of his parents. Were they still alive and waiting for him back in Rasheman? :D


:D There probably are people waiting for him. A family. Oh... :P

Poor little thing. Well, at least looks like it will be Imoen who will adopt him.


Yep. Imoen may need Boo...

Nah, she probably can't decide what dress to wear for the celebrations and wants to hear Harrian's opinion.


LOL! I'm not QUITE as disliking of Ellesime as some are... but I doubt she's asking Harrian.

Harrian: Why not? I have great taste in clothes!

Slide: Haer'Dalis would say otherwise. Remember Duchinov's ball?

:twisted:

Theo: *mutters* And full with racist elves.


You really don't like them, do you?

Oh, they'll find you, so to speak.


Unfortunately for him, yes. But not yet.

Heh, Harrian better be on his best behavior around Jaheira, because she won't stand for being pushed aside, ever again.


This is true. He's still going to get yelled at in the future...

I thought it was good that you showed that Imoen is being affected by the taint, even before the ToB strikes. I'll have to think on this myself, because until now my own Immy has been a bit too normal.


I'm just glad I got to write some pre-soulstolen Imoen with this fic... it rather made a contrast easier.

And yes! Taint is good!

Have you ever read some info on the elven clothing? I particularly like the no-nudity taboo... and of course, the fact that more exposed flesh means trust and implied safety... uhuh! I will have such fun with making Jaheira to wear a all-too-suggestive dress. :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:


LOL! You ARE obsessed.

Harrian: Reeeeally? Exposed flesh, you say?

Stop drooling... both of you! :P

Hopefully that stuuupid Illasera will stay away for a while.


She will. For a bit.

Yeah, my saving throws are better than yours, so there. :)


Perhaps. Saving throws? Or something more sinister?

Awww... it's hard for her. She thinks he won't accept her as a Bhaalspawn. :P


That's what it's ALWAYS been about.

I don't think he can do that. :?


Nope. But unlike Haer'Dalis, he's not going to pretend he can. He and Jaheria have... tough times ahead (and so, of course, do Immy and Harrian, but...)

Like duh. I believe I said something about speeding this relationship along... well, they still have to pull words out of each other. Maybe it's a common problem when loving a Bhaalspawn?


Anomen is very self-conscious. And I think they're both inexperienced.

AND Anomen just got himself stuck in the whole pothole of LABELLING. What IS Imoen to him? What does he FEEL for Imoen, other than a sort of... 'feeling'...? :wink: It's all complicated.

That's much, much better.


Yes. They're not entirely incompetent. :)

Keep it. Sarry might want it, eventually.


Oh yes. He'll want it.

Iirc, bastard swords should have been allowed to wield as two-handed swords as well? Poking the designers, are we?


Yes. And, for some reason, I really love bastard swords. I just see them as a much more practical sort of weapon than a two-handed sword - which is absolutely friggin' MASSIVE. I do have an unhealthy fondness for fighters single-wielding a bastard sword, able to switch between one-handed and two-handed as they wish. More clout than a longsword, less heavy and ridiculously large than a claymore...

He showed quite admirable restraint, there. I don't think Theo would be quite as understanding if the Queen would want to weep on his shoulder.


I think Harrian did just nod and smile. He hasn't condemned her. I don't think I do either - oh, yes, I think she did something incredibly STUPID and cruel, but... it's a bit hard to condemn her and the city because of that mistake. Irenicus still did everything of his own volition.

I'll be cutting down on the scale at which the ToB operates. My Bhaalspawn definitely won't have armies, I find it hard to believe that Tethyr's Queen Zaranda would just stand there and watch Saradush being destroyed, or idly observe others to gather such forces. That said, I don't mind anyone staying closer to the apocalyptic storyline of the game - but as I said, I want my characters not to be near godlike after the ToB, but more mortal.


As I've said, I do want them to be more godlike. I love the whole apocalyptic level of everything... I just feel it sort of raises the stakes. One of ToB's key themes, I always felt, was just hanging on to who you actually are, not who the taint makes you, and being so completely above and beyond most people makes that all the much harder...

Say no more, Jae. We understand! :wink: :(


She wants rest. :)

Theo: Been eating strange herbs, too? Ooops, I wasn't supposed to talk about that. :roll:


Bad Theo! :P

Bed, yes... rest? I doubt that...


Well, Harrian likes to be subtle. With emphasis on the 'b' here...

Oh, I agree with her 100%. :D


Oh, he is. Absolutely. It's part of his charm. :P

No, he didn't have a soul then. This is totally different.


Fewer dark clouds looming overhead. The armies to the south are now... quite distant.

Aww. Nice ending, good to see them enjoying at least some peace.


Yeah. They deserve a rest.

Congrats on completing the saga! Hopefully we won't have to wait long for something new from you. Cheers! :P


Thanks! :) I am currently a-writing, though am still torn between projects. SO MUCH TO WRITE! Argh.

#8 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:31 PM

Hey, ho!


At least I won't have to get THAT for a while. :twisted:

Congratulations on finishing the fiction! Was great reading, at all times. The first time when I saw it on ff.net I sat up til 4 in the morning, reading it. :twisted:


Awww. Thanks. I know, I rock. :twisted:

But thanks.

#9 Guest_argan_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:35 PM

Hey, ho!


At least I won't have to get THAT for a while. :twisted:

Oh yes, there is still msn...

Congratulations on finishing the fiction! Was great reading, at all times. The first time when I saw it on ff.net I sat up til 4 in the morning, reading it. :twisted:


Awww. Thanks. I know, I rock. :twisted:

But thanks.


Humble, aren't we, hmm?

#10 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:38 PM

Whoo! Congrats on finishing it! And have fun writing whatever it is you write next. :?


NWN is threatening, it seems. I'm trying to hold strong.

LOL! Nice to see him in a good mood for once. :P


Yeah. He has much to be happy about now, mind.

:) Unfortunately, Harrian, you likely won't get much choice.


No. Situations find HIM.

Heh, I think Ano might find an excuse to stay, somehow. :twisted:


LOL! Yes. He'll find a way. :roll:

To be fair, Ano, funerals are hardly the time for romantic interludes. :twisted:


He just wanted to TALK to her. But yes - it's not as if it's the best atmosphere... :)

Indeed - he's been a bit on edge in recent times (although admittedly not without reason). :)


Now he can relax. Hopefully.

Think before you speak, Ano. :wink:


Exactly. Now he's dooooomed... :)

Awwww! :?


:twisted:

Aw - I hope he finds happiness somewhere along the line, too. He's kind of odd man out in this party, what with the others all being coupled off now.


Sarry'll fix that.

Erm, no, Reynald and Sarevok will NOT couple off.

Oooh, but there's an idea... :( :twisted:

Very wise, Reynald. :wink:


He be smart. :D

He's kind of sweet when he's being foolish, though. :)


I know. He's a bit of a softie, really.

8) A lot of dark things to wonder about when you're a Bhaalspawn, unfortunately.


Yeah. Not many breaks.

Aw - that's a good way to think about it, Harrian. And I hope he still thinks the same way when he finally comes to make his choice at the end of ToB. But I guess there's a lot of ground to cover before then...


True. Even I don't know what will be going on at that point. I don't THINK Godhood's for Harrian, but I'm not even sure of that.

Great story! I've had a lot of fun reading. :D


Thanks! It's been fun AND torture writing it. :P

#11 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:45 PM

Haw haw.


Overactive imagination.

awwwww


Yeah. He's really gone. :wink:

ooh, that is cool to have him buried there


I think he'd want that.

it truly is


And he's the only NPC for whom those wouldn't be hollow words, I feel.

awwwwwwww


*sniffs*

lol


He DOES do that, though. Imoen will have to find the simple way of doing things - I think her mind works in that way enough to not trip over her own mental feet. :twisted:

mmmmm


Suldanessellar DOES seem a bit... unreal.

awwwwwwwwwwwwww


Yep. :twisted:

awwww

awwww


Stop! Less awwwing!

haw haw


Open mouth, insert foot...

aww


Stop. :roll:

Onyx: Ooooh, nice comeback! *jots down in The Most Noble Flowery Line Book*


Anomen: My thanks. I try. *bows*

awwwwwwwwwww


Oh, alright, that one's deserved. :twisted:

Wait, what happened to the Warblade? Did they bury it with Minsc?


That would be fitting, wouldn't it? I was more just thinking that Reynald wouldn't be happy to use the Warblade in the long-term...

awwwww


Self-blaming here. :twisted:

heh


A morbid point.

aww


But he is!

awwwwwwww


No more! :)

aw


Bah.

CLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAPCLAP


Thankee! *bows*

BRAVO, Slide, BRAVO. An excellent end to an excellent saga. Not the end of ends, I suppose, but...well, congratulations. It's really an amazing accomplishment, 149 chapters...a hundred and a half...and 'twas a treat. Whatever you do next, I know I'll enjoy it.


Cheers! It's AN end, so I'll take it. 273,000 words, this thing is. And it scares the hell out of me.

And I still need to decide WHAT to do next. :wink:

#12 Guest_Slide_*

Posted 29 November 2003 - 08:50 PM

Wasn't too long, I think! :P


Well, I think of epilogues as being little things. Oh well. :)

I already miss this story... :twisted:


Aww. I'll find something new...

Agreed! When you learn to 'know' him (as well as one can know a character from a game... :twisted: ) you do notice he is... something... more..


Yeah. He's not just a buffoon...

Yep.. Minsc certainly wanted to die in this way... lol I don't mean he wanted to die... but... he wanted to die in a battle... or...

Stop it, okay?


Nope, you make sense. :)

They will be red with envy when they hear about Minsc's life, I'm sure! :)


Oh yes! A great life!

Hey! What will they do with Boo? :)


He'll stick around.

Hmm... Boo? We still have to solve the mystery of the hamster! Is he really that wise?


We'll see. Once I work it out.

And almost killed the ones you loved... Instead of saving them! Bhaal's an idiot... a cunning idiot... a very dangerous idiot... but still idiot!


Yes... but then, if Harrian killed the ones he loved... wouldn't that make Bhaal's job of corruption easier? Some days they're the only thing standing between Harrian and oblivion. :(

Can't understand why they want to know about Irenicus when they should forget him. And they should understand that maybe Har and Im don't want to talk about him after all that he did to them.


Yes, well... insensitive elves...

Awwww! They're in love! :)


Oh yes. Not declaring it actively, though. I think they're both too self-conscious to be THAT open.

LOL! He still looks quite comical! At least in my mind... :twisted:


LOL!!

Yeah! It's kinda dumb to be always fighting. You could do so much with your life! :twisted:


Exactly. And yes, Torm wants more than warriors, I think. I don't know if Reynald will ever become a paladin again, but redemption is more than just killing the evil.

LOL! (That is all I can say... :wink: )


Thanks. I liked that bit. :D

That is what I'd do too if I was Reynald... Jaheira is a bit scary when she's serious... or mad. Or both!


Or just being Jaheira. Always scary.

So, it's unfair that she coddles you, but not Immy? :roll: Weird...


He's just teasing. :P

A great ending for a great story! 8) I hope you will post something soon! :wink:


Thanks! I have things up my sleeve. I want a bit of variety, I think, but I have plans.

Cheers!




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