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[Weyoun]

 
A'mael Mellonamin part 12 : New beginnings.

She had been in this cell for about a month now... had it really been a month? She would not have known since this cell sadly had no windows, so, Aribeth de Tylmarande had resorted to the time-honored tradition of putting stripes of chalk on the walls to keep track of the passage of time.

She was starting to feel in her bones why elves were never meant to live in captivity. She was away from nature, away from the land... the only things connecting her to the outside world were the things that Alris had brought her to make her stay in the cell more bearable : A table, a comfortable chair, a pillow and blankets for her bed, several changes of clean clothes, a warm rug, some slippers, a set of small tapestries, a full set of books, and even an multitude of potted plants and flowers.

But even all those kind gifts did not change the fact that she was trapped between four walls, though she felt she could not complain.

Her mood picked up immediately as Aribeth's sensitive ears picked up the coming of the person who would always brightened her mood. He was alone this time, and several members of his party, her friends, often came to visit her too.

Aribeth clutched the bars of her cell as Alris rounded about the corner. Immediately, he rushed up to her, and the two lovers hungrily kissed through the bars, as if she they hadn't seen each other for years. In truth, Alris came three times a day.

"Oh, wait before I open the door," the gnomish jail keeper, Elwood Jansen, said while he brushed past Alris to unlock the door to let him in.

Quickly, the second elf slipped through the door when the gnome shook his head. Once inside, the lovers merrily continued with their lip-locked greeting. "Hi," Alris whispered when they finally broke, but still embraced. Again, Alris was overcome by sensations. The smell of her hair, the soft suede tunic, her form pressing against him... "I, err, I've brought you something..."

"Really, you shouldn't keep bringing me these gifts!" Aribeth smiled. "I'll consume you out of house and home."

"Oh?" Alris smiled. "Well, if you don't want these apples, then I'll take them..." he said while taking an apple from the bag he was carrying.

"SOLID FOOD!" Aribeth all but squealed and gorged herself on the apple. "Hmmm, delicious," she spoke with her mouth full. "So much better than that gruel they feed me every day."

"I knew you'd like it," Alris smiled. "But don't eat too much or you'll spoil your dinner tonight."

"Ah," Aribeth's eyes twinkled, "the conjugal visit?"

"Yes," Alris said, dreaming away. For three weeks now, they had been allowed to dine and sleep in a private bedroom once a week, which led itself to deep conversations and gentle embraces. Already Aribeth had confided in him many times, while Alris told her all about himself and his family, and the night was usually closed by sleeping in each other's arms.

"Alris, you already do so much for me," Aribeth said while wolfing down another apple and looking around the room at the many decorations.

"I swear," Alris said, "I swear that I'll get you out of this place. Somehow... I'll make sure of it."

"No, Alris," Aribeth turned towards her lover. "No, don't do anything stupid. I don't want you ending up in the cell next to me."

"Those Neverwintians," Alris spat, "they hail me, and the others, as a hero. But when they pass me on the streets, they have NO idea how much I hate them... Even Sharwyn has had it with this town and she's a local... As soon as we get you out of here, we're all leaving."

"I'd love to," Aribeth said. She felt terrible about saying what she was about to say, but she felt she could not avoid the issue. "Alris... I might not get out of this prison."

"But... they can't keep you in here for the rest of your life! You'll go mad," Alris gasped.

"I do not fear my fate," Aribeth smiled and touched Alris' cheek. "Not any longer..."

"If they kill you..." Alris menaced.

"No!" Aribeth said. "Do not hate. Do not allow yourself to hate! You saw what it did to me, I don't want it to happen to you as well!"

Alris sighed as the lovers embraced again. "Yes... you're right, of course."

"Time's up!" sounded Elwood from the hallway.

"I'll see you tonight," Aribeth said, just before kissing her new lover again.

"I'll be counting the seconds," Alris smiled before Elwood led him out of the cell.

---

Alris strolled through the halls of Castle Never, walking on air. Despite the fact that Aribeth was confined to a holding cell, their relationship had really grown over the past month. Dreaming away of travels, romance and love, Alris almost bumped into a person when he rounded about the corner. Breaking out of his euphoria, he noticed the person was none other than Lord Nasher. Immediately, the elf narrowed his eyes as he regarded the human lord with suspicion.

"You have been avoiding me, young hero," Nasher nodded.

"I do not wish to talk to you," Alris said and attempted to brush past him.

"I cannot simply release her," Nasher sighed, reflecting on an earlier conversation. "The people..."

"To the nine HELLS with the people!" Alris snarled back in uncharacteristic fashion. Bystanders would say that the normally timid elf actually looked very threatening. "What do I care about the fools that live in this pestilent hole!"

"You, and your friends, are entitled to a reward," Nasher said.

"What? Money? What use have I for that? A magic item? They're a dime a dozen. You know what I want! Aribeth's life and freedom!" Alris retorted, reflecting on his party, his friends, who had all sided with him when Nasher first offered a reward for their efforts. Of course, Tomi wanted cash first, but a kick against the shins from Sharwyn quickly changed that.

"That I cannot give," Nasher sighed.

"Then we have nothing to talk about," Alris returned and brushed past the lord of Neverwinter.

"A question, Alris," Nasher asked while the elf walked away. "I'm not saying that I will, but if I have Aribeth executed... what will you do?"

The young elf shuddered for a moment, just before slowly turning his head towards Nasher. "I'll finish the job Aribeth started. If you think Aribeth's revenge was bad... wait till you see mine."

That said, the elf slowly walked away.

"Aarin, did you hear that?" Nasher spoke, while the master of spies emerged from the shadows.

"He won't do it," Aarin said. "It's not in his nature."

"That's besides the point," Nasher shook his head. "He's still passionate about life. He'll probably always will be."

"Lord?" Aarin asked, noticing Nasher's sullen mood.

"I know how I would react if as lover of mine would be threatened... or, rather, how I used to react," Nasher snorted. "All of this is my fault. For all this destruction, and now for his pain. I'm responsible for it all. Directly, or indirectly, it doesn't matter. Strange isn't it? How one foolish mistake for one mane alone can have such effect on the course of history.. On so many people."

"Lord Nasher, you should not place such suffering on your shoulders alone," Aarin said. "Many factors were involved here."

"Perhaps I should suffer the most," Nasher chuckled wryly. "Excuse me, I must speak with someone..."

---

Alris entered his temporary home in the city-core. It was given to him and his party after saving the city from the invaders, and he and her party had stayed here ever since. Right now, the only occupants of the small, but cozy home were him, Sharwyn and Tomi.

He missed his friends. His party had scattered shortly after the Morag had been destroyed. Daelan Rid-Tiger had returned to the Uthgard tribes with proof of his redemption, and, no doubt, the half-orc hero would be allowed to take a wife.

Boddyknock had undoubtedly returned to Lantan already, to present his people with tales and finds of his exploits on the main-land, but, despite the fame awaiting him, Alris knew he was more interested in patching things up with his father.

Linu, returned with the Volcano-seeds to Evereska, and even Alris felt elated because of that. It was a holy sign to all elves, and would inspire elves from all over Toril to withdraw from seclusion. Already, though, Linu had written that she would return to the party soon. Apparently, a hero's welcome did not agree with her... certainly not after the experience had shaken her new-found confidence. Apparently, the fire was put out before it spread, but Linu was shaken enough to return to the adventuring life.

"Allo, allo, allo!" Tomi greeted. "There's our favorite elf-boy! Been chattin' up Aribeth, matey?"

"Tomi!" Sharwyn swatted Tomi in the arm. "How's she doing?"

"Very well, all things considered..."

"I know," Sharwyn sighed. "My ballad about 'the tragic story of a tragic elven heroine hasn't found a receptive audience really. The listeners preferred 'Morag chopped to bits'."

"How's the rebuilding going?" Alris said. "I haven't been paying attention lately."

"Well, the thief's guild is building up nicely, much to Nasher's dismay, I might add," Tomi grinned.

"Rebuilding is going nicely," Sharwyn said, "but some people are complaining that they have to live in the prison for a few months until their houses are rebuild."

"But what about you, matey?" Tomi winked. "Another conjugal visit tonight! But, so far, there's not much conjoining going on... Will that change soon, nudge nudge wink wink."

"I can't believe you said 'nudge nudge wink wink' out loud, Tomi." Sharwyn chuckled while Alris blushed red.

"We just... just hold each other, that's all and," Alris suddenly got a wicked idea, "but, you two do more than just hugging at night. I can hear you at night, you know? Sensitive elven ears."

And for the first time since they had met, Alris succeeded in making Tomi blush. Payback, for all the gentle teasing Tomi had subjected Alris to.

"Well, well, well," Sharwyn giggled.

---

Aribeth de Tylmarande was laying on her cot on her back, raising the book she was reading in the air so the light of the candle would reach it better. 'History of the Unicorn Run' was one of her favorite books when she was a child, and now she took great pleasure in the simple joy of reading it again. For longer than half a century, she had avoided every tie with her past and every memory of her family and childhood after her family had been killed. But now, now that she was on the road to healing her shattered spirit, she had found out that memories could do more than hurting one's heart.

Her sensitive ears picked up a visitor fast approaching her cell. For a moment, she thought Alris would be returning, but the heaviness in the man's step betrayed his identity. Sighing, Aribeth put down the book. This was a confrontation that was long overdue.

"Hello, old friend," the voice of Lord Nasher sounded as the man appeared in front of the door of her cell. He sounded calm enough, but still Aribeth was weary as she sat up on the bunk.

"We haven't talked since Fenthick's death, have we?" Aribeth replied.

"Perhaps, if we talked before Fen..." Nasher caught himself and started anew. "Aribeth... I just don't know what to do with you."

"My fate, as they say, is in your hands," Aribeth said, "I will not aid you in that decision."

"Do you trust me to come to a fair ruling?" Nasher asked.

"I... don't know," Aribeth replied.

"Fair enough," Nasher nodded.

"I no longer fear my fate, Lord Nasher," Aribeth sighed.

"By right, I could have you executed for your actions," Nasher said.

A hard look crossed Aribeth's features, and there was a quiver in her voice. "That is... your right, of course."

"But that would mean I have learned nothing," Nasher sighed. "My decision doomed the city..."

"You were not the only one responsible. You were only the catalyst. I was the one who destroyed great part of Neverwinter," Aribeth said.

"That is kind of you to say so," Nasher half-smiled, "but, perhaps you right. We are all guilty. You, me, the people of Neverwinter, Morag, Maugrim... I cannot bring myself to put you to death. It would be hypocrisy of the highest order to say that one person is more guilty than the others."

Aribeth straightened her back. Just a small iota of relief crawled into her expression.

"Besides," Nasher smiled, "did you know Alris threatened to finish what you started if I did put you to death?"

"He wouldn't," Aribeth shook her head. Please tell me, you wouldn't, Alris.

"But what are my other options?" Nasher asked himself. "I could have you imprisoned for life, but, for an elf," he added quickly as he noticed Aribeth's involuntary shudder, "that would be a fate worse than death. For you it would be a slow descend into madness..."

"I'd rather be hanged than to experience that," Aribeth admitted harshly.

"I could do as I did with Aarin," Nasher said, "and sentence you to a life-time of service to the city. But Alris would want to stay with you, condemning him to live a life-sentence in a city he hates."

Aribeth shook her head. "I... wouldn't want to bind him to one place for the rest of his life."

"He's seemed to have bound itself to you," Nasher smiled. "I have forgotten what young love... and love in general is like."

"As much as it would pain us both," Aribeth lowered her eyes, "I would end our relationship for his sake."

"And either option would hardly be a fitting reward for the saviour of our city," Nasher grimaced. "Your forty years of faithful service to the city should not be ignored," Nasher added. "Hell, you've been here longer than I have and I can't forget the efforts you made to spare the lives of the citizenry during the war. I haven't heard your voice yet, old friend. What do you want? And don't give me that 'I don't fear my fate'-chat. That's not very helpful."

"You want to hear what I want?" Aribeth said as she rose from her cot and strolled toward the bars. "I want to live again. That's what I really want. So much has happened to me lately... my shattered spirit is re-awakening. What I want is to learn how to live again, with Alris by my side. After all that has happened to me the past year, I need to explore who I am. Who I really am..."

"You're not the only one," Nasher sighed, and for a fleeting moment, they were kindred spirits.

---

Aribeth had finally been allowed to leave her cell and was escorted out of her cell to the semi-luxurious room on the second floor, where Alris was waiting for her. The two lovers embraced, for it was their only weekly moment of freedom. In the large, well-lit room, they had dinner which Alris had made arrangements for. After a lovely dinner and some chatting, they decided to go to sleep. In the room was a large, soft two-person bed, which Aribeth considered a welcome change for her cot.

Aribeth withdrew herself behind the dressing screen, changed into her nightshift and joined Alris in the bed, sinking into his embrace.

"Hmmm," Aribeth whispered. "Alris? I have the feeling Lord Nasher will pass judgment on me soon."

"Please, Ari," Alris said, taking a moment to kiss his lover's lips, "this is our moment. Let's not talk about him now."

Aribeth smiled. She truly enjoyed these moments of being close to each other. Romance was intoxicating for her, a sweetness that filled her heart and lifted her spirits. Now, she would finally take the step she had been considering for some time now.

Aribeth broke the embrace and leaned on her side, laying one arm across her lover's chest. "Alris, I... feel," she suddenly seemed very nervous. "We've come to a point where our feelings are... When we... I..." Aribeth's cheeks became flushed. Finally, she breathed in and out a couple of times and regained her composure. "Alris? I want us to m-make love..."

This time, it was Alris's turn to grow bright red and sputter unintelligible. "I... I... I... I... I..." he gulped.

"I'm serious, Alris," Aribeth smiled.

"A-a-a-a-re you s-s-s-s-sure?" Alris asked, once again gulped.

"I love you," Aribeth said. "I am sure..."

"I l-l-l-love you t-t-too, but I never... Errr, I didn't... I..."

"You've never spend a night with a lover before?" Aribeth blushed a little.

"Nothing b-b-beyond kissing..."

"Don't worry," Aribeth smiled encouragingly and took the shivering Alris in a tight embrace. "I have..." and placed her lips on his.

The two lovers spent the rest of the night together, alternating sessions of extreme passion with gentle kisses, holding on to each other and loving pillow talk. They shared their passions freely, as if it was their last night together. Indeed, there was an underlying sense of desperation in their love, but it was completely overshadowed by the sweet sensations of the love they shared.

Finally, when the tweeting of birds could be heard outside the castle, the elves, completely spent after a night of sweet bliss, fell asleep in a loving embrace.

---

"Dammit, dammit, dammit!" Elwood Jansen cursed as he was watching through the keyhole of the bedroom.

"What are you doing there, guardsman?" the voice of Aarin Gend rang out sternly.

The guard, gulping and blushing now that he was caught, faced the scowling spymaster. "Errr, well, errr, that is... errr..."

"Yes?" Aarin grinned.

"Oh, I didn't see anything!" Elwood cursed. "I looked through the keyhole all night the last three conjugal visits and the only thing they did was hug! Now that I go out drinking with my brother Jake they... Arrghh, I really wanted to watch two elves doin' it, dammit!"

"So, you're not only a pervert, but you've also left your post?" Aarin smirked.

"Errr, I'd better shut up now, don't I?" the guard-gnome grimaced.

"I really think you should."

"Oh, well, they're time's up anyway," the gnome said. "I should wake them, and escort her to her cell. Hey, maybe I'll catch a glimpse of some skin while I chase her out of bed!"

"Leave, guardsman," Aarin said while he peeked through the keyhole himself and smiled at what he saw. "Let them sleep for a little while longer. I need to speak with them."

---

Tomi Undergallows sat on the couch and was engrossed in the delicate task of clipping his toe-nails when Alris entered the house.

"Hello, matey!" Tomi greeted cheerfully. "Did you enjoy your time hugging yer lady-love and BLOODY HELL! THE TWO OF YOU HAVE BEEN SHAGGING THE ENTIRE NIGHT!" he shouted as he tossed the clipper into the air.

"What?!" Alris said, suddenly blushing bright-red. "But... What... How did you know?"

"SHARWYN! COME DOWN QUICKLY! ALRIS GOT LAID!" the halfling shouted upstairs.

"Really?!" was shouted down as Sharwyn all but ran down the stairs. As soon as she noticed her friend, a broad grin formed on her beautiful face. "Oh, yes, I can see it."

"But... how?"

"Oh," Tomi grinned, "the way you talk. The way you walk. That twinkle in your eye..."

"The spring in your step," Sharwyn added, "that perpetual smile on your face. I bet Aribeth is in exactly the same state of being right now. All giddy and happy."

"Well, I,"Alris blushed. "I'll see her again soon. I... Aarin told me Lord Nasher wants to see all of us in a closed council-setting. He'll... probably decide Aribeth's fate... Strangest thing, though. Aarin asked us all to... pack."

---

Aarin was surprised that Lord Nasher ordered him and the guards to remain outside during the proceedings. The dark spymaster did respect the Lord's judgment, of course... but he felt a little passed over that he was not allowed to attend. He was Aribeth and Alris' friend too, after all. He just hoped Lord Nasher would handle this entire affair with wisdom.

Finally, after what appeared to have taken an hour, the double doors leading into the council chamber of Castle Never opened briefly, revealing Lord Nasher who beckoned him and him alone to enter.

The door closed behind Aarin as he entered and, to his surprise, he did not notice any of his friends in the room. Who he did see standing next to Nasher, was the mistress of the Mage guild.

"Welcome Aarin, do come in," Nasher smiled.

"Lord? What is going on?" Aarin asked.

"Well," Nasher smiled, "you could say I am atoning."

"Sir?"

"I always thought you liked a good mystery, Aarin," Nasher smiled, "but I have been thinking about Aribeth's words lately. 'To learn to live again... and to find out who I really am.'. I am not this, Aarin. Not a 'politician'."

Nasher snorted. "When I was younger I used to hate people like me. It's funny how life takes you by the hand, doesn't it? Not any longer. I... will, once again, create my own fate. I was born an adventurer, Aarin, and I will die an adventurer."

"You are leaving Neverwinter?!" Aarin gasped.

Nasher walked to his desk and took three scrolls from it. "These are my last decrees as Lord of Neverwinter, Aarin. I ask that you see them carried out and archived. The first is a deed that will return the lands taken from the barbarian-women over a century ago, as I promised. They are still camped outside the city. The second," Nasher smiled. "is a full pardon for Aribeth de Tylmarande."

"Sir!" Aarin smiled and took the scroll.

"That should settle any matter successor of mine could try to take against her," Nasher said and took the third scroll. "This will be the official story. Aribeth has been banished from Neverwinter for life, but I did not expect to see her here ever again anyway."

"As for the city," Nasher smiled. "You've served her loyally for so long. She's yours now, Aarin. Treat her well."

Aarin's eyes grew wide. "But, sir, you can't just... It's... I..."

"Take leadership yourself," Nasher said. "Or appoint someone you trust with her in your place. It is time for new beginnings for us all, Aarin. For me, for Aribeth and for the city. The city is need of rebuilding. She needs a new beginning as well, and she needs new blood, not a lumbering old dinosaur like me."

"But Lord Nasher, this is your home!"

Nasher turned around while he strapped his sword to his back and fastened a cloak to his armor. "You've never been an adventurer, have you, Aarin? All us adventurers know, Aarin, that home is where you hang your cloak after a long day of travel. It is something I had forgotten for a long time."

"Where shall I take you, Lord Nasher," the mage asked. "Should I teleport you to the same-place where I transported the others."

"No..." Nasher said. "Just take me..." he smiled and suddenly pointed to the east. "Somewhere over there."

And Lord Nasher began his new travels as he was spirited away from Neverwinter by the magic.

---

Meanwhile, in the light of the morning sun, two laughing lovers ran through the comforting woods of Charwood, only to end up rolling and giggling on a patch of warm grass.

They were free.