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Ember's Tale 6: Friendly Arms


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#1 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 12 March 2006 - 05:43 PM

Chapter 6: Friendly Arms

The spacious dining hall of the Friendly Arm was bustling with activity. Serving maids scurried around, carrying large platters which held roast meat, bread, or tankards of ale. The din of numerous conversations and the sounds that accompany eating and drinking filled the dining hall, accentuated by snatches of drinking songs.

"How shall we find them in this crowd?" Imoen said, stepping around a drunken reveler.

"Follow me! I shall take you to the innkeeper," Ajantis said, striding determinedly towards the far side of the room. Ember, Imoen and Kivan followed closely behind him as he wove a path between the tables, gently nudging a vivacious diner here and pausing to let a maid pass by there. They soon found themselves standing in front of a long counter made of polished wood. A jovial looking gnome in green robes was standing on a platform behind the counter, filling mugs with ale and beer.

The gnome smiled at them in greeting. "A good evening to you, squire Ajantis! How may I be of assistance?"

"Good sir Mirrorshade, my companions here are seeking a pair of friends, and were told to find them here. Perhaps you could assist us in locating them?"

"Their names are Khalid and Jaheira," Ember added.

"Friends of yours, you say?" the gnome said as he regarded Ember closely. Kivan and Imoen received an equal amount of scrutiny before he addressed Ajantis again. "Squire, do you vouch for these people?"

"With my honor," Ajantis proclaimed.

The innkeeper looked at Ember one more time, chewing his lip thoughtfully. "Oh, very well," he finally said. "They are dining in the north corner room. Do you know it, Ajantis?"

"I know it well," Ajantis said. "Many thanks for your assistance!"

They made their way through a large cluster of tables to the western wall of the inn. It was quieter here, and the tables had more space between them. The wall itself was lined with a number of door-sized archways, each of them opening up into alcoves which each seemed able to seat up to eight people comfortably. They stopped outside the northernmost of the archways.

"This is the corner room," Ajantis told Ember. "We shall wait for you out here; do not hesitate to call for us should you need assistance."

"Thanks," Ember said, casually looking into the alcove. A man and a woman were sitting inside. Both were dressed in browns, but otherwise they looked quite dissimilar; the man in chainmail had dark hair, an olive complexion and a pronounced nose, while the leather-clad woman was paler and slenderer, with golden brown hair and a mild tan which spoke of many days spent outdoors. They were eating their supper, and seemed absorbed in a conversation. How should she best introduce herself to them? She glanced nervously at her friends.

"Imoen, will you come with me?"

"Of course!" Imoen said, smiling cheerfully.

Ember smiled back at her friend. Drawing a deep breath, she stepped through the archway, closely followed by Imoen.

As the two girls entered, the couple in the alcove turned to regard them with even more scrutiny than the innkeeper had. At this close range, Ember noticed the slight points of their ears and a hint of an angling of their eyes. Half-elves, both of them. The man's expression was that of friendly curiosity, but the woman's gaze made Ember feel as though she were a soldier being inspected.

"Um, excuse me," Ember said hurriedly, "are you Khalid and Jaheira?"

"Something about you is f-familiar, child," the man said. "Your manner reminds me of a sage I know, b-by the name of Gorion."

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.

"Jaheira! M-mind your m-m-manners! This must be the child that Gorion wrote of so often."

Ember frowned. Why was the woman being so crass? "Yes, I am Gorion's daughter, Ember. This is my friend Imoen."

"Heya!" Imoen said, waving a hand in greeting.

"I am Jaheira and this is my husband, Khalid," the woman said. "We are old friends of your adoptive father. He is not with you? I must assume the worst; he would not permit his only child to wander without his accompaniment," she stated in a level voice.

"If... if he has passed, we share your loss," Khalid said quietly.

"He was killed the night we left Candlekeep," Ember said. Khalid bowed his head at the news.

Jaheira nodded somberly. "Then it is as we feared. It is fortuitious that you have survived, though; Gorion often said that he worried for your safety, even at the expense of his own," she said. "He also wished that Khalid and I would become your guardians, if he should ever meet an untimely end. However, you are much older now, and the choice of your companions should be your own, but it would be a fitting last service to Gorion if you should come with us. Khalid and I... look into local concerns, and you would do well to help us. Local matters affect everyone, even you."

Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.

"Watch your tongue, child!" Jaheira said. "What could you know of the world, of what should be done? Are you at all prepared for your future? I speak only of what is for the best!"

"Jaheira, do you have to be so... so..." Khalid muttered.

Ember wiped her eyes and forced her voice to be calm. "I am not a child, and I am not stupid," she said in a low tone. "My father is two days dead, there are bounty hunters after me, and I did not come here to be patronized by someone who has never even met me before."

"Bounty hunters?" Jaheira asked incredulously. "Child, what have you done?"

"Hey, what makes you think it's her fault?" Imoen protested. "She hasn't done anything!"

"Is that so?"

Ember glared at Jaheira. "The men who killed Father were after me. For some reason, they want me dead. Father knew why, but he never got the chance to tell me."

"Then it is all the more important that you come with us."

"What makes you think I want to go anywhere with you?!"

"I must insist; you will not survive without proper guidance," Jaheira said, her voice rising slightly.

"We've dealt with two assassins already. I think we'll manage."

"Gorion would never forgive us should we let you go astray!"

"Like you said, I am old enough to choose my own company." Before Jaheira could respond, Ember stomped out of the room, and Imoen ran out after her. Neither of them noticed the dismayed look on Jaheira's face.

---

"How did the meeting go?" Ajantis asked as Ember and Imoen returned. Judging by the thundercloud that was Ember's expression, he feared it did not go well.

"How can anyone be so... so bloody practical!" Ember hissed. "I cannot see how Father could possibly call her a friend!"

"They were not as you hoped, then," Kivan said. "I am sorry."

"Jaheira was pretty intense," Imoen explained. "Khalid seemed like an okay guy, though."

"At least he seemed to care that Father is dead. She barely even flinched at the news." Ember wiped her eyes angrily. The woman had never even said a kind word for Gorion in her eagerness to recruit Ember for whatever it was she was doing, and that hurt Ember more than any of the slights she'd received. Her father deserved better than that!

"Is there anything we can do?" Ajantis asked, his bright blue eyes showing genuine concern.

Ember looked at Ajantis and Kivan. The young paladin had shown himself to be quite protective, and the gruff, quiet ranger had been nothing but nice to them ever since he found them in the woods. They would probably be dead already if not for Kivan, she mused. She was certain he knew that as well as she did, but even as he referred to Imoen and herself as children, he had consistently treated them as equals; as part of a team, all working together. She had a distinct feeling that it would stay that way if they were to continue onwards with Kivan and Ajantis, and she couldn't say she would mind.

After all, what's a few scalps between friends?

"If it's all right with Imoen," she said, glancing at her friend as she spoke, "I want to continue traveling with you two."

"Are you sure?" Imoen asked.

"Yes, I'm sure. Jaheira was right about one thing, you know; we're not likely to get far on our own."

"If you do come with us, I will try not to cause you any further discomfort," Kivan added.

"In that case..." Imoen paused, looked at each of her companions, then smiled. "Yep, it's all right with Imoen!"

"I am very happy to hear that," Ajantis proclaimed with a grin.

"I look forward to seeing what will become of you two," Kivan said as one of his rare smiles crossed his face. "But for now, let us eat."

They found a vacant table, and ordered food from one of the maids. She returned to them a few minutes later with their food; warm, fresh breadrolls and slabs of piping hot roast lamb, which they ate with a sauce made from last year's apples. They were happily munching away and discussing the finer points of hobgoblin hunting when Imoen noticed someone approaching.

"Isn't that Khalid?" she said, looking over Ember's shoulder.

Ember turned in the direction Imoen was looking. Khalid was standing there, looking embarrassed. She noted gratefully that Jaheira was nowhere in sight.

"Ember? M-may I have a word?"

"Of course," Ember said. She stood up from the table and followed the half-elf out of earshot of her companions. "If you came to ask me to reconsider traveling with you, the answer is still no."

Khalid shook his head. "I thought as much. No, I came to a-apologize for how we greeted you."

"You said nothing wrong," Ember said evenly.

Khalid smiled wryly. "Jaheira's manner c-can be harsh when you do not know her. She d-does care, but she will not show it openly."

"I understand," Ember said politely. "If it helps, you can tell her I'll do my best not to be led astray. We are going to continue traveling with those who came here with us, a ranger and a squire paladin."

The half-elf smiled warmly at her. "I am glad to hear that. Jaheira and I will be n-n-near Gullykin. If you should have use for us, we will do our b-best to aid you."

"Thanks, Khalid; I appreciate it," Ember said. They walked back to the table, and Ember introduced Kivan and Ajantis to him. Ajantis greeted him warmly, while Kivan muttered an almost inaudible pleasantry.

"By the way, I do have one question..." Ember said as Khalid was about to leave them.

"Yes?"

"Do you have any idea who might have killed father, or why they are after me?"

"That was two questions," Imoen muttered under her breath, grinning slyly.

"I am t-terribly sorry, but we do not know. And we know n-nothing of your past; Gorion never told us how he got you."

"Thanks anyway," Ember said. She extended a hand to him. "I wish you luck in your travels."

Khalid took her hand and shook it firmly. "And you also."

---

It was getting late. Full and sleepy, Ember entered the bedroom she was to share with Imoen, and sat down on one of the beds. She smiled as the mattress yielded slightly to her weight; the bed was soft and even and promised to be very comfortable. As Ember pulled her boots off, Imoen burst into the room, waving a very shiny piece of cloth.

"Would you look at this!" she said with a giggle. "This stuffy nobleman downstairs thought I was a maid, and asked me to clean these! Have you ever seen anything so ridiculous!"

Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"

"He said he needed them for tonight, and wanted me to put a pleat in them that'd make him proud..."

Ember howled with laughter. "Oh Immy, you have to give them back. Can't... can't let the other diners miss a sight like that!"

"If you insist," Imoen said with a broad grin. She pulled out a dagger and, whistling innocently, lightly nicked one of the backside seams. Satisfied with her handiwork, Imoen headed out of the room. She returned a couple minutes later, smiling in the completely angelic way that nobody who knew her would ever trust.

"What did he say?" Ember asked.

"Oh, it was horrible. He was so mean about the way I'd cleaned his pants. He... he..."

"He what?"

"He withheld my tip!"

#2 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 09:06 AM

I guess there are two ways how to prevent Jaheira and Khalid from travelling with the Bhaalspawn - one is to kill them, the other is to make Jaheira appear so detestable that no one in their right mind would like to travel with her. ;)

Don't get me wrong, it's certainly a valid way to show the first meeting, because BG1 Jaheira was generally loathed by about 95% of all gamers, and that's not a big surprise, because the designers certainly went a long way to portray her quite unlikable.

I guess I won't surprise you, though, if I say that she's not at all like I see her and that I really don't recognize my favorite character here. :D *shrug* Well, hopefully we won't see any more of her and I'll be able to enjoy the next chapters more. :)

#3 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 12:10 PM

I guess there are two ways how to prevent Jaheira and Khalid from travelling with the Bhaalspawn - one is to kill them, the other is to make Jaheira appear so detestable that no one in their right mind would like to travel with her. :)


In the past, I've usually kicked her out the third or fourth time she's complained about poor leadership an/or called me an omnipresent authority figure ;)

I guess I won't surprise you, though, if I say that she's not at all like I see her and that I really don't recognize my favorite character here. :?


Nope, not at all surprised! (I think the Bioware version is worse than mine in that dialogue, though)

I was originally going to dump them after Nashkel, but while I detest Bioware BGI Jaheira, I can tolerate the one from BG2 (easier when she's been hacked to become NG, mind you) and genuinely like the ones in many stories around here :? So I decided I'd rather have her be rejected on the first meeting, when Ember wouldn't know anything about her good qualities anyway. The huge giant problems I had with this chapter was how to reject her without maligning her, and how to (hopefully) have it be the fault of both Ember and Jaheira.

*shrug* Well, hopefully we won't see any more of her and I'll be able to enjoy the next chapters more. :D


She will be back, eventually, but I think I can assure you that you'll like her much better in her next appearance :D

#4 Guest_Jean_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 06:02 PM

Ember wiped her eyes and forced her voice to be calm. "I am not a child, and I am not stupid," she said in a low tone. "My father is two days dead, there are bounty hunters after me, and I did not come here to be patronized by someone who has never even met me before."


I love your characterisation of Ember. Her reactions to everything seem very realistic – so young and angry, upset and confused in this line.

Your Jaheira is an interesting too, a variation on the more – I won’t say more sympathetic, because you can still empathise with this Jaheira – more sensitive druidesses here at the Attic. Are Khalid and Jaheira going to be written out of Ember's Tale, or will they be back?

The description of the Friendly Arm is good – I even found myself rather wishing I could sit in one of the alcoves. ;)

Looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you. :)

#5 Guest_Finduilas_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 09:11 PM

"Friends of yours, you say?" the gnome said as he regarded Ember closely. Kivan and Imoen received an equal amount of scrutiny before he addressed Ajantis again. "Squire, do you vouch for these people?"

"With my honor," Ajantis proclaimed.


Aww, Adjantis is so cute.

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Ouch. Well, that was rude.

"Bounty hunters?" Jaheira asked incredulously. "Child, what have you done?"


;) Yikes! Jumping the gun just a little there, Jah.

Like you said, I am old enough to choose my own company." Before Jaheira could respond, Ember stomped out of the room, and Imoen ran out after her. Neither of them noticed the dismayed look on Jaheira's face.


Consider this an object lesson, Jaheira.

If your intent was to make them both look at fault in this mess, you succeeded admirably. Ember's personality is definitely starting to show--and she's got a temper! As for Jaheira, well, as somone who has played mostly BGII recently, it always surprises me how bloody annoying Jaheira is BGI. Khalid certainly comes off as a nice guy, though.

Ember looked at Ajantis and Kivan. The young paladin had shown himself to be quite protective, and the gruff, quiet ranger had been nothing but nice to them ever since he found them in the woods. They would probably be dead already if not for Kivan, she mused. She was certain he knew that as well as she did, but even as he referred to Imoen and herself as children, he had consistently treated them as equals; as part of a team, all working together. She had a distinct feeling that it would stay that way if they were to continue onwards with Kivan and Ajantis, and she couldn't say she would mind.

After all, what's a few scalps between friends?

"If it's all right with Imoen," she said, glancing at her friend as she spoke, "I want to continue traveling with you two."


Good choice! I can see the appeal of traveling with Kivan rather than someone who treats you like you're 6 years old and feeble-minded to boot.

"I understand," Ember said politely. "If it helps, you can tell her I'll do my best not to be led astray. We are going to continue traveling with those who came here with us, a ranger and a squire paladin."

The half-elf smiled warmly at her. "I am glad to hear that. Jaheira and I will be n-n-near Gullykin. If you should have use for us, we will do our b-best to aid you."


So we might be seeing them again? Hopefully, a humbled and chastened Jaheira?

"I am t-terribly sorry, but we do not know. And we know n-nothing of your past; Gorion never told us how he got you."


I've seen a lot of variations on this in fanfic, but refresh my memory, do they ever say specificially what J & K know about the PC beforehand?

Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"

"He said he needed them for tonight, and wanted me to put a pleat in them that'd make him proud..."

Ember howled with laughter. "Oh Immy, you have to give them back. Can't... can't let the other diners miss a sight like that!"

"If you insist," Imoen said with a broad grin. She pulled out a dagger and, whistling innocently, lightly nicked one of the backside seams. Satisfied with her handiwork, Imoen headed out of the room. She returned a couple minutes later, smiling in the completely angelic way that nobody who knew her would ever trust.

"What did he say?" Ember asked.

"Oh, it was horrible. He was so mean about the way I'd cleaned his pants. He... he..."

"He what?"

"He withheld my tip!"



Yay, the Golden Pantaloons! I had completely forgotten about them. Very funny convo between E & I.

So now that the chapter 6 block is gone, is 7 coming soon?

#6 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 10:16 PM

In the past, I've usually kicked her out the third or fourth time she's complained about poor leadership an/or called me an omnipresent authority figure ;)


I love the omnipresent authority figure line! :D I just had to laugh every time she said it. :)

The huge giant problems I had with this chapter was how to reject her without maligning her, and how to (hopefully) have it be the fault of both Ember and Jaheira.


Err... actually, I didn't see at all where it was Ember's fault in the slightest! Jaheira was so incredibly unpleasant and rude that I cannot find any fault with Ember for reacting like she did. I guess that was a bit of a problem here for me, that Jaheira was so obviously wrong and stupid, while Ember was obviously wronged, and in the right.

#7 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 10:41 PM

Ember wiped her eyes and forced her voice to be calm. "I am not a child, and I am not stupid," she said in a low tone. "My father is two days dead, there are bounty hunters after me, and I did not come here to be patronized by someone who has never even met me before."


I love your characterisation of Ember. Her reactions to everything seem very realistic – so young and angry, upset and confused in this line.


Thanks, that's exactly what I wanted her to look like ;)

Your Jaheira is an interesting too, a variation on the more – I won’t say more sympathetic, because you can still empathise with this Jaheira – more sensitive druidesses here at the Attic. Are Khalid and Jaheira going to be written out of Ember's Tale, or will they be back?


They will return at some point(s). I'm glad you found her sympathetic amidst her overpracticalness.

The description of the Friendly Arm is good – I even found myself rather wishing I could sit in one of the alcoves. :)


I wanted the cushy bed, myself :D

Looking forward to the next chapter. Thank you. :D


No, thank you :?

#8 Guest_Futurist_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 11:08 PM

"Friends of yours, you say?" the gnome said as he regarded Ember closely. Kivan and Imoen received an equal amount of scrutiny before he addressed Ajantis again. "Squire, do you vouch for these people?"


Two teenage girls, a real scourge of death and destruction. Needs holy vouching

"Thanks," Ember said, casually looking into the alcove. A man and a woman were sitting inside. Both were dressed in browns, but otherwise they looked quite dissimilar; the man in chainmail had dark hair, an olive complexion and a pronounced nose, while the leather-clad woman was paler and slenderer, with golden brown hair and a mild tan which spoke of many days spent outdoors. They were eating their supper, and seemed absorbed in a conversation. How should she best introduce herself to them? She glanced nervously at her friends.


I`d go with: Oy! You J&K?

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Ah, yes. Meeting Jaheira for the first time was charming.

Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.


Pretty understandable from Embers viewpoint

"I must insist; you will not survive without proper guidance," Jaheira said, her voice rising slightly.


There is always Xzar and Monty, a terrific duo when it comes to be proper rolemodels for the youth.

After all, what's a few scalps between friends?


;)

They found a vacant table, and ordered food from one of the maids. She returned to them a few minutes later with their food; warm, fresh breadrolls and slabs of piping hot roast lamb, which they ate with a sauce made from last year's apples. They were happily munching away and discussing the finer points of hobgoblin hunting when Imoen noticed someone approaching.


Apple sauce with lamb?

#9 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 11:09 PM


"Friends of yours, you say?" the gnome said as he regarded Ember closely. Kivan and Imoen received an equal amount of scrutiny before he addressed Ajantis again. "Squire, do you vouch for these people?"

"With my honor," Ajantis proclaimed.


Aww, Adjantis is so cute.


Can't you just see him proclaiming everything that comes out of his mouth? :D

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Ouch. Well, that was rude.


That's exactly what I thought the first time I played the game...

"Bounty hunters?" Jaheira asked incredulously. "Child, what have you done?"


;) Yikes! Jumping the gun just a little there, Jah.


I was a little mean to her here, I think. But at least I didn't let her have her in in-game response for when you refuse to go with them :)

Like you said, I am old enough to choose my own company." Before Jaheira could respond, Ember stomped out of the room, and Imoen ran out after her. Neither of them noticed the dismayed look on Jaheira's face.


Consider this an object lesson, Jaheira.


Yep. When dealing with children fresh out of the Keep, let Khalid do the talking.

If your intent was to make them both look at fault in this mess, you succeeded admirably. Ember's personality is definitely starting to show--and she's got a temper! As for Jaheira, well, as somone who has played mostly BGII recently, it always surprises me how bloody annoying Jaheira is BGI. Khalid certainly comes off as a nice guy, though.


In my head, this Jaheira had already figured out something had gone wrong, so when her suspicions were confirmed, it wasn't a shock. Instead, she reacts as if in a crisis situation, and immediately started planning how to best take care of this armed kid that she knew very little about (and who resembled mr. bookishly learned Gorion less than she'd like). A very practical approach to the problem, it's just that Ember has not learned to appreciate such approaches yet, and could only see that her father was not mourned the way she expected (You should have waited a year, Jaheira) :?

In-game BGI Jaheira is a coldhearted control freak.


"If it's all right with Imoen," she said, glancing at her friend as she spoke, "I want to continue traveling with you two."


Good choice! I can see the appeal of traveling with Kivan rather than someone who treats you like you're 6 years old and feeble-minded to boot.


This is also the reason they met Kivan and Ajantis first. Much easier to abandon Daddy's old friends if you have a backup plan.

"I understand," Ember said politely. "If it helps, you can tell her I'll do my best not to be led astray. We are going to continue traveling with those who came here with us, a ranger and a squire paladin."

The half-elf smiled warmly at her. "I am glad to hear that. Jaheira and I will be n-n-near Gullykin. If you should have use for us, we will do our b-best to aid you."


So we might be seeing them again? Hopefully, a humbled and chastened Jaheira?


All I can say is that it will be a very awkward meeting.

And that they'll be doing the Firewine dungeon (instead of the plot-vital Nashkel mine) so Ember's group won't have to :P

"I am t-terribly sorry, but we do not know. And we know n-nothing of your past; Gorion never told us how he got you."


I've seen a lot of variations on this in fanfic, but refresh my memory, do they ever say specificially what J & K know about the PC beforehand?


To quote elmonster:
"I understand that Jaheira and Khalid are currently at the Friendly Arm Inn. They know little of what has passed, but they are ever thy friends and will no doubt help however they can."
So in my story, they know Gorion is in trouble, they know the trouble pertains to Ember, but they don't know why. Ember could be a mastermind criminal for all they know.

Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"


Yay, the Golden Pantaloons! I had completely forgotten about them. Very funny convo between E & I.


Thanks :?
I always, always let Imoen talk to him when we're there. It seems just like the kind of thing she'd do :D

So now that the chapter 6 block is gone, is 7 coming soon?


Maybe; depends on how hectic it is at work this week (sunglasses season hath commenced and on busy days I just want to sit down and beat up things in anarchy online when I get home). Chapter 7 is kind of half baked at the moment, and my drafts have not progressed past 12 yet.

#10 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 11:21 PM

In the past, I've usually kicked her out the third or fourth time she's complained about poor leadership an/or called me an omnipresent authority figure ;)


I love the omnipresent authority figure line! :D I just had to laugh every time she said it. :)


Weeelll.. I have to admit it was funny the first few times I heard it :D

The huge giant problems I had with this chapter was how to reject her without maligning her, and how to (hopefully) have it be the fault of both Ember and Jaheira.


Err... actually, I didn't see at all where it was Ember's fault in the slightest! Jaheira was so incredibly unpleasant and rude that I cannot find any fault with Ember for reacting like she did. I guess that was a bit of a problem here for me, that Jaheira was so obviously wrong and stupid, while Ember was obviously wronged, and in the right.


I knew you would never like this particular chapter, so I can only tell you that it could have been worse :?

The sad thing is, most of Jaheira's lines were pulled from the in game text (I removed the most callous one, from after the PC turns them down).

I can see that Jaheira is being sensible and trying to figure out how best to help her friend's orphaned child, whatever said child has been up to. My Bhaalspawn can only see that her father's friend isn't visibly mourning him. Also, Jaheira is Taking Charge. Jaheira does that. My Bhaalspawn doesn't know Jaheira, didn't expect that, and doesn't like being bossed around (as she sees it).

It'll be better next time K&J show up.

#11 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 13 March 2006 - 11:28 PM

"Friends of yours, you say?" the gnome said as he regarded Ember closely. Kivan and Imoen received an equal amount of scrutiny before he addressed Ajantis again. "Squire, do you vouch for these people?"


Two teenage girls, a real scourge of death and destruction. Needs holy vouching


Have you seen teenage girls lately? A lot of them scare me... ;)


"Thanks," Ember said, casually looking into the alcove. A man and a woman were sitting inside. Both were dressed in browns, but otherwise they looked quite dissimilar; the man in chainmail had dark hair, an olive complexion and a pronounced nose, while the leather-clad woman was paler and slenderer, with golden brown hair and a mild tan which spoke of many days spent outdoors. They were eating their supper, and seemed absorbed in a conversation. How should she best introduce herself to them? She glanced nervously at her friends.


I`d go with: Oy! You J&K?


That sounds like a cockney barfighter introduction method :D


"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Ah, yes. Meeting Jaheira for the first time was charming.


Well, at least it wasn't like when she was hallucinating in Chateau Irenicus and insisted we were bosom buddies who had traveled the world together...


"I must insist; you will not survive without proper guidance," Jaheira said, her voice rising slightly.


There is always Xzar and Monty, a terrific duo when it comes to be proper rolemodels for the youth.


Monty tends to go fight wolves naked and barehanded whenever one of my evil/CN Bhaalspawn hooks up with them...


After all, what's a few scalps between friends?


:)


*bows*


They found a vacant table, and ordered food from one of the maids. She returned to them a few minutes later with their food; warm, fresh breadrolls and slabs of piping hot roast lamb, which they ate with a sauce made from last year's apples. They were happily munching away and discussing the finer points of hobgoblin hunting when Imoen noticed someone approaching.


Apple sauce with lamb?


Sure, why not? It works fine with pork...

#12 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 14 March 2006 - 05:47 AM

The sad thing is, most of Jaheira's lines were pulled from the in game text (I removed the most callous one, from after the PC turns them down).


"It seems Gorion was a bit generous in his assessment of you, but it's your decision and I wish you luck on your way."?

It doesn't seem bad at all, compared to the 'it is almost a slight on him' line, which is just so rude, it's almost insane. Btw, did you know that the 'slight' line only comes up when you approach them and start to talk with Khalid? If you first address Jaheira (which I did), she is actually quite amicable in comparison. That was a bit... odd. ;)

I can see that Jaheira is being sensible and trying to figure out how best to help her friend's orphaned child, whatever said child has been up to. My Bhaalspawn can only see that her father's friend isn't visibly mourning him.


Yes, I see it now. The first time I read it, my reaction was, 'okay, I know she is pretty nasty there, but the devil is in the details, and I just can't believe that the news of Gorion's death wouldn't rock her and show in her face' - but if you say that she had already processed that, then yes, her actions make a lot of sense. :)

It'll be better next time K&J show up.


It's okay, I don't really mind your portrayal, it's entirely valid as well. And I still like the story, of course. :D

#13 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 14 March 2006 - 01:07 PM

"It seems Gorion was a bit generous in his assessment of you, but it's your decision and I wish you luck on your way."?


That's the one.

It doesn't seem bad at all, compared to the 'it is almost a slight on him' line, which is just so rude, it's almost insane.


Almost a slight shows she doesn't think too much of the kid before her. The parting line, to me, reeks of indifference towards the PCs further fate in addition to containing another insult.

Btw, did you know that the 'slight' line only comes up when you approach them and start to talk with Khalid? If you first address Jaheira (which I did), she is actually quite amicable in comparison. That was a bit... odd. ;)


Yep. She has two lines depending on how good the PC is, but both of them are friendlier than the 'slight'. (However, while I probably addressed Jaheira first a couple times when I started plaing, I soon picked up the habit of talking to the nice guy first.) BGI Jaheira is indeed a strange woman.

#14 Guest_Coutelier_*

Posted 15 March 2006 - 03:40 PM

Chapter 6: Friendly Arms

The spacious dining hall of the Friendly Arm was bustling with activity. Serving maids scurried around, carrying large platters which held roast meat, bread, or tankards of ale. The din of numerous conversations and the sounds that accompany eating and drinking filled the dining hall, accentuated by snatches of drinking songs.


A wizards staff has a nob on the end...

Edwin: *glares*

"Their names are Khalid and Jaheira," Ember added.


Tarant: I like to think there are no strangers, just enemies you haven't met.

"This is the corner room," Ajantis told Ember. "We shall wait for you out here; do not hesitate to call for us should you need assistance."


Tarant: I'm sure they will... need assistance, that is.

"Thanks," Ember said, casually looking into the alcove. A man and a woman were sitting inside. Both were dressed in browns, but otherwise they looked quite dissimilar; the man in chainmail had dark hair, an olive complexion and a pronounced nose, while the leather-clad woman was paler and slenderer, with golden brown hair and a mild tan which spoke of many days spent outdoors. They were eating their supper, and seemed absorbed in a conversation. How should she best introduce herself to them? She glanced nervously at her friends.

"Imoen, will you come with me?"


Edwin: I'm not sure that's wise. Don't you want to make a good impression?

"Um, excuse me," Ember said hurriedly, "are you Khalid and Jaheira?"

"Something about you is f-familiar, child," the man said. "Your manner reminds me of a sage I know, b-by the name of Gorion."

"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.

"Jaheira! M-mind your m-m-manners! This must be the child that Gorion wrote of so often."


Yeah... I've never got the feeling Jaheira was really much of a people person. That's why she needs Khalid I guess.

Jaheira nodded somberly. "Then it is as we feared. It is fortuitious that you have survived, though; Gorion often said that he worried for your safety, even at the expense of his own," she said. "He also wished that Khalid and I would become your guardians, if he should ever meet an untimely end. However, you are much older now, and the choice of your companions should be your own, but it would be a fitting last service to Gorion if you should come with us. Khalid and I... look into local concerns, and you would do well to help us. Local matters affect everyone, even you."

Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.


Aerie: I know how you feel... but when you calm down I'm sure you'll realise she was only focusing on her duties, a-as I think that's how some people cope with loss. Jaheira's very proud and is afraid to show weakness... that's what I think, anyway.

"Gorion would never forgive us should we let you go astray!"

"Like you said, I am old enough to choose my own company." Before Jaheira could respond, Ember stomped out of the room, and Imoen ran out after her. Neither of them noticed the dismayed look on Jaheira's face.


Poor Jaheira. I'm sure she always means well but she does have a way of talking down to everyone around her that only earns her their resentment.

"Are you sure?" Imoen asked.

"Yes, I'm sure. Jaheira was right about one thing, you know; we're not likely to get far on our own."

"If you do come with us, I will try not to cause you any further discomfort," Kivan added.


Imoen: Yeah... if you could do something about those flies as well.

"Isn't that Khalid?" she said, looking over Ember's shoulder.

Ember turned in the direction Imoen was looking. Khalid was standing there, looking embarrassed. She noted gratefully that Jaheira was nowhere in sight.

"Ember? M-may I have a word?"


Edwin: Pfff... a word with him could take you all night. I would advise against it.

"By the way, I do have one question..." Ember said as Khalid was about to leave them.

"Yes?"

"Do you have any idea who might have killed father, or why they are after me?"

"That was two questions," Imoen muttered under her breath, grinning slyly.


Edwin: Oh, I didn't know she was good at maths.

Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"

"He said he needed them for tonight, and wanted me to put a pleat in them that'd make him proud..."

Ember howled with laughter. "Oh Immy, you have to give them back. Can't... can't let the other diners miss a sight like that!"


Tarant: You know, for some reason I think there might be some obscure use for them in some sort of dramatic third act.

"What did he say?" Ember asked.

"Oh, it was horrible. He was so mean about the way I'd cleaned his pants. He... he..."

"He what?"

"He withheld my tip!"


Imoen: The cheeky cheap swine! He deserves to be embarassed.

Good story!

#15 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 16 March 2006 - 06:30 PM

The spacious dining hall of the Friendly Arm was bustling with activity. Serving maids scurried around, carrying large platters which held roast meat, bread, or tankards of ale. The din of numerous conversations and the sounds that accompany eating and drinking filled the dining hall, accentuated by snatches of drinking songs.


A wizards staff has a nob on the end...

Edwin: *glares*


:(


"Imoen, will you come with me?"


Edwin: I'm not sure that's wise. Don't you want to make a good impression?


Well bah to you; just wait and see what will happen to you in this story!



Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.


Aerie: I know how you feel... but when you calm down I'm sure you'll realise she was only focusing on her duties, a-as I think that's how some people cope with loss. Jaheira's very proud and is afraid to show weakness... that's what I think, anyway.


Your Aerie is potentially pretty damn insightful :) She might also be suffering from wishful thinking; Kivan insists she is, anyway.


"If you do come with us, I will try not to cause you any further discomfort," Kivan added.


Imoen: Yeah... if you could do something about those flies as well.


Bandit scalp jerky?



"That was two questions," Imoen muttered under her breath, grinning slyly.


Edwin: Oh, I didn't know she was good at maths.


Ember: In many ways she is smarter than you, you know.


Ember howled with laughter. "Oh Immy, you have to give them back. Can't... can't let the other diners miss a sight like that!"


Tarant: You know, for some reason I think there might be some obscure use for them in some sort of dramatic third act.


Sure, but too much iron is bad for your health.


"He withheld my tip!"


Imoen: The cheeky cheap swine! He deserves to be embarassed.


Having the seat of his pants rip open in the middle of dinner should take care of that :D

Good story!


Thanks :D

#16 Laufey

Posted 17 March 2006 - 08:08 PM

"Um, excuse me," Ember said hurriedly, "are you Khalid and Jaheira?"


"Something about you is f-familiar, child," the man said. "Your manner reminds me of a sage I know, b-by the name of Gorion."


"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Yikes, she really says that in the game? I'd forgotten that. Sometimes I really wonder what the writers were thinking when they wrote Jaheira's comments for BG1, it's almost as if they were trying to make her as rude as possible.


Jaheira nodded somberly. "Then it is as we feared. It is fortuitious that you have survived, though; Gorion often said that he worried for your safety, even at the expense of his own," she said. "He also wished that Khalid and I would become your guardians, if he should ever meet an untimely end. However, you are much older now, and the choice of your companions should be your own, but it would be a fitting last service to Gorion if you should come with us. Khalid and I... look into local concerns, and you would do well to help us. Local matters affect everyone, even you."


Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.


Well, it may *seem* cold, but people do react differently in times of crisis. It's not always those who wear their hearts on their sleeves who feel the most.


Ember wiped her eyes and forced her voice to be calm. "I am not a child, and I am not stupid," she said in a low tone. "My father is two days dead, there are bounty hunters after me, and I did not come here to be patronized by someone who has never even met me before."


"Bounty hunters?" Jaheira asked incredulously. "Child, what have you done?"


I take it Jaheira doesn't have a clue about the Bhaalspawn thing then? If so, she wouldn't be surprised.

"I am t-terribly sorry, but we do not know. And we know n-nothing of your past; Gorion never told us how he got you."


Ah, I see I was right.


"Would you look at this!" she said with a giggle. "This stuffy nobleman downstairs thought I was a maid, and asked me to clean these! Have you ever seen anything so ridiculous!"


Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"


Good old Golden Pantaloons. Always pick them up myself. :twisted:
Rogues do it from behind.

#17 Guest_Cel_*

Posted 18 March 2006 - 06:49 PM


"It is almost a slight on him, but I see it too," the woman said, her hazel eyes showing mild disapproval.


Yikes, she really says that in the game? I'd forgotten that. Sometimes I really wonder what the writers were thinking when they wrote Jaheira's comments for BG1, it's almost as if they were trying to make her as rude as possible.


Yep. Speak to Khalid first, and she won't have a single pleasant word to say to you.


Stunned, Ember stared at Jaheira. "Is that all you can say?" she blurted out. "You claim to be Father's friend, but all you can say when he is dead is... is that I should busy myself with local matters? Do you even care that he's gone?!" Her eyes began to sting with tears.


Well, it may *seem* cold, but people do react differently in times of crisis. It's not always those who wear their hearts on their sleeves who feel the most.


Ember will understand one day. Not yet, though. (Damn newbie :twisted: )


"Bounty hunters?" Jaheira asked incredulously. "Child, what have you done?"


I take it Jaheira doesn't have a clue about the Bhaalspawn thing then? If so, she wouldn't be surprised.


No clue.


"I am t-terribly sorry, but we do not know. And we know n-nothing of your past; Gorion never told us how he got you."


Ah, I see I was right.


Yep 8)


Ember stared in disbelief at the golden pantaloons in Imoen's hands. "I think my eyes are on fire," she laughed. "That is horrid!"


Good old Golden Pantaloons. Always pick them up myself. :wink:


I always go for the 100 experience; I don't have the patience to lug them throughout the game and have so far not played a character in BGII that'd do what it takes to get the Silver Pantaloons :P




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