Reclaiming (Maiyn) - Chapter 17

To Honour and Obey

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Coran forced himself from his room, and sombrely went to the common room of the inn as the sun hung high in the sky. He knew they still had plenty of time before they needed to meet Keldorn, and he had been reluctant to leave his room after the strange feeling that had coursed through him. The feeling that told him Maiyn was in danger -- most likely self-inflicted, he noted with only the barest trace of amusement. Since then he'd felt only the faintest of sensations, so feeble that he couldn't even be certain they came from her. He just wanted to believe they did so he would think she was safe.

He sighed, and waved weakly to Nalia and Aerie as they looked up from their seats. Their concerned expressions melted away into warm smiles as he slowly walked over, and he prepared himself for the questions. Only a few minutes earlier, he'd heard the voices of the girls outside his room; it had been the call back to the present that he had needed, away from his melancholy thoughts.

"Sh-shall you knock?"

"No, you knock, Aerie -- it'll look less suspicious coming from you."

"W-why?"

"You're the healer!"

"Oh."

They hadn't knocked. In the end they'd turned and left reluctantly, agreeing to give him just a little while longer before disturbing him. He sat down and poured a glass of water from the jug that sat in the centre of the table, and looked around.

"Where's Korgan this fine day?" he asked.

"He said he was going to a store to pick up some more throwing axes," said Nalia carefully, in a tone that suggested she didn't believe it.

"And where do you think he's actually gone?" asked Coran, unable to resist the urge of his mischievous grin as it spread across his face. Nalia flushed slightly.

"I don't know," she replied quickly. "And considering it's Korgan, I'm not sure I'd want to know!"

Aerie giggled as Coran smiled widely at the young thief. She shrugged helplessly, and turned her gaze back down to her drink. Coran, however, noticed her nudging the avariel, despite the obvious attempts to keep it discrete. Aerie cleared her throat.

"Are... are you feeling okay?" she asked quietly. Coran turned to look at her, his eyebrow arched questioningly.

"Me?"

"Y-yes," stammered Aerie, somewhat nervously. She flinched slightly; Coran guessed that Nalia had kicked her under the table. "It's just that w-we... erm, I was a bit worried when you took so long to come down..."

"Ah, I was just enjoying the laziness of a late morning," he lied, somewhat entertained by the scene. "I apologise if I caused any concern."

"Oh, n-no--" began Aerie.

"We just thought you'd be awake earlier, as you seemed to be in such good spirits last evening," said Nalia quickly. "Perhaps we were just being impatient."

"I would never dream of accusing such, of either of you," smiled Coran charmingly, rising from his chair. "But I think we should go and find our Master Dwarf, and take a stroll through the city to meet Lord Firecam. Since he lives by the Council buildings, I may take the opportunity to briefly visit within, if we have time."

"You're not having breakfast?" asked Aerie, with surprise.

"Ah, no," replied Coran, feeling queasy at the thought of food. "I will eat later, when I feel more awake."

"You have business with the Council?" asked Nalia curiously, as she followed him to the inn's entrance.

"I have a question or two I hope they can help with," smiled Coran. "It is nothing important for now, as I doubt they will be able to provide any assistance; regardless, I think I would be best enquiring within."

"Oh," replied Nalia simply, before silence resumed again. He knew she was waiting to see if he would volunteer more information or not, and so eventually he spoke.

"I told you of my companions when we were underground -- what I neglected to say, was that I heard rumours of their capture. That is what brought me to Amn, and I was hoping the officials of this city could perhaps shed some light on matters for me."

They had stepped out from Delosar's Inn, and followed Aerie as she confidently led them down the bustling street, full of shoppers and merchants bartering for goods and wares. They passed a tannery, the scent of the leather and bark mingled with the spices, and scents conjured up by some of the more exotic traders' fragrances for women. There was no sign of Korgan; Coran left Aerie and Nalia to search around the stalls and booths while he ventured into a nearby tavern. The Five Flagons had a large, colourful sign up, proudly proclaiming that they could serve any drink found anywhere in Faerun. The elf smiled to himself, and was standing over Korgan only seconds later.

"We have a prior engagement," he reminded the dwarf, disentangling Korgan's hand from the mug, and manoeuvring him outside as he complained noisily about being disturbed. Aerie and Nalia approached, looking at the small fighter with barely concealed contempt, but Coran just smiled brightly, insisting that their friend would be on his best behaviour. He asked Aerie if she would mind leading the way once more and the young cleric nodded, giving Korgan one last poisonous glance before she moved back into the crowd. She led them through an elaborate stone archway and past several large merchant homes, each one proudly displaying their owners affluence and status amongst the working people of the city.

Coran followed her, one hand on Korgan's arm, dragging him along as he strode. The dwarf had given up protesting, falling into silence when he realised his complaints were falling on deaf ears. The elf was more than slightly concerned about the fact that their dwarven companion was already fairly inebriated, despite the early hour, and Nalia -- following close behind them -- wore an expression that suggested she felt entirely likewise regarding it all.

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The Government District was just as majestic in appearances as Coran remembered from his walk around the city upon his initial arrival. He'd spent most of recent years in human lands, finding an affinity with the city of Baldur's Gate which had kept him in the area longer than he'd originally intended. He had planned to visit Waterdeep, as so many other young adventurers aimed, but the rough city had awoken a passion in him that had long lain dormant; a passion for companionship.

Though he'd never went for long without a woman by his side, or, more often than not, in his bed, he'd never felt the urge to spend prolonged periods in their company. Women came and went, and he drifted freely until he arrived at the Gate. There, he found a variety of women to suit his every need: there were the rich noblewomen, who enjoyed their time with the charming rogue; the female adventurers who passed through the taverns, allowing him to love them before they set off on the roads with their own groups once more; the daughters of merchants, and occasionally their wives too. Coran saw beauty everywhere, and he was happy to experience as much of it as possible. Parties of travellers frequently invited him to journey with them, but every time he declined; preferring his own company, and unwilling to be part of a collective.

Then he'd met Brielbara. For the first time, he'd been willingly entranced by a smile, happy to visit her chamber night after night, without feeling the familiar sensation of boredom or restriction. It was only when she'd displayed to him her true unhappiness, shown the full extent of her misery, that he'd withdrawn from her. Looking back, he wondered how much of it was down to fear of the unknown, rather than an unwillingness to be with her. He'd panicked when she welcomed his suggestion of leaving Yago, assuming he would accompany her and be with her forever. Had it happened differently, he may have finally settled by her side, taken her from the life she hated. What happened was somewhat different; he backed away, offering her coin when he could, and allowing her to retreat back into her abusive marriage, while he tried to take his mind away from her with other women and other ventures.

He'd fled the city when it was discovered that he'd dared proposition one of the daughters of one of the Duke's brothers. Their family guard had searched for him for weeks, and he'd ended up in Beregost, unimpressed with the quiet setting, and only too eager to accept the bounty on the wyverns offered by the temple. And it was on that particular hunt that he had met Maiyn and her friends. His return to womanising, however, had left him relying on tried and tested charms to get the ranger's attention; actions and flirtations that she completely missed, occasionally looking at him as if he had a speech impediment, or if he was talking to someone she couldn't see. It was the times he was genuine and true to himself that she'd reward him with a smile, or a shy shuffle, and to his surprise, his heart would lift and he'd feel serenely happy. So in time, he'd learned how to drop the false words, the meaningless gestures, and instead he let his heart guide him on the way to properly show her he truly cared -- and, not only had it had worked, but he'd welcomed it, and allowed it to feel right.

It was how things could have been with Brielbara, but this time he was ready. And this time, it was with one of his own; for no matter how much he loved being in human lands, none would be able to spend a lifetime with him until he was already at an old age. He let out a sigh involuntarily, and Nalia gave him a curious look. He just smiled, somewhat wistfully, and followed Aerie as she meandered over to the front of a large building that was set back from a large gardened area. Brief memories of the gardens of Baldur's Gate seared through his memory; thoughts of how he'd watched Maiyn play with Namara, the small smile curling at her lips as the little girl babbled and stood on shaky legs with the ranger's support. He shook his head clear, and took in his surroundings with less emotion.

The Council of Six building was the first thing that he'd noticed -- a large, dominating presence; as befits the home of the government in a city, he thought dryly. It was a tall building, easily the tallest in the vicinity, with seven large golden domes sitting atop the red-tiled roof that gently sloped down to the grey stone walls. The central dome was more than twice the size of the others, gleaming magnificently in the sunlight. Tall, thin carvings of men covered the height of the walls at either side of the large entrance, small slits of windows situated between each; a contrast to the large windows placed at the end of the building.

The gardens lay before the structure, neatly cut into four quarters by paths that crossed at the middle, encircling the tall statue that stood there; a cloaked, stern-looking man, holding a large book -- but his face was unfamiliar to Coran. The elf assumed he was one of the founders of the Council, in all likelihood, or a political figure from the past of some significance. It mattered not to him, nor did the identity of the tall statue of the warrior with the winged helmet that stood directly across from the Council's entrance, at the opposite side of the lawn.

Each section of the gardens homed a small fountain made from a pale blue marble, the noise of the water constantly floating through the air. A solitary tree graced each corner of the grass, each stretching up to the sky and reaching across the area with branches that had seen more years than any of the humans who walked underneath their shade.

Other buildings enclosed the district, lining the path as it wound its way to the archways in the tall stone wall that provided an enclosure for the area. Guards stood alert outside a large pair of iron doors, which Nalia identified as the prison. Coran nodded, noticing the barred windows and the rather understated appearance of the structure compared to its neighbours. Homes of orange hued rock and grey shale rose from well tended gardens, all adorned with large, airy windows; some of which were stained glass. Grey stone walls were topped with ornate iron railings encircling each property in a gesture of wealth and ownership of land; some estates placed ornate statues at the corners of their borders, and others grew thick shrubs that grew up to the height of the balustrade, providing a degree of privacy.

The area generally was less crowded than the other parts of the city. A few of the wealthier citizens were lazily wandering around in groups of two or three, chatting amongst themselves as they pondered on how to occupy themselves for the day. A few merchants made their way to and from the Council building, as guards came and went from the prison. Coran glanced at the sky; they were still early for meeting Keldorn, and he quickly told Nalia that he'd quickly visit the city officials if she would keep an eye out for Keldorn with the others. She looked horrified as she glanced to Korgan, and Coran sighed, saying he'd take the dwarf with him, much to her obvious relief. She dragged Aerie to the nearest patch of grass, where they sat down together and spoke in hushed tones as several men walked past, bowing to the young girls as they shyly smiled, and giggled to each other coyly.

Korgan followed Coran into the Council's building quite happily, muttering under his breath to himself about the woolen-brained women. He was instantly recognised by one of the cowled figures standing near to the door, and he went over at the man's beckoning with a suspicious expression on his face. Coran left him to his business, instead taking him off to several figures who were standing in a circle. They looked quite official, and regarded him curiously as he approached.

"Ah, good day to you, sirs," Coran said politely. "I am here seeking information on some friends of mine who were rumoured to have gone missing--"

One of the men wordlessly pointed behind him, to a fair woman who was leaning heavily on a table as she studied some parchments that had been laid out for her perusal. Coran nodded his thanks, and made his way over, coughing slightly to gain her attention. She looked up, pushing her blonde hair away from her face. Her green eyes studied him intently, but her smile was warm and genuine enough.

"Good day to you, citizen," she said, offering her hand, and inclining her head slightly as Coran shook it briefly. "I am Bylanna Lanulin, Magistrate of Athkatla. How can I help you?"

"Well met," replied Coran amiably. "I must admit, I am unsure if you can help me with the questions I have, but I was advised to take them to you."

"Then ask, and I shall endeavour to help as best as I can."

Coran hesitated slightly. He looked over to Korgan, noting the dwarf nodding; a rather evil smile was adorning his features as he conversed deeply with several of the cowled figures. Something about it chilled him to the core, but he swept it from his mind, and turned his gaze back to the enquiring visage of the human woman. He smiled slightly, and concentrated on his own inquiries.

"I came to Amn seeking some old friends of mine -- adventuring companions. I was... held up in Baldur's Gate when they left, and the last I heard was regarding their possible capture, and a sighting of some of our other companions heading to this city on their own hunt for them."

"There are many missing people in these lands," said Bylanna gently. "If you give me some descriptions, however, I can see if anything comes to mind. I warn you now -- it's unlikely you will find out anything here unless they have been in trouble with the law or the Cowled Wizards. We have enough on our hands dealing with the criminal elements of the city."

Coran nodded. "I doubt they would have been involved in anything deceitful or illegal," he said. "They had two who Harp travelling with them, no doubt keeping them in line." Coran grinned weakly, and the woman smiled in return as he continued. "Perhaps I could give you some names? Maiyn was their leader, Khalid and Jaheira would have been with her, as would Imoen-"

"Wait!" exclaimed the woman, frowning slightly. "The name Imoen is familiar to me... she was the one involved in the disturbance at the Promenade, I recall. The Cowled Wizards arrested her, and another, and have confined them to Spellhold I believe."

"Disturbance?" asked Coran, confused. "What disturbance? Who else was arrested?"

"We still only have sketchy details of what happened," mused Bylanna thoughtfully. "We are unaware as to how the man, Irenicus, managed to destroy the corner of the Promenade as he did, but in his final stand there, he killed several of the Wizards who set out to apprehend him for illegally using magical energies. The girl, Imoen, was also seen to be using spells without a license, and so she was taken in too, and sentenced along with him."

Coran's mind swirled. Who was this Irenicus? What had happened to cause the rubble and destruction he'd only briefly glanced at in passing? "What of the others? The others that travelled with her?" he asked urgently.

"They were free to go," replied Bylanna simply. "They had not breached the laws of magic and so did not incur the attention of the Cowled Enforcers. Where they went from there is unknown to us -- they have certainly not visited here."

Coran sighed and thanked her as she was called away by another official. She apologised for being unable to offer any more assistance before she left him, and he wandered to the entrance in a daze, jumping slightly when Korgan bellowed by his side.

"Aye, I've got us a good 'un when we're done visitin' the floosie and brats o' the god-botherin' ass," chuckled the dwarf, causing Coran to groan slightly.

"I hope you'll kindly refrain from referring to them as such when we step across their threshold," said the elf firmly, causing Korgan to roll his eyes.

"Ye know well an' good what my feelin's are tae this cavortin' wi' prissy arse-lickers!"

"And I'm asking you, politely, to keep your mouth rigidly closed while we're there, and to let no sound slip from it," insisted Coran. "We won't be there long."

"Aye, well, best we're nae," remarked Korgan slyly. "I've got us a good bit o' bounty-huntin' tae get on wi', and we'll be best tae act quick afore the trail goes cold."

Coran sighed but nodded. They had little else to occupy themselves with, and until he was able to speak to Ajantis, he had no leads on how to find Maiyn's location. The news regarding Imoen had given him a firmer hope of finding his old friends; he knew they were definitely in the area now, or at least had been. But the news itself was ominous -- to think of the bright and cheerful young thief being imprisoned bore a bad feeling for Coran. Freeing her would no doubt be high on Maiyn's priorities; was that why he'd felt the rush of adrenaline that morning? And who was this Irenicus?

He was distracted from his thoughts by the familiar voice of Nalia, and he looked over to see her beaming up to the large armoured man standing next to her. The figure looked over to him, his warm and kind smile extending to the elf, and Coran responded in kind as he walked over.

"It is good to see you again, Lord Firecam," he said, shaking the human's hand.

"Ah, call me Keldorn as you did yesterday," insisted the knight, his eyes twinkling with delight as he embraced Nalia fondly, and courteously kissed Aerie's hand. He offered a stiff bow to Korgan, his distaste flashing across his face, but Coran was relieved to note that the dwarf merely nodded and grunted in return. He held out hope of a peaceful afternoon as Keldorn led them through the gardens, chatting merrily with the girls as he led them to his estate.

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The Firecam estate was not the largest in the district, but it was also far from the smallest. It was a grand building, made from sturdy grey stone that had the slightest hint of blue due to tiny flecks that dotted the surface. The lawn was closely cut, a huge fountain standing pride of place in the middle; the centrepiece being a beautifully carved girl, holding a tilted urn where the water poured from. Rows of flowers lined the edge of the garden, with not a weed in sight, and Keldorn paused briefly on the path to take in his surroundings, as if he had not seen them in an age.

"Oh, to taste the airs of home," he said, almost wistfully. "It has been a long time since I passed this way. Come -- I can hardly wait to introduce you to my wife and daughters!"

Coran followed Keldorn as he strode along the final few steps to the large oaken door that opened up into a large hallway. Doorways led off in all directions, the dark wooden floor underfoot being covered with rugs and mats in various places. A large kitchen was off to their right, and a spacious living area with a pool as its main feature was ahead. A stairway led upstairs, a polished white banister gleaming in the light that shone in from the large windows that had drapes hanging down their sides.

A woman rushed out of the kitchen, stopping only when she saw Keldorn, and offering a quick curtsey. "Milord!"

"Ah, Peony," said Keldorn genially. "You have done a fine job with the flowers out front."

"Thank you, milord!"

Keldorn beamed. "Tell me -- where is your mistress?"

"Why, Lord Keldorn," said the serving woman, relaxing slightly under the gaze of the paladin. "It has been well over a month since I last saw your face!" Coran could detect a slight rebuke in her expression and tone, and Keldorn had the grace to look somewhat abashed. The elf watched the exchange in amusement.

"It has been as long since I have last seen my Lady," Keldorn reminded her with a smile. "Come, girl -- is Maria about?"

Peony looked slightly flustered, but nodded as she bustled off towards the stairs, climbing to the top and calling out. "My Lady! The Lord Keldorn has returned!"

Two girls emerged from the living area to investigate the voices, and they paused when they saw Keldorn. He turned to regard them, his face still wearing a proud smile.

"Ah, my sweet Vesper. How is your schoolwork coming? The priests are still kind to you for my sake?"

The younger girl nodded, and beamed happily. "Yes, father. Watcher Marre has praised my scribing again."

"Good, good," declared Keldorn proudly, turning his head to the elder of the two. "And you Leona -- the boys are letting you play with them now? They're not teasing you any more?"

The girl shook her head, causing her dark blonde hair to fall around her face wildly. It did nothing to conceal her slightly mischievous grin as she spoke. "Not when the priests are there to hear it..." she said innocently.

"Or when they're not," interrupted Vesper, earning a nudge from her sister.

"The boys are polite and well-mannered to me now, father," said Leona sincerely, seeing her father's bemused glance. "They are often quite eager to have me join in with their discussion."

Coran grinned to himself as he noticed the impish look on the girl's face. She was of an age, he imagined, where the boys were as interesting to her as she would be to them, but this fact seemed to evade Keldorn, who only nodded, almost absent-mindedly.

"Good, good," he said faintly, distracted by the footsteps he heard. Coran looked to the stairway to see a proud-looking woman slowly descend, her head held high, the way the nobles in the city usually did. Her face was much softer than the usual haughty demeanour they usually carried, however, and despite her age she was a handsome woman.

"Mother, can we go now?" Leona's face had suddenly turned serious, and her eyes looked worried. Coran initially thought it was due to Korgan's rather obvious leering, but the young girl hadn't even appeared to notice the dwarf, let alone spy the evil glint that was sparkling in his eye as he eyed the her lithe body.

The woman nodded to her. "Of course, dears," she said lightly, arriving at the bottom of the flight, and smiling to her children. "Go back to the sitting room while your father and I talk."

Leona nodded, and took Vesper's hand firmly as she dragged her younger sister away from the hall despite her protests. Maria gave the group a cursory glance, her eyes settling on Nalia in a moment of brief recognition and a small nod was shared between them.

"So, other than Lady Nalia," began Maria coldly, "who are these? Heathens you converted in Calimport? Travelling pilgrims you stumbled across in Saradush?"

Keldorn seemed oblivious to her frosty demeanour. "Maria, this is Coran--" he began, almost with excitement.

"I don't care Keldorn!" Maria snapped suddenly, causing him to stop and regard her with surprise. "It has been two months since you were here last! And even then, it was barely for a day -- not even long enough to leave your scent about the place!"

"The work of the Order must be done, Maria," replied Keldorn quietly, watching as she paced before him. "You know if I had a choice, I would be here."

"Wi' this kind o' naggin'? Yer a fool!" chortled Korgan, ignoring Coran's glare.

"Would you?" she asked, stopping in her tracks, and looking Keldorn straight in the eye. It was as if the others weren't there, and Coran felt uncomfortable; he could see Nalia and Aerie sharing his feeling. Korgan seemed to be enjoying the show, however, grinning widely as Lady Maria continued. "Would you really? The guildhouse is right here in the city, but even then I never see you. It's always, Radiant Heart this, Radiant Heart that! What about me... what about my heart, Keldorn? What if I don't love you any more?"

Aerie let out an almost silent gasp, and Coran shifted slightly. Nalia's face was frozen in stunned silence, but a faint chuckling could be heard from Korgan, and Coran subtly moved between the dwarf and the paladin in the hope it would further mute the noise.

"Maria?" managed Keldorn eventually, his voice sounding choked.

"What if the girls can't live without a father any more?" she replied, her voice quieter then it had been, but still as thick with emotion. "What if I can't live without a husband?"

"You do not love me any more?" asked Keldorn in disbelief. "I... I have always loved you, and I always shall. However well I hide it, every day I spend without you is a day lost forever. I love you like I love the Church, but the Church is the harder taskmaster.... we knew that when we married."

"I know," said Maria, tears shining in her eyes. "I know, and I love you in the same fashion, with all my heart..." Her words trailed off, and her gaze fell to her feet as her fingers nervously fidgeted together.

No one paid any attention to Korgan's vocal display of disgust, but Coran subtly kicked him hard to cease his heckling.

"Then if we have love, Maria, what could ever come between us?" asked the knight gently, making a move towards her.

"I... I've been seeing another man." Keldorn froze mid stride at her words, and slowly his countenance changed from adoration to controlled fury. His gaze never left her, and an uncomfortable silence hung in the air as he waited for her to look at him.

"The children and the servants already know," Maria whispered, her pleading eyes meeting Keldorn's. "He... he took the girls out to the circus, twice. Oh, Keldorn..."

"You..." faltered Keldorn. "You what? What is his name?"

"William. Sir William of Thorpe. I beg of you, don't hurt him, Keldorn! If I can't have you, at least let me have something!"

Keldorn whirled away from her, striding off to the far end of the room where he leaned on the windowsill, glaring out across the rear gardens of his estate. Maria watched him, ignoring the visitors in her home, and Nalia and Aerie quietly moved closer to Coran, looking fearfully at the scene.

"Oh dear," whispered the avariel quietly, out of earshot of either of spouses. "Perhaps this wasn't the best time to join Keldorn here. I feel like we're intruding on... on something that should really be private."

Coran nodded his agreement, and then winced as the dwarf's bellow echoed out from behind them.

"Nay! This be the best entertainment I've seen fer weeks! Har har!"

Keldorn slowly looked over to Korgan, an anger flashing across his face that he quickly reigned in. Maria also looked over, surprise and astonishment clearly evident in her expression.

"Go," said Keldorn strongly. Coran almost thought the paladin wasreferring to the companions until he saw the knight turn back to his wife coldly. "Go to your daughters. To look at you right now, Maria... to look at you is to go mad."

The woman fled to the sitting room, closing the door behind her, but her sobs could clearly be heard. Keldorn pushed his way past Korgan as he strode out of the house, back to the garden he had walked through so happily only minutes before. Coran followed him, the others close behind.

"Curse the dictates of honour!" exclaimed the paladin when he was clear of his home. "The very gods demand that I bring this case before the courts. Sir William shall be hung, and the love of my entire life imprisoned." He sighed, suddenly looking old and tired. "There is no other outcome."

"Ye should jus' kill the wretch that thought tae spoil yer wife," muttered Korgan darkly.

"Enough Korgan," warned Coran.

"It be true!" snorted the dwarf contemptuously. "She might be tae blame fer marryin' a prissy daisy-muncher in the first place, but he would hae known her tae be wed. Yet he still took her tae yer bed, an' touched the parts only you should hae seen. An' what if he be doin' the same tae yer fine young fillies as well?"

"You will not talk of it as such," roared Keldorn threateningly.

"Will I nae?" asked Korgan brashly. "Well, if he's nae been at yer lasses, I'd be more than happy tae offer me services tae break 'em in!" He let out a loud guffaw, which was rudely interrupted by Keldorn's sword being pressed firmly against his throat.

"You dare talk of my family like so, dwarf?"

"Enough!" shouted Coran, not giving Korgan a chance to respond. "Keldorn, remove your sword -- this is doing nothing to help."
The paladin took several moments to back off, but his sword stayed firmly in his hands, his eyes fixed to the dwarf's sneering face.

"Korgan, apologise for your words," said Coran with a frown.

"I'll do nae such thing!" snorted the dwarf, gripping the handle of his axe.

Coran sighed as he saw Aerie appear by Keldorn's side, her staff being brandished threateningly. The diminutive avariel was glaring fiercely at the dwarf, and her lips were moving silently in preperation of some incantation or prayer. "Then perhaps it's best we part company," the elf stated calmly, looking to Korgan. "It is obvious we have different outlooks on life, and while you've been invaluable in combat, your... your personality differences with the women, and now Keldorn, are doing none of us any favours."

Korgan gawped at the elf before his trademark scowl returned. "If yer stupid enough tae pick those dolts over me, then I'm better off without ye," he barked, snatching the bag of coin that Coran held out to him, and stomping away off down the path. "Ye'll be the one who regrets it, mark my words!"

Coran watched him storm off with mixed feelings, but he could feel the sense of relief emanating from both Aerie and Nalia. He turned back to Keldorn; the paladin's eyes were fixed on the fountain as he struggled within his own thoughts. The elf touched his arm gently, stirring him to the present.

"Before you decide what to do, perhaps we should speak to Sir William," remarked Coran.

"Sir William is a foreign noble," mused Keldorn, as if he was in a dream. "He... he is establishing trade, here, in Athkatla. I... I always thought he was a good man, at least, until now. Oh Coran, nothing is clear to me any more."

"Then let us see if we can make sense of it," replied the elf kindly. "Where is he likely to be staying?"

"He lodges at the Mithrest Inn," interrupted Nalia. "My father did business with him once, and he said he'd stay nowhere else whenever he visited the city."

Coran nodded. "Let us make our way there, and see what he has to say."

Keldorn nodded his agreement, following Aerie as she led the way through the public gardens to the archway that led in the direction of the Promenade. Coran strode alongside Keldorn, Nalia at his other side, all walking in silence. He couldn't help but feel Korgan's parting words were slightly ominous, and a part of him regretted having to part company with the colourful dwarf -- if nothing else, it had been entertaining.

"No, you knock, Aerie -- it'll look less suspicious coming from you."

And why is that?

"W-why?"

"You're the healer!"

So?

"He said he was going to a store to pick up some more throwing axes," said Nalia carefully, in a tone that suggested she didn't believe it.

Throwing axes must pretty inconvenient most of the time.

They had stepped out from Delosar's Inn, and followed Aerie as she confidently led them down the bustling street, full of shoppers and merchants bartering for goods and wares. They passed a tannery, the scent of the leather and bark mingled with the spices, and scents conjured up by some of the more exotic traders' fragrances for women. There was no sign of Korgan; Coran left Aerie and Nalia to search around the stalls and booths while he ventured into a nearby tavern. The Five Flagons had a large, colourful sign up, proudly proclaiming that they could serve any drink found anywhere in Faerun. The elf smiled to himself, and was standing over Korgan only seconds later.

Makes perfect sense

Then he'd met Brielbara. For the first time, he'd been willingly entranced by a smile, happy to visit her chamber night after night, without feeling the familiar sensation of boredom or restriction. It was only when she'd displayed to him her true unhappiness, shown the full extent of her misery, that he'd withdrawn from her. Looking back, he wondered how much of it was down to fear of the unknown, rather than an unwillingness to be with her. He'd panicked when she welcomed his suggestion of leaving Yago, assuming he would accompany her and be with her forever. Had it happened differently, he may have finally settled by her side, taken her from the life she hated. What happened was somewhat different; he backed away, offering her coin when he could, and allowing her to retreat back into her abusive marriage, while he tried to take his mind away from her with other women and other ventures.

He'd fled the city when it was discovered that he'd dared proposition one of the daughters of one of the Duke's brothers. Their family guard had searched for him for weeks, and he'd ended up in Beregost, unimpressed with the quiet setting, and only too eager to accept the bounty on the wyverns offered by the temple. And it was on that particular hunt that he had met Maiyn and her friends. His return to womanising, however, had left him relying on tried and tested charms to get the ranger's attention; actions and flirtations that she completely missed, occasionally looking at him as if he had a speech impediment, or if he was talking to someone she couldn't see. It was the times he was genuine and true to himself that she'd reward him with a smile, or a shy shuffle, and to his surprise, his heart would lift and he'd feel serenely happy. So in time, he'd learned how to drop the false words, the meaningless gestures, and instead he let his heart guide him on the way to properly show her he truly cared -- and, not only had it had worked, but he'd welcomed it, and allowed it to feel right.

Aww

You make his emotional progress believable

Coran hesitated slightly. He looked over to Korgan, noting the dwarf nodding; a rather evil smile was adorning his features as he conversed deeply with several of the cowled figures. Something about it chilled him to the core, but he swept it from his mind, and turned his gaze back to the enquiring visage of the human woman. He smiled slightly, and concentrated on his own inquiries.

Ugh, whatever Korgan's up to, I'm sure it's not good.

"Wait!" exclaimed the woman, frowning slightly. "The name Imoen is familiar to me... she was the one involved in the disturbance at the Promenade, I recall. The Cowled Wizards arrested her, and another, and have confined them to Spellhold I believe."

Progress!

"They were free to go," replied Bylanna simply. "They had not breached the laws of magic and so did not incur the attention of the Cowled Enforcers. Where they went from there is unknown to us -- they have certainly not visited here."

It's still progress...

"Ye know well an' good what my feelin's are tae this cavortin' wi' prissy arse-lickers!"

God, he's revolting

"And I'm asking you, politely, to keep your mouth rigidly closed while we're there, and to let no sound slip from it," insisted Coran. "We won't be there long."

Good idea.

"Oh, to taste the airs of home," he said, almost wistfully. "It has been a long time since I passed this way. Come -- I can hardly wait to introduce you to my wife and daughters!"

It's really sad that he's like this in the game

"The boys are polite and well-mannered to me now, father," said Leona sincerely, seeing her father's bemused glance. "They are often quite eager to have me join in with their discussion."

Yes. Discussion.

"The work of the Order must be done, Maria," replied Keldorn quietly, watching as she paced before him. "You know if I had a choice, I would be here."

So, wasn't it said that the Knights of the Order have to follow their hearts when they go looking for things to do?

Coran nodded his agreement, and then winced as the dwarf's bellow echoed out from behind them.

"Nay! This be the best entertainment I've seen fer weeks! Har har!"

Can't someone please kill the dwarf?

Keldorn slowly looked over to Korgan, an anger flashing across his face that he quickly reigned in. Maria also looked over, surprise and astonishment clearly evident in her expression.

No need to rein it in, mr. paladin. It'd be a good deed.

"Will I nae?" asked Korgan brashly. "Well, if he's nae been at yer lasses, I'd be more than happy tae offer me services tae break 'em in!" He let out a loud guffaw, which was rudely interrupted by Keldorn's sword being pressed firmly against his throat.

That's the spirit!

Coran sighed as he saw Aerie appear by Keldorn's side, her staff being brandished threateningly. The diminutive avariel was glaring fiercely at the dwarf, and her lips were moving silently in preperation of some incantation or prayer. "Then perhaps it's best we part company," the elf stated calmly, looking to Korgan. "It is obvious we have different outlooks on life, and while you've been invaluable in combat, your... your personality differences with the women, and now Keldorn, are doing none of us any favours."

Yay!

(Shoot him in the back when he leaves)

Korgan gawped at the elf before his trademark scowl returned. "If yer stupid enough tae pick those dolts over me, then I'm better off without ye," he barked, snatching the bag of coin that Coran held out to him, and stomping away off down the path. "Ye'll be the one who regrets it, mark my words!"

Oh well. I guess Peony wouldn't want to scrub blood off the tiles.

"No, you knock, Aerie -- it'll look less suspicious coming from you."

And why is that?

Nalia: Well, erm, uhm. Yes.

"W-why?"

"You're the healer!"

So?

Aerie: Yes, s-so? Why are you m-making me do this?!

"He said he was going to a store to pick up some more throwing axes," said Nalia carefully, in a tone that suggested she didn't believe it.

Throwing axes must pretty inconvenient most of the time.

I hate them in the game. They're heavy, they run out as often as darts (another weapon I don't have the patience for ) and if it wasn't for the magical ones that return to your hand, I'd never use them

They had stepped out from Delosar's Inn, and followed Aerie as she confidently led them down the bustling street, full of shoppers and merchants bartering for goods and wares. They passed a tannery, the scent of the leather and bark mingled with the spices, and scents conjured up by some of the more exotic traders' fragrances for women. There was no sign of Korgan; Coran left Aerie and Nalia to search around the stalls and booths while he ventured into a nearby tavern. The Five Flagons had a large, colourful sign up, proudly proclaiming that they could serve any drink found anywhere in Faerun. The elf smiled to himself, and was standing over Korgan only seconds later.

Makes perfect sense

Coran: Ah, sometimes I can be clever!

Then he'd met Brielbara. For the first time, he'd been willingly entranced by a smile, happy to visit her chamber night after night, without feeling the familiar sensation of boredom or restriction. It was only when she'd displayed to him her true unhappiness, shown the full extent of her misery, that he'd withdrawn from her. Looking back, he wondered how much of it was down to fear of the unknown, rather than an unwillingness to be with her. He'd panicked when she welcomed his suggestion of leaving Yago, assuming he would accompany her and be with her forever. Had it happened differently, he may have finally settled by her side, taken her from the life she hated. What happened was somewhat different; he backed away, offering her coin when he could, and allowing her to retreat back into her abusive marriage, while he tried to take his mind away from her with other women and other ventures.

*nod*

He'd fled the city when it was discovered that he'd dared proposition one of the daughters of one of the Duke's brothers. Their family guard had searched for him for weeks, and he'd ended up in Beregost, unimpressed with the quiet setting, and only too eager to accept the bounty on the wyverns offered by the temple. And it was on that particular hunt that he had met Maiyn and her friends. His return to womanising, however, had left him relying on tried and tested charms to get the ranger's attention; actions and flirtations that she completely missed, occasionally looking at him as if he had a speech impediment, or if he was talking to someone she couldn't see. It was the times he was genuine and true to himself that she'd reward him with a smile, or a shy shuffle, and to his surprise, his heart would lift and he'd feel serenely happy. So in time, he'd learned how to drop the false words, the meaningless gestures, and instead he let his heart guide him on the way to properly show her he truly cared -- and, not only had it had worked, but he'd welcomed it, and allowed it to feel right.

Aww

You make his emotional progress believable

Awww, thanks Sometimes I wonder if I'm laying it on a bit too thick, or making him change a bit too drastically, but he's sort of taken over how he wants to be and I get no say in it.

Coran hesitated slightly. He looked over to Korgan, noting the dwarf nodding; a rather evil smile was adorning his features as he conversed deeply with several of the cowled figures. Something about it chilled him to the core, but he swept it from his mind, and turned his gaze back to the enquiring visage of the human woman. He smiled slightly, and concentrated on his own inquiries.

Ugh, whatever Korgan's up to, I'm sure it's not good.

Nalia: Is it ever?

"Wait!" exclaimed the woman, frowning slightly. "The name Imoen is familiar to me... she was the one involved in the disturbance at the Promenade, I recall. The Cowled Wizards arrested her, and another, and have confined them to Spellhold I believe."

Progress!

Nalia: Woo!

"They were free to go," replied Bylanna simply. "They had not breached the laws of magic and so did not incur the attention of the Cowled Enforcers. Where they went from there is unknown to us -- they have certainly not visited here."

It's still progress...

Coran: ...well, yes.

"Ye know well an' good what my feelin's are tae this cavortin' wi' prissy arse-lickers!"

God, he's revolting

Aeris and Nalia would agree with you

"And I'm asking you, politely, to keep your mouth rigidly closed while we're there, and to let no sound slip from it," insisted Coran. "We won't be there long."

Good idea.

Korgan doesn't really understand this concept, alas.

"Oh, to taste the airs of home," he said, almost wistfully. "It has been a long time since I passed this way. Come -- I can hardly wait to introduce you to my wife and daughters!"

It's really sad that he's like this in the game

It is He's very duty- and honour-bound, and though I really like his character, I find it really hard to keep him in my party because I feel terribly guilty about taking him away from his family for even longer

"The boys are polite and well-mannered to me now, father," said Leona sincerely, seeing her father's bemused glance. "They are often quite eager to have me join in with their discussion."

Yes. Discussion.

Leona: *cough*

"The work of the Order must be done, Maria," replied Keldorn quietly, watching as she paced before him. "You know if I had a choice, I would be here."

So, wasn't it said that the Knights of the Order have to follow their hearts when they go looking for things to do?

I think Keldorn prefers following evil and smiting it

Coran nodded his agreement, and then winced as the dwarf's bellow echoed out from behind them.

"Nay! This be the best entertainment I've seen fer weeks! Har har!"

Can't someone please kill the dwarf?

Ahem You never know what might happen!

Keldorn slowly looked over to Korgan, an anger flashing across his face that he quickly reigned in. Maria also looked over, surprise and astonishment clearly evident in her expression.

No need to rein it in, mr. paladin. It'd be a good deed.

It would indeed!

"Will I nae?" asked Korgan brashly. "Well, if he's nae been at yer lasses, I'd be more than happy tae offer me services tae break 'em in!" He let out a loud guffaw, which was rudely interrupted by Keldorn's sword being pressed firmly against his throat.

That's the spirit!

Go Keldy!

Coran sighed as he saw Aerie appear by Keldorn's side, her staff being brandished threateningly. The diminutive avariel was glaring fiercely at the dwarf, and her lips were moving silently in preperation of some incantation or prayer. "Then perhaps it's best we part company," the elf stated calmly, looking to Korgan. "It is obvious we have different outlooks on life, and while you've been invaluable in combat, your... your personality differences with the women, and now Keldorn, are doing none of us any favours."

Yay!

(Shoot him in the back when he leaves)

Keldorn: *readies crossbow*

Korgan gawped at the elf before his trademark scowl returned. "If yer stupid enough tae pick those dolts over me, then I'm better off without ye," he barked, snatching the bag of coin that Coran held out to him, and stomping away off down the path. "Ye'll be the one who regrets it, mark my words!"

Oh well. I guess Peony wouldn't want to scrub blood off the tiles.

Probably not -- especially not Korgan's. I could just imagine it being as tainted as his personality is

Thanks for reading and commenting!

"Sh-shall you knock?"

"No, you knock, Aerie -- it'll look less suspicious coming from you."

"W-why?"

"You're the healer!"

"Oh."

They're so smitten. I think they'd be pretty cute together, though.

"He said he was going to a store to pick up some more throwing axes," said Nalia carefully, in a tone that suggested she didn't believe it.

I wouldn't believe it either, especially since a few chapters ago he got that one that comes back when you throw it.

"I don't know," she replied quickly. "And considering it's Korgan, I'm not sure I'd want to know!"

Um... yeah, that's not something I want to... ohnoBADMENTALIMAGESARGH.

They had stepped out from Delosar's Inn, and followed Aerie as she confidently led them down the bustling street, full of shoppers and merchants bartering for goods and wares. They passed a tannery, the scent of the leather and bark mingled with the spices, and scents conjured up by some of the more exotic traders' fragrances for women. There was no sign of Korgan; Coran left Aerie and Nalia to search around the stalls and booths while he ventured into a nearby tavern. The Five Flagons had a large, colourful sign up, proudly proclaiming that they could serve any drink found anywhere in Faerun. The elf smiled to himself, and was standing over Korgan only seconds later.

Phew, okay, he wasn't doing anything... er, worse.

Then he'd met Brielbara. For the first time, he'd been willingly entranced by a smile, happy to visit her chamber night after night, without feeling the familiar sensation of boredom or restriction. It was only when she'd displayed to him her true unhappiness, shown the full extent of her misery, that he'd withdrawn from her. Looking back, he wondered how much of it was down to fear of the unknown, rather than an unwillingness to be with her. He'd panicked when she welcomed his suggestion of leaving Yago, assuming he would accompany her and be with her forever. Had it happened differently, he may have finally settled by her side, taken her from the life she hated. What happened was somewhat different; he backed away, offering her coin when he could, and allowing her to retreat back into her abusive marriage, while he tried to take his mind away from her with other women and other ventures.

D'awww... if he hadn't been such a twerp back then he might've been happy with her.

The area generally was less crowded than the other parts of the city. A few of the wealthier citizens were lazily wandering around in groups of two or three, chatting amongst themselves as they pondered on how to occupy themselves for the day. A few merchants made their way to and from the Council building, as guards came and went from the prison. Coran glanced at the sky; they were still early for meeting Keldorn, and he quickly told Nalia that he'd quickly visit the city officials if she would keep an eye out for Keldorn with the others. She looked horrified as she glanced to Korgan, and Coran sighed, saying he'd take the dwarf with him, much to her obvious relief. She dragged Aerie to the nearest patch of grass, where they sat down together and spoke in hushed tones as several men walked past, bowing to the young girls as they shyly smiled, and giggled to each other coyly.

I always rather liked the Government District, myself. Very pretty. The people let much to be desired, of course.

And they are such girly-girls.

Korgan followed Coran into the Council's building quite happily, muttering under his breath to himself about the woolen-brained women. He was instantly recognised by one of the cowled figures standing near to the door, and he went over at the man's beckoning with a suspicious expression on his face. Coran left him to his business, instead taking him off to several figures who were standing in a circle. They looked quite official, and regarded him curiously as he approached.

What's Korgan up to now?

Coran hesitated slightly. He looked over to Korgan, noting the dwarf nodding; a rather evil smile was adorning his features as he conversed deeply with several of the cowled figures. Something about it chilled him to the core, but he swept it from his mind, and turned his gaze back to the enquiring visage of the human woman. He smiled slightly, and concentrated on his own inquiries.

Clearly nothing good.

"Aye, I've got us a good 'un when we're done visitin' the floosie and brats o' the god-botherin' ass," chuckled the dwarf, causing Coran to groan slightly.

You're so loathsome, Korgan.

Valygar'd better watch out...

"Oh, to taste the airs of home," he said, almost wistfully. "It has been a long time since I passed this way. Come -- I can hardly wait to introduce you to my wife and daughters!"

"The boys are polite and well-mannered to me now, father," said Leona sincerely, seeing her father's bemused glance. "They are often quite eager to have me join in with their discussion."

Right. "Discussion." Uh-huh.

"Mother, can we go now?" Leona's face had suddenly turned serious, and her eyes looked worried. Coran initially thought it was due to Korgan's rather obvious leering, but the young girl hadn't even appeared to notice the dwarf, let alone spy the evil glint that was sparkling in his eye as he eyed the her lithe body.

Coran, do me a favor and smack Korgan upside the head, would you? Thanks.

"So, other than Lady Nalia," began Maria coldly, "who are these? Heathens you converted in Calimport? Travelling pilgrims you stumbled across in Saradush?"

Can he keep, 'em, huh? He'll feed 'em and walk 'em an' everything!

"The work of the Order must be done, Maria," replied Keldorn quietly, watching as she paced before him. "You know if I had a choice, I would be here."

Define "choice." Then save me the trouble of pointing out that you have one.

No one paid any attention to Korgan's vocal display of disgust, but Coran subtly kicked him hard to cease his heckling.

Finally!

"Go," said Keldorn strongly. Coran almost thought the paladin wasreferring to the companions until he saw the knight turn back to his wife coldly. "Go to your daughters. To look at you right now, Maria... to look at you is to go mad."

I really like you, Keldorn, but I have a hard time believing that you wouldn't do the same if you were as lonely as she is.

"Will I nae?" asked Korgan brashly. "Well, if he's nae been at yer lasses, I'd be more than happy tae offer me services tae break 'em in!" He let out a loud guffaw, which was rudely interrupted by Keldorn's sword being pressed firmly against his throat.

Skewer him! Skewer him!

... ahem.

Korgan gawped at the elf before his trademark scowl returned. "If yer stupid enough tae pick those dolts over me, then I'm better off without ye," he barked, snatching the bag of coin that Coran held out to him, and stomping away off down the path. "Ye'll be the one who regrets it, mark my words!"

I think they probably will, too.

Keldorn nodded his agreement, following Aerie as she led the way through the public gardens to the archway that led in the direction of the Promenade. Coran strode alongside Keldorn, Nalia at his other side, all walking in silence. He couldn't help but feel Korgan's parting words were slightly ominous, and a part of him regretted having to part company with the colourful dwarf -- if nothing else, it had been entertaining.

Entertaining in "oh my GODS I want to kill you!" sort of way.

"Sh-shall you knock?"

"No, you knock, Aerie -- it'll look less suspicious coming from you."

"W-why?"

"You're the healer!"

"Oh."

They're so smitten. I think they'd be pretty cute together, though.

Hee At one point I wondered if Nalia was going to win Coran over, but it seems he has much more issues dealing with things than Maiyn does...

"He said he was going to a store to pick up some more throwing axes," said Nalia carefully, in a tone that suggested she didn't believe it.

I wouldn't believe it either, especially since a few chapters ago he got that one that comes back when you throw it.

Exactly

"I don't know," she replied quickly. "And considering it's Korgan, I'm not sure I'd want to know!"

Um... yeah, that's not something I want to... ohnoBADMENTALIMAGESARGH.

Weeeell... it *was* tempting to have some hot dwarf-on-dwarf action, but... no Not here, anyway

They had stepped out from Delosar's Inn, and followed Aerie as she confidently led them down the bustling street, full of shoppers and merchants bartering for goods and wares. They passed a tannery, the scent of the leather and bark mingled with the spices, and scents conjured up by some of the more exotic traders' fragrances for women. There was no sign of Korgan; Coran left Aerie and Nalia to search around the stalls and booths while he ventured into a nearby tavern. The Five Flagons had a large, colourful sign up, proudly proclaiming that they could serve any drink found anywhere in Faerun. The elf smiled to himself, and was standing over Korgan only seconds later.

Phew, okay, he wasn't doing anything... er, worse.

Hee

Then he'd met Brielbara. For the first time, he'd been willingly entranced by a smile, happy to visit her chamber night after night, without feeling the familiar sensation of boredom or restriction. It was only when she'd displayed to him her true unhappiness, shown the full extent of her misery, that he'd withdrawn from her. Looking back, he wondered how much of it was down to fear of the unknown, rather than an unwillingness to be with her. He'd panicked when she welcomed his suggestion of leaving Yago, assuming he would accompany her and be with her forever. Had it happened differently, he may have finally settled by her side, taken her from the life she hated. What happened was somewhat different; he backed away, offering her coin when he could, and allowing her to retreat back into her abusive marriage, while he tried to take his mind away from her with other women and other ventures.

D'awww... if he hadn't been such a twerp back then he might've been happy with her.

I think he's realising how stupid he's been, and though at the time he thought he was happy, in reality he was just avoiding anything responsible and cheating himself out of anything deep. Or something

The area generally was less crowded than the other parts of the city. A few of the wealthier citizens were lazily wandering around in groups of two or three, chatting amongst themselves as they pondered on how to occupy themselves for the day. A few merchants made their way to and from the Council building, as guards came and went from the prison. Coran glanced at the sky; they were still early for meeting Keldorn, and he quickly told Nalia that he'd quickly visit the city officials if she would keep an eye out for Keldorn with the others. She looked horrified as she glanced to Korgan, and Coran sighed, saying he'd take the dwarf with him, much to her obvious relief. She dragged Aerie to the nearest patch of grass, where they sat down together and spoke in hushed tones as several men walked past, bowing to the young girls as they shyly smiled, and giggled to each other coyly.

I always rather liked the Government District, myself. Very pretty. The people let much to be desired, of course.

Yeah, it's like: Nice buildings, pretty gardens, kinda annoying natives. Plus, Jan can initially be found there...

And they are such girly-girls.

Aerie: *giggles*
Nalia: We are not!

Korgan followed Coran into the Council's building quite happily, muttering under his breath to himself about the woolen-brained women. He was instantly recognised by one of the cowled figures standing near to the door, and he went over at the man's beckoning with a suspicious expression on his face. Coran left him to his business, instead taking him off to several figures who were standing in a circle. They looked quite official, and regarded him curiously as he approached.

What's Korgan up to now?

Coran: You probably don't want to know.
Nalia: I'd agree...

Coran hesitated slightly. He looked over to Korgan, noting the dwarf nodding; a rather evil smile was adorning his features as he conversed deeply with several of the cowled figures. Something about it chilled him to the core, but he swept it from his mind, and turned his gaze back to the enquiring visage of the human woman. He smiled slightly, and concentrated on his own inquiries.

Clearly nothing good.

Nope, especially if your name happens to be 'Valygar'.

"Aye, I've got us a good 'un when we're done visitin' the floosie and brats o' the god-botherin' ass," chuckled the dwarf, causing Coran to groan slightly.

You're so loathsome, Korgan.

Korgan: Why, thank ye!

Valygar'd better watch out...

Indeed

"Oh, to taste the airs of home," he said, almost wistfully. "It has been a long time since I passed this way. Come -- I can hardly wait to introduce you to my wife and daughters!"

Poor Firecam Family

"The boys are polite and well-mannered to me now, father," said Leona sincerely, seeing her father's bemused glance. "They are often quite eager to have me join in with their discussion."

Right. "Discussion." Uh-huh.

*snigger*

"Mother, can we go now?" Leona's face had suddenly turned serious, and her eyes looked worried. Coran initially thought it was due to Korgan's rather obvious leering, but the young girl hadn't even appeared to notice the dwarf, let alone spy the evil glint that was sparkling in his eye as he eyed the her lithe body.

Coran, do me a favor and smack Korgan upside the head, would you? Thanks.

Coran: I'll happily oblige in a few paragraphs time!

"So, other than Lady Nalia," began Maria coldly, "who are these? Heathens you converted in Calimport? Travelling pilgrims you stumbled across in Saradush?"

Can he keep, 'em, huh? He'll feed 'em and walk 'em an' everything!

Maria: I think not. We barely have enough grazing land for all of them. Perhaps if you get rid of the dwarf...

"The work of the Order must be done, Maria," replied Keldorn quietly, watching as she paced before him. "You know if I had a choice, I would be here."

Define "choice." Then save me the trouble of pointing out that you have one.

He'd define "choice" as doing what was right in the eyes of Torm and serving the cause of the Order he solemnly swore an oath to. This, to normal, non-paladin people, does not equate to choice, which is why, I think, there's a difference of opinion

No one paid any attention to Korgan's vocal display of disgust, but Coran subtly kicked him hard to cease his heckling.

Finally!

Coran: I told you I would!

"Go," said Keldorn strongly. Coran almost thought the paladin wasreferring to the companions until he saw the knight turn back to his wife coldly. "Go to your daughters. To look at you right now, Maria... to look at you is to go mad."

I really like you, Keldorn, but I have a hard time believing that you wouldn't do the same if you were as lonely as she is.

Keldorn: I... don't know. I don't have time to be lonely -- the Order always requires me.
Coran: But so does you're wife.
Keldorn: *sigh*

"Will I nae?" asked Korgan brashly. "Well, if he's nae been at yer lasses, I'd be more than happy tae offer me services tae break 'em in!" He let out a loud guffaw, which was rudely interrupted by Keldorn's sword being pressed firmly against his throat.

Skewer him! Skewer him!

... ahem.

Then put him on the barbeque? Korgan Kebab!

Korgan gawped at the elf before his trademark scowl returned. "If yer stupid enough tae pick those dolts over me, then I'm better off without ye," he barked, snatching the bag of coin that Coran held out to him, and stomping away off down the path. "Ye'll be the one who regrets it, mark my words!"

I think they probably will, too.

Coran: I think we regret ever having allowed him to come with us...

Keldorn nodded his agreement, following Aerie as she led the way through the public gardens to the archway that led in the direction of the Promenade. Coran strode alongside Keldorn, Nalia at his other side, all walking in silence. He couldn't help but feel Korgan's parting words were slightly ominous, and a part of him regretted having to part company with the colourful dwarf -- if nothing else, it had been entertaining.

Entertaining in "oh my GODS I want to kill you!" sort of way.

Nalia: Exactly.
Coran: Come now, he wasn't ALL that bad...
Nalia: *pointed look*
Coran: Well, all right... maybe...

Thanks for reading and commenting