Reclaiming (Maiyn) - Chapter 28

A Sinister Proposal

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Maiyn watched as Yoshimo worked his patter on the canny Ribald. She wasn't sure she believed the Kara-tuan could really manipulate the seasoned adventurer much, but the thief wanted to have an attempt, and the ranger wasn't going to stand in the way of a potentially larger profit.

Admittedly, the equipment and items they lay out on the tables of the side room, away from the prying eyes of the other customers, looked impressive indeed. Jaheira had been the driving force in determining what they would take, and Xan had found many an enchantment on the belongings. A few small things had been pilfered for party equipment -- mostly rings and amulets. The rest was waiting to be bought, in the hope it would easily raise enough money to pay for passage to Spellhold.

Ribald scratched his beard as he looked over it all. Yoshimo had paused in his relentless sales pitch, and was watching him warily. Maiyn had to admit that the thief had made some very swaying remarks -- he'd paid attention when Xan was going through the magical properties, that was for sure. Occasionally Ribald would hold something up, as if to see it better in the light, or his finger would trace over a pattern, or a rune on an arcane relic. There was no doubting the interest he had in everything, but as a merchant he wanted to get it as cheaply as he could.

When he spoke, Maiyn sat down abruptly. Jaheira had a slightly self-satisfied look to her, and she turned and stalked back out to the merchandise on sale, joining the others to share the news. Yoshimo had opened his mouth, ready to barter, but he quickly snapped it shut again and looked at the ranger. She nodded slightly to him, and he acknowledged her action by holding out his hand to Ribald.

"It is a deal, my friend!" the thief exclaimed as they shook upon it. "Though it breaks my heart to let go off all this for a mere 25000 gold..."

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"Come here," said Jaheira when Maiyn eventually made her way back out to the group. The druid dragged the ranger upstairs, towards the racks of armour. She pulled a suit of leather armour free from the rail and held it against Maiyn, regarding it critically. Maiyn squinted as she peered down at it, and raised her gaze back up to the druid. Xan had appeared, and was standing behind her, nodding approvingly at the choice.

"Xan determined which had the best protection enchanted into it," said Jaheira thoughtfully. "I think it will do for you."
"But-" began Maiyn.

"Do you trust me to budget properly for us?" asked Jaheira, with a mixture of impatience and amusement. Maiyn nodded slowly, and the druid disappeared downstairs, leaving the two elves alone in the abandoned recess of the shop.

"She only wants to protect you," noted Xan quietly.

"I know," protested Maiyn, "but I am sure there are other things we would be better getting."

Xan smiled dryly. "She will do as best as she can with the coin available, of that I have no doubt. Money is not everything, it comes and goes. Perhaps we place too much importance on it. It is very... human, to do that."

"I grew up with humans," muttered Maiyn, reminding him. "And it is the means in which to gather equipment that will prevent us from dying painfully."

"Ah, your hopeless optimism again," remarked Xan as they wandered slowly through the many racks of outfits. "When you accept we are doomed, and there is no escape from it, you will find that life becomes unerringly simple."

Maiyn stopped, and pulled on Xan's sleeve until he turned to face her. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Xan looked confused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "We are," he said, hesitantly.

"So, if I ask you to do something, as my friend... you'd do it? Or at least try to, right?"

Xan groaned. "No, I will not lie to you."

"It's not lying! We're not doomed, so if you managed to say the words, it wouldn't be a lie!"

"Maiyn, you are... well, you know what you are. Your very fate is death itself, and you will bring it to all around you." Xan's words were quiet and serious, and Maiyn's eyes instantly fell to the ground. She swallowed hard.

"As has been happening all along," she whispered.

Xan looked horrified for a moment. "No... no, mellonamin, I did not mean to distress you."

Maiyn shook her head, but couldn't look up to face him. "It's fine," she lied, forcing a weak smile. "We're doomed! If Irenicus doesn't manage to carve out my beating heart, then I'm sure someone else will take offence at my unique nature, and do the job for him."

"He will not get the chance," stated Xan gently. "I would die to protect you from suffering further at his hands, and I don't doubt that that is what will happen. If only I could smile and assure you that everything would be all right, I would. But I can't, a'maelamin; I am not that person."

Maiyn looked up to him, frowning slightly. "What did you call me?"

Xan shifted uncomfortably, and shook his head. "Nothing," he mumbled, stepping back, and away from the ranger. "Come -- we must return to the others." He turned and walked away briskly, not looking back. Maiyn watched him go, her mind trying to process what he'd said, but unable to move beyond just one of his words. A'maelamin.

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In the end Jaheira somehow managed to buy more than should have been possible with their funds. Yoshimo donated a large pile of jewels and jewellery that he'd accumulated from their fallen foes, making an additional amount of coin, and the others beamed at him gratefully. Xan declined the chance of new robes, as his were practical enough to travel on with, but Maiyn noticed him looking wistfully at a resplended set of robes that were proudly hanging from a lifelike porcelain model. They were well outside the party's budget, to her dismay, but she made a mental note of the price.

The ranger changed into the heavily enchanted leather that Jaheira had found for her. In turn, her lesser enchanted armour went to Yoshimo, and Kivan picked up a set of similar quality. Anomen also benefitted from the trip, as the druid allocated enough funds for him to receive a new set of platemail, and some slightly enchanted weapons were bought to replace the normal arms that most of the party still bore. Minsc refused to part ways with Lilarcor however, and the sword was quick to make derogatory remarks about any alternative that was put on display for the berserker to examine.

Maiyn cocked her head quizzically at Jaheira when she had finished her purchasing. "We need to buy armour for you?"

"Ah, the druid does not need to buy from here!" roared Minsc merrily. "Boo has said that the scales we took from the dead dragon will make a mighty set of armour for little Jaheira!"

The half-elf grinned, and nodded at Minsc. "He is right," she affirmed. "Yoshimo knows of a man who lives by the docks; a dwarven smith, who is rumoured to have a talent for working with rare materials, to fashion them into items and equipment. He should be able to use the scales that Minsc took with him to make a fine outfit. We may not be able to afford it quite yet, but I am prepared to wait."

Maiyn nodded and smiled. A quick glance around showed that most were happy with their new equipment, and Jaheira carefully handed a pouch to the ranger. "The fee is within. We should ensure it reaches its destination now."

Maiyn nodded grimly. "To Gaelan's house, then."

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Yoshimo led the way as dusk settled, as was becoming habit while they were within the boundary of the city. The group trooped down a narrow alley, unconcerned with the shadows that lingered at the sides. They felt the comfort from their new equipment and weapons, and the safety travelling as a party offered. A voice from the darkness caused them to pause, and immediately they tensed, preparing to face bandits.

A pale woman emerged slightly from the shadows. She gave them a cursory look, but then her gaze fell to Maiyn and she smiled slightly. The ranger couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine, but she stood still, waiting for the stranger to speak. She didn't have to wait long.

"Hello friends." The voice was low, but it was seductive and almost soothing in tone. Maiyn immediately noticed Anomen and Yoshimo relaxing; even Minsc seemed to lower his guard. Only Xan and Kivan remained as wary as she and Jaheira. "Might I have a word here, away from the ears of others? I would impart a fine bit of business your way."

"Who might you be?" asked the druid strongly.

"Who am I?" The question seemed to surprise the woman, and she looked at the half-elf thoughtfully. Her dark eyes seemed to glow; Maiyn was sure she caught a sparkle of red in them, but as soon as it had appeared, it was gone, and all that was left were two orbs as black as the cloak that was swathed around her form. "Why would you pay any attention to me? But... since you asked... I am Valen."

"What is it you want?" queried Maiyn. She was sure that anyone who lingered in such dark places would not be worth dealing with, but her curiosity had been aroused by the woman's unique appearance.

"Well, truthfully that is not for me to say," smiled the woman. "At least, not in full measure. My mistress would have words with you, about... concerns you have no doubt developed on your own. She has watched you for a time, though she is not the only one."

"Who is your mistress?" demanded Maiyn; she was beginning to feel uncomfortable under the relentless gaze, and the woman's roundabout words were doing no more than irritating the ranger.

"You will see when you meet her," purred Valen. "She is worthy of your trust; if you feel worthy of hers, I can lead you to her."

Maiyn looked at the others; most were regarding the female, their caution seemingly swept away by her smooth voice. Jaheira shrugged non-committally, and Maiyn nodded to the woman, causing her to look pleased.

"You will not be disappointed," she assured them, drifting past them as she moved to the front of their group. "Let us go."
The group began following her, but Maiyn felt someone catching her hand, and she paused to look at Xan. His face was white, and the ranger couldn't remember when she'd last seen him looking so scared.

"What is wrong?" she whispered, letting the others go on ahead as they lingered behind.

"Can you not tell?" he asked incredulously. "It is obvious what she is, Maiyn. She is a vampire."

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Xan's hushed announcement made for a very wary Maiyn as they followed the girl called Valen. She led them to the large iron gates that led into the city's graveyard, and the ranger could only just make out the shapes of tombs and graves in the fading light. She shivered slightly at the sight; despite her heritage and the taint within her, something as simple as seeing all that was left for someone when they died was a sobering thought. Of course, these are the lucky ones who get buried, she noted to herself dryly; quickly wiping the thoughts from her mind, before she took up Xan's morbid tendancies completely.

As they passed under the stone arch that marked the entrance of the district, Valen turned to face them. She smiled, seemingly pleasantly enough, but Maiyn was sure she could detect some evil in her. The ranger glanced quickly to Anomen; the priest's expression was slightly glazed, his gaze lingering on the undoubtedly attractive visage of their guide. A little pale, but with large dark eyes, and lips as red as cherries, the woman had only to smile at the various human men around Maiyn to cause them to turn into distracted attendants. At least Xan and Kivan were putting up some resistance to her charm.

"I will take you to see my mistress," she said smoothly, beckoning to Maiyn. "Your friends may wait here."

Maiyn's eyebrow quirked. "I would rather take them with me."

"The mistress is... careful about whom she deals with. She would prefer to see you alone."

"I will not go without Jaheira and Xan. Those are my terms, and if they are not acceptable, then we will just leave now."

Valen seemed to ponder this for a moment, but eventually nodded slightly. She turned and began walking along one of the narrow paths that led down past several large tombs; they were larger than most houses Maiyn had passed in the city, ornately decorated with marbles and rare stones, adorned with carvings and sculptures.

"Keep an eye on the others," whispered Maiyn to Kivan as she passed him. "They have let their caution slip somewhat." He nodded at her warning, but she saw worry in his eyes. She tried to smile to him reassuringly, but instead she could only manage a weak sigh. Quietly, she set off after the woman, keeping up with her easily, Jaheira close behind.

"This is a dark place to meet this woman," whispered the druid warningly to the elf. "I sense an unnaturalness here that is disturbing to me." Maiyn nodded her agreement, and pondered sharing Xan's observation with the druid, but decided it was not the right time. Instead she continued to follow silently.

Xan lingered slightly further back, having looked horrified by Maiyn's decision to go on to meet the strange entity that was Valen's mistress. With a sigh, he followed, and before long they approached the outline of a building that appeared to be shrouded in even more shadows than its neighbours. Standing outside was a solitary figure, who nodded once to Valen. The girl took this as a signal for her departure, and she smiled one last time to the three companions before she disappeared between two tombstones.

"You have arrived," said the stranger, moving forward slightly and into the faint light. Maiyn could make out very little about her -- she was as pale as her accomplice, but she didn't cover herself up in a cloak. Instead she was dressed simply in a black tunic and trousers, and her short hair was spiky and tousled. There was a definite reddish glow to her eyes. "I had worried I may have to discipline Valen for failing to deliver my message," she continued, smiling darkly. "I am Bodhi, and I greet you warmly."

"Warm you may be," noted Jaheira dryly, "but you are in a very cold place." The druid looked around herself with an air of unease.

"Was this necessary?" agreed Maiyn. She wanted Xan to be wrong, but their arrival at the graveyard had done little except to support his claim over the traits of their new acquaintances. The ranger felt even more disquieted than the druid; she had to fight hard to keep herself from shifting uncomfortably, and she was not overly keen on holding Bodhi's gaze for any length of time.

"You are concerned that we met here?" asked the woman, a hint of amusement in her voice. "There are a number of reasons why we did, only few of which you need to worry about. The main is that we are unlikely to be overheard; another is that you shall be able to see the benefits of working with me." She gestured to the structure behind her. "This is the entrance to the hold I offer you access to."

The three companions looked dubiously at the imposing building. Maiyn could hear Xan gulping.

Bodhi's mouth quivered in a sly smile. "Oh, I am sorry," she apologised, noting their confusion. "I have moved ahead of myself. I should outline what I intend. I know you have had an... offer of help, to rescue your friend. You are aware of the identity of the group seeking to secure your services?"

Maiyn stared dumbly at Bodhi. "Well, no," she finally admitted. Bodhi sneered at her scornfully.

"They are Shadow Thieves! You will, of course, question their intent?" Bodhi glared as Maiyn shifted uncomfortably. "They are as nefarious as you have probably heard," continued the woman menacingly. "I can offer you an alternative, however. I would help you find your companion for... 15000 gold? It is a sizeable amount less than the Shadow Thieves have requested, and I believe you could afford such a price right now."

Maiyn frowned slightly, trying to take everything in. She had not really given much thought as to whom Gaelan's employers were, and she was blissfully ignorant of any tales of the Shadow Thieves that Bodhi had obviously assumed she'd have heard. Both Imoen and Coran had partaken in the more shady aspects of their professions, and Maiyn had become a lot more tolerant of roguish activity than most. She briefly wondered if Yoshimo would be able to tell her much about the organisation, and planned to ask him when they escaped this dark, morbid place.

"How do you know what they are?" she asked bluntly.

Bodhi laughed, but it was a mirthless sound. "I know a great deal about you and this place. You are a newcomer, and have much to learn; you will be unable to turn down my offer, even if I demand a few... gestures, to prove your loyalty."

Maiyn's eyebrow rose. "Gestures?" she asked. The way in which Bodhi had said it made her instantly uncomfortable.

"There is a monopoly in this town, and I intend to break it," replied Bodhi calmly. "I will ask you to weaken the resources of the thieves. I am not so vain to think of them as easily destroyable, but many of their members may be persuaded to join with me." The woman paused, and regarded the looks on their faces; each carried a look of disgust. "I make no illusions about what will be required of you -- I will wish you to kill, and I will wish you to terrorise. You must determine if you have the stomach for it."

"I do not think we have any interest in your offer," replied Maiyn icily.

"But I will help you find Imoen," purred the woman, stalking around them. "And I can help you find Irenicus, but not just for your reasons. I have an interest in him myself."

Maiyn stiffened at the name of her former captor. "How do you know Irenicus?" she demanded. "Are you in league with him?"

"The fact I seek him is one of the conditions to my proposal," replied Bodhi carefully. "I offer much, but I expect much in return. Imoen and Irenicus will be your joint goal, in time. You will have to join with me to learn further details about my own intentions."

Maiyn glared aggressively at the woman, but she appeared completely indifferent to the ranger's venomous gaze. Jaheira and Xan remained in complete silence, both unwilling to interrupt the meeting -- both waiting to see how Maiyn would welcome this new offer.

"It is time for deciding," announced Bodhi suddenly. "I cannot wait too long, and I tire of talking. Choose your allegiance."

Maiyn had no hesitation as she spoke. "I have no wish to work alongside one such as you. I know what you are, and I believe you are more likely to be working with Irenicus than working against him. We will have nothing to do with your activities."

Bodhi smiled slightly. "That is... unfortunate," she replied softly. "Very well, you may go. You have made an enemy here today, and like it or not, we will meet again. I will face you on my own terms, when the time comes." Without another word, she turned and disappeared into her lair, leaving the companions to stand alone amongst the dark and chilly tombs.

"Well, that was informative," noted Jaheira dryly. "I wondered if you had noticed anything regarding her rather unusual appearance."

"Xan told me as we followed Valen," admitted Maiyn quietly. The druid regarded the enchanter curiously, almost approvingly. "We should return to the others," Maiyn continued, "and go back to the inn. I do not doubt the street will be even less safe for us, now, after sundown. We can visit Gaelan tomorrow."

Jaheira nodded her agreement, and the three returned to the others, who were waiting patiently for them. Maiyn avoided mentioning the vampirism they'd encountered, but outlined Bodhi's proposal; an offer of aid to locate Imoen and Irenicus, but at the cost of murder and terror by their hand. Minsc was outraged, and only become appeased when Maiyn calmly informed them that she had declined the proposition. This was met with an almost unanimous sense of relief, with only Yoshimo looking pensive.

"Are you sure this is wise?" he asked hesitantly. "The Shadow Thieves are... a formidable organisation. One does not wish to become involved with them willingly, in most cases."

"I will not knowingly serve someone who requests of me what she did," insisted Maiyn, regarding him cautiously. "What do you know of the thieves?"

Yoshimo shrugged slightly. "They do not welcome independent traders, like myself, in their city. The last time they caught me, I was told to report to a man named Renal Bloodscalp in their base by the docks, or suffer the consequences. Due to our time away from here, I had not given it much thought..."

Maiyn grinned slightly. "Is this why you are reluctant for us to take their offer?"

The bounty hunter shrugged slightly. "Failure for me to comply with their... wishes may be messy," he admitted. "I feel safe enough in your company, however, so we shall do whatever you think is best."

"We have no choice but to seek their assistance," said Maiyn apologetically. "We will visit this Renal with you, however, if you wish it; perhaps we can come to some arrangement to ensure you face no repercussions from them?"

Yoshimo smiled warmly to the ranger. "It would not hurt to visit him, I suppose, and it is good to know you will stand by me in this."

Anomen snorted derisively. "Am I to be associated with thieves now, my lady?" he asked impatiently. "Although I wish to offer my support to your cause, following this path will make it almost insufferable for me."

"Well, it is either thieves, or vamp-" Xan’s voice was cut off by Maiyn stamping on his foot, and he yelped in pain before throwing her a hurt look. She stared at him pointedly, and then subtly jerked her head at Minsc. The berserker had a deep hatred for vampires, and Maiyn was unwilling to have him discover their presence nearby. The last thing she wanted to do was to run through a graveyard after a rampaging Rashemeni warrior. Anomen looked at them curiously, but seemed to be momentarily appeased.

"I cannot stand here for much longer," said Jaheira edgily. "We must return to the inn." Maiyn agreed, and the group turned and made their way back to the gates. Maiyn was conversing in hushed tones with Kivan as they walked, informing him of Xan's original observation, describing Bodhi in detail to him at his request. She didn't notice the form that had approached until it flickered before her.

She started suddenly, drawing back and pulling her sword free from its scabbard. Her reaction caused the others to do likewise, and within moments the party had surrounded the ghostly figure of a small boy, their weapons drawn tensely. At her signal, they backed off slowly, and she knelt down to look at the figure.

"My lady, this spirit is not natural," began Anomen. Maiyn waved at him, her attention taken by the presence. The boy's form looked at her, her large eyes full of sorrow. He was a halfling child, terrified and alone.

"Why are you not at rest?" she asked gently.

"Are you my mother?" The voice was wavering and quiet.

"No, child."

"He took my teddy bear. I... I can't sleep without it."

"Your bear?" asked Maiyn. "Who took it?"

"The man. He came to our house at night, looking for things. After his sword hurt me, he took my teddy bear."

"A man killed you and took your bear?" asked Kivan suddenly. The apparition looked up at the tall ranger.

"Yes, sir. I just want my bear back. I go to see him, to ask for it, but he just gets scared."

"Where is this man?" Kivan's face was grim, and there was no mistaking his feelings on the matter.

"He is in an inn in the slums," replied the boy, his form beginning to fade. "I can't stay here too long, I get weak. Please get Littleman for me..."

The figure fully faded from view, and Maiyn rose to her feet. She looked to Kivan and nodded solemnly. "I think we may have to visit our neighbours at the Copper Coronet," she remarked.

Maiyn watched as Yoshimo worked his patter on the canny Ribald. She wasn't sure she believed the Kara-tuan could really manipulate the seasoned adventurer much, but the thief wanted to have an attempt, and the ranger wasn't going to stand in the way of a potentially larger profit.

Theo: I always just send Jaheira right in. I know it’s downright cruel on the merchants, but… meh.

"It is a deal, my friend!" the thief exclaimed as they shook upon it. "Though it breaks my heart to let go off all this for a mere 25000 gold..."

Wow, are we really done with the pre-Spellhold part of this story then?

"Come here," said Jaheira when Maiyn eventually made her way back out to the group. The druid dragged the ranger upstairs, towards the racks of armour. She pulled a suit of leather armour free from the rail and held it against Maiyn, regarding it critically. Maiyn squinted as she peered down at it, and raised her gaze back up to the druid. Xan had appeared, and was standing behind her, nodding approvingly at the choice.

It shows off her cleavage rather nicely, does it not? I’m surprised Jaheira approves.

"She only wants to protect you," noted Xan quietly.

"I know," protested Maiyn, "but I am sure there are other things we would be better getting."

Such as? Anything that helps you stay alive is useful, I say.

Maiyn stopped, and pulled on Xan's sleeve until he turned to face her. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Xan looked confused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "We are," he said, hesitantly.

You can say that safely, Xan, it doesn’t preclude you being something more than that eventually…

"He will not get the chance," stated Xan gently. "I would die to protect you from suffering further at his hands, and I don't doubt that that is what will happen. If only I could smile and assure you that everything would be all right, I would. But I can't, a'maelamin; I am not that person."

Bah, why everyone can lie but not you, Xan?

Xan shifted uncomfortably, and shook his head. "Nothing," he mumbled, stepping back, and away from the ranger. "Come -- we must return to the others." He turned and walked away briskly, not looking back. Maiyn watched him go, her mind trying to process what he'd said, but unable to move beyond just one of his words. A'maelamin.

I imagine it means something important, but to me it just sounds like more Elven bollocks.

The ranger changed into the heavily enchanted leather that Jaheira had found for her. In turn, her lesser enchanted armour went to Yoshimo, and Kivan picked up a set of similar quality. Anomen also benefitted from the trip, as the druid allocated enough funds for him to receive a new set of platemail, and some slightly enchanted weapons were bought to replace the normal arms that most of the party still bore. Minsc refused to part ways with Lilarcor however, and the sword was quick to make derogatory remarks about any alternative that was put on display for the berserker to examine.

I notice that as expected that silly druid didn’t buy anything for herself.

"Ah, the druid does not need to buy from here!" roared Minsc merrily. "Boo has said that the scales we took from the dead dragon will make a mighty set of armour for little Jaheira!"

Theo: Little Jaheira… *chuckle*

Jaheira: Next to him, we all feel small… little Theo.

Theo: Hmm, fair point, but still… *snicker*

The half-elf grinned, and nodded at Minsc. "He is right," she affirmed. "Yoshimo knows of a man who lives by the docks; a dwarven smith, who is rumoured to have a talent for working with rare materials, to fashion them into items and equipment. He should be able to use the scales that Minsc took with him to make a fine outfit. We may not be able to afford it quite yet, but I am prepared to wait."

Umm, I hope she stays alive until then.

"Hello friends." The voice was low, but it was seductive and almost soothing in tone. Maiyn immediately noticed Anomen and Yoshimo relaxing; even Minsc seemed to lower his guard. Only Xan and Kivan remained as wary as she and Jaheira. "Might I have a word here, away from the ears of others? I would impart a fine bit of business your way."

You’re a bit late, aren’t you Valen?

"Who is your mistress?" demanded Maiyn; she was beginning to feel uncomfortable under the relentless gaze, and the woman's roundabout words were doing no more than irritating the ranger.

"You will see when you meet her," purred Valen. "She is worthy of your trust; if you feel worthy of hers, I can lead you to her."

Yes, what a jolly atmosphere of mutual trust we have here… just as when a total stranger is offering you some candy…

As they passed under the stone arch that marked the entrance of the district, Valen turned to face them. She smiled, seemingly pleasantly enough, but Maiyn was sure she could detect some evil in her. The ranger glanced quickly to Anomen; the priest's expression was slightly glazed, his gaze lingering on the undoubtedly attractive visage of their guide. A little pale, but with large dark eyes, and lips as red as cherries, the woman had only to smile at the various human men around Maiyn to cause them to turn into distracted attendants. At least Xan and Kivan were putting up some resistance to her charm.

Bloody elves, more perfect in almost every way.

"This is a dark place to meet this woman," whispered the druid warningly to the elf. "I sense an unnaturalness here that is disturbing to me." Maiyn nodded her agreement, and pondered sharing Xan's observation with the druid, but decided it was not the right time. Instead she continued to follow silently.

Think that as a druid Jaheira should be able to sense presence of undead… at least to some extent.

"You have arrived," said the stranger, moving forward slightly and into the faint light. Maiyn could make out very little about her -- she was as pale as her accomplice, but she didn't cover herself up in a cloak. Instead she was dressed simply in a black tunic and trousers, and her short hair was spiky and tousled. There was a definite reddish glow to her eyes. "I had worried I may have to discipline Valen for failing to deliver my message," she continued, smiling darkly. "I am Bodhi, and I greet you warmly."

Whoa, your Bodhi is actually dressed?

Bodhi's mouth quivered in a sly smile. "Oh, I am sorry," she apologised, noting their confusion. "I have moved ahead of myself. I should outline what I intend. I know you have had an... offer of help, to rescue your friend. You are aware of the identity of the group seeking to secure your services?"

Maiyn stared dumbly at Bodhi. "Well, no," she finally admitted. Bodhi sneered at her scornfully.

It really shows that Maiyn hasn’t spent much time in Athkatla, and doesn’t have much clue about the guild wars either.

"There is a monopoly in this town, and I intend to break it," replied Bodhi calmly. "I will ask you to weaken the resources of the thieves. I am not so vain to think of them as easily destroyable, but many of their members may be persuaded to join with me." The woman paused, and regarded the looks on their faces; each carried a look of disgust. "I make no illusions about what will be required of you -- I will wish you to kill, and I will wish you to terrorise. You must determine if you have the stomach for it."

"I do not think we have any interest in your offer," replied Maiyn icily.

Bah, name me one of your quests where you did not end up killing a whole assortment of sentient creatures, this is nothing new to you!

"But I will help you find Imoen," purred the woman, stalking around them. "And I can help you find Irenicus, but not just for your reasons. I have an interest in him myself."

I never understood why she mentions this. She must be really stupid, because it immediately makes you a lot more suspicious about her motives.

Bodhi smiled slightly. "That is... unfortunate," she replied softly. "Very well, you may go. You have made an enemy here today, and like it or not, we will meet again. I will face you on my own terms, when the time comes." Without another word, she turned and disappeared into her lair, leaving the companions to stand alone amongst the dark and chilly tombs.

You’ll face Maiyn more times than you’d care for…

Yoshimo shrugged slightly. "They do not welcome independent traders, like myself, in their city. The last time they caught me, I was told to report to a man named Renal Bloodscalp in their base by the docks, or suffer the consequences. Due to our time away from here, I had not given it much thought..."

Ah, looks like you have one more sidequest to complete then.

Anomen snorted derisively. "Am I to be associated with thieves now, my lady?" he asked impatiently. "Although I wish to offer my support to your cause, following this path will make it almost insufferable for me."

Oh, didn’t know that the Order approves of you collaborating with vampires!

"My lady, this spirit is not natural," began Anomen. Maiyn waved at him, her attention taken by the presence. The boy's form looked at her, her large eyes full of sorrow. He was a halfling child, terrified and alone.

Aww… poor Wellyn… this was such a sad quest…

The figure fully faded from view, and Maiyn rose to her feet. She looked to Kivan and nodded solemnly. "I think we may have to visit our neighbours at the Copper Coronet," she remarked.

Kill him please.

How’s the NaNo going, by the way?

I like how you knit a path through assorted sidequests, and I like that you let someone have prior knowledge of Cromwell. After all, nobody would skin a dragon and then randomly hope they'd run into someone who could do something with the stuff!

Maiyn watched as Yoshimo worked his patter on the canny Ribald. She wasn't sure she believed the Kara-tuan could really manipulate the seasoned adventurer much, but the thief wanted to have an attempt, and the ranger wasn't going to stand in the way of a potentially larger profit.

Theo: I always just send Jaheira right in. I know it’s downright cruel on the merchants, but… meh.

Maiyn: Cruel, but effective I'd imagine! I would have done the same, but Yoshimo wanted something to do...

"It is a deal, my friend!" the thief exclaimed as they shook upon it. "Though it breaks my heart to let go off all this for a mere 25000 gold..."

Wow, are we really done with the pre-Spellhold part of this story then?

For one group, almost, quite, maybe.... soon!

"Come here," said Jaheira when Maiyn eventually made her way back out to the group. The druid dragged the ranger upstairs, towards the racks of armour. She pulled a suit of leather armour free from the rail and held it against Maiyn, regarding it critically. Maiyn squinted as she peered down at it, and raised her gaze back up to the druid. Xan had appeared, and was standing behind her, nodding approvingly at the choice.

It shows off her cleavage rather nicely, does it not? I’m surprised Jaheira approves.

Hah! None of that low-cut crap here The women of my group believe that armour should *cover* things, and apart from Maiyn's tendancy to wear a skirt rather than trousers (so her knees are covered in scratches and scars) you'll find no wanton displays of flesh! Well, except from Imoen on occassion...

"She only wants to protect you," noted Xan quietly.

"I know," protested Maiyn, "but I am sure there are other things we would be better getting."

Such as? Anything that helps you stay alive is useful, I say.

Maiyn: Well, she has no new armour for herself!

Maiyn stopped, and pulled on Xan's sleeve until he turned to face her. "We're friends, aren't we?"

Xan looked confused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "We are," he said, hesitantly.

You can say that safely, Xan, it doesn’t preclude you being something more than that eventually…

Xan: We're doomed. No matter what, it's doomed, we're doomed, everything is doomed.

"He will not get the chance," stated Xan gently. "I would die to protect you from suffering further at his hands, and I don't doubt that that is what will happen. If only I could smile and assure you that everything would be all right, I would. But I can't, a'maelamin; I am not that person."

Bah, why everyone can lie but not you, Xan?

Maiyn: Yeah, Xan! Why?
Xan: What's the point, though?
Maiyn: Humour me?
Xan: Nnngh.

Xan shifted uncomfortably, and shook his head. "Nothing," he mumbled, stepping back, and away from the ranger. "Come -- we must return to the others." He turned and walked away briskly, not looking back. Maiyn watched him go, her mind trying to process what he'd said, but unable to move beyond just one of his words. A'maelamin.

I imagine it means something important, but to me it just sounds like more Elven bollocks.

Means 'beloved'

The ranger changed into the heavily enchanted leather that Jaheira had found for her. In turn, her lesser enchanted armour went to Yoshimo, and Kivan picked up a set of similar quality. Anomen also benefitted from the trip, as the druid allocated enough funds for him to receive a new set of platemail, and some slightly enchanted weapons were bought to replace the normal arms that most of the party still bore. Minsc refused to part ways with Lilarcor however, and the sword was quick to make derogatory remarks about any alternative that was put on display for the berserker to examine.

I notice that as expected that silly druid didn’t buy anything for herself.

Nah, cos she's set her sights much higher than any plain store garb

"Ah, the druid does not need to buy from here!" roared Minsc merrily. "Boo has said that the scales we took from the dead dragon will make a mighty set of armour for little Jaheira!"

Theo: Little Jaheira… *chuckle*

Jaheira: Next to him, we all feel small… little Theo.

Theo: Hmm, fair point, but still… *snicker*

The half-elf grinned, and nodded at Minsc. "He is right," she affirmed. "Yoshimo knows of a man who lives by the docks; a dwarven smith, who is rumoured to have a talent for working with rare materials, to fashion them into items and equipment. He should be able to use the scales that Minsc took with him to make a fine outfit. We may not be able to afford it quite yet, but I am prepared to wait."

Umm, I hope she stays alive until then.

Jaheira's not going anywhere anytime soon After all, who else would keep the party in order?

"Hello friends." The voice was low, but it was seductive and almost soothing in tone. Maiyn immediately noticed Anomen and Yoshimo relaxing; even Minsc seemed to lower his guard. Only Xan and Kivan remained as wary as she and Jaheira. "Might I have a word here, away from the ears of others? I would impart a fine bit of business your way."

You’re a bit late, aren’t you Valen?

Valen: My sundial broke.
Maiyn: No... it's just meant to be out in the.... sun.
Valen: Ah. Well, then.

"Who is your mistress?" demanded Maiyn; she was beginning to feel uncomfortable under the relentless gaze, and the woman's roundabout words were doing no more than irritating the ranger.

"You will see when you meet her," purred Valen. "She is worthy of your trust; if you feel worthy of hers, I can lead you to her."

Yes, what a jolly atmosphere of mutual trust we have here… just as when a total stranger is offering you some candy…

As they passed under the stone arch that marked the entrance of the district, Valen turned to face them. She smiled, seemingly pleasantly enough, but Maiyn was sure she could detect some evil in her. The ranger glanced quickly to Anomen; the priest's expression was slightly glazed, his gaze lingering on the undoubtedly attractive visage of their guide. A little pale, but with large dark eyes, and lips as red as cherries, the woman had only to smile at the various human men around Maiyn to cause them to turn into distracted attendants. At least Xan and Kivan were putting up some resistance to her charm.

Bloody elves, more perfect in almost every way.

Well, I think it's more suspicion from Kivan, and depression from Xan Yoshimo and Anomen both seem like men who'd have their heads turned by pretty women, and good for them

"This is a dark place to meet this woman," whispered the druid warningly to the elf. "I sense an unnaturalness here that is disturbing to me." Maiyn nodded her agreement, and pondered sharing Xan's observation with the druid, but decided it was not the right time. Instead she continued to follow silently.

Think that as a druid Jaheira should be able to sense presence of undead… at least to some extent.

Yeah -- it's fairly obvious that something's not right. 'Hey there, come and meet my employer... in the graveyard... yeah...'

"You have arrived," said the stranger, moving forward slightly and into the faint light. Maiyn could make out very little about her -- she was as pale as her accomplice, but she didn't cover herself up in a cloak. Instead she was dressed simply in a black tunic and trousers, and her short hair was spiky and tousled. There was a definite reddish glow to her eyes. "I had worried I may have to discipline Valen for failing to deliver my message," she continued, smiling darkly. "I am Bodhi, and I greet you warmly."

Whoa, your Bodhi is actually dressed?

*cough* yes I am aware that, er, she's depicted as wearing, uh, very little in the game and stuff, but it's... uh... *twitch* not a pleasant vision for me to have, really, so in this story, she has some clothes. (I think it's her hair -- her hair always frightens me)

Bodhi's mouth quivered in a sly smile. "Oh, I am sorry," she apologised, noting their confusion. "I have moved ahead of myself. I should outline what I intend. I know you have had an... offer of help, to rescue your friend. You are aware of the identity of the group seeking to secure your services?"

Maiyn stared dumbly at Bodhi. "Well, no," she finally admitted. Bodhi sneered at her scornfully.

It really shows that Maiyn hasn’t spent much time in Athkatla, and doesn’t have much clue about the guild wars either.

Nope -- and really, why would she? There's so much she doesn't know about the area she's in, she's blindly stumbling around hoping that she'll find the lightswitch at some point. It really is good that she has someone like Jaheira with her.

"There is a monopoly in this town, and I intend to break it," replied Bodhi calmly. "I will ask you to weaken the resources of the thieves. I am not so vain to think of them as easily destroyable, but many of their members may be persuaded to join with me." The woman paused, and regarded the looks on their faces; each carried a look of disgust. "I make no illusions about what will be required of you -- I will wish you to kill, and I will wish you to terrorise. You must determine if you have the stomach for it."

"I do not think we have any interest in your offer," replied Maiyn icily.

Bah, name me one of your quests where you did not end up killing a whole assortment of sentient creatures, this is nothing new to you!

Maiyn: Uh... *sits* Hmm. Well.... er. Hrm... I'm sure there was something we did that didn't involve copious bloodshed!
Jaheira: We rescued Melicamp.
Maiyn: Yeah! We rescued the chicken-boy! And we only had to kill a skeleton -- and it wasn't really killing, more like putting him to rest...

"But I will help you find Imoen," purred the woman, stalking around them. "And I can help you find Irenicus, but not just for your reasons. I have an interest in him myself."

I never understood why she mentions this. She must be really stupid, because it immediately makes you a lot more suspicious about her motives.

Yep -- which sort of fits here, because it gives Maiyn the perfect reason to pull away completely from her offer, if she hadn't already done so.

Bodhi smiled slightly. "That is... unfortunate," she replied softly. "Very well, you may go. You have made an enemy here today, and like it or not, we will meet again. I will face you on my own terms, when the time comes." Without another word, she turned and disappeared into her lair, leaving the companions to stand alone amongst the dark and chilly tombs.

You’ll face Maiyn more times than you’d care for…

Oh yes

Yoshimo shrugged slightly. "They do not welcome independent traders, like myself, in their city. The last time they caught me, I was told to report to a man named Renal Bloodscalp in their base by the docks, or suffer the consequences. Due to our time away from here, I had not given it much thought..."

Ah, looks like you have one more sidequest to complete then.

*cough* Maaaybeeeeee!

Anomen snorted derisively. "Am I to be associated with thieves now, my lady?" he asked impatiently. "Although I wish to offer my support to your cause, following this path will make it almost insufferable for me."

Oh, didn’t know that the Order approves of you collaborating with vampires!

Anomen: *splutter*

"My lady, this spirit is not natural," began Anomen. Maiyn waved at him, her attention taken by the presence. The boy's form looked at her, her large eyes full of sorrow. He was a halfling child, terrified and alone.

Aww… poor Wellyn… this was such a sad quest…

*nods* The game designers really know how to pull on heartstrings -- a little halfling boy who was murdered and his killer took his teddy As the mother of a (newly turned) four year old who has a teddy he adores, I find it REALLY hard not to do this quest, even with an evil party.

The figure fully faded from view, and Maiyn rose to her feet. She looked to Kivan and nodded solemnly. "I think we may have to visit our neighbours at the Copper Coronet," she remarked.

Kill him please.

Kivan: Oh, we will.

How’s the NaNo going, by the way?

*weeps* 26k words, which is slower than I expected -- but bearing in mind that this is with minimal editing, a week off on 'holiday', a boy's birthday party, job hunting and the associated woe... well, it's getting there I'm still above the 'pace', but I really need to be, because the closer it gets to the end of the month, the less time I'll have!

And forgot to say it initially, but -- thanks for reading and commenting!

I like how you knit a path through assorted sidequests, and I like that you let someone have prior knowledge of Cromwell. After all, nobody would skin a dragon and then randomly hope they'd run into someone who could do something with the stuff!

Hehehe -- I don't have the patience to write out all the sidequest stuff in individual segments, but I don't want to miss out on too much, so... it sort of just naturally all works its way together -- I wrote the Drow part of this a day or two ago, and when I finished, I amazed myself at how it all managed to twist itself neatly together without being 'get quest, leave city, return, get quest, leave city, return'.

And yeah -- Minsc might know of the potential they;'d have, but of the assembled crew, Yoshimo's the most likely to know of where to find someone capable of pulling out that potential -- when I was writing it, though, I almost completely forgot about picking them up again Which would have been rather embarrasing..

Thanks for reading and commenting!