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Amber&emerald: Chapter 29


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#1 Nimloth

Posted 03 April 2018 - 03:13 PM

Hello, dearest readers! Our heroes finally meet the Shadowmaster himself. Enjoy! Please read and comment *smile*

*********************

...I've been watching
I've been waiting
In the shadows for my time…(The Rasmus, “In the shadows”)

*******************

CHAPTER 29

 

Gaelan Bayle was exactly as Meg remembered him: a sneaky man with a slimy smile and slimy manners. "I’m pleased to meet ye again, ladies and gentlemen", he said when they entered his house, "For a short while, I was worried that ye may’ve accepted...Another offer". "You mean, you feared that we could have sided with the Vampires?", the Ilmatari said and when he paled she knew she had hit the mark.

 

"Vampires? I’ve no idea of what ye mean, me dear", he replied, feigning ignorance. "She’s not your dear, wretch!", Anomen growled, startling Bayle. "Uh...All right, all right, I take that back", the Shadow Thief shrugged, "No need ta get all worked up, lad, I was just tryin’ to be kind to the lass".

 

Margaret Dawn cleared her throat, "Let’s get back to the point, can we? Your nephew said you wanted to sweeten the deal. How substantial a discount will we get?". Gaelan chuckled, "Ye waste no time in idle chat, uh? That’s fine by me. New deal is fifteen thousand golds, a reasonable price, don’t ye think?". "Well, since you’re asking, no, I think it’s a Godsdamned blackmail of the lowest sort, but I have no choice anyway".

 

He grinned and tried to take the blue-dyed leather money pouch, but she kept him at arm’s length with her left, while she passed it to Jaheira with her right. "Forget it, Bayle: information first, money later. Where is Imoen?". He opened his arms apologetically, "I dunno, lass. I’m only the contact who can send you to the one who knows it".

 

"Is that so? Then tell me his name and we’ll talk directly to him". "I cannae do that, sorry. Me boss was clear ‘bout that. Ye gimme the gold and I send you to him". She clenched her fists tightly in anger and her eyes flashed golden for a moment, but then she relaxed and turned to the Half-Elf, who was already taking five thousand gold coins out of the pouch, "Give him the money".

 

The druidess complied and Bayle greedily checked the content before nodding. "Good, good. Take this key", he gave the Ilmatari a black key with a strange spiralling shape, "It opens a door in the main guildbase in the Docks, it’s hidden in the North-eastern wall of the base floor. Just so ye know, ye’re gonna meet Aran Linvail". Yoshimo started and his almond-shaped obsidian eyes grew larger with shock and a hint of fear, "Linvail? The Shadowmaster of Amn himself?", he gulped.

 

Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What’s wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He’s not just a man, Meg: he’s the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He’s one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he’s secretly part of the Council of Six".

 

Anomen couldn’t help himself, "So now we’ll even have to work for one of the worst criminals of the whole nation? I’m getting really tired of having to...", he began, but he cut himself off at seeing his leader’s face fall. "I...I understand", Meg murmured sadly, looking at her feet and toying with her Ring, "And I won’t ask you to come along, if you don’t want to. That goes for all of you. It’s not a problem, really, I will manage somehow".

 

"Meg, I’m sorry. I have no intention to leave, not now, nor ever: I will stand by your side as long as you want me to", he hastily said, mentally kicking himself in the backside, "I was just...Well...A bit surprised, that’s all". The young woman shot him a hopeful look, "So you will stay? Really?". "I will never leave your side, my lady, rest assured", Anomen said with a warm smile and she relaxed.

 

"Good", she turned to the others, "And you guys?". Jaheira cuffed her on the head as usual, "Don’t waste precious time with useless questions, child: you know perfectly well that we’re not going anywhere". Minsc nodded, "Jaheira is right! Minsc and Boo won’t leave little Meg to kick Evil’s backside all by herself!". "I won’t abandon you either, Meg", Aerie agreed, "You’ve been a good friend to me and I will help you any way I can".

 

"I’m coming along too", the Red Wizard said, "We all know that you wouldn’t go far without me and my astounding powers (And I don’t want her to be hurt...No! I can’t say that!)". Meg smiled fondly at him, "Of course, where would I go without the greatest Red Wizard of all Toril by my side?", she replied and he beamed.

 

"You gave me my freedom back and saved my life and for that, I will forever be grateful to you", Yoshimo slipped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a brief hug, "My katana and my bow are yours, my friend". "Thank you, all of you", the Human girl felt a lump in her throat at her friends’ loyalty, "So, if you are ready, I think we can go to the Docks and meet this infamous Shadowmaster".

*******************

 

The secret door and the short flight of stairs behind it led them to a room filled to the brim of Shadow Thieves and the adventurers looked around in search of someone to ask for directions, when a courtesan approached Meg with a seductive smile on her red-painted lips.

 

"Uhmm, you are that Margaret Dawn girl Aran is waiting for, aren’t you?", the stranger purred, sliding her hands up the Painbearer’s chest, "My, my, you’re pretty...". In an instant, Anomen put himself between the two women and roughly shoved the courtesan back, "Keep your hands off of my Meg!", he snapped, "She’s not for the likes of you to paw at!".

 

The stranger narrowed her eyes dangerously, "Oh, you will pay for this, Aran will make sure of it!". The Ilmatari hastily intervened to avoid trouble, "Please, miss, forgive my friend, he didn’t mean to be rude", she said, "Maybe this Ruby necklace can make you forget this little incident?". The courtesan took the proffered necklace and after inspecting it critically, nodded and slipped it into a pocket of her too revealing dress, "Fine, for this time I will be merciful".

 

"Thank you, miss. Now, can you please tell us where we can find the Shadowmaster?". "He’s in his room, just take that door in the front wall and follow the corridor, darling. I’m finished with him...For now", she added with a horribly fake coquettish giggle. "Thanks and sorry again. Let’s go, guys", Meg said.

 

As soon as they were in the relative privacy of the corridor, she grabbed the Helmite’s arm, "Please don’t do something like that again". He blushed, mortified, "I’m so sorry, I just wanted to...". "To protect me, yes, I know, but acting like that can only put all of us in danger. I very much appreciate your care, but unless you see me in real trouble, let me handle it by myself, okay?".

 

"As you wish. And I’m glad you’re not mad at me for that mistake". "Of course I’m not", she smiled and impulsively brushed a strand of hair back from his eyes, letting her hand slide down his cheek in a soft caress, "There, much better". He caught her hand in his and his pulse quickened as he felt himself drowning in her emerald-green eyes, "Meg...".

 

The moment was shattered by Edwin, who cleared his throat loud enough to startle them both, "Are we going to stand here all day? I thought we had a Shadowmaster to meet and an insufferably cheerful pink-haired brat to rescue (And a wizard to kill, of course. I wonder if she would resurrect him afterwards, so that I could kill him again...)".

 

The young woman shook her head, grinning, "Sorry, but you know full well that I could never do that: my Lord Ilmater wouldn’t approve of it", she replied, opening the door to Linvail’s room and when they saw the chamber, they all stared in wonder.

 

The walls were decorated with beautiful and very expensive paintings and tapestries, a huge marble bathtub bubbled softly in the left corner, the floor was covered by a fine Calishite carpet, a bed with silken sheets and comfy pillows stood against the farthest wall next to a splendidly carved mahogany desk with a luxurious armchair and a big shelf full of books completed the furniture.

 

In the centre of it all stood Aran Linvail himself: he was one point seventy-three metres tall, with a lean and agile body highlighted by his tight-fitting blue velvet tunic and his matching trousers, he had short flame-red hair and feline turquoise eyes which carefully studied his guests, "Welcome, I was waiting for you", he said with a polite smile, "As you may already know, I am Aran Linvail".

 

Meg bowed slightly, returning his smile, "Greetings, Shadowmaster, I am Margaret Dawn and these are my trusted friends: Jaheira, Edwin, Minsc with Boo, Anomen, Yoshimo and Aerie. I suppose you know why we are here so, if you don’t mind, I would like to skip right to talking business". He chuckled, "Straight to the point, uh? I appreciate that. You are a very capable party and I propose an exchange of services".

 

Her smile vanished and her lips pressed in a thin line, "We’ve already paid a high amount of money for your help. Isn’t that enough?". Linvail did his best to look apologetic, "I’m sorry if you feel you’ve been wronged. I assure you, the money you have given us will be put to good use, but the problem is that things like this require time. There are still some...Minor points to address and there’s where your service will be needed.

 

Now, first of all, you will be rewarded for your gold: these enchanted items are yours", he said, handing her a grey cloth purse. Margaret Dawn took it and passed it to Edwin, but her eyes remained fixed on the Shadowmaster, "I suppose the “minor points” you’re talking about concern the rival guild, which is slaughtering your thieves night after night".

 

Aran nodded, "You’re very perceptive, I see. Yes, I regret having to ask, but this guild war...It’s a real hindrance for both of us". "So what do you want us to do?". "I want you to go to the dock number five tonight and protect the goods as well as my employees: recently, some of our shipments have simply vanished, along with the crew. Take note of anything wrong and report to me in the morning. Your contact is a woman named Mook".

 

The Ilmatari nodded, "We’ll do it. But only out of curiosity, how many of these errands will we have to do? If you want to get rid of the Vampires...". He couldn’t help starting, "Vampires? How do you know?". She shrugged, "I saw the marks on one of your dead thieves’ neck, there could be no mistaking them. Besides, we’ve been accosted by a woman who said that her mistress would meet us in the Graveyard only after sunset: the most obvious giveaway ever, don’t you agree?

 

Anyway, if you want to get rid of them, why don’t you simply send your men to kill this “mistress”?". He frowned, "We don’t know where they hide". "They’re Vampires, where else could they hide? Come to think of it, when Edwin and I went to the lower tombs, we saw a pair of big doors, made of blue stone and covered in runes", she added pensively, "The Vampires’ lair could be behind those doors".

 

Jaheira intervened, "Why in Silvanus’ name did you go there, child?", she asked sharply, then she turned to glare at the Thayan, "You’d better have had a very good reason to drag her down there without us, wizard!". Edwin hesitated, he really didn’t want to talk about the Nether Scroll ever again in his life, "I, er...Of course I had a good reason, you obnoxious Harper harpy! (I always have a good reason for what I do!)". "And what would that be?". "It, uh...".

 

"We were looking for an ancient artefact", the Painbearer said, "But what does it matter now? We can go there right now, kick the doors open and slay every single Vampire we meet, case closed". Minsc nodded with a bright smile, "Now little Meg talks like a true Rashemi! Boo and I are so proud!", he exclaimed and his hamster squeaked loudly in agreement. "Aaww, thank you, guys!", Meg smiled back, then turned to Linvail, "What do you think of this plan?".

 

The Shadowmaster crossed his arms on his chest, "I still want you to protect my shipment", he replied decisively. She pursed her lips, trying to keep her rising temper in check, "All right, all right, we’ll go to the dock number five tonight. But since it’s still five hours to the sunset, I suggest we take a look at the doors in the Graveyard anyway. Just a quick look, we won’t fight if we can avoid it", she assured him.

 

"It’s fine by me, as long as you do your job". Arrogant, bossy Godsdamned son of a macaque! If he doesn’t keep his end of the bargain, I’ll rip his heart out and feed it to the crows!, she thought angrily, but forced herself to smile, "Then we’ll see you in the morning. Good evening, Shadowmaster", she bowed and led her friends outside the building.

 

While walking, they were accosted by a lanky man wearing the silver-lined black robe of Cyric’s priesthood, who fixed his hallucinated gaze on the Ilmatari. "You! Kneel, worm and pray that Cyric allows you to become one of His worshippers! Repudiate any false God you worship now and embrace the Prince of Lies in all His majesty!", the old madman bellowed and she took a step back, taken off-balance.

 

"What if we were already worshippers of the Black Sun?", Yoshimo said smoothly to the stranger, placing himself by Meg’s side, "You’re preaching to His followers, good sir". The mad priest immediately calmed down at that, "Really, you are? Oh, good, good. Have a nice day then!", he smiled blissfully and left, muttering to himself.

 

Margaret Dawn let out a sigh of relief and smiled, "Bless Ilmater for your quick thinking, sensei. Thank you". "Anytime, sekai no hikari", the Kara-Turan replied, smiling back, "Shall we?". "Sure. And while we’re at it, I think we’d better buy some stakes and some Holy Water, just in case". Jaheira gave her a light shove, "Then stop wasting time and get going, child: the Sun won’t slow down just for you!". "I know, I know".

*******************

 

The Graveyard District was deserted, so the party could easily slip into a secret door leading to the lower tombs and reach the blue stone doors. Meg asked Yoshimo to check for traps and after a careful inspection, the bounty hunter took out his tools and started working on the left jamb, his lips pursed in annoyance. "This trap looks like it’s been built by a child", he muttered, "I could build a better one even in my sleep! These Vampires are such amateurs. Ah! Done".

 

"Good. Minsc, Anomen, open them". The two men obediently grabbed a leaf each and pulled, then they pushed, but to no avail. "Sorry, little Meg, but this evil doors don’t want to open up!", the Rashemi apologized. "They could be magically locked (Or maybe those two gorillas are nothing but weaklings)", Edwin commented, "May I take a look at those runes, Meg?". She nodded, "Sure, go ahead".

 

He approached the doors and followed the carvings with his long and slender fingers as far as he could, "I was right (No surprise there, of course) There is a magical barrier locking them. I can dispel it, but your strength won’t suffice anyway. We will need at least a Flesh Golem for that". The Painbearer bit her lower lip, "A Flesh Golem, eh? Can you summon one?". The Red Wizard shook his head, "I loathe admitting this, but I can’t: I’ve never learnt that spell (Mostly because I’ve never needed having another brainless meatbag around!)".

 

"Aerie, what about you?". The Avariel shuffled her feet, "I’m sorry, Meg, I can’t summon it either". "Rats in a basket!", Meg swore, "Okay, where could we find that spell?". "I don’t know. There was a woman at the Adventurer’s Mart selling magic scrolls, but she didn’t have it". "Great, just great. Bah, no matter, we’ll tell Linvail that we need that stupid scroll and he’ll get it for us.

 

After all, it’s in his interest to give us a way to get into the Vampires’ lair", she said with a careless shrug, "Let’s go back to the inn and have dinner, I’m hungry". Aerie hesitated, "But we are awaited at the docks...". "Yeah, well, I can’t play watchdog for that Godsdamned shipment with an empty stomach.

 

And we still have some time before the meeting, anyway". "All right...". "Relax, it’s not like they have really need of our protection: Linvail is just having fun at ordering us around, the self-important, bossy, flea-infested lesser ape", the Ilmatari said and her friends looked at her with raised eyebrows, "What? He is!".

 

Jaheira sighed, "Just make sure not to let it slip in his presence, child". "Nah, I won’t tell it to his face...As long as we need his help, at least. Afterwards, well, I can’t make any promises", the Human girl said with an impish grin and the druidess shook her head. "I knew that this Thayan would be a bad influence on you", she commented and Edwin actually looked very smug at hearing that, especially when Margaret Dawn replied. "Personally, I think his influence on me is more than good, Jae.

 

And just to make things clear, I’m never ever ever gonna kick my best friend out of the party, so forget about it". Jaheira’s eyes went wide with disbelief, "Your what?!?". "Your heard me perfectly well. Can we just go now? Because I’m starving and I really don’t want to resort to eating Giant Spider meat for dinner".


Edited by Nimloth, 05 April 2018 - 04:36 PM.


#2 Theodur

Posted 05 April 2018 - 02:40 PM

 

Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What’s wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He’s not just a man, Meg: he’s the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He’s one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he’s secretly part of the Council of Six".

 

 

I wouldn't worry too much, he'll probably shrink and cover in fear before this group, like they all do. :)

 

That goes for all of you. It’s not a problem, really, I will manage somehow". Edwin slammed his heel on the Helmite’s foot, hissing, "There, I hope you’re happy, you brainless scale-plated monkey: you have upset her with your foolish goody-two-shoes babbling! (If only I could Fireball him...) Now apologize, before I roast you!".

 

The knight glared at the Thayan, but he knew his companion was right, so he nodded, "Meg, I’m sorry. I have no intention to leave, not now, nor ever: I will stand by your side as long as you want me to. I was just...Well...A bit surprised, that’s all". The young woman shot him a hopeful look, "So you will stay? Really?". "I will never leave your side, my lady, rest assured", Anomen said with a warm smile and she relaxed.

 

 

Meg sounded a bit like Aerie here. Though I'm probably most shocked about Edwin caring about her poor feelings getting all upset.

 

"Uhmm, you are that Margaret Dawn girl Aran is waiting for, aren’t you?", the stranger purred, sliding her hands up the Painbearer’s chest, "My, my, you’re pretty...". In an instant, Anomen put himself between the two women and roughly shoved the courtesan back, "Keep your hands off of my Meg!", he snapped, "She’s not for the likes of you to paw at!".

 

 

Wow. Meg's really having a bit of a Mary Sue day, I have to say. :(

 

The young woman shook her head, grinning, "Sorry, but you know full well that I could never do that: my Lord Ilmater wouldn’t approve of it", she replied, opening the door to Linvail’s room and when they saw the chamber, they all stared in wonder.

 

 

Well, I'm glad that Ilmater has at least some standards. :)

 

In the centre of it all stood Aran Linvail himself: he was one point seventy-three metres tall, with a lean and agile body highlighted by his tight-fitting blue velvet tunic and his matching trousers, he had short flame-red hair and feline turquoise eyes which carefully studied his guests, "Welcome, I was waiting for you", he said with a polite smile, "As you may already know, I am Aran Linvail".

 

 

There Meg goes with the measuring tape again... that must be pretty awkward for all those men. :D

 

The Ilmatari nodded, "We’ll do it. But only out of curiosity, how many of these errands will we have to do? If you want to get rid of the Vampires...". He couldn’t help starting, "Vampires? How do you know?". She shrugged, "I saw the marks on one of your dead thieves’ neck, there could be no mistaking them. Besides, we’ve been accosted by a woman who said that her mistress would meet us in the Graveyard only after sunset: the most obvious giveaway ever, don’t you agree?

 

 

I think anyone who's been out on Athkatla's streets during night would pretty much know what's going on...

 

Anyway, if you want to get rid of them, why don’t you simply send your men to kill this “mistress”?". He frowned, "We don’t know where they hide". "They’re Vampires, where else could they hide? Come to think of it, when Edwin and I went to the lower tombs, we saw a pair of big doors, made of blue stone and covered in runes", she added pensively, "The Vampires’ lair could be behind those doors".

 

 

I think the 'spy' part is kinda completely lost on these thieves and their leader.

 

He approached the doors and followed the carvings with his long and slender fingers as far as he could, "I was right (No surprise there, of course) There is a magical barrier locking them. I can dispel it, but your strength won’t suffice anyway. We will need at least a Flesh Golem for that". The Painbearer bit her lower lip, "A Flesh Golem, eh? Can you summon one?". The Red Wizard shook his head, "I loathe admitting this, but I can’t: I’ve never learnt that spell (Mostly because I’ve never needed having another brainless meatbag around!)".

 

 

Wow. And here I thought you were a CONJURER, Edwin. What a sad display. ;)

 

And we still have some time before the meeting, anyway". "All right...". "Relax, it’s not like they have really need of our protection: Linvail is just having fun at ordering us around, the self-important, bossy, flea-infested lesser ape", the Ilmatari said and her friends looked at her with raised eyebrows, "What? He is!".

 

 

I guess some thieves will now die horribly. Oh well, having a nourishing dinner is more important, right? Wonder if Ilmater has some rules about that or something...

 

Jaheira sighed, "Just make sure not to let it slip in his presence, child". "Nah, I won’t tell it to his face...As long as we need his help, at least. Afterwards, well, I can’t make any promises", the Human girl said with an impish grin and the druidess shook her head. "I knew that this Thayan would be a bad influence on you", she commented and Edwin actually looked very smug at hearing that, especially when Margaret Dawn replied. "Personally, I think his influence on me is more than good, Jae.

 

And just to make things clear, I’m never ever ever gonna kick my best friend out of the party, so forget about it". Jaheira’s eyes went wide with disbelief, "Your what?!?". "Your heard me perfectly well. Can we just go now? Because I’m starving and I really don’t want to resort to eating Giant Spider meat for dinner".

 

 

Well, there's no accounting for taste in friends, I suppose. Even if they are getting along, I don't think Edwin's ego needs all that stroking Meg is doing. The only way to tolerate Edwin is to kick him in the balls repeatedly until he becomes humble.

Nice chapter, and thanks for commenting on Angels again. I've no idea what Leah's alignment might be. Whatever it is, it's going to change over the course of the story anyway. And I'm glad to hear that Jan's stories are already having the intended effect on the readers. (If I knew how to insert evil grin smiley here I would do that.)

 

 


 

 


The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold


#3 Nimloth

Posted 05 April 2018 - 03:46 PM

 

 

Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What’s wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He’s not just a man, Meg: he’s the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He’s one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he’s secretly part of the Council of Six".

 

 

I wouldn't worry too much, he'll probably shrink and cover in fear before this group, like they all do. :)

 

Hehe, well, he will have a bit of a scare in the next chapter: Painbearer or not, it's never a good idea to anger a Bhaalspawn :smile:

 

That goes for all of you. It’s not a problem, really, I will manage somehow". Edwin slammed his heel on the Helmite’s foot, hissing, "There, I hope you’re happy, you brainless scale-plated monkey: you have upset her with your foolish goody-two-shoes babbling! (If only I could Fireball him...) Now apologize, before I roast you!".

 

The knight glared at the Thayan, but he knew his companion was right, so he nodded, "Meg, I’m sorry. I have no intention to leave, not now, nor ever: I will stand by your side as long as you want me to. I was just...Well...A bit surprised, that’s all". The young woman shot him a hopeful look, "So you will stay? Really?". "I will never leave your side, my lady, rest assured", Anomen said with a warm smile and she relaxed.

 

 

Meg sounded a bit like Aerie here. Though I'm probably most shocked about Edwin caring about her poor feelings getting all upset.

 

Yes, her lines here were quite Aerie-y, but in her defence, Ano's outburst upset her a lot. As for Eddie, I will cut off his dialogue and change that part to make it feel less Sue-ish

 

"Uhmm, you are that Margaret Dawn girl Aran is waiting for, aren’t you?", the stranger purred, sliding her hands up the Painbearer’s chest, "My, my, you’re pretty...". In an instant, Anomen put himself between the two women and roughly shoved the courtesan back, "Keep your hands off of my Meg!", he snapped, "She’s not for the likes of you to paw at!".

 

 

Wow. Meg's really having a bit of a Mary Sue day, I have to say. :(

 

I know, this chapter needs some cleaning up for sure. Though the courtesan hitting on the PC is something that actually happens in the game, even if the PC is female and I decided to keep it to have Ano go all "hands off of my girl!" on the courtesan

 

The young woman shook her head, grinning, "Sorry, but you know full well that I could never do that: my Lord Ilmater wouldn’t approve of it", she replied, opening the door to Linvail’s room and when they saw the chamber, they all stared in wonder.

 

 

Well, I'm glad that Ilmater has at least some standards. :)

 

Hehe,  I think His standards are pretty low, considering that He still accepts Meg as a cleric...I'm not sure how long it will last, though, with her late behaviour ;-)

 

In the centre of it all stood Aran Linvail himself: he was one point seventy-three metres tall, with a lean and agile body highlighted by his tight-fitting blue velvet tunic and his matching trousers, he had short flame-red hair and feline turquoise eyes which carefully studied his guests, "Welcome, I was waiting for you", he said with a polite smile, "As you may already know, I am Aran Linvail".

 

 

There Meg goes with the measuring tape again... that must be pretty awkward for all those men. :D

 

LOL, I don't know, maybe they like being measured by a hot chick, especially when ti comes to "certain areas"...

 

The Ilmatari nodded, "We’ll do it. But only out of curiosity, how many of these errands will we have to do? If you want to get rid of the Vampires...". He couldn’t help starting, "Vampires? How do you know?". She shrugged, "I saw the marks on one of your dead thieves’ neck, there could be no mistaking them. Besides, we’ve been accosted by a woman who said that her mistress would meet us in the Graveyard only after sunset: the most obvious giveaway ever, don’t you agree?

 

 

I think anyone who's been out on Athkatla's streets during night would pretty much know what's going on...

 

Yes, even without witnessing one of the attacks, it's quite obvious that Vampires are involved

 

Anyway, if you want to get rid of them, why don’t you simply send your men to kill this “mistress”?". He frowned, "We don’t know where they hide". "They’re Vampires, where else could they hide? Come to think of it, when Edwin and I went to the lower tombs, we saw a pair of big doors, made of blue stone and covered in runes", she added pensively, "The Vampires’ lair could be behind those doors".

 

 

I think the 'spy' part is kinda completely lost on these thieves and their leader.

 

Even since my fisrt play-through, I've always wondered why Linvail wants the party to find out evidence about the Vampires' lair location: I mean, honestly, where else could it be, if not in the Graveyard?

 

He approached the doors and followed the carvings with his long and slender fingers as far as he could, "I was right (No surprise there, of course) There is a magical barrier locking them. I can dispel it, but your strength won’t suffice anyway. We will need at least a Flesh Golem for that". The Painbearer bit her lower lip, "A Flesh Golem, eh? Can you summon one?". The Red Wizard shook his head, "I loathe admitting this, but I can’t: I’ve never learnt that spell (Mostly because I’ve never needed having another brainless meatbag around!)".

 

 

Wow. And here I thought you were a CONJURER, Edwin. What a sad display. ;)

 

Poor Eddie, it surely wasn't one of his best moments! Being a fanfic, I could have easily given him the spell that the game denies him, but I really wanted to make that joke about the "brainless meatbag"xD

 

And we still have some time before the meeting, anyway". "All right...". "Relax, it’s not like they have really need of our protection: Linvail is just having fun at ordering us around, the self-important, bossy, flea-infested lesser ape", the Ilmatari said and her friends looked at her with raised eyebrows, "What? He is!".

 

 

I guess some thieves will now die horribly. Oh well, having a nourishing dinner is more important, right? Wonder if Ilmater has some rules about that or something...

 

Well, fighting with an empty stomach is not pleasant for anyone, but the truth is that she's being a bitch because Linvail grated on her nerves. Not to worry, though, they will be in time to avoid a slaughter of thieves :smile:

 

Jaheira sighed, "Just make sure not to let it slip in his presence, child". "Nah, I won’t tell it to his face...As long as we need his help, at least. Afterwards, well, I can’t make any promises", the Human girl said with an impish grin and the druidess shook her head. "I knew that this Thayan would be a bad influence on you", she commented and Edwin actually looked very smug at hearing that, especially when Margaret Dawn replied. "Personally, I think his influence on me is more than good, Jae.

 

And just to make things clear, I’m never ever ever gonna kick my best friend out of the party, so forget about it". Jaheira’s eyes went wide with disbelief, "Your what?!?". "Your heard me perfectly well. Can we just go now? Because I’m starving and I really don’t want to resort to eating Giant Spider meat for dinner".

 

 

Well, there's no accounting for taste in friends, I suppose. Even if they are getting along, I don't think Edwin's ego needs all that stroking Meg is doing. The only way to tolerate Edwin is to kick him in the balls repeatedly until he becomes humble.

Nice chapter, and thanks for commenting on Angels again. I've no idea what Leah's alignment might be. Whatever it is, it's going to change over the course of the story anyway. And I'm glad to hear that Jan's stories are already having the intended effect on the readers. (If I knew how to insert evil grin smiley here I would do that.)

 

Haha, yes, Meg is making Edwin's ego swell so much that sooner or later it will need a separate room! And that's precisely why he likes her :smile:

Thanks for the review! *smile*

 


Edited by Nimloth, 05 April 2018 - 04:38 PM.


#4 Nimloth

Posted 05 April 2018 - 04:47 PM

Post scriptum: I have changed the part about the meeting with Gaelan Bayle, cutting off Eddie's lines and I have made Anomen realize on his own that he had once again put his foot in his mouth. You know, considering how often he does that, I think he should be a contortionist, instead of a warrior-cleric, hehe ;-)

Thank you for pointing out the Sueism, I hope the chapter is now "Sue-free" *smile*



#5 Theodur

Posted 05 April 2018 - 07:14 PM

Post scriptum: I have changed the part about the meeting with Gaelan Bayle, cutting off Eddie's lines and I have made Anomen realize on his own that he had once again put his foot in his mouth. You know, considering how often he does that, I think he should be a contortionist, instead of a warrior-cleric, hehe ;-)

Thank you for pointing out the Sueism, I hope the chapter is now "Sue-free" *smile*

 

Nice job, I really like that Anomen doesn't need Edwin's help, of all people, to understand that he's being a doofus. :)


The future teaches you to be alone
The present to be afraid and cold


#6 Laufey

Posted 17 April 2018 - 07:24 PM

 

 

Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What’s wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He’s not just a man, Meg: he’s the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He’s one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he’s secretly part of the Council of Six".

 

You should ask him for his autograph Yoshimo, it could fetch a nice prize, or else it could be used for forgery in a pinch!

 

"Uhmm, you are that Margaret Dawn girl Aran is waiting for, aren’t you?", the stranger purred, sliding her hands up the Painbearer’s chest, "My, my, you’re pretty...". In an instant, Anomen put himself between the two women and roughly shoved the courtesan back, "Keep your hands off of my Meg!", he snapped, "She’s not for the likes of you to paw at!".

Well intentioned, but not perhaps the best move to make under the circumstances. 

 

As soon as they were in the relative privacy of the corridor, she grabbed the Helmite’s arm, "Please don’t do something like that again". He blushed, mortified, "I’m so sorry, I just wanted to...". "To protect me, yes, I know, but acting like that can only put all of us in danger. I very much appreciate your care, but unless you see me in real trouble, let me handle it by myself, okay?".

Just wait until you get to the Drow city Ano, you'll really be tested there. 

 

Anyway, if you want to get rid of them, why don’t you simply send your men to kill this “mistress”?". He frowned, "We don’t know where they hide". "They’re Vampires, where else could they hide? Come to think of it, when Edwin and I went to the lower tombs, we saw a pair of big doors, made of blue stone and covered in runes", she added pensively, "The Vampires’ lair could be behind those doors".

Very true, you'd really think a supposedly clever and sneaky guildmaster would have been capable of figuring this out on his own. 

 

And we still have some time before the meeting, anyway". "All right...". "Relax, it’s not like they have really need of our protection: Linvail is just having fun at ordering us around, the self-important, bossy, flea-infested lesser ape", the Ilmatari said and her friends looked at her with raised eyebrows, "What? He is!".

 

Jaheira sighed, "Just make sure not to let it slip in his presence, child". "Nah, I won’t tell it to his face...As long as we need his help, at least. Afterwards, well, I can’t make any promises", the Human girl said with an impish grin and the druidess shook her head. "I knew that this Thayan would be a bad influence on you", she commented and Edwin actually looked very smug at hearing that, especially when Margaret Dawn replied. "Personally, I think his influence on me is more than good, Jae.

I'm sure it is, as long as you don't let him talk you into getting one of those hideous noserings!

 

 


Rogues do it from behind.

#7 Nimloth

Posted 18 April 2018 - 02:30 PM

 

 

 

Meg put a hand on his shoulder, worried, "What’s wrong, sensei? Do you know this man?". "He’s not just a man, Meg: he’s the master of the Shadow Thieves of all Amn", the bounty hunter explained, "He’s one of the most powerful, dangerous and influential men of all Faerun. Some even say he’s secretly part of the Council of Six".

 

You should ask him for his autograph Yoshimo, it could fetch a nice prize, or else it could be used for forgery in a pinch!

 

LOL, I can just see Yoshi putting Linvail's autograph on auction on E-bay. It would surely sell better than Elminster's, or Drizzt's

 

"Uhmm, you are that Margaret Dawn girl Aran is waiting for, aren’t you?", the stranger purred, sliding her hands up the Painbearer’s chest, "My, my, you’re pretty...". In an instant, Anomen put himself between the two women and roughly shoved the courtesan back, "Keep your hands off of my Meg!", he snapped, "She’s not for the likes of you to paw at!".

Well intentioned, but not perhaps the best move to make under the circumstances. 

 

Ano is quite the jealous type, so he couldn't help himself, even if a part of him knew it was a bit foolish to react like that. Thankfully Meg likes it when he goes on full "jealous-boyfriend mode" :-)

 

As soon as they were in the relative privacy of the corridor, she grabbed the Helmite’s arm, "Please don’t do something like that again". He blushed, mortified, "I’m so sorry, I just wanted to...". "To protect me, yes, I know, but acting like that can only put all of us in danger. I very much appreciate your care, but unless you see me in real trouble, let me handle it by myself, okay?".

Just wait until you get to the Drow city Ano, you'll really be tested there. 

 

Oh, yes, he will have to bite his tongue a lot when they get there! I will not go easy on the poor boy *evil grin*

Anyway, if you want to get rid of them, why don’t you simply send your men to kill this “mistress”?". He frowned, "We don’t know where they hide". "They’re Vampires, where else could they hide? Come to think of it, when Edwin and I went to the lower tombs, we saw a pair of big doors, made of blue stone and covered in runes", she added pensively, "The Vampires’ lair could be behind those doors".

Very true, you'd really think a supposedly clever and sneaky guildmaster would have been capable of figuring this out on his own. 

 

 Yes, I've always found it strange in the game, because let's face it, they're Vampires. Is there a more obvious place in the city for them to hide? The only reason I can find for this is the same that Meg thinks of: that Linvail is having fun at ordering them around.

And we still have some time before the meeting, anyway". "All right...". "Relax, it’s not like they have really need of our protection: Linvail is just having fun at ordering us around, the self-important, bossy, flea-infested lesser ape", the Ilmatari said and her friends looked at her with raised eyebrows, "What? He is!".

 

Jaheira sighed, "Just make sure not to let it slip in his presence, child". "Nah, I won’t tell it to his face...As long as we need his help, at least. Afterwards, well, I can’t make any promises", the Human girl said with an impish grin and the druidess shook her head. "I knew that this Thayan would be a bad influence on you", she commented and Edwin actually looked very smug at hearing that, especially when Margaret Dawn replied. "Personally, I think his influence on me is more than good, Jae.

I'm sure it is, as long as you don't let him talk you into getting one of those hideous noserings!

 

Haha, not to worry, she will never get one, because she knows that her brother wouldn't like it. Though on Edwin it doesn't look that bad...

Thanks for the review! *smile*

 






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