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Songs Left Unsung Part 3


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#1 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 11 August 2003 - 12:16 AM

Well, here's the next chapter. A couple of things to say: firstly since this is primarily a story about Garrick and not a BG2 walkthrough I won't be covering many of the quests in much detail. Also there will be time jumps and stuff - this chapter is set about a week after the previous one.

Secondly this chapter is again lots of angst and talking and not much action, but there will be a fight scene or something in the next chapter, I promise :oops: .

I'm not sure about the second half of this chapter - on rereading it it feels maybe a bit rushed, but it was getting pretty long already and I wanted to post it tonight so it'll have to do. Anyway, hope you like it.

 

Songs Left Unsung Part 3: Mind Games

It is early. The sun is just beginning to rise, but it will be a while before it creeps up over the rooftops and at the moment the only evidence of its rising is a slight pinkish tinge in the eastern sky. Lying in a warm cocoon of blankets in his bed in the Mithrest, Garrick blinks drowsily and decides that it is far too early to get up. He rolls over and pulls the covers up over his head, trying to decide whether the sense of lethargy and the mild headache that he feels are the beginnings of a hangover or just the result of waking up at this ungodly hour.

He listens carefully for a moment for sounds that anyone else is up, but the inn seems to be in silence so he allows himself to relax. Probably they are all as tired as he, having spent the whole of the previous day travelling back to Athkatla from the village of Innesvale. Added to this is the fact that for three of the last four nights they have slept rough - twice in the wilds and once on the cold stone floor of the ruined temple near Innesvale - and the Innesvale inn was not the most luxurious of lodgings, either.

Given all this he feels fairly confident that no one is going to begrudge him a lie in today, or at least that Jaheira will wait another hour or so before she starts banging on the door. Anyway, he is certainly not the only one still resting, for the other occupant of the room is also still abed, blue-grey hair just visible sticking out of the heap of bedclothes. This is a relief to Garrick in more ways than one - as far as he is concerned, the only time Haer'Dalis is bearable is when he is asleep.

He has been travelling with Yavana's party for almost a tenday now, has gone questing with them and has fought beside them, but he still feels very much the outsider. Oh, they have been friendly enough towards him - given him gold to outfit himself, filled him in on the details of what happened in the mad wizard's dungeon and of their mission to rescue Imoen, involved him in discussions about what their next quest should be - but he still doesn't really feel like he fits in.

Whilst Yavana is friendly enough to him on the surface, there is still a distance between them. He wishes he could just have one long talk with her, try to sort things out, but she seems to be trying to avoid being alone with him. And it doesn't help that Haer'Dalis is constantly by her side, monopolising her attention. Certainly Yavana doesn't seem to have any objections to being alone with him.

Garrick has spent a lot of time watching them together, watching her laugh at the tiefling's jokes or listen to his stories - doubtless grossly exaggerated - about his travels with a Baalor. Once or twice he has observed them engaged in more solemn discussions, and this makes him feel even lonelier - it used to be him she would confide in and he can't help but feel jealous of the tiefling for usurping him in this role.

He doesn't think there is anything more going on between them - sharing a room with the tiefling has the advantage that he can check up on the bard's nightly activities - but he is still resentful of their close relationship. And Haer'Dalis has been aware of this resentment since the first day they travelled together, and seems to delight in aggravating Garrick still further. Both are somewhat wary of incurring Yavana's wrath and thus have refrained from open hostilities, but behind the veneer of friendship lies a mutual dislike and a rivalry in which the tiefling has so far come out on top.

Garrick squirms into a more comfortable position, hoping to drop off again and gain an hour or so's respite from his worries. He is warm and cosy, and it is easy just to close his eyes...let his thoughts slip away...

"Come, my kestrel! The new day awaits, and 'twould be remiss of us to let it slip by without our noticing. Should we not arise, and see what new perils life has placed before us this fine morn?"

Garrick blinks sleepily, and peers out from under the blankets to see Haer'Dalis dramatically posed at the window, having just flung open the shutters to let in the cold dawn air.

"Mmmph. Trying to sleep." He doesn't feel awake enough for an argument; he just wants to be left alone.

"Aye, to sleep, perchance to dream. But what of, I wonder? Dark nightmares of dangers passed, dangers yet to come? Or does our beautiful raven haunt your dreams by night just as she haunts your thoughts by day?"

Garrick searches for a retort, but he is not in a mood to be either creative or poetical. "None of your damn business."

The tiefling skips away from the window, and begins to swiftly dress himself.

"Ah, my kestrel, I did not seek to pry, I only wish that you would open up your thoughts to me a little - 'tis not the nature of most bards to be so withdrawn. But nay, if you will not be drawn into a stirring debate or sparring of wits then I shall leave you be. Sleep well, my friend, this sparrow will seek entertainment elsewhere."

And Haer'Dalis belts on his sword belt with a flourish and exits the room, leaving Garrick sitting up in bed and gazing stupidly after him. For a few minutes he tries just to forget the whole encounter and to go back to sleep, but the city is beginning to wake up now and the sounds of traders opening up shop for the day are audible through the open window. He can hear sounds from downstairs as well, and thoughts of Haer and Yavana breakfasting together keep preying on his mind. Reluctantly he decides it is probably time he got up.

He is trimming his beard when there is a light tap on the door, which opens to admit Yoshimo. The Kozakuran looks as though he has dressed in rather a hurry, with his hair hanging loose around his shoulders rather than being bound back away from his face and with his bootlaces still untied.

"My apologies for the intrusion," he says with a wry grin, "but it seems that it is time for Boo's bath, and since Minsc seemed most unwilling to let me witness the event I thought it best to finish dressing elsewhere." He seats himself on Haer's bed and yawns. "I fear I am not at my best at this time of the day. My talents are best employed during the hours of darkness, and I am no druid to enjoy watching the sun rise."

Glad to find a fellow sufferer, Garrick expresses his sympathies and they spend a few minutes discussing their mutual dissatisfaction with Jaheira's habit of waking everyone up in the mornings if they linger too long in bed.

"She has been out already this morning," Yoshimo tells him, "and found a quest for us. We are to investigate some problem with the circus outside."

He shrugs in response to the enquiring look Garrick gives him.

"I did not hear the details. Perhaps the wild animals have got loose, and they wish the druid to glare at them and scare them back into submission."

Garrick laughs. "Maybe we could let them eat Haer'Dalis first."

"An idea not without its temptations, but alas, I fear our tiefling friend has something of the lion tamer in him. Likely he would have them all sitting up and begging with a snap of his fingers."

Garrick gives a snort of disgust and fails miserably to keep the bitterness out of his voice. "Yes, he's a man of many talents."

Yoshimo gives him a searching look. "Do not let him get to you so, my young friend. He has travelled more than you and had more experiences, true, but do you think so little of your lady that you believe that is all she cares about? She is no fool, it will take more than flashy swordsmanship and shallow poetry to win her heart."

Garrick only grunts in reply, but he does feel better for the conversation. Not only is the Kozakuran's advice comforting, but also he is someone who Garrick can talk to without having to lie or worry about the past or be careful what he says. Someone he can just have a friendly chat with. And what he really feels in need of right now is a friend.

He is almost cheerful as he heads downstairs to find himself some breakfast. It's a beautiful day, and a trip to the circus sounds like it might be fun. He's always enjoyed circuses and carnivals - being able to relax and forget the cares of the road, getting caught up in the contagious high spirits of noisy crowds of people and excited children, watching the bards and other entertainers in the hope of learning something new...admittedly he has walked past this circus several times already and it doesn't look overly impressive, but he's still looking forward to getting a closer look.

He remembers the fair in Nashkel, back when he had just started travelling with Yavana and her group. That had been a wonderful day - they had just dealt with the Nashkel mining crisis, and he had felt like a true adventurer, had really begun to believe that he was on his way to becoming a great hero.

He had bought himself an enchanted crossbow from one of the merchants there - he remembers how excited he was, testing it out at the archery butts and showing off his skill to the local youths. And then he and Yavana and Imoen had gone round all the sideshows together, and then he had won some money in a card game with some local farmers who had been trying to cheat but not doing it very well, and then he had had a very satisfying fistfight with some fat drunkard who'd tried to grope Yavana but had been too inebriated and too fat to be very good at fighting...altogether, he'd had a good time.

He sighs. It had all seemed so simple back then - get revenge on the man who'd killed Yavana's father, and become a great adventurer. Everyone in the group had been his friend, and he'd had no secrets from them. Yes, there had been difficult times - but they'd all faced them together.

Now...there are more than a few things he's keeping back from the others. The truth about what happened to him when Yavana was captured is the main one, but he's also yet to tell anyone about the difficulties he's been having with his music lately. He's tried to play a few times, when he's been sure no one's been in earshot, but it still sounds wrong - he can get the notes right, but there's no feeling to the music, it sounds like something an apprentice bard still struggling with the technicalities of the instrument might manage.

It has not been too hard to avoid having to play in front of the others - Haer'Dalis is usually more than willing to provide any entertainment required. And he still hopes that he will be able to sort it out before any one finds out about it - he doesn't know how he'd explain it to the others, and he doesn't like the idea of giving the tiefling something else to mock him about.

Frowning, he reminds himself that getting worked up about the problem won't do any good. Better to return to happy thoughts of circuses, and try to put his troubles out of his head for the time being. Resolutely, he enters the common room in search of some bacon and eggs to help fuel his cheerful mood.

 

As it turns out, the circus proves to be not at all bad once things have been restored to order. The disturbance they werem asked to investigate turns out to have been caused by one of the circus employees, a gnome mage, but they are able to rescue the rest of the circus troupe and they take little persuading to put on a special show for the heroes who saved them.

Garrick sits in the front row of chairs watching the antics of a couple of clowns, with Yoshimo on one side chuckling quietly and Minsc on the other bellowing his approval. Boo sits on Minsc's shoulder, his whiskers twitching occasionally as he watches. According to Minsc the hamster is enjoying the display, although he did not think much of the strong man who claimed to be able to defeat anyone in Athkatla at arm wrestling but disappeared in a hurry when Minsc challenged him to a match.

Jaheira is sitting behind him, glaring fiercely at the animal trainer with whom she already had a lengthy argument concerning the conditions the caged beasts are kept in. She has yet to give an opinion on the show, although Garrick is almost sure he has heard her stifling a chuckle once or twice. Yavana is seated a few rows back from the others, also saying little, but Haer'Dalis is nowhere in sight and this does much to boost Garrick's feeling of general wellbeing.

He acquitted himself well enough in the fighting earlier, using his crossbow to good effect against the strange shadow beasts which the illusionist gnome had summoned to help him in his bid to take over the circus. Magic proved the most effective weapon, both for dispelling the various illusions and for killing the creatures that were really there, but the group have so far been able to afford only a couple of spell scrolls to start him on the way to replacing his lost spell book, so he was forced to leave the magecraft to Yavana and Haer'Dalis.

All the same, he feels happy that he did his bit and pleased that they achieved victory without any of them getting badly hurt. With the aid of one of the circus's employees, an elf maiden named Aerie, they were able to avoid being deceived by the various illusions, and with all the layers of trickery stripped away the gnome was not a difficult opponent. All in all, things turned out pretty well.

It is somewhat stuffy inside the tent, and he seizes the opportunity of the clowns finishing their act to slip out for a breath of fresh air. It is busy outside, with many people crowding round to look at the animal cages and other side shows, but the first people he notices are Haer'Dalis and Aerie who are standing in the shadow of the tent talking to each other.

He isn't close enough to hear what they're saying, but the tiefling seems to be doing most of the talking. Garrick watches intrigued for a moment, and then, realising that neither of them has noticed him, starts edging closer so that he can overhear the conversation.

"...my dove," Haer makes a flamboyant gesture. "This bard would be overjoyed if so fair a lady as you were to join our party. To be your guide to the world outside the circus, to be with you as you discover the wonders and the horrors that this plane has to offer would be an honour indeed."

The elf replies, but too quietly for Garrick to be able to catch what she says. He watches with interest as the tiefling takes hold of Aerie's hand.

"Nay, I wager there is more to you than meets the eye, my dove. I sense that your soul yearns to be free of this place, that in your heart you dream of travelling to far off lands, or even amongst the planes. Is it not so, my sweet one?"

Aerie stammers something, but Garrick's attention is distracted as a hand falls on his shoulder and he turns to see Yavana looking at him coldly.

"Just what is going on here that you feel the need to eavesdrop on it, Garrick?"

She makes no attempt to keep her voice down, and Haer'Dalis swings round to look at them both. Garrick is watching the tiefling's face carefully, but his expression barely changes as he sees Yavana.

"Haer?" Yavana asks. "Will you not come inside and watch the rest of the show?"

Her words are warm enough, but there is an edge to her voice that suggests she is somewhat suspicious of what is going on.

"Certainly, my raven, but this sparrow begs your attention for one moment first. This young dove yearns for adventure, but here in the circus she will find no outlet for her yearnings. Could we not use her help on our journeyings? Another comrade to fight by our sides on this long and winding road we must travel towards your destiny?"

Yavana looks at him impatiently. Garrick hovers behind her, not wanting to annoy her any further but very much wanting to see how she responds to the tiefling's request.

"You speak very eloquently for her cause, Haer, but is she not capable of speaking for herself?"

She turns to look at Aerie, who fidgets under her gaze.

"I...I mean...I was only thinking...I don't want...uh..."

Yavana frowns and for a moment Garrick thinks that she is about to make some scathing comment, but then she seems to change her mind.

"I am sorry, Aerie, but I don't really need another travelling companion right now. And my quest is a dangerous one, anyway. You will be better off staying with the circus."

A shadow passes over her face as she speaks, and she suddenly seems to dismiss them all and turns to go back inside. They watch her in silence until she passes between the tent flaps, and then Aerie mutters something and hurries off in the other direction leaving the two bards looking at each other.

Garrick is scowling; Haer's face wears a slight smirk, which Garrick immediately interprets as being mocking. Then the tiefling breaks eye contact, and looks away.

"She bid me follow her inside, and such is her spell that I fear I am bound to obey."

He starts walking away, and Garrick is left staring after him. He doesn't know what to say - he only heard a fraction of Haer's conversation with Aerie, but it didn't sound to him very appropriate talk for one so obviously courting another woman. He doesn't really see what he can do about it though apart from hope that Yoshimo is right and that Yavana won't be taken in by the tiefling. Clearly confronting Haer'Dalis will do no good.

It seems so unfair - Yavana is his one true love, and always will be. He thinks...no, he is sure, that Haer'Dalis doesn't care about her as much as he does, and yet she seems to prefer the tiefling's attentions to his own. Where has he gone wrong? What can he do? Pondering these questions, Garrick wanders unhappily back inside the tent. So much for trying to be cheerful.

 

Well, that's it for now - next chapter in about a week. Thanks for reading. This is the first time I've written haer and yoshi, so if you think I've got either of them horribly wrong then please tell me ;) .

#2 Guest_Theodur_*

Posted 11 August 2003 - 07:01 AM

It is early. The sun is just beginning to rise, but it will be a while before it creeps up over the rooftops and at the moment the only evidence of its rising is a slight pinkish tinge in the eastern sky. Lying in a warm cocoon of blankets in his bed in the Mithrest, Garrick blinks drowsily and decides that it is far too early to get up. He rolls over and pulls the covers up over his head, trying to decide whether the sense of lethargy and the mild headache that he feels are the beginnings of a hangover or just the result of waking up at this ungodly hour.


Uh, dear... has the poor boy been drinking again?

He listens carefully for a moment for sounds that anyone else is up, but the inn seems to be in silence so he allows himself to relax. Probably they are all as tired as he, having spent the whole of the previous day travelling back to Athkatla from the village of Innesvale. Added to this is the fact that for three of the last four nights they have slept rough - twice in the wilds and once on the cold stone floor of the ruined temple near Innesvale - and the Innesvale inn was not the most luxurious of lodgings, either.


I think it is 'Imnesvale' :P

He doesn't think there is anything more going on between them - sharing a room with the tiefling has the advantage that he can check up on the bard's nightly activities - but he is still resentful of their close relationship. And Haer'Dalis has been aware of this resentment since the first day they travelled together, and seems to delight in aggravating Garrick still further. Both are somewhat wary of incurring Yavana's wrath and thus have refrained from open hostilities, but behind the veneer of friendship lies a mutual dislike and a rivalry in which the tiefling has so far come out on top.


Ergh. Having to share a room with Haer... eek! I'll take Yoshi or even... *groan*... Minsc as my roomie anyday...

Makes sense that Garrick would feel pretty lonely in this group with Haer and Yavana sticking to each other, Minsc being Minsc, Yoshi being polite but always a bit distant and Jaheira... well, I don't think so... :P

"Come, my kestrel! The new day awaits, and 'twould be remiss of us to let it slip by without our noticing. Should we not arise, and see what new perils life has placed before us this fine morn?"


*gag* Yes, that's him - spot on. :)

"Ah, my kestrel, I did not seek to pry, I only wish that you would open up your thoughts to me a little - 'tis not the nature of most bards to be so withdrawn. But nay, if you will not be drawn into a stirring debate or sparring of wits then I shall leave you be. Sleep well, my friend, this sparrow will seek entertainment elsewhere."


I think that Garrick is a bit too depressed to match Haer in the battle of wits.

Glad to find a fellow sufferer, Garrick expresses his sympathies and they spend a few minutes discussing their mutual dissatisfaction with Jaheira's habit of waking everyone up in the mornings if they linger too long in bed.


Uh-Oh! Talking behind Jaheira's back - that's mean, boys! ;)

"I did not hear the details. Perhaps the wild animals have got loose, and they wish the druid to glare at them and scare them back into submission."


:) Though, I think she only glares at humans and their kin.

Garrick laughs. "Maybe we could let them eat Haer'Dalis first."


That's a good one, but I think that the animals would scorn at Haer. :?

Garrick only grunts in reply, but he does feel better for the conversation. Not only is the Kozakuran's advice comforting, but also he is someone who Garrick can talk to without having to lie or worry about the past or be careful what he says. Someone he can just have a friendly chat with. And what he really feels in need of right now is a friend.


Yes, that is true, I guess - Yoshi would make a good sympathetic ear. But don't expect him to be as open to you in return, Garrick.

He had bought himself an enchanted crossbow from one of the merchants there - he remembers how excited he was, testing it out at the archery butts and showing off his skill to the local youths. And then he and Yavana and Imoen had gone round all the sideshows together, and then he had won some money in a card game with some local farmers who had been trying to cheat but not doing it very well, and then he had had a very satisfying fistfight with some fat drunkard who'd tried to grope Yavana but had been too inebriated and too fat to be very good at fighting...altogether, he'd had a good time.


Life was much more simple back then. Somehow, Garrick doesn't seem to belong in a big city like Athkatla.

Garrick sits in the front row of chairs watching the antics of a couple of clowns, with Yoshimo on one side chuckling quietly and Minsc on the other bellowing his approval. Boo sits on Minsc's shoulder, his whiskers twitching occasionally as he watches. According to Minsc the hamster is enjoying the display, although he did not think much of the strong man who claimed to be able to defeat anyone in Athkatla at arm wrestling but disappeared in a hurry when Minsc challenged him to a match.


LOL, I bet he did! :(

Jaheira is sitting behind him, glaring fiercely at the animal trainer with whom she already had a lengthy argument concerning the conditions the caged beasts are kept in. She has yet to give an opinion on the show, although Garrick is almost sure he has heard her stifling a chuckle once or twice. Yavana is seated a few rows back from the others, also saying little, but Haer'Dalis is nowhere in sight and this does much to boost Garrick's feeling of general wellbeing.


It's nice to see them having some respite from the grueling adventurer's job - it seems to do a lot of good for every one of them.

"...my dove," Haer makes a flamboyant gesture. "This bard would be overjoyed if so fair a lady as you were to join our party. To be your guide to the world outside the circus, to be with you as you discover the wonders and the horrors that this plane has to offer would be an honour indeed."


*groan* If it was up to Haer to form an adventurer's party it would undoubtedly consist of him and his countless brainwashed concubines. Yuck.

She makes no attempt to keep her voice down, and Haer'Dalis swings round to look at them both. Garrick is watching the tiefling's face carefully, but his expression barely changes as he sees Yavana.


Yep, that's where his actor talents come in handy.

"You speak very eloquently for her cause, Haer, but is she not capable of speaking for herself?"


Heh, Yavana seems to be very aware of Haer's games.

"I...I mean...I was only thinking...I don't want...uh..."


Well, now she does sound like a capable adventurer.

"I am sorry, Aerie, but I don't really need another travelling companion right now. And my quest is a dangerous one, anyway. You will be better off staying with the circus."


That's what I always thought - the life of adventurer is clearly too much for her to handle.

It seems so unfair - Yavana is his one true love, and always will be. He thinks...no, he is sure, that Haer'Dalis doesn't care about her as much as he does, and yet she seems to prefer the tiefling's attentions to his own. Where has he gone wrong? What can he do? Pondering these questions, Garrick wanders unhappily back inside the tent. So much for trying to be cheerful.


It's hard to be cheerful when put in such situation as he is right now... :?

Well, that's it for now - next chapter in about a week. Thanks for reading. This is the first time I've written haer and yoshi, so if you think I've got either of them horribly wrong then please tell me :? .


I thought that Yoshi was spot on and Haer was ok too - somehow I found Slide's version of him more revolting than yours, though. :)

#3 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 11 August 2003 - 02:24 PM


It is early. The sun is just beginning to rise, but it will be a while before it creeps up over the rooftops and at the moment the only evidence of its rising is a slight pinkish tinge in the eastern sky. Lying in a warm cocoon of blankets in his bed in the Mithrest, Garrick blinks drowsily and decides that it is far too early to get up. He rolls over and pulls the covers up over his head, trying to decide whether the sense of lethargy and the mild headache that he feels are the beginnings of a hangover or just the result of waking up at this ungodly hour.


Uh, dear... has the poor boy been drinking again?


'fraid so...


He listens carefully for a moment for sounds that anyone else is up, but the inn seems to be in silence so he allows himself to relax. Probably they are all as tired as he, having spent the whole of the previous day travelling back to Athkatla from the village of Innesvale. Added to this is the fact that for three of the last four nights they have slept rough - twice in the wilds and once on the cold stone floor of the ruined temple near Innesvale - and the Innesvale inn was not the most luxurious of lodgings, either.


I think it is 'Imnesvale' :P


Really? D'oh! Ah well, you know where I mean :)


He doesn't think there is anything more going on between them - sharing a room with the tiefling has the advantage that he can check up on the bard's nightly activities - but he is still resentful of their close relationship. And Haer'Dalis has been aware of this resentment since the first day they travelled together, and seems to delight in aggravating Garrick still further. Both are somewhat wary of incurring Yavana's wrath and thus have refrained from open hostilities, but behind the veneer of friendship lies a mutual dislike and a rivalry in which the tiefling has so far come out on top.


Ergh. Having to share a room with Haer... eek! I'll take Yoshi or even... *groan*... Minsc as my roomie anyday...


Depends who snores the most :P

Makes sense that Garrick would feel pretty lonely in this group with Haer and Yavana sticking to each other, Minsc being Minsc, Yoshi being polite but always a bit distant and Jaheira... well, I don't think so... :)


He gets on well enough with jaheira, but she's not someone he's ever going to be particularly close to. (Not unless I write some really weird twists into this story, anyway ;) ).


"Come, my kestrel! The new day awaits, and 'twould be remiss of us to let it slip by without our noticing. Should we not arise, and see what new perils life has placed before us this fine morn?"


*gag* Yes, that's him - spot on. :?


It's actually surprisingly fun trying to write him :(


"Ah, my kestrel, I did not seek to pry, I only wish that you would open up your thoughts to me a little - 'tis not the nature of most bards to be so withdrawn. But nay, if you will not be drawn into a stirring debate or sparring of wits then I shall leave you be. Sleep well, my friend, this sparrow will seek entertainment elsewhere."


I think that Garrick is a bit too depressed to match Haer in the battle of wits.


And too sleepy.


Glad to find a fellow sufferer, Garrick expresses his sympathies and they spend a few minutes discussing their mutual dissatisfaction with Jaheira's habit of waking everyone up in the mornings if they linger too long in bed.


Uh-Oh! Talking behind Jaheira's back - that's mean, boys! :P


Well, they're not brave enough to moan about her when she's actually there :) .


"I did not hear the details. Perhaps the wild animals have got loose, and they wish the druid to glare at them and scare them back into submission."


:? Though, I think she only glares at humans and their kin.


She'd certainly be glaring at Yoshi if she could hear him now :P


Garrick laughs. "Maybe we could let them eat Haer'Dalis first."


That's a good one, but I think that the animals would scorn at Haer. :P


He'd probably make them sick.


He had bought himself an enchanted crossbow from one of the merchants there - he remembers how excited he was, testing it out at the archery butts and showing off his skill to the local youths. And then he and Yavana and Imoen had gone round all the sideshows together, and then he had won some money in a card game with some local farmers who had been trying to cheat but not doing it very well, and then he had had a very satisfying fistfight with some fat drunkard who'd tried to grope Yavana but had been too inebriated and too fat to be very good at fighting...altogether, he'd had a good time.


Life was much more simple back then. Somehow, Garrick doesn't seem to belong in a big city like Athkatla.


No, he doesn't really. I think the travelling life of BG1 suited him better.


Garrick sits in the front row of chairs watching the antics of a couple of clowns, with Yoshimo on one side chuckling quietly and Minsc on the other bellowing his approval. Boo sits on Minsc's shoulder, his whiskers twitching occasionally as he watches. According to Minsc the hamster is enjoying the display, although he did not think much of the strong man who claimed to be able to defeat anyone in Athkatla at arm wrestling but disappeared in a hurry when Minsc challenged him to a match.


LOL, I bet he did! :P


Poor guy - he wasn't reckoning on having Minsc in his audience :(


Jaheira is sitting behind him, glaring fiercely at the animal trainer with whom she already had a lengthy argument concerning the conditions the caged beasts are kept in. She has yet to give an opinion on the show, although Garrick is almost sure he has heard her stifling a chuckle once or twice. Yavana is seated a few rows back from the others, also saying little, but Haer'Dalis is nowhere in sight and this does much to boost Garrick's feeling of general wellbeing.


It's nice to see them having some respite from the grueling adventurer's job - it seems to do a lot of good for every one of them.


Well, having just saved the circus it seems only fair they should get a bit of time off before the next quest :P .


"...my dove," Haer makes a flamboyant gesture. "This bard would be overjoyed if so fair a lady as you were to join our party. To be your guide to the world outside the circus, to be with you as you discover the wonders and the horrors that this plane has to offer would be an honour indeed."


*groan* If it was up to Haer to form an adventurer's party it would undoubtedly consist of him and his countless brainwashed concubines. Yuck.


And maybe people he finds interesting for some reason. But it'd certainly be an all female party, I should think. Are there actually any male NPCs he gets on well with?


"You speak very eloquently for her cause, Haer, but is she not capable of speaking for herself?"


Heh, Yavana seems to be very aware of Haer's games.


Well, like Yoshi said earlier, she's not stupid. She likes haer, but she's not about to let him make the decisions about who should be in the party and stuff.


"I...I mean...I was only thinking...I don't want...uh..."


Well, now she does sound like a capable adventurer.


I think this aerie is not actually sure she does want to leave the circus, it's just that Haer has been trying to persuade her that she does.


"I am sorry, Aerie, but I don't really need another travelling companion right now. And my quest is a dangerous one, anyway. You will be better off staying with the circus."


That's what I always thought - the life of adventurer is clearly too much for her to handle.


She doesn't seem exactly cut out for the adventuer's life, does she.


It seems so unfair - Yavana is his one true love, and always will be. He thinks...no, he is sure, that Haer'Dalis doesn't care about her as much as he does, and yet she seems to prefer the tiefling's attentions to his own. Where has he gone wrong? What can he do? Pondering these questions, Garrick wanders unhappily back inside the tent. So much for trying to be cheerful.


It's hard to be cheerful when put in such situation as he is right now... :(


Indeed :(


Well, that's it for now - next chapter in about a week. Thanks for reading. This is the first time I've written haer and yoshi, so if you think I've got either of them horribly wrong then please tell me :P .


I thought that Yoshi was spot on and Haer was ok too - somehow I found Slide's version of him more revolting than yours, though. :?


I think I've got a way to go before I can write Haer as well as Slide does, but hopefully writing him will get easier with practice. He won't be in the next chapter much anyway - it's going to be the quest to rescue the Sigil troupe, so he'll spend most of it locked in a cell in the planar prison :P .

Thanks for commenting :P

#4 Guest_IronDragon_*

Posted 12 August 2003 - 02:42 AM

I'm not sure about the second half of this chapter - on rereading it it feels maybe a bit rushed, but it was getting pretty long already and I wanted to post it tonight so it'll have to do. Anyway, hope you like it.

Didn’t feel rushed at all. I never mind long pieces as long as there worth reading.


It is early. The sun is just beginning to rise, but it will be a while before it creeps up over the rooftops and at the moment the only evidence of its rising is a slight pinkish tinge in the eastern sky. Lying in a warm cocoon of blankets in his bed in the Mithrest, Garrick blinks drowsily and decides that it is far too early to get up. He rolls over and pulls the covers up over his head, trying to decide whether the sense of lethargy and the mild headache that he feels are the beginnings of a hangover or just the result of waking up at this ungodly hour.

Keep away from the booze boy, nothing good ever comes from it.

Given all this he feels fairly confident that no one is going to begrudge him a lie in today, or at least that Jaheira will wait another hour or so before she starts banging on the door. Anyway, he is certainly not the only one still resting, for the other occupant of the room is also still abed, blue-grey hair just visible sticking out of the heap of bedclothes. This is a relief to Garrick in more ways than one - as far as he is concerned, the only time Haer'Dalis is bearable is when he is asleep.

Rooming with Haer’Dalis or sleeping on the streets….hmmmm boy that would be a tough decision to make.

Whilst Yavana is friendly enough to him on the surface, there is still a distance between them. He wishes he could just have one long talk with her, try to sort things out, but she seems to be trying to avoid being alone with him. And it doesn't help that Haer'Dalis is constantly by her side, monopolising her attention. Certainly Yavana doesn't seem to have any objections to being alone with him.

Jealousy thy name is Garrick

"Come, my kestrel! The new day awaits, and 'twould be remiss of us to let it slip by without our noticing. Should we not arise, and see what new perils life has placed before us this fine morn?"

Sounds just like Haer’Dalis. And people complain about how Anomen talks.

Garrick blinks sleepily, and peers out from under the blankets to see Haer'Dalis dramatically posed at the window, having just flung open the shutters to let in the cold dawn air.

Please say Haer’Dalis was wearing SOMETHING. A nice frilly nightshirt, purple velvet bathrobe…anything. *sigh* Unfortunately I just KNOW Haer’Dalis is the kind to sleep in the all together

"Aye, to sleep, perchance to dream. But what of, I wonder? Dark nightmares of dangers passed, dangers yet to come? Or does our beautiful raven haunt your dreams by night just as she haunts your thoughts by day?"

anyone who is that chipper in the morning deserves to be hit with something.

The tiefling skips away from the window, and begins to swiftly dress himself.

I knew it…wandering around starkers.

He is trimming his beard when there is a light tap on the door, which opens to admit Yoshimo. The Kozakuran looks as though he has dressed in rather a hurry, with his hair hanging loose around his shoulders rather than being bound back away from his face and with his bootlaces still untied.

"My apologies for the intrusion," he says with a wry grin, "but it seems that it is time for Boo's bath, and since Minsc seemed most unwilling to let me witness the event I thought it best to finish dressing elsewhere."

It’s probably flea dip that Boo hates so much.

Garrick laughs. "Maybe we could let them eat Haer'Dalis first."

A horrible thing to wish on those poor animals.

"An idea not without its temptations, but alas, I fear our tiefling friend has something of the lion tamer in him. Likely he would have them all sitting up and begging with a snap of his fingers."

I know people like that…I hate them.


He remembers the fair in Nashkel, back when he had just started travelling with Yavana and her group. That had been a wonderful day - they had just dealt with the Nashkel mining crisis, and he had felt like a true adventurer, had really begun to believe that he was on his way to becoming a great hero.

Heroes come in many shapes and sizes.

He sighs. It had all seemed so simple back then - get revenge on the man who'd killed Yavana's father, and become a great adventurer. Everyone in the group had been his friend, and he'd had no secrets from them. Yes, there had been difficult times - but they'd all faced them together.

Nothing is ever simple.

Jaheira is sitting behind him, glaring fiercely at the animal trainer with whom she already had a lengthy argument concerning the conditions the caged beasts are kept in. She has yet to give an opinion on the show, although Garrick is almost sure he has heard her stifling a chuckle once or twice. Yavana is seated a few rows back from the others, also saying little, but Haer'Dalis is nowhere in sight and this does much to boost Garrick's feeling of general wellbeing.

Careful Jaheira, people will start to think you are human or something.



It is somewhat stuffy inside the tent, and he seizes the opportunity of the clowns finishing their act to slip out for a breath of fresh air. It is busy outside, with many people crowding round to look at the animal cages and other side shows, but the first people he notices are Haer'Dalis and Aerie who are standing in the shadow of the tent talking to each other.

The game is afoot Watson

He isn't close enough to hear what they're saying, but the tiefling seems to be doing most of the talking.

what a surprise

"...my dove," Haer makes a flamboyant gesture. "This bard would be overjoyed if so fair a lady as you were to join our party. To be your guide to the world outside the circus, to be with you as you discover the wonders and the horrors that this plane has to offer would be an honour indeed."

Never make promises you can’t keep.

"Just what is going on here that you feel the need to eavesdrop on it, Garrick?"

not the curious sort is she?

"You speak very eloquently for her cause, Haer, but is she not capable of speaking for herself?"

She turns to look at Aerie, who fidgets under her gaze.

"I...I mean...I was only thinking...I don't want...uh..."

Well that answers that

"I am sorry, Aerie, but I don't really need another travelling companion right now. And my quest is a dangerous one, anyway. You will be better off staying with the circus."

and away from Haer.

He starts walking away, and Garrick is left staring after him. He doesn't know what to say - he only heard a fraction of Haer's conversation with Aerie, but it didn't sound to him very appropriate talk for one so obviously courting another woman. He doesn't really see what he can do about it though apart from hope that Yoshimo is right and that Yavana won't be taken in by the tiefling. Clearly confronting Haer'Dalis will do no good.

well he COULD champion Aerie’s cause for membership in the group, that would cause some interesting distractions for Haer.

Someone really needs to make a mod allowing for SoA allowing Garrick to join. The game needs a better Bard that Hear and as you are showing there can be a lot of depth to this character.

Can’t wait for the next chapter.

#5 Guest_Bjorn_*

Posted 12 August 2003 - 01:48 PM

[quote]
[quote]
It is early. The sun is just beginning to rise, but it will be a while before it creeps up over the rooftops and at the moment the only evidence of its rising is a slight pinkish tinge in the eastern sky. Lying in a warm cocoon of blankets in his bed in the Mithrest, Garrick blinks drowsily and decides that it is far too early to get up. He rolls over and pulls the covers up over his head, trying to decide whether the sense of lethargy and the mild headache that he feels are the beginnings of a hangover or just the result of waking up at this ungodly hour. [/quote]
Keep away from the booze boy, nothing good ever comes from it.
[/quote]

Indeed. But it's not so easy to stop once you've got into the habit.

[quote]
[quote]
Given all this he feels fairly confident that no one is going to begrudge him a lie in today, or at least that Jaheira will wait another hour or so before she starts banging on the door. Anyway, he is certainly not the only one still resting, for the other occupant of the room is also still abed, blue-grey hair just visible sticking out of the heap of bedclothes. This is a relief to Garrick in more ways than one - as far as he is concerned, the only time Haer'Dalis is bearable is when he is asleep. [/quote]
Rooming with Haer’Dalis or sleeping on the streets….hmmmm boy that would be a tough decision to make.
[/quote]

Yep - although sleeping on the streets of Athkatla you're likely to be robbed/killed/woken up by an Amnish soldier, so I guess sharing a room with haer probably is the lesser of the two evils.

[quote]
[quote] Whilst Yavana is friendly enough to him on the surface, there is still a distance between them. He wishes he could just have one long talk with her, try to sort things out, but she seems to be trying to avoid being alone with him. And it doesn't help that Haer'Dalis is constantly by her side, monopolising her attention. Certainly Yavana doesn't seem to have any objections to being alone with him. [/quote] Jealousy thy name is Garrick
[/quote]

He's in a rather self pitying frame of mind at the moment :twisted:

[quote]
[quote] Garrick blinks sleepily, and peers out from under the blankets to see Haer'Dalis dramatically posed at the window, having just flung open the shutters to let in the cold dawn air. [/quote] Please say Haer’Dalis was wearing SOMETHING. A nice frilly nightshirt, purple velvet bathrobe…anything. *sigh* Unfortunately I just KNOW Haer’Dalis is the kind to sleep in the all together
[/quote]

8) When I wrote this I vaguely imagined him wearing some sort of sleeping garment, but actually I think you're right about him probably sleeping nude. Poor Garrick!

[quote]
[quote] "Aye, to sleep, perchance to dream. But what of, I wonder? Dark nightmares of dangers passed, dangers yet to come? Or does our beautiful raven haunt your dreams by night just as she haunts your thoughts by day?" [/quote] anyone who is that chipper in the morning deserves to be hit with something.
[/quote]

Definitely!

[quote]
[quote] The tiefling skips away from the window, and begins to swiftly dress himself. [/quote] I knew it…wandering around starkers.
[/quote]

Fortunately for Garrick it's still quite dark in there - hopefully he can't see too much...

[quote][quote]
"My apologies for the intrusion," he says with a wry grin, "but it seems that it is time for Boo's bath, and since Minsc seemed most unwilling to let me witness the event I thought it best to finish dressing elsewhere." [/quote] It’s probably flea dip that Boo hates so much.
[/quote]

Yep, I guess even minature giant space hamsters must get fleas.

[quote] Garrick laughs. "Maybe we could let them eat Haer'Dalis first." [/quote] A horrible thing to wish on those poor animals.
[/quote]

They'd probably be ill afterwards :twisted:

[quote]
[quote] He remembers the fair in Nashkel, back when he had just started travelling with Yavana and her group. That had been a wonderful day - they had just dealt with the Nashkel mining crisis, and he had felt like a true adventurer, had really begun to believe that he was on his way to becoming a great hero. [/quote] Heroes come in many shapes and sizes.
[/quote]

Indeed they do, but he really isn't feeling much of a hero at the moment.

[quote]
[quote] He isn't close enough to hear what they're saying, but the tiefling seems to be doing most of the talking. [/quote] what a surprise
[/quote]

Aerie probably can't get a word in edgeways.

[quote]
[quote] "...my dove," Haer makes a flamboyant gesture. "This bard would be overjoyed if so fair a lady as you were to join our party. To be your guide to the world outside the circus, to be with you as you discover the wonders and the horrors that this plane has to offer would be an honour indeed." [/quote] Never make promises you can’t keep.
[/quote]

Unfortunately I think haer probably does it quite often.

[quote]
[quote] "Just what is going on here that you feel the need to eavesdrop on it, Garrick?" [/quote] not the curious sort is she?
[/quote]

I think she's annoyed at garrick's attitude towards haer and wants to show him she disapproves.

[quote]
[quote] "You speak very eloquently for her cause, Haer, but is she not capable of speaking for herself?"
[/quote]

[quote]
She turns to look at Aerie, who fidgets under her gaze.
[/quote]

[quote]
"I...I mean...I was only thinking...I don't want...uh..." [/quote] Well that answers that
[/quote]

Yep. I was tempted to have Yavana make a really sarky comment to that effect, but in the end I decided to let aerie off lightly.

[quote]
[quote]"I am sorry, Aerie, but I don't really need another travelling companion right now. And my quest is a dangerous one, anyway. You will be better off staying with the circus." [/quote] and away from Haer.
[/quote]

Most definitely!

[quote]
[quote]He starts walking away, and Garrick is left staring after him. He doesn't know what to say - he only heard a fraction of Haer's conversation with Aerie, but it didn't sound to him very appropriate talk for one so obviously courting another woman. He doesn't really see what he can do about it though apart from hope that Yoshimo is right and that Yavana won't be taken in by the tiefling. Clearly confronting Haer'Dalis will do no good. [/quote] well he COULD champion Aerie’s cause for membership in the group, that would cause some interesting distractions for Haer.
[/quote]

Maybe, but I think Yavana has made her mind up and would only get annoyed with him for taking Aerie's side against her.

[quote]
Someone really needs to make a mod allowing for SoA allowing Garrick to join. The game needs a better Bard that Hear and as you are showing there can be a lot of depth to this character.
[/quote]

I'd love to be able to have Garrick in SoA - like you say, Haer is pretty useless plus he annoys me far too much for me to take him as a party member.

[quote]
Can’t wait for the next chapter.[/quote]

Thanks for commenting :twisted:




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