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The Rest of the Story	By : Anesor Category: +M through R > Neverwinter Nights Views: 2558 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Neverwinter Nights nor the characters from the game, and I make no money from this.

Chapter List
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Parts Unknown - - -

--- Sand

The visible flashing of unstable planar energies was painful to see as I fled for the gate. I was reasonably sure that it drew some energy from the plane of shadow, but its conflicted pulsing made me think it was also drawing from some other plane. I saw Elanee leap and Grobnar almost fly through it. Khelgar had been carrying an unconscious Zhjaeve as they went through next. I was a little surprised to see the tiefling delay a moment while looking back at the Commander.

She was cursing at the paladin to “Keep moving, you idiot!”

His face, on occasions like that, was always entertaining.

With a small smirk, Neeshka went through just before me. I could hear them just behind me as I stepped through.

A bone numbing wave of flame and cold passed through me as I passed through the gate. I regretted that I could not have studied it, and hoped that it was stable enough for this. It was far safer than the rocks we'd had to weave through to get to the gate, or remaining in the Illefarn ruins.

I ceased those thoughts when I appeared in a dim place in mid-air. I was off balance when I landed, with a painful snap in my forearm to add to my other injuries. I was in a dusty chamber and sneezed as I carefully stood up. I didn't see or smell anything else in the room, whether living or unliving.

Carefully probing my left arm, I scanned the room. This chamber seemed to be used for storage. It held trunks, wardrobes, and perhaps armor manikins in a large cluster. There was dust on every surface, a dreadful job at housekeeping. It was a large space, though a human might have thought the sloped ceiling was a little low. Obviously it was an attic of some kind, which should be safe enough for the moment. The manikins were not all huge, so probably not a place where armor was only for burly humans and half-orcs. The temperature was neither cold or stifling, so I had not gone extremely far from Neverwinter. The construction looked typical for human areas, so I might be within travel distance of home, either one now.

I took a moment to think on that. When had my lab and shop by the docks become less than it was? I had lived there for decades now, but I had somehow become fond of the children, even with their bickering and the discomfort of travel..

These threads of thought only took an instant as I probed my lower arm and found the break. It was a simple one, which had not broken my skin. I wrapped it, for protection at least, with a strap from my bag of holding. I wasn't adept enough at bandaging to think I could set it one handed, and I was out of healing potions.

I regretted that I lacked even the company of even foolish Grobnar, as at least he could be trusted to help if I gave instruction in very small words. How he'd mastered so many instruments was beyond me.

Checking, I was singed, frozen, tired, wounded, dirty, and nearly out of spells. And alas, my robes were now fit only for the dustbin. The handful of spells I had left in memory or on scroll, might, just might, kill some orcs if I was clever with them.

My next decision should be whether to rest here so I can study my spells, or leave, hoping I could find someone willing to heal me. I couldn't even summon my familiar Jaral anymore today to scout the building for me.

The dust made me start to sneeze again. I stopped it as I did not wish to make any extra noise, but my ears still popped. That decided me, perhaps I could find an inn, or Tymora willing, a temple I could trust. Then I could decide my next course of action.

Taking out a square of clean linen, I washed as much as I could, and used a cantrip to clean my clothing even if I could not mend it. There was no reason for me to appear uncivilized, even after a battle. I sipped a little of the fine vintage directly from the bottle in my bag, and then I felt ready to leave.

I really wished some of the others had appeared here, it was so unexpected that we hadn't appeared together after passing through that gate. Did I have a gate-key they lacked, or was I the one to lack one? I should have saved up for a crystal ball, but they had been dear since the wailing death, and it never seemed to be an imperative.

Traveling alone was an unfamiliar experience again after these months. Working through the city, I often hired guards if I'd felt the streets to be risky. The Commander was good at intercepting threats as was Casavir, and kept us all together.

I could not say I regretted our losses in that battle. That idiot girl was as dangerous as a blast globe and about as bright. A waste of what talent she was given by Mystra for pure magic. Ammon Jerro, him I did not trust. He was intelligent and cunning and I was afraid of what he would do after we had served his purpose. He was too fond of blood magic and calling infernals, and he had been with us far too long, to have not gotten arcane holds on most, if not all of us. I know I'd been afraid my use of a road-name would not be enough of a protection from him.

Now, Bishop had been a rare surprise, with him killing Jerro. He would have been offended if I had thanked him. Of course that would have made it all the better. Even more of a surprise, was when he turned on the shadow general Garius, and I wondered what was that arrow that he used. Maybe the Commander would know. It had looked like he was still using the same equipment bought after our battle with the red dragon. Young Elondra had made sure equipment was replaced and upgraded after combat. The ranger's departure deprived Casavir of the chance to kill him. So for all his vitriol, he may have balanced much of what he did at the Keep.

Still, the paladin was barely restrained by Commander Whyntll though we needed him badly against the King. It was always the snake and mongoose act with them, despite her deliberate neutrality. Pah, no patience or sense, either of them.

I walked around the attic, and found only one door and two screened vents, almost completely closed. A small, cool draft came in the one. The door didn't seem to have a lock, so I merely opened it and stepped through.

What I stepped into appeared to be a simple bedroom, even if of a good size. Bedroom suite, work area, drawing board, and sitting area, all it lacked was a window into the outside. Even as I scanned the room the other door opened, and a young woman of the People was standing in the doorway, looking surprised at my presence.

I bowed, and said politely, “Greetings, young lady. I regret that I have appeared unannounced. May I ask for the hospitality of your house?”

She blinked in befuddlement an instant but recovered quickly and said, “I can not offer the hospitality of this house, but I would be pleased to be of what assistance a visitor could hope.”

Hmm, not a member of the household, but not indentured. I should be safe. Still I asked, “I would ask of only two things. Directions for healing, and where am I?”

“Elder,” she said with a curtsy, “you are presently in the upper floor of the Establishment of Drissui Yorphe in Waterdeep. As for healing, I would know which temple you would prefer before offering direction.”

“Is it not obvious?” I said with a smile that felt strange after recent events. I gestured at my damaged robes and injuries, “I follow Mystra.”

With a slight smile, she said, “Of course, I should have realized.” But then she switched to an older etiquette form and said, “I would be pleased to offer my guidance, if you give tales of your travels in trade.”

I suspected I was still smiling though I had not willed it, and said, “Then we have a bargain. But be warned, that form is centuries older than I, as well.”

“Please follow, then,” she returned serenely.

So I followed her down three flights of stairs and through a large mercantile building out onto the streets. It seemed this Yorphe was a designer of fine and court clothing, so we were in the better part of the city.

I hadn't been to Waterdeep for at least a decade. Once we traveled some distance, I knew where we were and that we were approaching the Halls of Mystery.

When we reached the entrance, I bowed and said, “I thank you for your guidance, I will return with my payment one evening when I am released.” I did not know how long a recovery or how much of a payment there would be in the temple.

She returned the courtesy, and said, “You are welcome. You will need to ask for Ehlah Zilophnae.”

Turning, she left in a different direction. Watching her for a moment, I still smiled as she walked away. Once she had passed from my view, I realized again that I was still exhausted, and turned to enter the temple.

Inside, I could feel the hum of active magic surrounding me warmly. Ah, Lady Mystra.

An acolyte took one look at me and escorted me towards more private chambers for healing. I was taken to a work room where a human male was seemingly engaged in preparing reagents for alchemy.

To the youngster he said, “Thank you child, you may go back now.”

“Is the city under attack, my son?” he asked me.

Switching back to the common tongue was almost jarring, even after such a short time away.

“No, Elder. I have been traveling,” I said with a nod. The irony of calling him elder was quite amusing, but other possible honorifics in the temple would have been worse.

He ordered firmly, “Then sit down, I'm Etiron. I'm surprised you are on your feet.”

As I sat, I realized how much I'd needed to.

First, he examined my broken arm, he well understood my priorities. It was pleasant to be with those who didn't need explanations. Then he healed my other injuries without negotiations. I was surprised at how many spells it took, and dismayed at the lack of bargaining.

I was going to owe a great deal for this much healing.

He interrupted my thoughts, asking, “Are you aware you have been contaminated by a flood of shadow energy?”

This was not a great surprise, so I admitted, “I should have realized as much, as we just finished destroying something claiming to be the King of Shadows.”

“We? Are you the only survivor?” he asked with a distracted curiosity.

“I do not believe so, but the gate took them elsewhere. What is the price for your healing?” I hoped the price would not be too steep, but I was already past the point of most bargaining.

Etiron replied, “For the healing? A brief time tutoring on uses of arcane spells for some and a period of lecture for some loremasters in training. We will provide shelter while you do.”

“Agreed,” I said with some brevity from my weariness. That price was quite acceptable, I would have to negotiate later for some healing potions.

“An acolyte can lead you to a guest room, so get some sleep. Even you need it now,” Etiron said with a small smile.

I found an acolyte in the main worship space who led me to a guest room, where I fell into the deepest sleep I had had in years.

Waking the next morning, I selected spells more useful in a city. I was hoping to keep a low profile here, as I had once had in Neverwinter. This city was too notorious for its mages and politics for me to wish to be caught up here. Though I did hope to acquire some new spells while I was here as well. Satisfied that I was again prepared for the day, I also considered my need for new robes. Perhaps the temple steward or curator may have some or direct me.

When I left the guest apartment, I found an aasimar acolyte seated in the hall, reading a modestly sized book.

She stood, saying with a bow, “Father Etiron has placed me as your guide for now. You have a lecture this afternoon. Do you have any tasks you wish assistance with?”

Generous, though I still wondered what the Father's motives were for a stranger.

The curator was quite willing to bargain, and I got a new robe with some enchantments as well as healing potions. The prices were not too bad, no war was here too recently.

I spoke to my guide again, “Child, take me to whomever can be hired for divinations. Thank you.”

Again I found myself led to Etiron's lab.

My amusement was fast disappearing and replaced with irritation, so I asked him, “Am I to be your pet, during my time here?”

“A bit of the shadow magic yet clings to you, so yes, you will be seeing only those experienced or protected while it does,” he said calmly. “What did you want to request?”

Damn, there goes more of my cash reserves, if I had to remain cloistered here for a time. Sighing, I admitted, “I was hoping to hire a divination about the fate of my party.”

His price was only a little steep. And yet, all those living when I left them still lived. At this rate I would be out of funds soon, so I returned to my assigned quarters and recorded lists of things to research and a few spells I hoped to acquire while here. One spell I was determined to gain.

A knock at the door announced the return of my guide. Presenting a luncheon tray, she said, “They will be awaiting you in one of the study rooms in an hour, I will return for you.”

It was a good thing I didn't require much in the way of social interaction, with the way I was being restricted.

I was then led to a small chamber with five people awaiting me. Most had holy symbols for Mystra, and two of the five wore the serviceable, sturdy clothing of travelers or adventurers.

And so the interrogation began, ranging widely, but covering even my suppositions about the Shadow King. The more elder two often checked what I said, separating what I knew from direct experience and what was from research. This would be continued tomorrow afternoon. I had found it to be more stimulating than draining and returned to my chambers, before summoning Jaral for company.

The next morning, the breakfast tray preceded a trip to the same seminar room. This time there was a larger group with more Mystran priests, though the two travelers from yesterday were in this group as well. One half-human and the other human, they hadn't seemed to know each other yesterday but they were much more friendly today.

Ah, youth. And spring was near. Who would select the pace? No matter, it was usually an amusing show, even if I had no one to discuss it with, aside from Jaral.

This lecture was much more straightforward. We had only gotten through the first group of simpler arcane spells, discussing their use and misuse, when the group began to stir and break up. The younger ones chattered as they left. My guide arrived with another luncheon tray, and yesterday's lore class returned after a time.

After dinner in my chambers, there was another knock at the door. It was Etiron instead of my guide, and I bowed him in.

“To what do I owe the honor of this visit? I asked with a touch of sarcasm.

“Peace, peace. I am here to help, to check your... shadow,” he said with a small smile.

“As long as I do not have to wait four more tendays,” I said with more bite than I'd intended.

He cast a true seeing and examined me. His smile afterwards said it all.

Etiron said, “Welcome to Waterdeep. As long as you continue your lectures you are welcome to stay here. You are also welcome to make use of our library as long as you make a contribution to it.”

Ah, how they benefit, fresh knowledge. That I could understand, and it explained more of the rumored wealth of their collection.

“Thank you. I would be glad to,” I said to Etiron, with my fingers almost twitching with my eagerness to view the stacks.

By the next morning, I had composed a note to Ehlah, and found someone from the temple's lay staff to deliver it.

The morning seminar had fewer and I could tell when each had gone too far beyond their own experience and lost interest. The two adventurers had progressed beyond flirting, but they were both more experienced in the spells covered today. The female was better at synthesis of unusual applications and a spell's versatility. The young man was a bit more interested in only causing damage.

I skipped the evening meal, and went visiting nearby shops. I needed to get an idea of current prices in the city, and what I might be able to receive for items I was willing to sell. I did buy a few potions and another robe, but nothing else on my first foray. When I returned to the temple I found a message from Ehlah, setting a meeting at a tea-shop for the next evening.

The next day, the seminars went smoothly. The adventurers were a little late, and smirking without meeting each other's eyes. Otherwise, it was as before, but now I was getting some new ideas from both groups as well. One idea was for combining scrying and a message spell for communication as a charged item. Another was combining a divine ceremony with banishing the undead. Of course you would need two priests to try those applications and I'd heard of few groups like that. Still it was noted for defensive researches for the temple itself. The new magic item sounded promising.

After a brief evening meal, I went to the tea shop.

Ehlah was in a booth with a privacy curtain and a full tea service. She smiled when she'd seen my arrival.

“Good evening. I am here to redeem my pledge” I said with another smile I hadn't planned.

She nodded, and began to pour the tea. “I am glad you have been released, at last. You are well?”

It was pleasant to speak again in the Speech, even if only minor pleasantries. I missed it on occasion. The tea was pleasant as well.

After a time, she said, “I would like to hear more from your journeys, Sand.”

“What would you hear? Stories of far places? Stories of magic and combat? Stories of heroes? Or stories of pain and tragedy?” I had all those tales, and some were of all of those.

She thought a moment, and requested, “Tales of new places. Of sights, and markets, and wonders to be seen. Places fair and wondrous, and why you found them so.”

Hmm, I'd expected heroes and epic tragedy from such a quiet woman. Warning her that some of this may be dated, I began to tell her of places I'd been. The tea pot had been refreshed, she had asked interesting questions about the types of people in each place. It was a pleasant time, and a welcome occasion, that there was no need, trade, or emergency pushing the pace of a social interaction.

I had spent too much time apart from social interludes like this, and had not realized how thirsty I was for the more measured pace of an evening of quiet communication. The hurley-burley was surely entertaining, but the emergency should be past now. I should make sure that I portion more time for interactions like this.

When the lights in the shop dimmed more I realized it was quite late. The shop had emptied of all those not of the People since we settled to talk.

Ehlah said with some regret, “Thank you for your tales, Sand. Your bargain is complete.”

“Perhaps then it is your turn. Why are you hidden in the attics, like some awkward uncle?” I said as I signaled for more tea.

We talked for hours longer until it was getting close to dawn. With many apologies and hints of something warmer she left to fulfill her own contract, with the morning light's arrival. Nothing grand, just an extended apprenticeship for clothing in high style and the skills to supervise her own establishment. She was nearing the end of it though, and growing weary of the imbalanced relationship.

I could sympathize with that, given my intermittent relationship with the city of Neverwinter.

Freshening up before the morning seminar, my day in the temple was again of the routine I'd established. Though now I was welcomed in the dining hall with the priests and mages visiting the temple. That evening, I went out to sell a few items, taking payment in cash for my coming shopping expedition. My bed was unusually welcoming.

The next morning, Jaral told me that someone had left a message for me. I read it before lunch, and it was a formal invitation for dinner with Ehlah. Jaral had volunteered to deliver a reply, all snide and smug at my anticipation. I thanked him for his graciousness dryly, and agreed.

The afternoon seminar was now becoming more of a study group, researching topics of joint interest. Only four remained in that group, but once we were done for the day, I refreshed myself before leaving for my dinner.

The restaurant chosen was nearly exclusively of the People, and very fine. Our conversation was more personal this time and became slower and no less pleasing. I left a floral gift on her pillow when I had to get back to the temple for the morning seminar.

That evening I returned to my neglected shopping and purchased a number of useful scrolls to add to my spellbook in one shop. At an alchemist's shop, I restocked some useful potions. I was studying the magic rings and amulets at a jeweler, and wondered how long I would be 'teaching' lore and spells at the Hall of Mystery. There was only a total of five students in both classes, and all but one now was a Mystran priest.

I considered stopping to the establishment of Drissui to order more robes, but I wasn't sure if that would be politic. I was getting oddly restless, and more worried about my younger companions. I selected another magicked robe, but almost as an afterthought to my concerns.

Returning to my chambers, I discovered why Jaral had been smug all evening. I had a visitor sewing contentedly, while sitting comfortably on an armchair. Her eyes were merry at seeing my surprise and then we tested the nimbleness of our fingers again.

I woke to knocking, a warning that I was late to the class. Dressing quickly, I saw a long embroidered ribbon hanging from the headboard above where I had been sleeping.

Smiling as I arrived in the study room, I found the two senior students were not as warm as before, at least to each other. It looked like the male Mystran had committed a major offense of some kind and was quite aware of it. The lesser students were listening to my lecture with absorption, though I couldn't quite hold their elders' attention. It was worse in the afternoon group as the lesser students were visibly snickering, despite no overt reason that I had seen.

That did not end well for them, as the elder Mystran ordered them out, his voice crackling with authority and ill consequence. The research then resumed, even though neither of them spoke much to each other, only to me. I could tell we were making progress in the research, despite these events, though it looked like the result would require the infusion of both arcane and divine power.

The next morning, only the Mystran was in the seminar room, saying that the classes were being ended. I could stay further, if I could finish the research on the new item and shared it. I agreed, as I quite liked this application of a minor spell. So then the research and debate resumed, though it went slower with just the two of us, she had been the more creative thinker. But no word had been said about her that day, by anyone. I was hoping we could make a prototype tomorrow, but we would each need a scrying device.

That afternoon I visited more shops, looking for a single spell for sale and a scrying device. I did not find the scroll and hoped I could live with the limitations on the crystal ball I found. In the evening I returned to the library and was up all night and into the next day. We were close. We had two prototypes, one that each of us had enchanted. His scrying was going to be by spell, and mine had that distance limitation.

We exchanged the material components and went to differing parts of the temple for the test. I went to a corner of the library and broke his component, and soon felt that I was being observed while in an empty room. Soon enough, I heard a whispering in the air, and almost a compulsion to do the scrying. Once I did, I saw him looking bored and drumming his fingers in impatience, in what looked to be the laundry. Excellent, it had worked as an excellent spell-focus, the scrying was much easier and clearer than I would have expected. As I watched, he got bored and began to drift off into sleep.

Not my favored form of entertainment, so I began to write up notes of the spells and effects involved. With a smile, I made a second copy for my donation to the collection. Then I left to go into reverie. In a bed, of all places, instead of a laundry.

The next morning we discussed our results, and he said I was free to go. I'd been wondering how long he was going to continue the facade that Etiron was in charge. I asked him of where I could buy scrolls, and was given a list, most of which I'd already found. In a few hours I found the one I was looking for, and with great regret, a farewell gift.

I entered the spell into my spellbook in the afternoon, feeling impatient as I did so.

With some sadness, I prepared for another dinner before traveling to her shop. I waited a time for her to finish her duties, and she grew solemn when she looked closely at me. We went again to the tea shop without any discussion.

“I have now been released from my bargain with the temple,” I said some regret.

She replied with a slight smile, “And you must return home.”

“Yes. I am... worried about them, as foolish as some of them are,” I had to admit, even if I could only look into my teacup for a moment. It was strangely hard to say even that aloud.

“Your friends, you mean?” she asked with a smirk.

I could only smile with her and gave her my gift, saying, “I wish it could have been a longer time... Perhaps another year, we can...”

Shaking her head, she said warmly, “I understand how missing kin and friends can become an invisible weight. And this was no routine separation, but one from danger and violence, I would not expect you to dawdle here long. I would enjoy meeting you again, but my time with Drissui will end soon, and I will start my own establishment with the skills I have mastered.”

I understood, as she will not be in that attic for much longer. There was no rush, we didn't have to hurry as the humans did. All in the fullness of time.

With one almost scandalous embrace in a tea shop, I slowly left her to her tea.

[center]--- x x ---[/center]

The next morning I had my new spell memorized, and cast it with Jaral in my arms. Once more, I was in the familiar library at the Keep.

There were a few faces missing in the hall, including that one unsavory merchant that the Commander had regretfully allowed in before the siege. Kana was not directing the Keep, it seemed Katriona was doing it now. Her surprise at seeing me come from the library was all that I could have wished.

What I did not see coming was Neeshka, who apparently thought I needed to be tackled to make my day complete.

“My dear girl, you have already checked my possessions how many times now? It would be less painful to me for you to ask, and I will let you paw through them,” I managed to say, even with most of my breath knocked out of me.

“Hells, I was afraid I was the only one to survive. Ivarr keeps avoiding me,” she admitted.

Quietly I said, “If you will let me stand, I will tell you what little I know.”

She was off me before I even finished the sentence, and when I stood I could see that Katriona was hiding a smile.

I raised my brows at her, challenging her to think anything of it. The tiefling was as much a creature of impulse as Qara had been, but better hearted, smarter, more competent, and... well there was no other commonality between them beyond impulsiveness.

I listed my news, as she listened almost raptly, “A Mystran priest confirmed under a tenday ago that all of us who went through the gate were still living. I'm sure they will try to return here or Neverwinter as soon as they can. We can search for any stragglers, if necessary, but if they are coming from different directions, we should stay at their destination, until there are more of us.”

She made a face at that, and Katriona also did not seem pleased.

Katriona said carefully while not meeting my eyes, “I'm sure the city would like a report on the end of the King of Shadows. And they might be tempted to reassign command after any long period of absence.”

“I see,” I said dryly.

I did, it seemed they did not want to have another commander, a testament to the loyalty the Commander had built, despite her frequent frustrations. A report directly to Nevalle would probably help slow political problems, but neither the tiefling or I would be accepted as a suitable deputy. I could only hope Casavir, Khelgar, or, of course, Commander Whyntll, would return very soon.

Catching the Greycloak's eye, I said, “I will assist in any way to ease the continuance. Later today, I will visit the city and hire some public divinations.”

Her relief was palpable.

Neeshka said, puzzled, “Today?”

I was smiling when I admitted, “Yesterday in Waterdeep, I acquired the spell Teleport. Such a lovely spell.”

Wryly, she admitted, “That sounds like more fun than I had, I appeared in a tight spot in Luskan.”

We exchanged our tales in the Armory, and she agreed to keep watch for the others here at the Keep. I would wait in Neverwinter.

A few days after my return, an exuberant Grobnar walked into my shop with another gnome in disguise. An oddity in itself.

The bard probably would have tackled me if he could have, but he was close. I hoped surely Khelgar and Casavir could resist that impulse. He had been much further away than either Neeshka or I, and could have taken months to get back if they had not used magical travel, so it looked like we were going to have a long wait for everyone to return.
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