The warm morning light shines through the hollow. The Tieflings haven't started stirring yet. I think back on my exchange with Lae'zel. I understand her frustration, truth be told, her lead to a cure is about as tenuous as the rest. Who knows if the information Halsin has is going to help us at all. If we follow Minthara to Moonrise, all we might find is more brainwashed zealots, and no puppet master. Lae'zel's solution is littered with 'if's that only have one path that could lead to a cure. When we go to the Mountain Pass, if the Githyanki patrol is still there, if they direct us to a nearby creche, if they have a Zaith'isk, if they allow us all to use it, and if it doesn't kill us, then we'll be cured. Those are very poor odds, especially since we're nothing more than outsiders being shepherded by a single young gith warrior. Besides, I had no idea their commitment to Vlaakith swung so far into zealotry until now. Who knows what danger that might add to the equation.
My mind drifts back to the kill last night and my hair stands on end. I see Alfira's broken face in my lap, I can still smell the amalgamation of fluids that make up the crisp scent of a fresh corpse. I would have assumed I'd feel rapture from the kill but a sinking dread has settled in. I have the feeling of being violated. Used outside of my own will. I try to get my mind off it and sit patiently in the communal eating area below Bex and Danis's camp, holding the torn note to Kagha in my hand. I can't help but grow restless, tapping the note on the table and then reading it again.
Kagha,
Swamp-docks. Tree. Meet me. Alone.
Olodan
This cryptic note is undoubtedly tied to Kagha's inane ritual. If I can find this meeting place, maybe I can get more details on what she's up to. I doubt she's clever enough to come up with performing The Rite of Thorns herself. The idea that this Olodan is influencing her seems only natural, but who are they, and why is closing off the grove so important to them? Gods, the number of grown people I've found myself babysitting has become exhausting.
As the thoughts run through my mind, I finally hear whispers rising from Bex and Danis's camp.
I hear her rise first, soft and attentive, "What are you thinking?"
The croaking of Danis' tired voice overshadows her like a crow interrupting a mourning dove, "Do we have any eggs?"
"No, unfortunately our rations are running thin."
"What do we have?"
I finally see her stand, and my chest feels a soft pang of anticipation. She walks over to one of their crates, "We still have some of those apples from earlier. We should eat them before they spoil." She picks them up and as she turns, she sees me.
"Vash!" She lights up, her smile a beacon that breaks through the morning haze. I didn't expect her to be this happy to see me looming below her camp like this. "Give me a moment, I'll be right down."
She tosses the apple to Danis and holds the other one up to me, "Do you want one?"
A generous offer given their position, "No, thank you, you take it."
I notice Danis peak over the platform, looking down at me. He looks like a mess, the bags under his eyes make the brief flash of panic that crosses his face seem more pathetic than intended. I can tell he's trying to settle his expression as he awkwardly waves. I nod in his direction, acknowledging his meager hospitality.
She holds the apple in her teeth, climbing down and taking a seat across from me. Pulling the bite from the apple, she gesturing toward me, "Any word from the goblin camp?"
Straight to business. "Our plan worked. We were able to get in."
Bex's eyes go wide, "You got in!? And what happened? Is the camp finally clear?"
"No, but we're working on it. We've at least ingratiated ourselves with them, given what we know, it's going to take longer to clear them out than expected. We have at least killed one of the leaders, but the other two are far stronger."
She sits back, but the hopeful smile remains on her face, "Impressive, but how is the whole camp not up in arms after losing one of their leaders?"
A savvy question, "It's a long story, but we were able to cover it up, though I'm not sure how long it will take before suspicions are raised. Even still, we're in a relatively good position right now." A roguish grin crosses my face. "I need your help again."
Bex eyes me, a hint of shock and anticipation settling on her face, "What do you need?" She's holding back, trying not to sound too eager.
I continue to fidget with the note. "Have you heard of any swamps in the area? Or any imposing trees?"
"Swamps? Trees..." Something sparks in her mind, just on the edge of her thoughts, but it refuses to come to the forefront. She looks around the hollow trying to find something that can catch the memory. Her eyes land on Auntie Ethel's merchant booth and it finally clicks, "Ethel's Tea House."
"A tea house?"
"Yes, I've spoken with Auntie Ethel. She's the merchant that works the stand across the way. She's a healer of sorts. I was asking her about a problem of mine and she invited me to her home to discuss the matter further. She said if I ever get lost on the way, to look for a large willow tree. If I can find it-" She stops, seeing a change in my demeanor as my face focuses. I feel a faint caress of faewild magic hush through the air. "What is it?"
A chuff escapes me. "Speak of the devil."
Bex furrows her brow, "What do you mean?"
"A stirring of magic, with a touch of the faewild to it, I think Ethel just arrived in the Hollow."
"I don't feel anything. I didn't realize you were so sensitive to magic."
Surprising, the feeling is distinct, how can't she feel that? "I guess I didn't either. I've felt it around Ethel before. I haven't spoken to her yet, but it's unmistakable."
We see Ethel breach the hill, walking towards us. At the sight of the crone, Bex bristles, "Let's go somewhere private."
I abide and tuck the note away, standing with her.
She tugs on my sleeve and directs me toward a path that circles the Hollow, leading back to the gate, but avoiding Ethel. "Let's not pass her, I don't want to engage with her right now."
Danis stands and stammers, "Oh hey, can I come? I want to be in on the action. ...sounds fun!"
Bex waves him off, "We'll be right back. I'll fill you in later."
The look of dejection on his face is thick and miserable.
I stare at him and then follow Bex around the Hollow the long way. We make our way to the parapets of the gate. The cool morning air feels clean from up here. Welcoming. A light breeze gently soothes us as Bex starts again. "She said I need to head toward the willow tree and when I make it to the docks, go west again."
This is all too perfect, and I could use a bought of good fortune, "Really? Docks? You sure she said docks?"
She nods, "I'm certain."
I give her a beaming smile, grabbing her shoulders, "I think this might actually be the tree I'm looking for."
She matches my enthusiasm, hanging her hands off my forearms, "I guess gossip is good for something, isn't it?"
"We'll call it what it is, intelligence. Something we're in desperate need of right now. There is a lot more to this goblin camp than just a mere nuisance. Something strange is happening."
Bex's shoulders drop, "First Elturel and now this. It can never be easy, can it?"
I watch her for a moment, and I'm struck with a welcome sensation. I trust her. She's clever, informed, and may be a greater asset than I realized. "Have you heard of The Absolute?"
Bex furrows her brow, "The Goddess that Sazza was ranting about? What about her?"
"This Absolute has followers beyond just the goblins. It seems she is the leader of a burgeoning cult that includes all sorts. The goblins have incorporated other races into their ranks. The two remaining leaders are a hob goblin and a drow of all things, and it's no mere male. She is a Baenre, if I recall correctly, that's one of the noble houses. The daughter of a noble house leaving the Underdark just to lead a goblin hoard is unconscionable, and alarming. When I spoke to her, she seemed like a true zealot." I get a flash of pulling Minthara into my heat, the pressure of her hands as she catches herself on my shoulders. My train of thought is staggered, but I'm able to swiftly bring my focus back to Bex. "This goes a lot deeper than we could have possibly known." I allow my mind to wander back to The Nightwarden and our tussle for dominion. I find myself fighting back another vague smile.
Bex goes silent for a moment and places her hands on the parapet, looking out over the land beyond the grove. The morning light makes the lush foliage seem greener. The smoldering rubble of the crash can still be seen in the distance, and if the wind blows in the right direction, we get the occasional whiff of charred chitin from the wreckage. The land beyond the gate seems lush and oblivious to the treachery of illithid invasions and grove politics. "If you clear out the goblin camp, won't they just send new leaders?"
I lean down next to her, resting my elbows on the structure, "Not necessarily. The goblins are zealots but not to the same degree as their leaders. Their loyalty only goes so far, and I think they'll grow restless long before the power vacuum can be filled. Even still, I've found another potential solution for you while we plot out what we're going to do about the remaining leaders. It will at least buy us time." Pick her up, throw her off the top of the gate. Watch her break and crumble as her body hits the ground. I feel the faintest crackle at the base of my spine, but as quickly as it comes, it's gone again. It seems I am learning to gain control of myself, and my tail sways to soothe the crackling sensation in my lower back.
Bex's eyes shine up at me, reluctantly hopeful, "A backup plan?"
I roll my shoulders and stretch my neck from side to side, regaining my composure from the intrusive thoughts, "Of course."
She's direct with me, in her way, "What is it? Tell me what you need me to do."
I look down at her, "For now, nothing. You've provided me with the information I need. For your safety, I won't be divulging our next steps. If this got out, it could put you and all the refugees at risk."
She scoffs, "You're bad at keeping secrets, you know that? Put us all at risk?" I feel her finger press into my shoulder, accusatory and firm, "You're going to confront the druids. You'll have a hell of an easier time if you're just honest with me. It will save us both our precious breath."
I look down at her and laugh, "The more I get to know the more I can't help but respect you for your ability to pick up on nuance."
She rolls her eyes, "If that's what you call nuance, then I'd be embarrassed to see what you think 'overt' is."
I'm grinning, I can't help it, "You'd be surprised how oblivious most people are. Alright, honesty." I pull the note out of my cloak pocket and hand it to her.
She unfolds it and scans the contents, "...Olodon?"
"As you know, I've spoken with Kagha. She's no leader, she's impulsive and short-sighted. I suspect Olodon is the architect behind this ridiculous rite."
Bex shakes her head, "Where did you get this note?"
"My rogue found it in a chest hidden in their servant's quarters while he was snooping around."
She hands it back to me. I've made her smile. "Intel. Smart."
I tuck it away and look across the land once more, squinting at the ever-rising light of the sun, "With that being said, we'll start heading west and see what we can find."
She hesitates and then informs me of her intentions; it's not even a question. "I'm coming with you."
A look of genuine surprise crosses my face, but I give her a teasing grin, "Are you, now? Ready to throw yourself into the thick of things? Just like that? After everything you've been through?"
She straightens her back and looks me directly in the eyes, piercing embers of determination, "I've been in the wilds before, my father was a merchant who had a caravan on the River Road, just outside of Elturel. From a young age I learned how to scout for him, doing my part to keep the caravan safe. I was no guard, but I can be an effective Ranger, and honestly, I'm feeling myself slowly going mad behind these damned walls."
Leaning back, I let my gaze travel over her body. She feels my lingering stare, because she stretches her arms out, presenting her body to me, turning with a confidence in her physic that feels refreshing. She's slight, I can see her being swift and nimble, but there's no reason to believe she would be an effective scout if she was just traveling a road outside of Elturel. "I won't be able to protect you from every danger we might encounter in the wilds. We're part of a team. You need to be reliable and self-sufficient." I absolve her from such responsibility. "No, I think it would be best if you stayed here. Let us handle this."
I feel the air shift as that cloud of discontent surrounds her, as if I just invalidated something precious yet primal deep within her, "You don't think I could be an asset to your team? You're not even going to give me a chance?"
I need to bring her down. I take a step forward, "I think-" My tone softens and I place my hands on her shoulders. "-your husband would be inconsolable if you didn't come back."
She doesn't flinch, as a matter of fact, my attempt to de-escalate only provokes her further, "I don't think that's any of your concern. You're dodging the truth again. That's twice now. Is this the kind of person you are?" She pushes my hands off her shoulders with disgust, "I can be more useful helping you out in the wilds, instead of cowering behind this damned wall. I'm sick of druids, I'm sick of goblins, and I want to get the hells out of here! Please! Bring me with you!"
My hair stands on end as she begs, coaxing a smile from me, languid, and edged with desire. I consider her offer once again. She's offering up her services as a Ranger. Admittedly, a competent ranger would be useful for navigating swamps. An incompetent ranger would be dead. I'd have the privilege of having another corpse on my hands. Messy if she dies in camp like Alfira. "I apologize, but if I let you come, you'll be my responsibility. If something happens to you, I'll be the one who will have to tell the whole caravan what happened. That I let you come, unproven and green, and threw you into monster infested wilds because of what? Because you were bored and wanted to play hero."
She bristles and bites back. "You know what, Vash? Fuck you. I'm not a fucking child. You're not responsible for me. You may be leading the excursion, but if I do something fucking dumb that gets me kill then there will be no one else to blame but myself. If the people of the Hollow can't respect my agency, then they're no family of mine." She watches my eyes, infuriated but the hope still lingers.
She wouldn't be this wound up if she knew I was one bad dream away from ripping her apart. She has a point though, I warned her, and she's still trying to convince me to let her come. Surely Bhaal won't need to push me blindly into another sacrifice now that I know he is the one who empowers me. Perhaps Alfira was a one off? An inauguration back into the Temple of Bhaal. I suppose it's a chance I'm willing to take, "Alright, let's see what you can do."
She gasps and abruptly jumps into my arms, locking her hands behind my neck. "Thank you, Vash!" She gives me a kiss on the cheek. It's a welcome act of tenderness that I didn't know I needed. I can't help but place my hands on her hips, gently gripping them as I let her hang from me. I close my eyes; the familiar chamomile smell of her hair saturates my senses. Hopefully her enthusiasm will make up for her shortcomings. After a beat she finally releases me, "When do we leave?"
"Now."
"Right. Let me get my things, how many days will we be gone, and where can I find you?"
"It should only take a few days, and I'll escort you: it'll be easier. Let's be on our way so I can introduce you to the rest of my team." Her exuberance is infectious and unfaltering, as she leads me back to her camp.
Once it's in sight she runs ahead and climbs up the ladder. "Danis, I'm going to be heading out with Vash and his crew. They need a scout, and this is a perfect opportunity to put my skills to work again."
As I watch him, I see the spirit of a man get crushed, "What? You're leaving?"
She throws various things into a backpack, "Only for a bit, I'll be back, don't worry. Vash has a plan that can help us, and I don't want to sit idle while waiting for them to do all the work, I want to help."
Danis's panic rises, "Oh no! I'm sure they have things handled, no need for us to go dashing out into the fray!"
Bex stands and wrinkled her nose at him, "Please, I'm sick of waiting. I want to be a part of this. I'll be with a team, in my element, and it will only be for a day or two. Don't worry about me!"
His frantic voice is hardly masked, I watch him quietly, it feels a little more desperate than just another worried husband, "A day or two?" His voice cracks, "Well, then I'm coming too."
I continue to track his face, trying to read him. "No. We need to travel in a small and I'm not willing to give up another member of my team just to bring you along. I'm sorry, Danis."
He glances at me briefly but acts like it almost hurts to look at me. Bex slings the backpack over her shoulder, and as she turns he reaches out and grabs her wrist. She looks back at him and he looks deep into her eyes, furrowed brow, voice nearly shaking, "Please. Don't go."
Bex shakes her head, "What's come over you? You're never like this. I'm going, I'll be back in a few days. Stop worrying."
He watches her intently and then finally reaches out to kiss her. Bex smiles and leans into the kiss lovingly. He places a hand on her cheek, and she holds the kiss for a moment more.
She finally breaks away and smiles, "I love you. I'll see you in a few days."
At that she returns to me and nods, "I'm ready." She turns and waves to Danis, beaming.
I look at Danis as he watches us, hardly smiling but waving politely. The frantic tantrum of a jealous man. As I turn to lead Bex out I give Danis a smug fucking grin and rest my hand low on her back, possessively. I see his face fall and his hand drops as I turn and leave with his wife.