Chpt 12. Chamomile
Trigger Warning: Extramarital flirting in a cuckoldry fan fic.
I make it to the grove, just as the sun begins to kiss the horizon. It's still dark, but daylight is approaching swiftly. I see Apikusis standing in our private corner near the top of the elevator. She smiles brightly the moment she sees me approaching.
"Jealous." She giggles. "I never got your name."
"Vash. But keep addressing the letters to J. Seems like good practice given the nature of our communication." I match her smile. "Any news for me this morning?"
"Yes. I was able to sneak out of the grove last night and speak with Zevlor. He knows about our plans and anticipates your word. He will be readying any able bodied tieflings to back us up. I've also recruited two more druids."
"That's fantastic news. Any suspicions from the others?"
"No. Not from what I can tell. I don't know what they would do if they found out about our little rebellion."
I shake my head and put a hand on her shoulder. "This isn't a little rebellion. This is revolution. You're doing a good thing for the grove, don't downplay your role in this."
She gives me a gracious smile and grips my arm as I give her a gentle squeeze.
"I have some news that may help you in your endeavor. I've found Halsin."
She gasps, sharp and stunned. "Really!?" She tries not to raise her voice, lest it carry, but her excitement is hard to contain. "Gods, is he coming back?"
"For now he's chosen to remain at the goblin camp. He wants to ensure the leaders are taken down, for the sake of the grove. I intend to help him, but I need time."
She nods. "This will help inspire others, I may be able to get more on our side, but without proof of life, it will only be my word."
I reach into my cloak pocket and pull out the tuft of bear hair, handing it to her.
She sighs, grateful, taking it in hand. She cups it to her heart like a precious treasure. "Your help has been invaluable, J."
I give her a comforting smile, brushing my hand across her cheek. She turns a bright red. The morning sun has banished the remnants of darkness, and a haze surrounds us. Birds twitter in the trees, and the faint scent of rotting squirrel innards barely touches the air. "I understand what we are doing will affect both our people, but you might be in more danger than you realize. I'm following a lead regarding Kagha, but I don't have to explain now. Let's meet again soon. Take care of yourself, Apikusis."
She looks ever hopeful and reluctantly lets me go. Swiftly returning to the grove's inner sanctum.
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. Stripped of my agency. 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 Chionthar flows past blessedly ignorant 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. It seems I am learning to gain control of myself, and my tail sways to soothe me.
Bex's eyes shine at my words, 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, "Put us all at risk? You're going to confront the druids, aren't you? You'll have a hell of an easier time if you're just honest with me, Vash."
I can't help but laugh at how insightful she is. It's remarkably refreshing. "The more I get to know you the more I've learned to respect 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. "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."
I give her a teasing grin, a look of shock crossing my eyes, "Are you? Ready to drop everything and throw yourself into the thick of things? After everything you've been through?"
She looks at me directly, piercing embers of brazen confidence. "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." She turns to the horizon, a gentle breeze teasing her blonde curls. "Honestly, I'm feeling myself slowly going mad behind these damned walls."
I let my gaze travel over her body. She feels my lingering stare and smiles playfully. She picks up the edge of her skirt and turns, holding out her hand, presenting herself to me. Her confidence is refreshing. She's slight, and I can see her being swift and nimble, but I don't know how green she is. "If you're as experienced as you say, why haven't you been helping Zevlor with the caravan?"
Her face twists into discomfort. Almost shame. "It's not for a lack of wanting, but that answer is twofold. Zevlor insists that he and Tilses can handle it, since they are both Hellriders with combat experience. He wants to ensure we all get to Baldur's Gate safely." She hesitates and considers me for a moment. "The other reason is Danis. I know he'll worry if I begin scouting again, but at this point I have little interest in placating everyone else's feelings about what I do with my life." Her tone is laced with resentment and frustration.
"I understand, that must be very frustrating. It's not just a matter of people caring for your wellbeing. At a certain point this 'care' can feel like a stranglehold on your own agency. We need a little danger now and again, it's what reminds us we're alive."
Her eyes go wide, "Yes! That's exactly what I mean!" She sighs, as if a great burden has been lifted from her shoulders. The gift of being seen. She's watching me, hopeful.
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. "Honestly, Bex, I'm not entirely sure if I'm interested in taking you on right now."
Her face falls, "Interested? What are your reservations? Please, I'd like the opportunity to prove myself."
I'm not going to pretend my doubts are anything but what they are. She doesn't need to be disrespected with flowery language. "We'll be going straight into a goblin infested wilderness. Your caravan barely survived these lands as it is. So many of you have been lost. My company and I are seasoned warriors. I know the only way you can gain experience is to be given a chance, but that means taking the time to train you. I have no doubts about your competence, but from a practical standpoint, this could take away resources from our mission."
She's quiet for a moment, straightening her lips, considering my words. Once her thoughts are gathered, she looks back to me, her eyes burrowing deep into my heart. "Vash. Please."
My hair stands on end, and something happens in my chest. I seem to have missed a breath. That's not what I was expecting. Petulance, stubbornness, an insufferable tantrum, perhaps. What she just gave me is something far more evocative, an honest plea. She wouldn't be this eager if she knew I was one bad dream from ripping her apart, but surely Bhaal won't need another sacrifice any time soon? If so, I can find someone more deserving, as I planned, before the urge to kill grows too strong. I just need to watch for the signs.
She's hanging onto the silence, her tail sweeping gently in anticipation. My shoulders relax, as I let out a subtle exhale. My word is her death sentence, but who am I to determine that risk for her? I'd be just as bad as the rest of them. "You may join us."
She gasps and abruptly jumps into my arms, locking her hands behind my neck. "Thank you!" 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. She pulls back with a bounce, excited. "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 group 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 glance at him as he watches us, hardly smiling but waving politely. The frantic tantrum of a jealous man. 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 to leave with his wife.