"Vash!"

Gale's voice rings through my mind and I blink. The red gaze of the Umber Hulk rips through me and falls away like a wave crashing against stone.

I try to shift back, but the thing wails and charges. I pull the Hells' Sword. Red static snaps and courses through the blade, but something feels... off. I try to focus and as the Umber Hulk comes within reach I hammer it across the neck. The chitin absorbs the blow. My smite ravages its chest but it does not detonate.

The creature reels and I brace myself. Karlach charges from around the mushroom, sword high.

"For Doni! For Scratch! For Shovel!"

She aims low and cuts the Umber Hulk in the bend of its knee. It collapses onto all fours, and snaps at her with its mandibles. It catches her eye and she freezes.

Lae'zel darts out, followed by four magic missiles. They pummel the Umber Hulk in the chest, and Lae'zel follows it with a beat of thunder.

It swings its head and snaps, but she catches its mandible across her blade, and one of the pincers breaks off.

I charge, but as I do I see Karlach come at me, eyes vacant. She tackles me, pinning me down. I can't get a hold of her without touching her.

"Karlach," I say through gritted teeth.

She doesn't answer.

Gale rushes out. "Lae'zel! The water!"

She pulls a bottle and smashes it against the Umber Hulk.

Gale unleashes a bolt of lightning and the creature goes stiff and collapses.

Karlach slowly relaxes and shakes her head. "Spooks?" The moment she can, she staggers off me. "Spooks, are you okay?!"

I sit up and roll my shoulders. They're burned from her palms, but I give her a weary smile. "Fine. Glad you're back." Then I pause. "For Shovel?"

Karlach gives me an awkward smile. "She's grown on me."

Gale stands over the Umber Hulk's body. "Never thought I'd encounter one of these. Very interesting anatomy. Insectoid. Whooh..." He waves a hand in front of his nose. "Smells far worse than I imagined."

Lae'zel's nose curls. "Chitin rarely smells pleasant when burnt."

I shake my head and climb to my feet, glancing at the Hells' Sword. This is the second time my smite has been underpowered. This isn't good. I straighten my lips and sheath the blade.

"Karlach, help me roll this thing off the path."

"You got it, Spooks!"

Between the two of us we're able to push the Umber Hulk out of the way.

Hembry, Doni, Astarion, and Shadowheart meet us along the path.

Doni looks at the Umber Hulk, but his face becomes pinched and he shakes his head.

"I know, lad. It's not always glamorous."

He takes my hand and we carry on down the path.

The Sussur tree is an ancient monolith that stretches across the cavern above. Blue blossoms dot the branches like motes of antimagic. I feel the absence of the Weave like a hollow pocket surrounding the druid's village.

"Gale, Shadowheart, how are you doing?"

Gale squares his shoulders. "I don't just rely on my command of the Weave anymore, thank you very much."

I stare at him.

"...I'm sorry. I'm doing well, thank you."

"Shadowheart?"

"I'm fine," she says tersely.

I slow and walk beside her. "If there's anything you need, let me know."

She doesn't look at me, but she nods softly. "I will."

Gale gestures to me as a whole. "And what about your sorcerer powers?"

I try to snap a flame into my hand. Nothing.

"Mmm... I honestly don't know why I asked. It's not like it would treat any one of us differently."

"You're a naturally curious man. It's one of your finer traits."

Gale straightens. "I... Well that was an awfully nice thing to say."

I give him a firm pat on the back and he smiles, walking ahead to catch up with Lae'zel. "How are you feeling without command of the Weave?" he asks.

I lean down to Doni and murmur. "Don't forget to butter the wizard."

Doni begins to grin and then laughs playfully.

Scratch trots next to us, tail wagging. "I like butter!"

"Here we are!" Hembry bellows. "Home."

As we clear a hill, the Sussur Concord comes into view. Steps and platforms curl up the wide trunk of the tree. Druids and myconids meander along the many paths. Tall, ancient mushrooms illuminate the surrounding area. Some are large enough to host shops and homes.

A rattling noise fills the air. Large gears work elevators like clockwork, moving people from branch to mushroom. Artificers scurry about, cleaning hoists and winches dutifully. Deep gnomes and duergar.

The river is dammed to run a watermill that appears to give power to the entire village.

No, this is a metropolis.

I look down at Hembry. "This is quite impressive."

"Impressive? Good Ser, it is a feat of civic engineering! We've built our home to function better than any Weave Eater!"

"Weave Eater?"

"A term of affection for those helplessly dependent on magic."

"I see."

As we approach, a voice cries out. "Peace Bringer! He's here!" A woman dashes up to me. A few others stop and follow behind her, gathering around me.

Crowds.

She holds her hands to her mouth. "Ooooh! Do you mind if I touch you?"

My shoulders go stiff. "...Not at all."

She grabs my hand and presses it to her forehead. "Hembry has told us everything about what you did for the Emerald Grove! You cleansed them of the Shadow Druid blight! Silvanus himself spoke through you! A conduit. A true conduit!"

More people gather as the name spreads. Myconids wave and I hear languid voices in my mind. "Peace Bringerrrr." It makes my ears buzz in an odd way that the tadpole does not.

More voices in my head. Of course. Everybody is welcome.

I make sure to keep an eye on Doni. A few people approach him. "Your father is a very important man!"

"Don't crowd him! The boy looks nervous."

"Come on, everyone, let's welcome our guests properly!"

I follow along as we're ferried to an elevator. Doni clings to my hand. As it begins to rise, Doni drops to his heels and closes his eyes.

Hembry shuffles next to him and puts a hand on his back. "No need to be afraid, boy. You'll get used to the heights soon enough!"

Doni remains coiled on the ground until the elevator stops at a large platform. Glowing moss hangs from branches, illuminating an area bustling with festivities. Food, drink, banter. Everyone spills out, pulling me along. Many folks begin serving drinks.

A few children and even a young myconid approach Doni.

"What's your name? I'm Eula!" a girl says. She's an elf, accompanied by two duergar boys. "This is Gavin and Gage!"

"We're twins," Gage says proudly.

Doni slowly stands and waves politely, edging his way onto the safety of the platform. He looks around for me.

I'm able to make my way back to him, and as I approach the children look up at me.

"Woah..." Gavin steps back, neck craned as I stand next to Doni.

"This is Doni. He doesn't speak but he's a smart boy." I pat his head.

Doni waves off my hand with a grin.

"No?" Eula studies Doni. "Why don't you talk?"

Gage shoves her. "He said he doesn't talk!"

Gavin mutters. "Are you Peace Bringer?"

"I am."

Gage leans into him. "Your dad is the Peace Bringer?"

Doni blinks and glances at me. I shrug. Doni nods.

"THAT'S SO COOL!"

"I heard he killed seven Shadow Druids with a single smite!"

"That's impossible, Eula!"

"Is it? Look at him!"

Gage looks up at me. "Okay, maybe."

One of the myconids tugs on Eula's sleeve.

"Good idea, Joe. Doni, do you want to see the crystal caves?"

Doni grins and nods. The children run off, disappearing down a platform that winds down the tree.

I find Astarion holding a goblet of wine.

"I doubt they have your vintage," I murmur.

He doesn't look at me and sips his drink. He's fixed on a bard who's perched cross-legged on a few crates. He has wild red hair and ornate boots. He's plucking a jovial tune on his mandolin, smiling at the crowd.

"Though callous and cruel.

Betsy married a fool.

Who promised to keep her fed.

A tenday passed.

Poor Betsy ran fast.

For his meals were all laced in lead!"

Laughter breaks out among the artificers, and the bard looks particularly delighted with himself.

He meets my eye and grins wildly.

"A Peace Bringer serves the needy!" He looks around, holding out his empty hands. "And I am in great need of a drink!"

More laughter rises. I turn to the beverage counter. "Wine or beer?"

There is a cheer and many people raise their cups.

"Uh, wine, please." He holds out his hand.

I walk over and hand it to him. "I serve."

The bard kicks his foot playfully and takes the glass. "I like you."

"Yes, he's very likable," Astarion says, stepping next to me.

"And you are?" The bard takes a sip, watching Astarion over the lip of the cup.

"Astarion." He delicately holds out a hand. "The Peace Bringer's most loyal magistrate." He glances at me.

"Magistrate?" The bard takes his hand and gives it a gentle shake. "I didn't realize a hero needed a legal department, but I suppose it makes sense." He turns to me. "You're built like a siege engine, Peace Bringer. I'm sure you could wreak a lot of..." his eyes travel across me. "...havoc."

"Please, my name is V-vash." It's strange introducing myself by a name I know isn't mine.

"Oh!" He grins at Astarion. "I got a stutter out of him." He gives us a flourish of his wrist and an elaborate bow. "They call me The Rooster."

"The Rooster?" I ask.

He leans into me. "Because I crow sweetly in the morning light."

My shoulders straighten. "Ah, you must get up very early."

Astarion stares up at me. "Darling, he's flirting with you."

"I know. I'm trying to be respectful."

"Oh..." He taps his finger on his glass. "Of whom?"

I give him a gentle smile and place my hand on his back. Astarion purses his lips, though his smile shows through his eyes.

Rooster shifts his gaze between us. "I see. Well, far be it from me to stick my nose in any business. Come, since I have you, let me give you a tour!" He slings the mandolin across his back and gets to his feet. "Don't drink too much, and stay away from the edges. Remember, there's no Feather Fall here."

He leads us down several levels of the tree. "This place was founded by druids explicitly to protect the tree, but it became a melting pot because of its antimagic properties. People were forced to learn to work together. That's why you see so many unusual pairings." He waves a hand to a few artificers working on gears. Deep gnomes and duergar.

"Why are there myconids here? It doesn't seem like they would need to live in a place like this." I watch a violet, luminescent myconid striding past with a corpse in its hands.

"They tend to the mushrooms, of course." Rooster swaggers backwards, watching us as he leads the way. "The druids have learned their methods of care well enough, but Sovereign Spaw enjoys the fellowship, and the safety."

"Safety? From what?"

"The Absolute."

Astarion and I share a glance.

Rooster stops, and I nearly bump into him. "You've heard of her?"

"I have."

Rooster steps between us and laces his arms through ours. "What exactly do you know?" he asks in a low voice.

I look to Astarion, and he clears his throat. "We have been tracking the cult. We may know where they are headquartered."

"That's all well and good, but what do you plan on doing with that information?"

I dip my head. "That's nothing you need to concern yourself with."

His eyes grow wide and watery. The speed at which his face becomes piteous is impressive. "Tell me. Pretty please. I promise I'll be a good boy and not tell a single soul."

"Why do you want to know?"

He glances around. "People have gone missing. I aim to find out what's become of them, and if I can, bring them back. I know it's the cult's doing. I just need an in."

"I see." I straighten. "Do they have a base in the Underdark?"

He rolls his eyes. "Of course they have a base."

"Great, where is it?"

"No idea. But you're going to help me find it."

"I never promised that."

He smiles. "You don't have to." He pats my arm. "Let me show you where you'll be staying."

We take an elevator to the ground floor. Several hook horrors pass in front of us, infected with cordyceps. Dead. Astarion coils his hand around my arm as we watch them parade by.

"Who raises the dead, here?" I ask.

Rooster curls his nose, making room for the creatures. "Bridget."

"I'd like to get acquainted with her. Where does she operate?"

His voice lifts an octave. "Why?"

"It's a subject in which I have a great interest."

"Huh." Rooster gestures down the path. "Near the millhouse. Enjoy that." He begins walking toward a large crystal cluster, and dips into a large clearing with several guest homes built into the stone walls. "This is it! Your room will be the one on the left."

"This one?" I crack open the door and find a large room with a fireplace, a desk, and a generous bed. "A real bed."

"Astarion, yours is..."

"Here." He steps into my room and tosses his satchel onto my bed.

I glance at Rooster. "Would you excuse us for a moment?"

"Of course, Peace Bringer," he says with a wide grin.

I close the door and sit on the bed. I sink into the mattress and sigh. "Astarion."

He steps into me, standing between my knees. "Yes?"

I grab his hips. "Do you forgive me?"

"Not quite yet, but I'm almost there."

"Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"

"Don't-" His face falls. "Well, no. You just need to give me more time."

"Of course, whatever you need." I gently squeeze him. "I'm... genuinely sorry. It's just that, after Bex left..."

"You brought that on yourself, you know. Did you really need to kill Halsin?"

"I've been over it a thousand times. He was going to dismantle everything I've built. There's no question."

"Gods forbid."

"The gods did forbid it. It's exactly why we're here now."

"Do you truly believe that? That your actions were somehow ordained?"

"They were."

He runs his fingers through my hair. "Is this some holy paladin nonsense?"

A small smile tugs at my lips and I let out a soft laugh. "Yes, it is."

"Well... regardless of all that." He places a hand on my cheek. "Please believe me when I say, I'm not going anywhere."

My brow tightens. I wrap my arms around his waist and rest my head on his chest.

He glides his palm across my back and holds me. "...Please don't leave me, either."

"I can't," I say with a soft breath.

We hold each other quietly before Astarion pulls back. "Come on. Let's not keep The Cock waiting."

We find him strumming by the fireside in the middle of the clearing. A melancholic tune. His eyes are closed and he's humming softly. They flutter open and he smiles. "Are you two done screwing?"

"Yes," Astarion says, grabbing my arm. "An unfortunate quickie."

He stands and strides over to us. "Well... if you ever want a third, I'm not unfamiliar with the custom."

Astarion and I glance at each other.

My shoulders straighten. "It's not exactly something we've talked about."

Astarion's eyes flick between us, then shine. "It could be fun. A little night of debauchery to warm the blood." He turns to Rooster. "If you're genuinely offering."

He grins and bounces lightly. "I am. The opportunity to dance with the Peace Bringer and his gorgeous boyfriend? I'm not insane."

Astarion drags a curl behind his ear. "Gorgeous? I'm very glad you have eyes, darling."

They grin up at me. I snatch Astarion around the waist and throw him over my shoulder. The Rooster bolts and I chase after him, quickly catching him and hauling him under my arm. I carry them both to my room.

Rooster kicks his feet and squeals. "Yay!"

I kick the door shut and toss them onto the bed.

"Fantastic." Rooster takes a small pouch from his belt. "I've got a little something that can make this whole experience a lot more interesting."

He pulls a spoon from the pouch. "Do you partake?"

Astarion glances at it. "Terazul? I haven't done that in years."

"Now's your chance." He taps a little into the spoon and hands it to Astarion.

He takes it in one sharp breath and shakes his head. "Ugh! Gods. I almost feel alive again."

Rooster scoffs. "Almost?" He taps a little more out and hands it to me.

I take it and inhale. Something within me shifts and my mind comes alive. My focus narrows and my body feels like it's welcomed an old friend.

Rooster takes a dose of his own and sets the pouch aside. He begins removing his tunic, and Astarion follows suit. I tilt my head and watch them through half-lidded eyes. Astarion approaches me and begins unbuckling my trousers.

I finally pull off my tunic. "I will be respectfully disrespectful."

Astarion puts a finger under my chin. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

I keep to my word.

I lie quietly in bed, Rooster's head on my chest. Astarion is getting dressed.

"Are you leaving?" I ask.

"Only to rejoin the party. If you two want to cuddle, be my guest, but I've got too much energy to sulk in this room."

"Enjoy yourself."

He tucks his shirt in and leans down, kissing me before heading out.

Rooster lifts himself on his elbow. "His body was like silk."

"I know," I say wistfully.

He gently leans down and kisses me.

I press my hand to his chest, pulling back. "Can we do this?"

He grins. "I don't know." He leans in and kisses me once more before straddling me.

My hands run up his thighs and I grip tight. The danger makes it feel better than it otherwise would.

He grabs the pouch from the side table and offers me another sniff.

I take it readily, wipe my mustache, and roll my shoulders.

"Who's your supplier? I'd like to get some for the road."

"Oh, I can sell it to you!"

"And pay a middleman's middleman?" I flip him on his back and lean into his ear. "That's not going to happen."

"Ooh, I like it when you threaten me."

I drag my teeth across his neck, and he shudders.

"Who is it?" I murmur.

"You'll have to do better than that."

I place my hand on his throat and squeeze gently. "Who is it?"

He moans softly and bites his lip. "You're never going to believe it. It's Bridget."

"Of course it is." I pat his cheek. "Good boy."

I get up and grab my trousers.

He pouts as he watches me. "I don't even get a thank-you? I gave you two free doses."

"If you bring it, it's rude to charge."

He crawls across the bed and grabs my wrist. "One more round. Pretty please." He gives me those same piteous eyes.

I wrinkle my nose. "Let's not ruin a good thing. Get back to the party."

"Hmph..." He taps a finger against his lips. "I have an idea! I'm going to head back to the party. You can stay here and be boring." He flicks the bare skin of my arm hard enough to snap.

I flinch, rubbing the sting.

He dresses and slips out the door in a blink.