I drag my stool over to the fire and sit across from Gale with a small container in my hand. It's morning. Or so we think. There's no sky in the Underdark, but there is a small clock pillar standing in the yard just beyond the campfire. An artificer has arrived with a ladder because it's been running a bit slow. It needs to be wound.

Shadowheart is kneeling next to Doni who is running his hand over his head. He pulls his tunic to his nose. "Nnnnnnnggghhhh!"

"Your curls are going to get matted if you don't comb them, Doni. You need to comb them every day. Look, you already have tangles."

He begins to breathe heavily, shaking his head.

She sits back. "Doni." Her eyes soften. "I'm sorry for how I treated you before. That was a mistake, and I promise I'll never push you again. Let's think about what we can do about your hair. May I touch it? I promise, no combing. I'm only going to observe the texture."

His shoulders are tight. He takes a moment to settle then slowly drops his arms and gives a soft nod.

She pinches a curl, rolling it between her fingers. "Easy. I know exactly what we can do. You need a protective hairstyle."

His brow is pinched, tail flicking.

"I can do braids, or twists. This will keep your hair neat. No more combing every day. Just the occasional detangle when it's time to redo the style. Do you want to try it?"

"Mmmm..." His mouth goes crooked.

"How about I do one braid and you can tell me if you like it. If not, I'll stop."

He gives a hesitant nod.

"Great. Let me get a comb and some wax." She stands and walks past.

I stop her and give her a nod. "Thank you, Shadowheart."

She fights a small smile and carries on to her room to get her supplies.

Gale is watching a pot of eggs boil. His face is sullen. The man looks exhausted.

"Gods, Gale, you look worse than I feel. Is everything alright? Do you need an artifact?" I open the container. Rolled oats, soaked overnight with a stick of cinnamon and a few cloves. I pick them out and toss them into the fire, then mix my oats.

He grunts. "No, I'm fine. I suppose I didn't realize how much I relied on the Weave in my day-to-day."

"I'm sorry you have to go through that." I take a bite of my breakfast.

He glances at me. "I had to wait for the water to boil."

"One does tend to need to do that."

"Vash, I had to wash the dishes. With soap."

I lean my elbows on my knees. "By the nine. I had no idea you were dealing with such agony."

Gale pokes the eggs with a spoon. "I don't even know how long these have been boiling."

"Then they're probably ready."

He nods and grabs a wool cloth, pulling the pot from the flames.

Karlach walks up, steaming. "Morning, Spooks!"

"Morning. Why are you steaming?"

"I wash myself every once in a blue moon."

"Have you been able to keep in touch with Dammon?"

"Yeah! He's doing great. Got a lot more business now that the druids have come out of hiding."

"Excellent." I smile and take another bite.

There's giggling and I glance behind me. Rooster and Astarion finally join us. Rooster is clinging to Astarion's arm, rubbing his eyes and yawning.

"You really have no idea what it's like. Still, you'll find out soon enough." Astarion kisses his cheek and Rooster gives a dimpled smile.

Gale pulls an egg from the pot but quickly drops it, blowing on his fingers

"Careful. They're hot," Astarion says, sitting on a stool next to me. He pulls out his comb to begin his own morning hair routine.

How he knows how to maintain such a perfect coif without a mirror is a mystery to me. Good genetics, most likely. I take a bite of oats.

"Here, let me." Rooster sits next to Gale, taking the pot from him. He dunks it in a bucket of fresh water, before pulling the eggs and tapping them open, one by one. "I can't stand watching you struggle."

Gale stares into the flames. "I was once the chosen of Mystra," he mutters.

"Hm?" Rooster lifts his brows, barely taking his focus away from the eggs. "Here, take this." He hands an egg to Gale.

Gale eats it quietly.

Rooster passes out the rest.

Doni walks over with the tunic over his nose. "Mr. Neel! Look at my braid!" A clean row that coils around his ear.

"How does it feel?" I gesture with the spoon.

"Better. I like it." He notices my oats. "Ewww. You eat oatmeal?"

"It's not oatmeal. It's soaked oats. I don't like the way oatmeal slides across my tongue. I've found that preparing the oats this way feels better. Would you like to try?" I hold up the bowl and spoon to him.

He hesitantly takes it and nibbles on a single oat with a pinched face. Then his expression softens and he tries a bit more.

"If you want to finish it, you may. I can make us both soaked oats for breakfast tomorrow."

He smiles and nods. "Yes, please, thank you." He takes another bite and jogs back to Shadowheart.

I call after him. "Don't run with a spoon in your mouth!"

I sigh and glance over at Astarion. "Now that you're up, may I speak with you privately?"

He glances at me and purses his lips. The comb passes through his hair a few more times.

I stand and he follows me to our room. "I wanted to speak to you about Rooster."

"What is it, Vash?"

I pause. My stomach is suddenly in my throat. I sit on the edge of the bed. "I didn't think you wanted another partner between us, given your concerns about Bex."

"That's different."

"How so?"

"Bex is very beautiful, but I don't fancy women the same way you do."

A heat hits my cheeks. I hadn't considered that.

His eyes grow sharp. "Besides, your timing was terrible. We had just slept together for the first time and you decided the pillow talk would be about someone else. You didn't even give me the dignity of feeling special for half a day."

"I didn't assume you were interested in having a relationship with me at the time," I murmur.

He gawks at me. "And what in the Nine Hells gave you that impression?"

"Your flirtation seemed a bit shallow. Not undesirable, of course, I wanted you badly. I still want you."

He folds his arms. "Do you still feel that way? That I'm shallow?"

I take his hand in mine, pressing a kiss into his fingers. "No. Far from it."

"Good. My standards are very high." He drags a loose curl to the side. "With that being said, I am quite fond of Rooster."

I release his hand and drop my gaze. A moment of quiet hangs between us.

"Is that not what you were working toward?" he asks.

"...I hurt Rooster last night."

He straightens, and I feel his eyes on me.

"I'm not looking for absolution. What I did is not absolvable. I just... want to understand it."

"What's there to understand?" His voice is clipped. "What did you do to him?"

I try to find the words, only to settle on the blunt truth of it. "I nearly strangled him to death."

"Surely he attacked you first. Like Lae'zel and me."

"He fed information to Lady Lumael prior to the druid's moot."

He throws his hands in the air. "Oh, gods forbid the obvious spy do spy-shaped things!"

"I can't have an informant in camp when I have a child in my charge."

"Ergo, Rooster should be strangled to death. Is that it? The man is harmless."

My eyes snap to his. "It is not harmless, Astarion. You know this. Still, I only intended to frighten him."

"Oh, then it's all fine!" he says with a wave of his hand. "I suppose we can just toss this matter aside just like Alfira." His hand moves to his lips.

I stand abruptly, staring him down. "Astarion."

He takes a step back and glances around the room, reaching behind him, hands finally landing on an end table.

I shift back and clutch the front of my tunic. "Please, just hear me out, and stop needling me."

His eyes follow me as I walk to my desk. "I have something I wish to tell you," I say as I sit.

He slowly moves around the bed and settles himself on the corner of the mattress.

My hand trembles. My heart races. I feel it.

Fear.

I study his face, remembering it, then swallow.

"I'm a bhaalspawn."

He lifts his chin. "And... how did you come about this revelation?"

"It was Alfira's murder. I didn't make a sacrifice to Lord Bhaal because I didn't know it was a... a Deathstalker."

"Well." His foot begins to shake. "We're just full of confessions today, aren't we?" His brow tightens. "Why are you telling me this? What do you want me to do about it? Because I certainly didn't sign up to be a bhaalspawn's nanny."

"I thought I had it under control," I say tersely. "But after last night, I realize I have far less control than I assumed. I had to bargain with Father to make my hands release from Rooster's neck."

"Don't start calling him Father. He's Bhaal. Lord of Murder. Don't try to soften it."

"He is not my god. He is my Father." I lean back in my seat, tapping a claw on the desk.

"And what did dear Father demand in return?"

"Another man's soul. Some stranger from the tavern."

"Classic. Well at least you're practical. How did you approach them?"

"The way one does. I waited for him and his friends to get drunk and head home. Then I followed them and killed them when the moment was right."

"Hm. I suppose you can get away with such a brutal method. I usually just seduced them and walked them back to Cazador's mansion."

"What do you mean?"

"It was one of my duties to bring victims back to Cazador to feed on."

I sit back and tap my claw a few more times. "Could you do that for me?"

"What?! No! Vash, I was a slave."

"Right. I apologize, I wasn't thinking." I need to be careful with my next question. "Would you be a witness to my tenday rituals? You need only be a witness. Nothing more."

"Is it necessary?"

"It is. According to Deathstalker doctrine, I need to make a sacrifice within a tenday or I will go mad with bloodlust. As a part of the ritual, I need a witness. That has often been the greatest challenge. I can't have it getting out that Peace Bringer is a serial killer."

"Heavens forbid it." He crosses his legs and folds his hands in his lap.

"This will keep Rooster safe?"

"Yes. It will keep everyone safe."

"Then it's a reasonable compromise. I can be your witness. I've already been keeping Alfira under wraps."

I breathe. "Thank you, Astarion."

There is a gentle tapping on the door. I glance past Astarion.

"Come."

It opens and Karlach peeks her head in.

"Uh. Spooks? There is something up with Lae'zel."

Astarion and I share a glance. I stand and follow Karlach to Lae'zel's room.

"She hasn't come out all morning. She's usually sparring by now. She won't answer. Not even for Gale."

My lips straighten and I press my ear to the door. I hear muttering, muddled, but audible.

"Lae'zel?" I try the handle. It's not locked. I slowly open the door and see her sitting cross-legged on her bed, back to the door.

"Lae'zel?"

"Of course we will need to find a kith'rak if we want to get you proper training. These lands aren't suitable for you. I wish to send you to Creche K'liir when you are ready. I don't have the means presently, but rest assured it is my priority, little one."

I glance over her shoulder and see a large egg resting in her lap.

"...Lae'zel." I place a hand on her back.

She glances up at me with a soft smile. "Vash. We have a child."

I straighten. "Do we? ...can that even happen?"

"Not you. Gale and I."

My head cocks.

...not sure what makes him more qualified. No. No, I want nothing to do with this. "Where did you get that?"

"It was the last. It is mine. I saved it from the devastation of Creche Y'llek. They will be a mighty warrior. I just know it."

"I have little doubt. Will you and the egg be joining us for breakfast? Gale has made some-" I glance down at the egg. "...sustenance."

"Excellent. Yes, we will be there shortly."

I give a nod and quietly back out of her room.

I stand outside her door, staring at my boots. Should I tell Gale he's a father now? Do I wait for Lae'zel to tell him? Seems personal. Best to leave it be.

Gale looks at me expectantly. "Well?"

"She'll be out shortly."

He seems to settle at the news.

I settle back on my stool, and dare let my shoulders relax for half a moment before I feel something hit my boot. I glance down and see a rock. Another one comes hurling from behind a mushroom, landing near the first one. I hang my head and get to my feet, making my way over to the mushroom. I glance behind it, finding Fezzerk and Sazza staring up at me.

"You both came."

"Just in case you needed both of us, Boss," Sazza says.

"Prudent. I may just. Come."

I lead them into camp. They huddle closely together as they follow me.

Shadowheart glances up from Doni's braid and waves. "Sazza!"

Sazza lights up and gives a wild wave in return. "Hey Shart!"

She scowls. "It's Shadowheart." She turns back to the braid, more focused than before.

Sazza doesn't catch the misstep and is now walking with her chest out and a grin on her face.

I'm back at my desk, Sazza and Fezzerk seated across from me. I lean forward, folding my hands. "I have raiding business for you."

Fezzerk smacks his good hand on the desk. "Damn! That's what I like to hear, Boss. What do you need?"

"Bodies. Lots of them. Fezzerk, I need you to take a raiding team and begin searching the Sword Coast for mass casualty events. Recent battles. Plagues. Natural disasters. Whatever the case may be, I need the dead, and I need them in good condition."

"Bodies? Just like Commander Bishop! He's got an entire legion of the dead parked right outside of Moonrise, thanks to General Thorm!"

"Smart man. I'll have to ask him for a tour when I get there." I turn to Sazza. "I need you to take your faction to scout Cloakwood."

"Cloakwood? Why there?"

"I'm going to lay siege. I need to know what resources they have so I can begin making plans on how we're going to approach them."

"Oh! You mean, like the mines?"

I focus on her. "Mines? What mines?"

She shifts in her seat. "Well... everyone knows there are mines under Cloakwood. It's what they're known for. Iron is what they got down there."

"How do you know this?"

"It's just... what I know! Every goblin who knows anything knows that!"

I slowly get to my feet and lean on my desk. "You're certain?"

Her face falls. "Yeah? I mean... I haven't seen them myself, but I know plenty of folks who have."

"Would you bet your life on it?"

She hesitates. "W-well... I'd be happy to check for you, Boss."

I stare at the glowing mushroom on my desk before focusing back on her. "Verify it. Make for fucking certain that information is accurate. If they have iron mines under them, then this changes everything."

She gives a clumsy salute. "You got it, Boss! I'll take my best people and we'll scout it out for you!"

"Good."

I return to my seat. "Do either of you know where the Absolute's base is, in this area?"

Sazza's smile returns and she raises her hand. "I do! Not many goblins are invited, but Ol' Sazza sneaked a peek! I can circle it on a map."

"No. I can't risk it. If you know where it is, then take me there."

She beams and nods. "Just like last time! You can count on me, Boss. You know I've got this."

"I know." I focus on Fezzerk. "Here." I slide a small stack of papers in front of him. "This is the contract for your scouting party. There will be a small salary in it for you. If you find a mass casualty event, you are welcome to raid the site. The dead don't need treasure in the fugue plane."

Fezzerk quietly clenches his fist. "Yesssss."

"And if there are a few left living, you're welcome to kill them, but for fuck's sake. Do. Not. Get. Caught. I will not back you if you do. I can't risk associating myself with people who were too stupid not to be discreet."

"Can do! I'll make sure my men remember that."

"And leave the bodies in good condition. We can use them for the harvest. We want them dead. Not mutilated. Not burned." I pray I'm not giving him too much to remember, but I am loath to record any of this for him.

"Right."

I slide a small stack of papers to Sazza. "Hold onto that. It's a copy of the contract for your faction. Do either of you have any questions?"

Sazza shakes her head. "Naw." She tucks the paper into her pack.

Fezzerk salutes. "Not a one, Boss! If I need anything, I'll send a message."

"Excellent. You're dismissed."

He gets up and toddles out. I give Sazza a nod. "Have you eaten?"

We approach the fire together. Given her stature, she only reaches my knee. This makes her both easy to protect and easy to lose. She could fall into an impossible crack or get eaten by half of the creatures down here. She seems experienced enough in caves to look out for herself, for the most part, but I’ll have to keep an eye on her.

That red hair of hers should make it easy. I could spot it at a substantial distance.

"Rooster, Gale, Doni, this is Sazza. She's going to help us find the cult."

Doni doesn't look, holding still for Shadowheart as she continues to braid, but he waves a hand politely.

Rooster approaches her, bending down and holding out a hand. "Pleasure to meet you, Sazza. What's your story?"

Sazza grins and slaps a hand into his, giving it a wild shake. "Lasher of the Sharp Teeth Goblin Tribe and right-hand man to the Boss here!" she declares, her chest puffed out proudly.

"Boss?" He looks up at me. "You're the Boss?"

Sazza pats my leg. "He's our War Chief! And a mighty one at that! Got us raidin' without worrin' about no spider pits!"

"Gods forbid," I say. "Can't be losing half my tribe when we have business to conduct."

Rooster straightens. "You... send the goblins out to pillage villages?"

"No, Rooster. Their primary function is scouting. She just has a very narrow vernacular for what her tribe actually does."

"Well, that's a relief. You had me worried for a moment," he says with a soft chuckle.

Something catches on my coat and I feel it crawling up my back. A shudder runs through me, but I stave off the desire to swat it. It's likely one of mine.

When he reaches my shoulder, I see the quivering bat. I hold up my hand and he crawls forward.

"Tic. You must have news from the redoubt."

"Indeed, indeed!"

I untie the message from his waist. He flits off to the bat box and I unfurl the message.

My face falls.

Rooster hesitates. "What is it?"

Lae'zel finally emerges from her room and sits by the fire with the egg.

"I have to get back to the redoubt."

"The redoubt? You mean that grove you saved? Is everything alright?"

"I'm... I'm not sure... I can't tell from the letter. That's what disturbs me."

From the fire, Gale's voice rises. "I'm a WHAT?!"

Rooster claps lightly. "Ooh, sounds dangerous. Can I come with?"

"No, it’s safer if you stay here. Look after Sazza and Doni..."

I blink and consider Rooster’s capacity as a guardian. I scan the camp.

"Shadowheart, I’m going to be leaving. Look after Rooster, Sazza, and Doni for me..."

I pause again, considering her past volatility. Karlach is practicing her swordsmanship against one of the dummies in the courtyard.

"Karlach, I’m heading back to the redoubt. Look after Shadowheart, Rooster, Sazza, and Doni for me."

She gives a stiff salute. "You got it, Spooks."

I hesitate once more. Lae'zel is gently clutching the gith egg while Gale hugs her. Astarion is seated by the fire, feet propped up on my stool. He's cleaning beneath his nails with a dagger.

"No." He doesn't look up.

"I didn't say anything."

He glances at me. "You were about to."

A small smile crosses my face. He gets up, holstering his dagger. He presses a hand into my chest. "Be safe, you absolute disaster." He lifts himself onto his toes and kisses me. I lean into it, gripping the back of his neck.

"I won't be long."

I place a hand on Rooster's cheek and lean down, kissing him gently. He wraps his arms around my neck and makes a soft sound. Then he breaks the kiss and clings to Astarion’s arm, giving me a wave.

I collect a few things for the road and take Ox with me, coiled in my pocket.