We've finally made it to the lake's shore. I stand next to Sazza looking across the dark waters. A few boats are anchored along the docks.

"Don't get too close." Sazza tugs on my coat. "Them's some dangerous waters. Something could come up and snatch ya."

"Thanks for the warning."

She glances around and grunts. "Weird. Thought there might be a welcome party loungin' about."

"A welcome party? Did you inform anyone that we were coming?"

"Uh... well... not exactly."

I study the shoreline, then glance toward the abandoned building behind us.

Nothing.

Sazza follows me as I walk the docks and press a hand against the hull of one of the boats. With a crack, a bolt lodges in the plank at my feet.

"Who the fuck are you, Hoon?"

There is a shack built into the cliff face above us, surrounded by a wooden platform. A man appears at the edge with a crossbow trained on us. I glance at Sazza. She's frozen in place.

I hold up my hands and step forward. "No need for hostility, friend. We seek passage across the lake."

"Right. Then you better find somewhere else to cross. We ain't a ferry service."

Sazza puffs out her chest. "Oy! You watch your godsdamned mouth! This a True Soul you're talkin' to!"

The man tightens his grip on the crossbow. "Prove it."

Sazza looks at me. I summon the symbol of the Absolute in my palm.

"Huh?" He lowers the bow. "Never seen you before. You new?"

"True Soul Vash."

He grunts. "You need passage? You're in luck. We're expecting True Soul Nere any day now." He glances around. "Boys! Looks like we got another one!"

Men step out of the shadows, every one of them a dwarf. I grab the cuff of my sleeve and adjust it.

"Sazza. I find myself feeling hungry."

She grins and taps her nose.

"Scrounge up all the spirits you can for me. Check Shadowheart's tent for any lingering bottles."

"Right, Boss." She scurries off.

I smile up at them. "It seems we're your guests until the True Soul arrives."

The man slings the crossbow across his back. "Not too bad. I'm Gekh, and these are my compatriots: Garmor, Holvik, and Lurgan."

"A pleasure."

The duergar camp is an outpost comprised of ruined shacks built into a cliff face. It's not comparable to the luxury of the Sussur Concord. This has me concerned for the state of the Absolute outpost across the lake. Still, it will serve.

We sit around a fire set back from the shore of the lake. I'm smoking while sharing the bottles of wine Sazza gathered.

Gekh raises a glass. "To another True Soul! May the next one be as generous," he says before downing the wine.

A cloud of smoke falls from my mouth. "Is there a path to Moonrise Towers across the Ebon Lake?"

"You bet your shiny boots there is. We got a functioning elevator that will take you straight to the Shadow-cursed lands." He looks at me, swaying slightly. "You must have come from the other path near Waukeen's Rest."

The cigar stills in front of my mouth.

He notices me staring and laughs. "You know the one! West of the mountain pass!"

"Yes. I know the path. It's true, we used it to investigate the githyanki creche."

"The githyanki what? Creche?" He laughs again. "Well that explains a lot. What did you find out there? Z'rell said it was nothing but rubble."

"It was," I say, drawing on the cigar. "Not much else to report on the matter."

He leans in and gives an awkward wink. "Of course not. Either way, Z'rell should still be across the lake so you can debrief her, or whatever the fuck it is you cunts do." He pours another glass before handing the bottle to Lurgan. "Heard there was some trouble brewing. Been meaning to head over and investigate it myself."

"What kind of trouble?"

"Oh." He waves an arm dismissively, sloshing the wine in his glass. "Something about a collapsed mine and a forge of some sort."

My eyes narrow. "Have you heard about how they're handling it?"

"Pfft. Poorly. Fuck if I know what they've done so far. All I know is that they're stuck. Got a bunch of the gnome slaves trying to dig it out. Rumor has it the gnomes are holding back on purpose."

I snort. "What a kerfuffle."

There are a lot of ways to clear a cave-in. Gnomes are not the answer, even if they're mining slaves. Depending on the severity, Ox could be a viable option. I could also reach out to W'wargaz to see if he has resources that can help. I need to be careful. I don't want the gith to have too much claim over the forge once I gain access.

I tap my claw on my knee and embers flare as I take another drag from my cigar.

"Gekh. Walk with me. I want to discuss this further with you, in private."

"Need my expertise? Let's discuss logistics." He staggers to his feet, spilling more wine. "Shit..." he grumbles, before following me down the path.

"How many gnome slaves do you currently have?"

"Aaabout forty? It changes all the time. They're always dyin' and need replacing. That's what I'm here for."

"You're a slaver?"

He tries to throw back his shoulders, but stumbles. I steady him. "That's right! I'm the best rat catcher we got. Gnomes are easy to nab. All you gotta' do is find the bastards."

"How many people occupy the base across the lake?"

"Aside from the slaves, you'll be working with Clan Flameshade. We ain't none of you cult nutters, but we appreciate the coin," he says with a sloppy grin. "Z'rell, Nere and you will be the only True Souls. People come and go through the elevator all the time, though. You folks pay good coin to use it, and I thank you for it," he says with a chuckle.

"You're most welcome." I slam my fist into his face. He drops. I hog-tie and gag him, then flick away what's left of my cigar and head back to camp.

Karlach is standing over the campfire, telling another story from her days during the Blood War.

"You'll never believe how quickly you can beat a devil down with his own arm! Nasty stuff, but it gets the job done!"

"Karlach, please," Shadowheart says. "There are little ears here!"

Doni's shoulders slump and he pulls his tunic over his nose. "I'm twelve. I can handle it."

I place a hand on his back. "Good lad."

Doni looks up at me and grins, giving me a hug.

I pat his head. "You've eaten already?"

"Yes, Father." His eyes flick to Karlach, his head low. "Ms. Karlach taught me that I need a starch, a protein, and a fiber. Then I can grow strong."

"I'll be sure we're well supplied, then."

Bex sips on a cup of tea. "Sazza said you met with some duergar at the lake?"

"Yes. I hate to say they got the slip on me." I smirk. "So, I won't. I'll have to be more mindful going forward, regardless."

"Agh, don't worry about it, Spooks! Duergar are naturals when it comes to that kind of stuff."

"Even so." I take a seat next to Doni.

Bex holds up a plate. "I saved you some dinner."

"Thank you, Bex, but I don't have an appetite this evening."

Karlach shifts over to Bex. "Pssst. I'll take it. I'm still hungry."

Bex chuckles and hands it to her.

"Sweet!" Karlach nabs it and sits near Shadowheart.

I focus on Bex and Rooster. "The base of the Absolute is across the Ebon Lake. Rumor has it they've found some sort of forge, but there was a cave-in while trying to reach it. They're directing... resources... to get it cleared. A True Soul named Z'rell and another named Nere are assigned to deal with it. Z'rell is already stationed at the base, but the duergar are waiting for Nere to arrive before they cast off. They've agreed to take us."

Doni shifts next to me. "I've never been on a boat."

"Are you excited?"

"Kinda," he murmurs.

I smile and place a hand on his back.

"A forge." Rooster perches on a stool and crosses his legs. "I wonder if it's the wonderful long lost forge from tales past." He pulls his mandolin, nestling it in his lap.

The notes sound crisp with the new strings.

"A foundry founded far below,

our Lady of Loss might want it found!"

He giggles and kicks his feet.

"Ha ha," Shadowheart says with a smirk.

"Oop! Sorry, Shadowheart."

"It's alright. It's a clever poem. Did you write it?"

"Uh... no, actually. It's just an old jingle from the Underdark."

I look at Doni. "Come on, let's get you to bed. It's been a long day."

"But... I was hoping to explore a little with Shovel."

Karlach finishes her last bite and stands. "I can go with him. Might be good to get one more round of scouting in before we all head to bed."

"No!" I say. Karlach stares at me. I clear my throat. "Apologies, but given the presence of the duergar, I was planning on scouting the perimeter myself. Especially since I already have an established relationship with them."

"Right, Spooks." She looks down at Doni. "Sorry kid, I tried."

"Father, please?"

My eyes soften and I place a hand on his head. "I promise, you and Shovel can scout all you want tomorrow."

"But..."

"Enough."

He stops.

"Time for bed. Get your book and head to your tent."

He scowls at me and stands abruptly, marching off to get his book. He throws himself on his bedroll and kicks his heels into the dirt a few times before pulling off his boots and slapping the tent flap shut.

I feel Bex's eyes on me. She sits next to me. "Be careful not to smother him."

"I would never be that foolish." I turn to her. "I did not bring Doni into my care to pamper him. Tonight simply isn't the night for him to go running off in the mushroom fields."

I get to my feet. "Astarion, join me."

"Me? Why do I have to go?"

I walk up to him and hold out my hand. "It will be well worth it."

"Oh." He grins and takes it. "Well, when you put it like that..."

I lead him down the path and I bring his hand to my lips, kissing his fingers.

"I'm sorry that I've been distracted lately, Astarion. There's been a lot of moving parts between the two fronts, and it's taken me away from you."

"You noticed."

"Of course I noticed. I care for you."

He smiles gently and steps a little closer as we walk. I tuck my hand around his waist. "I have something for you. It may not make up for lost time, but I hope it will at the very least make you happy."

"Oh? And what is that?"

"Just down the path." I wrinkle my nose. "I can't wait for you to see."

He rolls his eyes, though his smile remains. "Is it some beautiful view with a waterfall, rocks and mushrooms? Tymora's tits, I am so fucking done with waterfalls, rocks, and mushrooms. It got boring weeks ago."

"No, no, no, nothing so gauche. You should know me better than that."

He clings to my arm. "I do. Then what is it?"

We round the corner to find Gekh writhing on the ground, still bound and gagged. He sees me and his eyes go wide and he starts wriggling against his restraints even harder.

Astarion stares down at him.

I gently take his hips and pull him into me. "He's a slaver."

"A slaver? Oh right, I heard about the duergar and their penchant for keeping gnomes." He drags a finger across my chest. "Either way, I see what you're doing, and I appreciate it. It's the thought that counts after all."

"I thought you would be more excited to drink a slaver."

"Gnomes are hardly worth my sympathy, but..." he grins wide. "It doesn't make the blood taste any less sweet."

He pulls me into a deep kiss and I curl my hands around his ass. I feel him smile against my mouth as he lifts slightly. "Now now, let's not get carried away."

I breathe. "Apologies."

He approaches Gekh. "Feisty, isn't he?"

"He's wine drunk. I'm not sure if that matters."

"Oooh. What vintage?"

"Mostly Shadowheart's wine."

"A shame." He grips Gekh by the hair and pulls his head back, before sinking his teeth into him.

Gekh tries to scream and begins to thrash. I pin his ankles down to keep him steady. Before too long, he falls still. I gather fuel for a fire, nudging rocks into a ring, and igniting dry mushroom husks. By the time Astarion is done feeding, I have an adequate fire going.

He sits back and sighs. "Gods. That was better than I expected."

"Dwarf is exceptional." I pull my dagger and carve out a few choice cuts. I cook them over the fire on a flat slate. The smell wafts over me, and I feel happy.

Astarion comes behind me, wrapping his arms around my shoulders and kissing my neck.

I chuckle. "Do you want to feed on me next? I would assume you'd be full by now."

"Not quite the idea I had." He shoves me over, and begins unbuckling my pants.

The clothes come off quickly and we take our time with each other. I explore him in ways I haven't in a while. He finds himself doubled over beneath me. His ankles behind my neck.

"Gods, Vash!"

I nibble on his calf. "Varrick."

"What? No no, dear, my name is Astarion."

He groans once more as I press into him.

"My name is Varrick. Say my name."

He drops his ankles and pulls me down, whispering in my ear. "Fuck me, Varrick."

A chill rushes through me and I don't last much longer.

My fingers are folded between his, pinned on either side of his head. He cries out and neither of us hold back. We're both breathless as we come down. I press my forehead to his before giving it a gentle kiss and toppling onto my back.

He shifts closer to me and nestles on my chest.

"Varrick. How did you find out?"

"A Noblestalk tincture. It helped me recover some of my past."

"What else did you find out?"

My lips straighten and I cradle him in my arms. "That I am a very bad man."