Sarah's letters to a friend

[Arakis]

*Clad in dark, mostly black armor, hooded girl stands on the upper deck, her hands on the railing, her knuckles turning white from the force she puts into the grip, to hold her ground while the ship moves across the weaves. Some stray strands of fiery red hair escape from under girl's hood when the wind hits her. Wisp of hair are fluttering madly with each strikes of the wind, but she seems too lost in her thoughts to even notice that. When the raging element pulls her hood off, she frowns, her facial expression could be taken for a calm one if it wasn't for cold, green eyes filled with restrained anger. She runs her fingers across the scar on the left side of the neck, before reaching for a hood. Redhead casts the last glance at the horizon, then she disappears into the lower decks of the ship.*

*After a moment of hesitation girl looks at the letter one last time*

Dear friend,

Even now. Gods. Even now with all that rage, pain and shame I can't let go. I can feel the ship moving smoothly across the waves, wind is blowing in the right direction so we are sailing fast. Soon, I'll be in Waterdeep, then I will head out for the Port of Shadows. I wonder how it looks now, will I be able to navigate through its streets like I used to? I already miss the coast however ironic it may be. That is probably the reason why I'm writing to you. Besides... I want to know how are you doing, how is he doing, and did you manage to deliver the letter. Did he read it?

I've heard about those bounties the day I left. Magic-triger happy Selengil almost got Xavier killed for good not to mention put into cozy cell in Candlekeep dungeons and with so many entertaining visitors to come, like Ameris or Cecilia (wouldn't it be ironic at best?) so in my opinion Sel should be the one gutted by Xavier. And now black network want others to hunt Za'than and Alleyne down. It's so.. irrational. One would think that Zhentarims, those powerful Zhentarims every one is so scared of, would be a bit more wise with the actions they want to put into motion. But well.. Apparently they are only raw power with little brain and open to work with insane elven mages whose actions put them in danger and more so, make them look as stupid and reckless as those with whom they work with. Having that in mind, I am not going to be Sel's next play-toy, I can cast from scrolls only so long, he still is faster and I do not want to die like that. If Zhentarims can't control their own or their allies, I would like to avoid becoming collateral damage. I should have delivered Xavier's remains directly to Dark Hold or beat some sense into that thick skull of his, not just let him go, after I had brought him back from the dead, even tho I doubt it would have ended any different. So my dear friend, you too should stay away from that little bunch that is going to hunt each others down, especially keep your distance from Selengil - he is mad and powerful - and northern regions.

Keep me informed when you have some time to write, I may be gone, on that little self-exile of mine, taking care of things from the past, not to mention that whole new mess with Candlekeep and members of the black network, but I still care, even it is hard to believe right now. How is your trading going? I will send you something when I am back on the steady ground. You wouldn't mind some especially marvelous little token from the underground city, would you?
I miss our trips. Staying on that ship for so long, makes me want to scream. Too little space around to move freely. I've cleared my head tho, looking at the sea, sorting things in out. All those sketches that I keep on making are different now, but I guess it's a price for such an occurrences, like those that have happened.

I will write to you again soon, probably when I settle down somewhere.
Take care of yourself. Do not believe in rumors.

-Sarah

[Seventh Sister]

Tristan Crow enters the Friendly Arm Inn.
He's tired after a long and hard trip to the north.
He was blessed with the company of a few others on the trip.
Good people he thought to himself.
Even so he couldn't escape the thought that something was missing.
He smiles to himself a bit remembering the fiery red hair of his beloved friend whom he'd traveled the Coast thin with.

He discards the thought and approaches Bentley with a smile.
The smile is returned as Bentley spots Tristan.
"Well now if it isn't the mighty pin stabber coming to pay us humble people a visit."
Tristan chuckles "Your sarcasm hurts my friend. But the laugh was needed."
He smiles to Bentley "I really need some of your best food tonight"
Bentley frowns and grumbles "When have I ever NOT served you the best meal you could possibly find here at the Coast."
Tristan chuckles and resigns his hands "Aye aye will you please bring me some of your delicious food."
Bentley keeps his frowning gaze on Tristan "Aye! That's right!"
He motions to the other end of the inn "There's a dice game going on in the back if you want any excitement tonight."
Tristan looks to the far end of the inn and spots three male humans in the middle of a game of dice. He nods to Bentley with a slight smile. "Aye I guess I could do with winning some gold" He winks at Bentley who responds "You just make sure it's a clean game you hear me? I don't want any trouble like last time."
Tristan frowns and points his finger at Bentley "Now you know that wasn't of my doing."
Bentley nods "Aye aye I know. Now get your butt down there and I will bring you your food when it's ready."
Tristan turns to head for the dice game as Bentley states "Oh I almost forgot. This came for you while you where away." He hands Tristan a letter.
Tristan calmly receives the letter. He turns and looks at the seal.
His mind starts to race and he immediately blocks out every sound at the inn.
He then turns and heads straight for his room upstairs.
Bentley raises a brow as he spots the look on Tristans face and shouts as Tristan is about to head upstairs. "Your food Crow?"
Tristan doesn't even notice him.
With quickened pace he reaches his room, opens and closes the door with a rapid motion.
He heads for the stool and table inside his room. Throws himself at the stool and puts his legs up at the table and gives a deep sigh.
He stares at the seal of the letter for what feels like an eternity.
He slowly opens the letter and starts to read....

// Reply letter to come

[Seventh Sister]

My dear friend

Lately I've been spending more time looking out the window of my room at the Friendly Arm Inn than before.
The sight used to thrill me and it used to ignite a spark in me that would dictate my next travel.
Not so much anymore.
I struggle to find the motivation for it.
So most of my days go with playing dice here at the Inn.
Sad really and I keep telling myself to pick myself up.
I trust I will be able to again at some point but the day seems far away.

I've delivered your letter like you wanted me to and he accepted it with sadness.
I have no doubt that he will read it and take it to heart.
What comes from that I cannot say.

I hope you've landed safely home again and I can only imagine what you're going through right now knowing the memories you have from that place.
Once again I blame myself for not being at your side to aid you against your troubles.
But this time I know it's something you have to face alone.
I can only hope that you succeed in finding what you're searching for and will return to the Coast again.
It is truly a less place without you here.
And always remember that when you find your courage lacking know that I'm with you in spirit walking just by your side.

I will keep you posted on any rumours about the affairs of Candlekeep and the Zhentarims.

Yours truly

Tristan Crow

[Arakis]

***
*As soon as the anchor hits the waters of Waterdeep Harbor and the footbridge connects the ship to steady ground, clad in dark armor figure sets first steps in the city she left so many years ago. Out of habit she pulls at her hood, shielding herself from praying eyes of those who pass her by, even tho her own wander around slowly, searchingly. Biting her lower lip as she walks slowly she reaches into her backpack for a tube with maps. Girl glances over at the city map looking thoughtful, yet determined to find something. She traces some street with a fingertip, sighing in distress, then she starts walking again, passing the streets, which images long forgotten in her mind now coming back as a bits of pieces, scattered and messed up. Redhead blinks rapidly, trying to focus on one point on the map that she tries to reach. Soon she leaves the harbor far behind, heading to the certain part of the city. Streets full of life, filled with rich sounds, different languages, she can hear so much which distracts her. Yet still she watches, she embraces the background noises trying to get a grip of whatever is happening around. Force of habit pushes her to analyze every detail she notices. Little twitch in the corners of guard mouth, the glances casted around by the old woman who carries a strong herbal scent with her, the scrawny, bony figure of a little street kid with wide, hungry, violent eyes of a sewer rat. People move around on their own paces, passing by even tho the hour is rather late. Redhead pulls at her hood forcing herself to stay focus, she starts to move again, crossing streets and gates. Her left hand placed gently, casually next to the hilt of her silver blade. Her mother words about the city of splendors now loud and clear in her head make her wary, especially in this part of the city. Girl gazes upon the map, hides it back into the tube, her steps become quicker, more nervous, soon she stands in front of the old, now undoubtedly derelict and in the past split into two different quarters, tenement house. Her expression pale, softens for a moment as long as a blink of an eye when she looks at the faded paint above one of the windows then the rage boiling in her starts to show.*

"Dos zet ol jal rathrea Ilhar", *she hisses, clenching her fists* "fridj saph nadorhuan dos zhahen."
((Translation from drow to common: You left it all behind Mother, just like a coward you were))
*The sound of girted teeth slices the silence, girl turns around and walks away.*

***
*Hefty Innkeeper approaches her the moment she moves past the counter.*

"Oi lass.. ", *he waves at her.* "Come come. The latter came for you this morning."

*Girl stops in mid-step, turns abruptly to face podgy creature. Cold, green eyes search man's face for a brief second, before she forces a polite smile.*

"A letter you say, sir? How so?"

"From the Gates it seems!", *his plump chin jerks with excitement as he shows her a sealed parchment.*

*She hold out a hand for it, lowering her head slightly to hide her features, where a tense expression can be spotted. Innkeeper obediently, although with a sheer shadow of disappointment in his eyes, gives the letter to its addressee.*

"So so? Good news? Bad news?"

"It is yet to be determined sir..",*her voice level and flat toned.* "Thank you", *she nods stiffly before turning around to go and sit at her usual place.*

***
*Slightly stooping figure sits in the corner of the main room, which gives her the upper hand of being able to see every other corner of the Inn and both it's exits. Her face partially hidden in the shadow of the hood, closed-off and remote. Soon she tunes out the background noises to a certain degree which allows her to concentrate on the words she is about to write, but at the same time she is still well aware of her surroundings. Girl's focus shifts to the parchment in front of her, then she glances over at the letter she has received recently. Next to it lays a pile of ashes and partially burned pieces of paper. For a long moment, with head tilted to the left, her gaze lays on a plain space of the parchment before she decides to write. *

Dear Tristan,

Never have I known your first name before you put it in your letter. I find it fitting.
Thank you for delivering the letter to him. I hope, that with time, he will be able to understand my point of view as I do not expect any forgiveness. Some dealings are beyond that.
It saddens me to hear that you have apparently lost some of the drive that pushed you to move around, to go further with each trip. Has something happened, that you want to keep to yourself? Or is it just a simple fatigue accompanied by misery of boredom? I can respect that but believe me, do not stay too long in that state. Find a goal. Even a little one. I hope you will be on the move again. I wish I could be there when it happens. We could roam around again, just us, like old times before the hell trip was about to happen, when we had had time to just wander and hunt alongside without any rush. Remember that?

I have reached Waterdeep few days ago. My memories of this place are so vague. I was still a little kid, when she pulled me out the city walls and brought me deep underground. I can't bring myself to feel it all, could you bring yourself to fell, to think again and again about the moment you lost your family? I will look around. I need to take some precautions, collect things and make some preparations before I reach the way that will lead me to the Port of Shadows. Although looking around made me thinking, maybe I should search a little bit for things that she had never had guts to tell me then. She, my rage, fear driven joke of a mother.

I watch, I sketch, I write those letters to him, and all this.. I simply burn. If Teo could see my know, would he frown, seeing how I burn them all, again and again, a moment after they are finished? I do not care now, to a degree that could be frightening for this lore-who.re. However that is one of many laws that is inextricably linked to the essence of life. We want to own, we are owned. We are never free. Teo thought he could own even my own memories, but when I proven not submissive enough, not perfect enough, not the way he would imagine that perfection to look like he severed all ties that have anchored me for a very first time in many years. You see my friend, even in the place of wisdom, knowledge, there is no loyalty. All their shallow conflicts, all their stupid, childish prides, their games and pulls mixed together weaken the Order. I tried. Goods know I tried to be a part of that all. I wanted it so badly. And here I am. Miles, miles away from the Gates, FAI and Keep which is no longer my suppose to be home. What is home anyway? What is family? I lived so long underground and there I had lost that stupid, human weakness of wanting to belong that came back to life because of them, and he pushed me out, ironically he has given me the best lesson he could. Now I will burn every book that I finish, every sketch.. Just because it will make me feel this tiny bit better imagining Teo raging over it. Shallow, yes, but it will give me this flickering moment of joy. He was in over his head thinking I would wait all those months, like a beaten, loyal dog, outside Keep's gates for him to forgive me for some imaginary crimes and let me in again. Cruelty has many faces, even with faceless men using her as a teaching method. People on the surface only think they are better than Ilythiiri, but evil, trickery, cruelty, lies, schemes, games, and betrayal just come in many, slightly different forms, and can be turned into many things, can be even justified. Those goody-doers, those noble orders that hold all righteous ideals as their credo are also liars and cowards, lacking the ability to unite themselves against the force they want destroy so much, but they know how to turn this around so they would anyway be perceived as saviors, guardians and so on.The only thing that really matters is your own strength, the power you can wield, the fear you bring upon the others, the cunning that lets you be one step ahead, the drive to desire more and more power. The ability to control and manipulate others. That is the real ground for a success of black network. Together they present the power, the wealth, the terror and fear, therefore they can influent weak ones. Individually, on the other hand, they are only more or less stupid, narrow minded individuals that want many different things with the same one on the highest place of their life's lists. They all are just different sides of the same coin. As am I.

I have so much work to do. I'll try to reach hers and his old contacts, settle things once and for all. Although I do no longer have my father's ring which would probably open some doors, she had left other clues in her notebook that I could use.

I am no longer afraid of whatever Skullport may bring. I've been reliving all those dreadful memories over and over again since the day I was brought back to the surface. I am no longer a slave of my childish fears. I still dream them, but now a new ones added to the torment list are bothering me more than the old ones. I keep dreaming things I want to forget more than I want to forget years of darkness, pain and hunger.
I am glad that you were the one to see me off, that you didn't try to stop me. I am grateful for that understanding. Thank you for your letter my dear, for all the kind words.

Do not trust anyone but yourself. Everyone is set up for betrayal. Sooner or later.

Stay safe,

-Sarah

[Arakis]

***

*At this hour the trees seem to be taller, their branches thicker and more entangled than when the sunlight reaches them during the day. A black silhouette strides confidently through the forest, when passing the rare spots where the moonlight fights its way through the branches, the silver hilt of her sheathed blade shimmers subtly. When she reaches the foot of the little rocky hill she looks north, between the sharp edges of grey stones. Even after all those years, she can still tell, even from the distance, that the mark is there, which means she is on the right way to the coven. The girl adjusts her cloak, looking around for scouts, they still have not shown themselves, but redhead knows better than that to assume she is alone. For now she can proceed, which she does after one more glance casted rock's way. As the hidden path becomes even more hard to determine, and the ground starts to grow uneven and slippery, with each step bringing her further into the little valley. She hears them before seeing them, she holds her ground, her stance slightly tense, her hands placed along her tights. Then a cold, silver blade kisses her neck when the silent creature stands behind her. Whisper, as gentle as the leaves rustle, barely audible, makes the girl nod slightly.*

"Honglath dosstan abbil." *her voice as measured and calm as possible while she speaks fluently in the language of ilythiiri* "If She'neri is still among you and holds her position, you are going to let me pass. "

((Translation from drow to common: Calm yourself friend))

"Am I really?" *masked figure smirks*

"Yes you are. I bear the mark"

"Show me." *Scout growls*

*The blade that kisses redhead's neck starts to draw blood, but she doesn't jerk her head away or even flinch, she simply removes her glove, then her bracer. Girl proceeds slowly, her movements careful. She pulls the sleeve up to show little cachet on the bend of her elbow that scintillates in the moonlight. The figure behind her catches the air hissing.*

"Old mark, but fine!"

*Redhead adjusts her bracer again, then pulls the glove back, hiding a spiteful half-smile in the shadow of the hood.*

***

*Silvery-white, long waves of priestess hair fall against her back. She pulls a lock behind her ear, placing her left hand into water that fills the little, marble fountain, then she sits on the edge of it, singing in soft, sweet tones. Her prayer stopped by a guard appearing from the shadows. His head inclined respectfully, while his voice tense. The woman at the fountain looks up at the guard, her expression doesn't change until she notices the figure behind the moon elf. Her beautiful, violet eyes go wide with surprise, while some unreadable expression covers her face. She dismisses the guard with a laconic gesture and motions the visitor over. The girl walks towards the high priestess slowly, suddenly aware of each and every move, detail and sound. Biting on her lip she stops in front of the woman, looking her straight in the eyes. Elven wisdom observes the redhead for a moment, her expression hardens.*

"You have quite a nerve to show your face, after you walked out on us..."

"I know."

"Just like your mother." *The elven woman sighs, trying to smooth her silk dress down her form.* "And like her you have started to cover your face even tho I worked hard to make you look more or less the way you had looked like..before he had scarred you."

"I know that."

"I'm glad that you know." *Ironic and tired notes enter the woman's tone.* "From which, or from whom you are running away this time?"

"Why do you..."

"I know you child."

"You knew her and my father, it doesn't mean you know me." *Green sparks ignite in girl's eyes*

*Priestess rubs her temples* "Fair enough.. What do you want?"

"Lore, as I always do."

"Yes. So entitled.. yet so fragile. Come child. Let us speak inside."


***
*The redhead looks up to the sky, then her eyes fall on the bare blade laying on the table next to the row of scented candles. She sighs, running her fingers through her fiery hair, then she spots a lone, slim and hooded figure, leaning against the door frame. It takes a lot of her self control to do not reach for the blade, but instead she shots the stranger an intense look, raising an eyebrow.*

"Ula velve, abbil" *He pushes himself from the wall and walks towards the girl in a catlike, graceful manner of those who live in shadows* "Even tho made by a human hands." *Red eyes search girl's face for a moment* "I'm here to collect words. I was informed you wanted to contact someone before going to the Underhalls"

((Translation from drow to common: Fine blade, friend))

"Xas." *Redhead hands a sealed letter to a drow, he glances down at it, and even tho his face is hidden behind a mask, she can tell, that seeing the destination, made him wary. He nods slowly.*

"Vendui' May the song guide you"

*Her green eyes follow dark elf steps till his silhouette fades away when he mergers with shadows.*

***

Tristan,

Truth to be told, I wasn't sure, if I should follow those thoughts about finding out about things she, my mother I mean, kept from me. In order to obtain some very specific knowledge I needed to go back to some place I once had left behind, before I came to the Coast. The silver blade from Ril, aside from other.. value, was of great help. Goods know that she would love to see this place, and I am certain she would help me with what I am about to do. I wonder.. Have you seen her or Diana lately?

Even tho I wasn't planning on going underground just yet, a favor for a favor seems like a reasonable price for what I want to know, and besides, ironically, who is better suited for this kind of task than the former target of such? On the other hand, which is odd giving the circumstances, I managed to locate a very old contact that was trading intel with my mother. This time I have a very vivid memory of that man, not only his face or the way he held himself, but also his controversial methods for obtaining lore of any kind. I guess half-breeds tend to be like that, divided by their own internal wars. I won't lie, I am curious if he remembers me. If he can get past the animosity he had shared with my mother back then when they were working together, he could help me a bit.

If everything goes according to the coven's plan I may end up getting what I need in a form, that might surprise me, that is what the priestess is saying anyway. She tried to guilt trip me into many things, but I am, as for now, past the guilt stage. I want to know the secrets that my mother wanted to hide, so I would never have known the truth. And truth is a powerful tool and the knowledge it provides you with is sometimes immeasurable. I can also sense that the priestess is not completely honest with me, but can I really blame her, giving that I bailed on them without a single word? I know they have noble intents and aims, they help those "little victims" but even so that doesn't change the way I see them. Their futile solicitation to help all those slaves and lost causes. However hard they try, nothing is going to change how things work in general. So why risk everything for those broken creatures with minds twisted to a degree that can't be rescinded or mended. They will always have that darkness inside them, they will always doubt and be tempted by paths that will seem easier, because they know how to navigate them and not be lost.

How are you my friend? Has anything come your way to set you on some course? How are things back at the Coast?
We are heading out soon. I will write to you when I get a chance.
Keep going. You are only alive when you are on the move.

Stay safe my friend,

-Sarah

***

*Smooth surface of cold, grayish rocks, the underground drafts on her face and the metallic, ashen taste in her mouth force some memories to emerge. The girl shakes her head and shoots the scout a slightly malicious smile as the very short, hooded drow male signals that the path is clear. The little group moves again, as silently as it is possible. Routes through the Undermountain passages of Underhalls are neither safe nor easy. As soon as the path goes rapidly down and a narrow, small cavern can be seen up ahead. The girl can catch barely audible sounds of the group that they should meet not far from the hiding spot the coven chose for the ambush.*

"You know what you have to do,right?" *Pale moon-elf with short navy blue hair looks up to the girl with a concerned look on her face.*

"Xas."

"And you know that you have to follow rules."

"I am neither part of the coven nor an Eilistraee follower so, do not tell me what I can or cannot do." *Girl's voice grows cold* "Our main goal is to save those few lost causes so I can get what I want. Nothing more is important."

"You are no..."

"Get into positions! Now!" *Scout hisses impatiently. Cutting the discussion short before it turns into a quarrel*

*Redhead tugs some stray strands of her hair into the hood and slowly, confidently, still with a smirk plastered across face, reaches her position, leaning against the rock wall. Now her body partially blocks the path, her eyes fixated on the opposite side of the tunnel awaiting those who are going to be here any minute. The girl releases a low pitched hum, weaving the spell. She can feel the anger boiling, her fingertips brushing the hilt of the silver blade, all muscles tensed ready for combat, then she hears their scouts, she can't see them yet, but she can hear very clearly, her hearing greatly enhanced by spells. She can't help but smile when the slavers reach them, their faces unfazed only body language betraying them. They know better to think she's here alone.*

[Arakis]

***
*Redhead traces the scar on her neck with a fingertip, her eyes filled with odd mixture of rage and pleasure, she cracks a wicked smile, as the blade she wields in her left hand, goes deeper into slaver's abdomen making the creature cringe with pain. The Drow's eyes set hard on the mark that was burned into redhead's neck, a hiss escapes from behind his clenched teeth.*

"You do recognize it, don't you?" *She twists the blade even so slightly, nudging on the nerves she knows are there, causing the pain to spread into the direction she wants it to, which forces jaluk to scream. * "Oh.. Of course you do. You saw me getting that. Now.." *Girl reaches for drow's throat, nudging two fingers into the Adam's apple that protrudes from the slaver's neck. Her voice however controlled still sounds almost childlike, sweet* "Run...Tell Tabuirr I'm going to pay him a visit..soon. Be quick shuu" *She releases him from the grip, and in a one swift move she rips the blade away from her victim's body.*

*The Slaver drops to his knees, wheezing rapidly as he tries to stand up, one, feint sound escapes from his lips* "Elg'caress.." *Then, before he can steady himself or think about defense, a forceful blow reaches his jaw, sending the drow back to the ground a few feet away, where he struggles to stand up again, his face ashen, pain, rage and shame visible. In the end he succumbs to fear, nods and starts to walk towards the city.*

*Redhead pulls at the hood, hiding her face. Her gaze lands on the blood-covered blade, her expression turns distant and conflicted for a moment, then she smiles viciously and cleans the blade on some corpse's cloak, turning around to face the group that is few dozen steps behind her, taking care of those who they have freed. *

***
*Scout lets out a tired sigh, brushing the back of his hand against his eyes* "As promised, a token of value that should open some doors for you."

*Girl cocks an eyebrow, eyeing the parchment before reaching out for it. She does know that it is wise to refrain from judging a book by its cover therefore she inspects the object carefully.* "If it is, what I think it is... It is still not a proper answer to my question.."

"The Priestess expected you to say that. I was suppose to give you this as well" *Drow places a scrap of paper in girl's hand.*

*She reads the note and smirks* "Game of words. Let it be. Safe travels. I will meet with the second group when you reach the Lower Port in the next few days. Aluve' zahanzon."

"Bwael. Aluve' " *Jaluk nods slightly but respectfully before stepping into an alley that will lead him out of the Central Trade Lanes back into Central Port.*

***
*Redhead looks around, filling her lungs with a familiar smell of the city. Her eyes dart around frantically, landing on each building and creature for a briefest of moments. She remembers the path to the Central Heart and Sanglor's home that lays within it, but instead of going there at once, she decides to visit her mother's old acquaintance first. She turns few times, walking the streets with no haste, her mind filled with old memories and such, but she does not lose her path, soon finding herself in front of Lilanth's Librams little book store. As she stands there for a while an old, disheveled and peculiar catlike creature sits few feet away from her, watching with its yellow devilish eyes*

*Girl tilts her head to the left spotting the cat* "Damn...Still alive you nasty demoncat spawn... Do not even look at me like that. Go hunt your favorite little jermlain pray. I know that those poor beings wait for you to appear and claw into their scrawny necks.."

*Cat hisses dismissively at annoying human and walks away, leaving the entrance to the shop open. Girl walks over, presses the door handle and enters the place. A bizarre mixture of smells, old and new ink, dust covering bookshelves - filled slightly above their capacity with different kind of parchments, books, guides, maps and so on – cheep candle wax, dank blankets and cat urine invade her nose. She glances around, pulling off the hood, taken aback with the change that has happened here over the years, then she notices a small slim woman, called Lilanth Shytongue, leaning over a desk, with her hand against her temple adjusting glasses every few seconds. Three strands of silvery-grey hair stick out from an almost perfect bum, when she looks up and sees the girl for a moment her face is empty, then a diffident smile shows in the corners of wizardess lips.*

"Mystra's grace child, what brings you to me?"

"I'd say some kind of old sentiment.."

"But that would be just an outright lie.." *Lila smirks even so slightly*

"It would" *Redhead nods, taking out an old, leather covered notebook, that is worn out and shabby to a degree in which it should just fall apart long time ago.*

*The woman blinks slowly, adjusting her glasses* "I remember when I made that cover and attached the ripstop silver clips. Your mother paid me well for the enhancement runes I put into that."

"She did, didn't she. That's why it is still holding up even tho it hasn't been treated well. But small talk aside." *The girl flips few pages, stopping at some point and showing to the so-called bookkeeper a part of covered in runes page* "I need to know what it means exactly and where can I find it."

*Lila grunts tellingly* "It will cost you..."

"Don't give me that crap Shy." *Redhead cuts the woman off* "I know from the reliable source that you have kept the crystals my mother had given you for a safe keeping before she fell into Tabuirr's trap."

*Bookkeeper sighs heavily rubbing her temples* "Why do you want to dig in the past.." *She shakes her head*

"Truth."

"Some things should stay hidden, and are hidden and buried for a reason. But if you insist. Let's have a look then."


***

Friend,

I hope that the reason behind the lack of response from you is as simple as having too much work to do. I wonder how you are you, are you up to something? I'm sending you a gift with that letter. Having in mind some our first trips I think, I chose properly.
How are things back on the coast? How is trading going?

The whole deal I wrote you about last time, went quite good. Not only did we succeed at reaching the primary goal but I was pleasantly surprised by seeing a slaver scum known to me not only by insignia or face. When I'm done with other tasks at hand I'm going to pay a visit to a certain slave master. Not for vengeance or any other insane reason but I want to trade with that man. He may or may not know something valid about a case that I'm currently trying to solve. I've met with some old friend, who runs a bookshop called Lilanth's Librams, and soon I should be on my way to meet with some bizarre priest of Oghma. Would you believe me if I tell you that he is an Illithid, or as I prefer to use drow term, a haszak. One of those who finds his own kind too arrogant and far too lost in their ways so he refuses to indulge in many questionable activities that are, let's say, natural for his brethren. Suffice to say he has at his disposal a vast amount of knowledge he managed to gather through all those countless decades. With the token form the Eilistraeen high priestess I am suppose to be able to trade with him. I saw the creature two times in the past, when he and my mother exchanged valuable lore. She taught me a great deal about his kind, so I would known what to expect.

It is early in the cycle that has started not long ago, so I still have some time to spare and search through the volumes that Lila gave me. Even tho she's reluctant to admit it, she enjoys that research as much as I do. That gut feeling that I've been experiencing lately gives me a reason for all that, I can't say for sure, but somehow I know that when I find out whatever she tried so hard to hide, I'll get answers for many of my questions. My pledge that I'd burn everything that carry lore goes down the drain when I read the words and gaze upon old writings. My eyes dart to the window, I can see the whole street up to its very end. Being here has woken up old memories, so I put them on paper, I sketch every detail that comes to mind, no matter good or bad. I've only just started putting pieces of that puzzle together but it won't be long till I will have a solid trace to follow. Few people to meet, deals to settle, lore to gather one way or another and afterwards I should be able to think about what is going to happen next.
I wonder what will the slave master want in return. Every one has a currency. I, for one, think that the most interesting one is knowledge, when people want to know things, not posses them. Of course, what people want to know is a similarly varied and intricate business. This leaves me with the risk that he will refuse to trade, thinking that I cannot offer him anything.

I hope you like the gift. For me, it brings back good memories from the trips we took together.
Write back when you have a chance, there is no need for a letter to be long, just let me know you are well.

Stay out of troubles,

-Sarah

***
*Narrow alleys filled with many kinds of creatures heading down to the port either for trade or to observe bidding going around in open space slave market. Leaning against the stone column placed on the top of few stairs to one of the residences, redhead casts glances around. Her main focus on the three lifted stone risers where slaves, chained to the poles and to each other are gathered. Their faces differ from empty, haunted ones, filled with fear and despair to those painted with pain and resignation. Bid concluding bells ring from time to time, agents and runners scatter back and forth from sellers to buyers, negotiating prices and delivery agreements. Somewhere in that crowd she spots Yuantyrr coming her way, his copper hair well visible from the distance. The Jaluk approaches her, then nods his head even so slightly in polite manner, folding his hands behind his back.*

"Vendui'. It was brought to my attention that you want to meet with jabbuk Tabuirr. If I can, I would advise against that." *Yantyrr's voice carries exactly the right balance of benevolence and authority.*

"I'm not seeking the opportunity to meet with him out of some childish vengeance. I want to exchange information with him."

"Regarding?"

"Trading records." *Girl shrugs simply, her voice level, emotionless*

"I see.. I'll deliver that news then and send word back to you."

"Of course. Go fetch for your master. Aluve'"

"Aluve' jalil" *Corner of drow's lips slightly twitches as he says that before walking away and merging with constantly moving stream of various creatures.*

[Seventh Sister]

It was getting late.
The sun had set over the Friendly Arm in leaving it in darkness if not for the lights lit throughout the courtyard.
Tristan watches Valkan announce the closure of Crow & Dumas’ Antiquities for the day to those who were still browsing the items.
They help each other close up sealing the items and packing the most valuable ones in a chest.
Tired they drop down on a couple of chairs taking a deep breath and give each other a satisfied glance.
“Good day” Valkan says with a smile.
“Aye” Tristan dryly states.
“We even managed to get some good stuff for Jace in the process. He will be pleased.” Tristan says.
Valkan chuckles “He better or I’m taking it for myself.”
Tristan looks up towards the Inn. “I think some ale is in order don’t you? Let me fetch a couple of mugs.”
Tristan returns shortly with two mugs of ale handing one to Valkan.
None of them speaks for minutes simply enjoying the ale and the mild night approaching.

After a while Tristan heads to his room at the inn and fetches a piece of parchment, a feather and some ink and starts to write.

Dear Sarah

I’ve been meaning to write to you sooner though I wanted to write as soon as I had something to tell.
I've been extremely busy with a large sale I’ve been setting up along with my partners and friends Jace and Valkan.
I will get you introduced as soon as you return.
You will like them I think.
Valkan is in many ways like me.
We love to trade and how we get to meet and interact with people through it.
Jace is a bit more withdrawn and while he helps Valkan and I getting the goods he leaves the selling part to us.
I think we are all satisfied with that arrangement.
While Jace can seem calm and a bit withdrawn he is a wild child like you and I think you will enjoy seeing him in combat.
Unlike me he doesn’t take his time to finish off his foe.
Once he enters a fight he’s a sophisticated savage.

Anyway most of my time lately has gone with setting up the sale and so far it’s going well.
I will have enough to spoil you a little once you return.
I think you deserve that after the trip you're on at the moment.

From your letters I get to know more and more about your background and it is both wonderful and at the same time frightening to read.
I know you are facing a lot of dangers going back that road and my thoughts are with you and more than anything I hope you succeed in whatever it is you aim for.

Your true friend

Tristan Crow

[Arakis]

*Every city has its pit, especially Underdark ones. A place where those who live at the end of the food chain fight for coin, food or twisted and disturbing version of respect. The participants are sometimes bid against each other by their masters but free fights are a part of that assembly in the same way. Worth remembering is the fact that aside from competitions other kinds of business get to be concluded here. As long as there is no disturbance created Skulls don't care about the pit which lays deep down under the city, between sewers and old dungeons in a complex of few caverns with low, sometimes narrow ceilings, that were created when magic that held netherese compounds together vanished, forcing not only the flying cities to crumble. Whole place reeks of blood, sweat and vomit, confined space filled with participants, audience, bidders, slave masters and other scum bags of more or less questionable reputations. Fear, excitement, aggression flows through dense air filling everyone with an odd mixture of those. Crowd submits to the laud, violent, feral and wild atmosphere. Girl faces the arena, her arms crossed across her chest, green eyes sliding over the crowd form under the hood, her posture tense and slightly rigid. Standing at her left side, clad in fitting, dark violet-black leather attire drow chuckles, predatory smile shows on his lips.*

"You were quite a warrior or so I have heard, back in your..days. If you inherited even a fraction of Sai's temper, then I can only imagine how wild you were..." *Jaluk's voice oozes condescension, fire in his ruby eyes flicker with some feral excitement, like a predator smelling blood in the air.*

"I didn't want to meet with you to reminiscence about my past Xel'nakoth." *Girl's voice comes out controlled and cold, slightly detached even as she turns to look at him. There is not a single trace of emotion on her face, green eyes fixed on the drow.* "You are the last one who saw Ray'as after Tabuirr's crew had attacked us."

"Xas. I did saw him. Why do you care? He was responsible for taking care of you if anything bad happened, and clearly, he hadn't done well in that department considering how things went down in the end.." *Xel shrugs slightly*

"But he did manage" *Redhead puts pressure in the last word* "to get in time to Kesh.. I saw him taking her and teleporting out of that hell hole."

*Jaluk snarls through clenched teeth* "Even if that was true, and for the record I am not saying it was. It was years ago, if he or she was still alive, there would have been any kind of attempt to contact you. That was his devoir to your mother. That's the reason why she made that pact with him, not me. You see.. I do not tend to tie myself up to such demanding creatures like your, otherwise charming tho extremely fickle, mother."

*Redhead snorts dismissively, running her fingers through a long red strand of hair that escaped from under the hood.* "Have you or have you not heard anything from him or Tianne? That question is quite simple therefore use your rotting mind and focus, haven't I paid you enough for that simple task?" *Green eyes flash with anger for a brief moment, demanding notes growing stronger with each spoken word.*

"If it wasn't for that pale skin of yours I'd say that whomever impregnated your mother was an Ilythiiri. But you are forgetting yourself rivvil.." *Xel voice drops, becoming cold and vicious.* "You are on my turf, and even if you are paying me for a pile of worthless words, you will be respectful." *He hisses, showing two white rows of teeth, hewn in a peculiar manner to look more canine* "You may know my language, our ways down here, but you are not one of us... I will always be more than you, do not forget it while you speak to me you slave who.re..." *Xel's hand shoots redhead's direction with blinding speed, slapping her cheek with a force that causes her head to jerk back vehemently.*

*Before she can react she hits her head against the stone wall. Dazed unable to see clearly exposing how vulnerable she is, gives Xel an opportunity to kick her in the stomach, she drops to her knees with laud thump, gasping for air. Drow reaches under her hood and grabs the girl by her hair pulling up, forcing her to look at him.*

"I may have worked with your mother and put up with all her recklessness but things are different now..." *Xel's eyes narrow, red irises glow angrily through the chinks of his eyelids.* "I regret deeply that I wasn't been able to see, how Tabuirr had manhandled you and then sold like any other property.." *Jaluk smiles wickedly, and as he aims to strike the girl again, someone grabs his wrist in a midair.*

"If I were you I wouldn't do that filth... " *Clad in smooth, onyx-dark green leather figure clicks his tongue in disapproval, revealing his face on which stern expression shows* "This jalil is jabbuk Tabuirr's guest. And his guests are to be treated with respect. You.."*Almond shape, big eyes of the drow shine of rich tone of purple and red. His eyes narrow now filled with confidence and power* "You are an abomination...Badly conducted experiment. So you shall not put yourself in the same category as other ilythiiri" *Laud crack can be heard when drow's fingers pull Xel's wrist down and jaluk screams as few bones break, but his whining muffled by a laud cheering crowd watching ongoing pit fights.*

*In a meantime redhead regains her composure, and while obviously surprised and slightly confused she stands up and watches how Yuantyrr handles her mother's old acquaintance.*

"Now get out of my sight creature" *Yuantyrr releases Xel's from his grip, dusts his hands off, then folds them behind his back, his gaze settles upon the redhead.* "Bad choice of a source on your part jalil." *Jaluk says flatly*

"Xas, indeed" *She nods with respect in response* "Vendui' jaluk, are you carrying a response from your master?"

"In fact I am. And unfortunately he is not interested in exchanging any kind of knowledge with you." *Yuantyrr's face doesn't show a signle trace of emotions aside from slight withdraw and calmness* "Although.. It may happen that I would be interested in trade after I am back from Menzoberranzan. Of course as long as you still have your mother's crystals and some patience."

*Girl blinks slowly then nods not showing how disappointed his words made her* "I understand. I will see you jabbuk after you are back. You know how to reach me." *Girl's voice measured, polite even.*

"Bwael. Till next time. Aluve' " *Yuantyrr inclines his head slightly, he puts his hands into his cloak's pockets and walks away.*

*Redhead's glowing green eyes follow the drow until she loses the sight of him, at that moment she lets herself release a sigh full of relief and at the same time she grimaces in frustration. Girl casts the last glance at an ongoing situation in the pit, before she leave for upper levels of the city.*

***

*Lila rubs her temples trying to get rid of overcoming tiredness and when it doesn't help she shakes her head, placing her glasses back in the right place.* "I think it's pointless, trying to dig up anything about the matter here. You need to get back to the surface, find that... Salios person, and talk to him. Or that elven priestess Lunael." *Wizardess grunts quietly while trying to carry two big tomes over to the girl* "I am getting old..."

"Cycle of life.." *Redhead smirks, not letting her eyes leave the book's page she has been reading* "What I don't understand is... how is it all...connected to my father. I thought it was all my mothers doing." *She closes the book with laud thump.*

"I don't know either dear. Your matter wasn't exactly a talkative one to share her secrets. All I know I already told you. We searched and came up with that. You have to take it from here. And seriously.. One search at the time. It will take many cycles until Yuantyrr is back, so you can go to the surface and do what needs to be done" *Shy shrugs putting few book back into their place on the shelve.*

"That is probably true..." *Girl nods in agreement, looking around* "Have you created the runes that I asked you for? I will place them in few spots so I can travel back an forth much quicker."

"Of course I did. Have I ever..."

"Shy.. Stop pouting." *Redhead cuts the woman off with a crooked half-smile* "I still have a two cycles before the next group reaches the city so I really need to get ready."

"That letter from the Gates... " *Lilas voice betrays how curious she is.*

"What about it?" *Girl looks up from the pile of sketches*

"Is it from..." *The woman trails off*

*Redhead rolls hear eyes* "No. Of course it is not from the Keep you crazy old lady. It's from a friend. And speaking of that I need to send my reply." *She reaches for a recently written latter, eyes it for a brief moment then grabs a quill and writes few more words before folding it and preparing the seal.*

"I wish sometimes, you were more like your father and reconsider..."

"I said no."

"But maybe if you bend your head they would take you back."

"Not after what happened. Can we please not talk about the Keep.?" *Angry notes flash in girl's voice. Irritation shows on her face.*

"You may never know..." *Old woman shrugs and goes back to cleaning the desk.*

*Girl sighs heavily, pulling her hood over her head, heading for the door. She opens them and looks into the street. She bites on her lower lip watching the crowd moves past her, then she joins the current of creatures.*

***

My dearest friend,

You have no idea how happy it made me to receive a word from you. I am sorry I couldn't write you back sooner, I was just so busy with all that is going on right now. It's nice to hear that you are back in your element, I hope that more and more those big sales come your way. As for your parters in crime, I would surely want to meet them some day. I hope it will come sooner than later.

Things got complicated more than I anticipated, but it doesn't dis-encourage me to search for the answers. I am still on a right track I think, tho I will have to wait a longer while to some of the deals to get concluded. The slave master I told you about declined my request for trade but it may so happen that there is a way around that hurtle. For now... I have to follow other leads about a different matter.

My meeting with a haszak priest of Oghma was fruitful and oddly enough he wanted to see me again when I am on the surface. He is a creature of many secrets and knowledge that is hard to imagine, so I won't take my chances with refusing his request. That leads me to the part of my letter when I tell you I'm going back to the surface for a while. I need to find old friends of my fathers, if that is even possible. It feels so surreal when I think about meeting them. They knew him before he had met my mother, before he had betrayed all his beliefs and caused his own destruction. It doesn't make sense how my mother's secret is connected to my father but I have to follow what I managed to find out. May be there is some sense to it all and I will see it at some point. It's like putting a puzzle together, you get bits and pieces and you have to put them in a right order to see what they really represent. Sometimes I tired of this, sometimes I want to just leave it in the past, but I know it would bother me again after a while. So yes.. I'm soon leaving my lovely home town and I should reach surface in a couple of days. Wish me luck my friend.

I hope Waukeen looks upon you when it comes to trade.
Stay safe,

-Sarah

PS. I may be able to visit for a couple of days... I want to know how things are at the coast. I will find you when I'm back. Do not tell a soul.

***

*Girl flips through the pages of the book for a hundredth of time, her eyes scan the words again and again, as she tries to understand. She rubs the back of her hand against her cheek, shaking her head. No matter how many times she reads all those words it still doesn't make any sense, it doesn't even show any kind of connection between those matters and yet she received that book from Sanglor who was more then certain that it would help her with her search. With a tired sigh she reaches for a small velvet pouch lying near her sketchbook, and retrieves a glowing dark blue crystal from it. The gem glows subtly while she rotates the stone between her fingers. Illithid's words still clear in her head spin her thoughts ceaselessly even though she is so far from understanding the meaning. Distant sound of somebody's footsteps snatches the girl from her thoughts. Quiet knocking can be heard not long after.*

"Come in."

*Clad in simple leather training clothes high priestess steps into redhead's room with a polite smile. Her eyes land on the crystal in her guest's hands, white arcs of her brows raise in surprise.*

"You have your mother's crystals..." *She'neri's voice betrays her, tension and shock well audible.*

"Xas. I did retrieve them... from old friend." *Redhead nods, tilting her head to the left, her eyes search elf maiden's face closely* "You seem rather shocked..." *She scoffs while smiling mockingly*

"I truly am." *The priestess agrees, not letting the girl provoke her.* "I thought those were long lost..."

"You were wrong then. It happens.." *Redhead's voice full of mockery, her eyes cold.* "You lied to me She'. But you were also wrong about many things..."

*She-elf sits on the chair, looking girl square in the eyes, her voice calm and gentle* "You have all the right to be angry with me but you still fail to see my reasons behind that decision."

"Like I care." *The girl snaps angrily, packing her things*

"You should. Sit... I will tell you what I know." *She'neri's violet eyes seem to plead with the redhead.*

"Truth this time?" *Girl's forehead narrows with disbelief.*

"Xas. Aster."

*Redhead eyes the priestess for the longer moment, considering her words but in the end she takes a sit across form her, puts her hands on the mahogany table and folds her finger tightly together. Green piercing eyes look up into the priestess face waiting for the long-awaited truth. She is not yet aware of the very long evening that will start with first tenuous words spoken by She'neri.*

[Arakis]

***
Waterdeep, one of few streets between the Southern and Trades wards, three months ago (Eleasis).

*The girl chose the location for the rune after conducting thorough observation. It needed to be safe enough for teleportation but also not in some totally remote place or even worse somewhere where it could draw attention. The sole idea occurred to her quite suddenly few days ago while speaking to some contacts she has managed to make since she came to the surface again. Creating the net, building it from scratch with the help of her mother's journal was neither easy nor fast enough, granted the lack of sufficient amount of coin didn't help either, but she was too driven to give up now. More and more pieces were falling into her hands filling the picture she needed to reveal. Now that she decided to go back to the Gates to check on some of her old...acquaintances, she wasn't in a hurry, it would take more than a dozen tendays before she could even plan the next escapade to her home town. The redhead wanted to use that time wisely and decided that placing the runes was what she had to do while waiting for the ship that could take her south. She needed to consider many options, and so she did. The change in her was starting to show, her movements, expressions, body language now much more controlled tho it happened to be more difficult to contain her short temper at times than she had thought it would be. However tempting the release of the beast seemed at times she had to restrain her in order avoid recklessness and asinine mistakes. No longer did she behave like that lost kid, and even if she still was one, she was now able to hide it or so she thought. Not a single decision she made was a botched one, she took her time researching, reading, listening to what people are talking about, saying to them what they wanted to hear or what had to be said. The young woman was more vigilant now, careful and prudent. It took her two days to become set in ways about finding that place again, entering it and placing the rune there.

So now she travels the streets with her head low, face hidden in the shadow of dark hood, her gait certain, well paced, not too hasty not too slow. Soon the redhead approaches that wrecked, old, gutted by time building, as the long forgotten, scattered, fragmentary memories of a small child push their way into her mind making her her face cringe with annoyance. She vanishes into thin air, the moment right occasion shows itself, finding her way to the back doors. The girl doesn't hesitate pressing the door-handle gently and hurriedly slides inside. Walking the halls filled with trash, remains of things that in their better past could be furnitures, scattered pieces of glass, bricks and pervasive mess wrapped in layers upon layers of dust and cobwebs, she wrinkles her nose picking up execrable stench of this place that once was her home and almost lets out an ironic laugh while climbing the stairs to what used to be her room. Too busy with trying to keep her composure, her steps light and her head from spinning with snippets of emotions, the redhead does not register a portly figure clad in full plate armor lurking in the shadows of the room. Not before he shoves her into the wall with enormous strength, pressing his armored hand against her mouth and in fact covering half of her face this way. The stranger reaches to the girl's hood with his other hand stripping it from her head with a rampant move which causes now overly long fiery hair fall over her shoulders, back and chest in churned weaves. Strangely enough she does not fight him, painfully aware of his vantage over her, eyes filled with fear and anger try to see the face of the torturer hidden in the shadow of his hood. She catches a faint shape of his firm, strong, broad jaw, a scar running down his cheek before she hears him speak in rasp, deep voice.*

"By the goods. It is really you..."

*The stranger lowers his voice and the last word he speaks makes girl's eyes grow wide in the split second, hearing the name that never was truly hers, not used since the day her father was executed.*

***
Naval Vessel of the name Watersnake, The Sea of Swords, in close vicinity to Baldur's Gate, two months ago (Eleint).

"Have you placed the runes where I suggested?" *Rough voice rings in girl's head the moment she receives a sending. Deep frown crosses her face as she focuses on the response.*

"Yes. Now I can skip ships. I'm close to the gates."

"Good, let me know when you dock."

*The redhead rolls her eyes not sending a reply this time while glancing over at the restless waters of the sea, her heightened hearing picks up a storm that they managed to avoid earlier. A worried expression shows in the lines on her forehead and pressed lips. Nagging feeling gnawing at her nerves not only because of the risk of ending up in the middle of a sea storm, but mostly because of the fact that she will soon have to face whatever she left behind all those moons ago. As she tries to pin down what exactly makes her feel so uneasy the realization comes making her brows raise in a mixture of disbelief and amusement. Soft, ironic chuckle escapes her lips briefly just to be silenced by a deep growl of a storm coming their way. Before the havoc hits the upper deck she manages to get into the suppose-to-be-safe belly of the ship. Even with the coin that she suddenly found herself with she didn't want to spend it on her own cabin so now she shares cramped space with few other nobodies. With her back pressed against some very heavy crate, secured with iron chains, and legs locked on some beam running along the lower deck, the girl reaches into the backpack taking a sketchbook out, now filled with sketches to a degree that she has to bind it with two strings to be able to make it hold. Any emotions that could have been seen on her face before now fade, disappear, leaving her features indifferent. Careful eyes searchingly slide over old sketches she copied from her memories. Faces, situations, places. The young woman remember them all, her damned picture-like memory has been haunting her for years, now their faces come to life once again when her eyes touch the sketch. Distant, fleeting residue of sympathy, loyalty, trust stirs inside her with a desperation of a captured bird but it dies challenged but those new resolutions, rage and experiences gather along the way. Vehement rising and falling of the ship forces the redhead to shove the sketchbook back into its place so she could grab the chains. The girl soon finds herself humming quietly to the rhythm of roaring of the storm that is trying to devour the little vessel she boarded two days ago.*

***
Baldur's Gate Harbor and Friendly Arms Inn, two months ago (Eleint).

*Thick and heavy clouds hang low, dusk was already settling upon the harbor when the ship docked and relieved to live through yet another day people and the crew started pouring out of the naval vessel's bulky body. Without a hurry the redhead packs all her belongings then her eyes rest on the little crate Salios gave her before she left, her brows plucker together for a moment. The girl still isn't sure what should she do about it contents, having in mind that she isn't exactly used to having something so valuable with her. After a second thought she pulls her shoulders a bit, sighing quietly and lifts the crate resting it against one of her shoulder with her backpack hanging on the other one. She crosses the platform connecting the ship to the steady ground in a few confident steps, remembering the day she left. The girl glances around, pulling her hood even lower, hiding her face from prying eyes. She fights the exhaustion that dwells in muscles and bones leaving the harbor behind, heading to the east gate that would lead her out of the city. While outside Gate's limits she casts the spell to hasten her steps, having in mind that even with the help of magic she will arrive at FAI very late. Left corner of young woman's lips quirks up in slightly ironic half-smile when she finishes concealing herself with invisibility. Her fast paced strides bring her to the Inn before midnight, she notices that the camp, which was always in front of its gates, is no longer there, lacking the usual crowd that used to gather around it. For a brief moment she feels out of place, surprise showing on her features only to disappear the moment the girl hears someone approaching form the south. She turns quickly and heads straight for the Inn, crossing the little bridge without looking over her shoulder. After getting a room from a quite disgruntled Bentley, who she apparently had to wake up form a pleasant nap, the redhead orders a simple meal, glancing the last time over the letter she wrote then gives it to Inn's owner making sure he knows to whom he should give it.*

Dear Tristan,

As promised I am back at the coast and I will be here for a while before heading back North. Having that in mind I would like to meet with you of course, whenever you find it fitting for you to see me. Let me know when you have some free time. For now I'm staying at FAI but probably not for long.
Looking forward to seeing you my friend,

-Sarah

*The moment she finished her meal the exhaustion that has been pushed away hits her hard, she fights back a yawn, her face braking into slightly sour grimace as she moves towards the upper floor to find the right room. Once there she just drops her things right on the floor, stripping outer garments and heading for the bed, from which she removes all fluffy pillows leaving only a plain surface and a blanket. The redhead crawls under it curling her body into fetal position feeling her own mind slipping from her, she welcomes it with a faint smile but not only can't she fall asleep just yet but also a grim, hoarse voice peals suddenly in her head, with that demanding note that causes her annoyance each time.*

"You were suppose to contact me once you docked."

"Mhm..." *She grumbles in response, rubbing her eyes.*

"Stop mhming me you lousy little brat!"

"Shut your trap old man... I am not a brat."

"You may look more like your father but you have your mother's temper" *Briskly said words resonate in girl's head stirring up a headache.*

"So I've heard. Now... Get the hell out of my head!" *Her tone grows impatient and angry*

"We will talk about this later.."

"Sure... Whatever..."

*The young woman covers herself with a blanket more tightly than the first time, her last conscious thoughts whirls around a simple fact of always ending up around old man trying to act like some father-mentor-like figure... Woozy piece of memory shows in front of her eyes before a cold thought follows it. She did betrayed the last one that treated her like this.*

***
Friendly Arms Inn, Lion's Way, two months ago (Eleint).

*With her face hidden behind a mask and with a hood hanging low, concealed within invisibility she keeps her distance watching the former warlock talking to some pirate-looking, pretty woman. She follows the man around for a bit simply observing, then she leaves him alone before heading further south. Not long after she stands at the edge of a cliff looking towards the Keep, well visible in a clean afternoon air, gently engulfed with first soft, motley strikes of sunset light looking as mighty as ever. The girl shakes her head a bit, as her gaze slides across Keep's walls and towers, nagging, small voice in her head keeps bugging her.*

"See? This is where loyalty brought you. You have nothing left. No purpose, no future, no reputation, no connections."

*The young woman lets out an annoyed sigh, reaching with her palms up to rub her temples which in fact does not help at all.

For the next few days she keeps on searching for those she back then cared about but with very little luck. Out of sheer desperations she heads out far north but before getting any further, which would set her on a quite obvious course, the redhead hesitates and turns back. Days go by, after two encounters with Trickster, she decides that it's a high time to speak to him. Her feet take her to the camp fire, that is no longer that crowded place she remembered, but she finds the former warlock there. The girl waits for the right moment to reveal her identity and when its done both of them leave, heading south for another campfire. Her small, still scrawny a bit, frame differs from his broad-shouldered, tall and strong one as far as it is possible. She follows, two steps behind at his side, like she used to. The little, clad in black, personal shadow of his, she almost start to laugh at the memory, but knows better than to let it happen. The silence that hangs between them thickens with each passing minute. One watches another, before the former warlock speaks in his annoyingly detached way of doing so.*

"So you are back. "

[Arakis]

***
Baldur's Gate, Blade and Stars Inn's room, Eleint.

*Preparing thr dinner took her mind off things for mere three hours, which she was glad for. Time was wearing short, in the next couple of hours she should be on her way back to Waterdeep, but it has proven to be more difficult to teleport than the girl anticipated. Her eyes gaze over the steaming dishes standing on the table, creased forehead makes her features look more sharp in dim lights of the room. With a head filled with turbulent thoughts she checks her backpack, the leather sack attached to it and both tubes, the small one with maps, a the big one with sketches and notes. Soon her heightened hearing picks up his steps down the hall so she lights few more candles, not like they need them, both able to see quite well even in complete darkness, but she feels the need for the light grow in her anyways. When the tiefling enters the room with a light smile and nonchalant greeting she find herself watching him intently, still not quite used to be able to see his facial features so clearly. The girl searches his face for a moment, for something she can't even precise if she was asked, then returns his smile and nods.*

"I prepared dinner. Care to join me?"

"By the goods it smells divine in here. How could I not?" *The man smirks putting down his shield and that is when his eyes settle upon her luggage.* "You are going somewhere?" *He narrows his forehead and a slightly surprised note enters his voice*

"I need to go back to Skullport. My contact is back and is willing to trade the intel I need." *She replies in casual tone, still eying the former warlock as he approaches her at the table.*

"I see." *Tiefling runs a hand over his bald, blue head and sits down, inspecting the dishes in front of him.*

*The girl puts some food on her plate digging in quickly like she usually does, careful, green eyes still drawn to her companion.*

*He takes few bites letting the silence grow thick before speaking out* "Is is about the curse or...?"

"Both I presume. If I am lucky, that is." *She plays with a piece of pork pinning it down with a fork*

"You are leaving soon." *Tiefling states with a smirk hidden in the corner of his lips*
*The redhead nod slowly watching him, if she didn't know any better she would say he seemed annoyed by her sudden soon to happen departure. Instead she smiles after a short pause, making a quick decision.*

"You know, you could go with me. There is nothing here now that requires your attention" *She raises her hand before he cuts her off* "Don't even start. You hardly even been at the Keep, and your other... responsibilities went somehow stale a bit too. And let's be honest, it would do you some good old man, especially now, all things considered." *The girl shrugs innocently, crooked smile playing on her lips.*

"Things?" *The former warlock smirks*

"Getting back your soul and all that. And everyone knows that, travels broaden your perspective. You need some know, don't you think? Moreover we will be back eventually, two moons at most."

"I'm not so brazen as to drop anything in my hands at the moment's notice"

"Oh cut the crap already." *Redhead's temper flashes as she puts down a fork and crosses her arms*

"What is it dear, could it be you actually ask me because you need me? Or? Can't teleport that far on your own?" *Man's voice mocking and challenging.*

"Fine... There is some truth to that." *She wrinkles her nose which for a moment makes her look so young that it takes him off guard.*

*The former warlock chuckles shaking his head.* "But I require frequent meals and we are not staying in some low standard inns...."

*Redhead blinks tilting her head to the left, not sure if she is hearing him right, he waves his hand at her nonchalantly while ranting about his conditions. Next few hours pass by quickly, devoured by preparations, fighting over what he should and shouldn't pack, and once that is over she hands her companion all the runes and scrolls they need to teleport now.*

"Well...Let's see if that works. You ready Snips?"

"Always."

*The blue skinned tiefling starts chanting and both figures soon disappear form the road in a soft flash of light.*

***
Waterdeep, derelict house between the Southern and Trades wards, Eleint

"You are too slow. Move those feet!" *Harsh, demanding voice breaks through the clattering of steal while the man deliver another crushing blow, which causes the girl's guard down, her tower shield falls out of her hand. Her opponent swings his claymore again hitting her forearm with the side of the blade, the force great enough breaks the bone almost instantly causing the girl to scream more in surprise than in pain. She falls to her kneels and roll on her side to get away from her enemy, trying to gain a distance. Once the redhead stands up, holding up her weapon still ready to fight back, her adversary shakes his head, few strands of nut brown, damp from sweat hair fall over his forehead.*

"That's enough for today. I believe I broke some of your bones. You move like a slug..." *The man snorts, grinning smugly and brushing off the hair from his face.*

"It takes time to get used to the tower shield!" *The girl exclaims with annoyance showing on her features, her right hand hangs down inert.*

"Excuses.. You were never properly trained and it shows."

"Like I ever had a chance.." *She rolls her eyes*

*The door to the room open with a rusty squeaky noise and the tiefling comes in looking around, assessing the situation, red eyes keen and with a twinkle of amusement well visible in them. He paces across the room to where the dueling pair still stands, getting out of their training gear, bantering relentlessly.*

"Your session is over? Most capital!" *The blue skinned man claps his hand in content, a mischievous smile grows in the corner of his lips.* "I have a two sets of news. Both good fortunately. Lila has contacted me. Yuantyrr is back, still willing to trade, so we could probably start thinking about going down. Also Sanglor found something within his vast collection that could help us, and he wants to see us all for dinner tomorrow evening. Don't ask me tho, what he meant by that..."

"That creature has an odd sense of humor" *The warrior grumbles, drying his broad naked chest with a towel.*

"He was just polite. Sanglor very rarely indulges in typical ilithid eating customs." *The girl chuckles softly inspecting her already swollen, bruised forearm with a frown.*

*Tieflings eyes drop to her wound, and he narrows his forehead* "You are both lucky I am now well equipped with divine powers of healing. Otherwise it would..."

"Tell this to Salios" *She cuts the man off* "His ruthless methods of training are the reason of your excess use of divine favors."

"You know she is not a golem, and her bones break pretty easily, giving your... strength and size" *The former warlock quirks a brow at the other man*

"She needs to learn, and few broken bones are a small price. Be grateful that I am willing to teach her. Granted she couldn't have possibly learned anything combat-wise from you Za'than..." *Salios smiles crookedly, scratching his filled with battle scars chest before putting on a simple, linen shirt over his head.*

"Forgive me then weapon master... I am nothing but" *The man motions a quotation marks in the air* "humble healer" *Tiefling smirks, rubbing the bridge of his nose and then turning to the girl.* "Well.. Broken bones or not, we have no time to waste. Show me this arm of your Snips."

*The redhead smiles, watching both man while she presents her wound to Za'than.* "This trip will be most fun..."

***
Waterdeep, Font of Knowledge, Eleint

*Subtle aroma produced by the pine-scented candles standing in few places of the small dining room in the church of Oghma mixed with the remaining savor of almost gone food on the modestly arranged table standing under the wall. The redhead has remained silent for a while, listening to the conversation between her two companion and an Oghmite priest. Sanglor's human form was painfully plain, elongated face with deep set opaque eyes, sharply cut facial lines sourrounding them and narrow lips with a never disappearing polite smile. Short, clean cut grayish, slightly thinning at the top of his head hair and overly modest brown robe with ink stained cuffs only filled the whole picture of a simple follower of the lord of knowledge. She could tell that he was slightly amused by the company of the Candlekeep's Reader and a fallen paladin and even more by the discussion that followed their dinner. All three of them seemed deeply lost in the conversation, but she knows better than assume that she would be left to her own thoughts. The girl reaches with her left hand to the pouch hand on a chain around her neck to touch it when she hears Sanglor's deep, resonating voice, or thoughts to be more exact, in her own head.*

"I sense that you realized the importance of the book I gave you."

"I did. I know how to use the soul stones if it comes to that."

"Let us hope that it doesn't. Those stones have more value to them."

"Let us then." *The girl lets her thoughts turn into slightly bitter words*

"Your thoughts seem to venture towards the same memory loop."

"You are picking again..." *Flash of anger enters her thoughts carrying them*

"That I do. Can't help it if you know what I mean." *She hears the throaty sound he usually makes when amused* "You should be well aware that the outcome of the trip cannot be foreseen. Yuantyrr may trick you."

"I know. But that's not the only reason I'm going back there."

"The curse?"
"Yes." *The slight whiff of hesitation colors her thoughts*

"You still have the odd dreams..." *The redhead squints her eyes for a brief moment, feeling his mind searching through hers, but she does not try to oppose him* "Truly bewildering. But let's leave it for now. I want to wish you luck in your adventure and the quests for the truth. See me once you are back. And bring the males with you. Their thoughts are entertaining."

"You are terrible. And thank you."

*Green eyes, guarded and indifferent gaze upon her companions, unaware of the silent conversation that has taken place. Their voices mixed together, Za'than's nonchalant, slightly detached and ever polite one with hoarse, demanding and yet so melodic one of Salios'es. They couldn't be more different from one another, she smiles at that thought, yet they interplay together surprisingly well, for which she was grateful. The redhead catches the warrior glancing over at her with a silent question risen in his eyes.*

"Both of your points are invalid in the light of political stalemate in that region." *She concludes with a hint of challenge.*

"So you were listening!" *Salios laughs sharply*

"Haven't you known it already? I always listen." *She points her tongue at him*

*For the next hour the conversation reaches its peak and conclusions are made, friends smile at each other, finishing their vine. Sanglor accompanies his guest to the temple doors wishing them all safe travels, exchanging good-bays. The redhead waits for the man to be done, then she approaches the priest, looking at him intently. Their words silent, placed within minds. Before her departure the girl gives a letter to the oghmite.*

"Send it for me please."

"To the Gates I see?"

"Yes."

"I will, the first light tomorrow."

"Thank you" *She inclines her head in respect then follows her still loudly bantering friends moving down the alley.*

Dear friend,

As you probably know already, form the short note I left with Bentley, I left the coast again. This time I am not alone, I managed to convince Za'than to go with me, with him and Salios at my side it should be much easier, and to some degree safer probably. We won't be back for a while, giving that we have to travel to the underdark again. There is of course no warranty that Yuantyrr will give me anything of value, when it comes to information, but still it is worth the try. You are probably wondering how did it happen, that Za'than decided to go with me. It took some convincing, persuasion and lots of good food, but I truly believe that it will help him with the transgression from warlock to whatever he is now. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that he wields divine magic. The way things turned out is ironic at best.

During my brief visit at the coast observing the trade made me thinking, maybe I should get into that more once I am back, you seem to make quite a good amount of coin out of that and gods know how much I need coin to proceed with all those plans. I started thinking about what should I do next, when all this is finished. I can't go back to the Keep and to be honest I no longer feel like I could be a part of it, there is this whole Trust that Terri and Mercury founded, but I do not trust them enough to join, she did once create a gossip that didn't turn out well for anyone which makes me believe that her manipulations aside form gossip can reach further. I feel like there is hardly place for me within the guild. Tho there is that one thought about reaching out to Telia and Xavier, but this would set me on pretty obvious curse, forcing me also to cut ties with others rather definitely. If I had to admit, I think about it from time to time, means to gather knowledge can differ, but the overall goal, for me at least, is always the same. Would it matter if I chose more controversial approach? I think about Telia's choice a lot, about what she was thinking when she decided on that path. I don't believe what they say about her. There are different ways to achieve success, and we shouldn't judge others. Those whose choices are difficult and morally challenging usually judge themselves more harshly than others ever will.

My mind is filled with gloomy thoughts, forgive me my friend, I guess that on the eve on my another trip to Skullport I just tend to think about things like that. Loss forces one to dwell on solutions that could bring something other than defeat, that could start something new which ones mind could focus on. I know that the closer to the solution I am finding myself, my mind searches for something that could occupy it afterwards. The most neutral approach that I can think of is to ask you for your help. Would you be willing to teach me how the trade works once I am back? So I could start something that I could put my energy into. You know me well enough to know that boredom does not serve me good. And as for now I would like to avoid making up my mind about more orthodox choices. Well known, old truth, that the devil is in the details so for now I will let myself look into those details more carefully. Being more meticulous might have saved me before so it would be unwise to not use gained life lesson now.

We leave for the Underhalls tomorrow, so I will write to you when I have a chance from Skullport most likely. Take a good care of yourself.

Already missing you and the coast,

-Sarah

***
Underdark, Skullport Upper Heart, The Worm's Gullet, Marpenoth

*Exceptionally made, given that the real wood is rather a luxury within underdark, ornamented entresol placed in the main Inn's hall created few more table spaces and dark corners, that probably not only risen the income which already is astronomical due to the hidden casino but also guaranteed full house each day. Sitting near the smooth ebony surface of the balustrade the redhead has a good view on the hall underneath and the main entrance, so she spots Yuantyrr a moment before he noticed her and moved his steps towards the spiral staircase leading up to the entresol. The girl shifts in the chair, leaning back as the drow approaches her. As always his attire is perfectly tailored, made from materials of the highest quality, copper hair tugged behind his pointed ears, slightly longer than she remembered making him look slightly younger, but when his eyes reach hers there is that dangerous glint that makes her keep her guard high. Jaluk sits across form her folding his long, onyx fingers on the table's surface facing the girl, light roguish smile shows on lips when he inclines his head in a short, curt greeting.*

"And so we meet again jalil, this time tho in much better circumstances." *Yuantyrr smooth voice so low and seductive it is almost comical.* "I believe you have something of interest to me.."

"Could be. But first, can you provide me with valid information regarding the matter I seek to know more about?" *She keeps her voice cool and level, almost clipped as she goes on.* "That said, I will trade only if information you gives proves to be connected to that exact issue."

*The drow smothers a grin, leaning towards the edge of the table* "As a matter of fact I have what you so relentlessly has been trying to find. The snippets of information considering your sister." *He holds up his hand with a ironic smile playing on his lips* "And no, jabbuk Tabuirr had nothing to do with her. Your sister was never an object of trade for him. She was taken by the mage your mother associated herself with, disappearing without and she never has resurfaced till few years ago. Both of them were trying to trade quite a powerful soul stone to gain a right of passage into the city of Menzoberranzan. They disappeared not long after that to later be seen, three years ago on the other side of Underdark in Undrek'Thoz. She didn't seem to be enslaved, she was accompanying him willingly. Thats what I managed to determine."

"I see. That's good to know, but what proof I have that you are not lying." *The girl throws as much indifference as she can into her words.*

"Simply." *Jaluk's eyes flash with satisfaction as he reaches into his pocket and shows her a gem glowing darkly in his palm* "I bought the stone from Rayas back in Menzoberranzan."

*Dark look passes over the redhead's face* "Shadow stone.."

"And you posses others."

"But not its twin, that one was destroyed during Tabuirr's attack."

*Jaluk mouth twitches* "I'm really unhappy to hear that." *His face congests with contained anger as his eyes narrow* "But I guess it is on me I haven't asked about that exact gem before we went into trade. Then I will have to state a different price for the information I gave you. I need you to gave up the coven's informant. They have been a pain in jabbuk Tabuirr's business."

*She plucks at her lower lip, frowning in thought, then shrugs* "Bwael. You will get the informant."

"That how far the loyalties go I guess?" *Yuantyrr flashes her an almost boyish grin*

"I learned from your kin." *Her voice comes out too calm, too flat which surprises her for a brief second. Her face perfectly expressionless.*

"Lovely. Nice trading with you jalil" *Jaluk straightens his shoulders and stands up, folding his hands behind his back* "See, wasn't all that bad. I like to conclude business in fine manner, not simply butchering the other side if my terms are not met, so there was no need to bring your...sidekicks." *His smile grows vicious then she hear him chuckle softly before Yuantyrr leaves her.*

*The girl sits at the table for another few long minutes, ignoring the questioning side glances thrown her way by her accomplices. Her mind racing to the right solution for the price the drow asked for. Clearly she is not going to sacrifice an innocent informant to him... Is she? The redhead shakes her head standing up and moving towards her friends so hungry for the details regarding her and Yuantyrr's conversation. She outlines the exchange shortly her voice level but with an edge to it – not quite a tremble, but an edge – which suggests she is less calm than she really appears.*