I get to do a lot of new things for the next few chapters, I'm so excited!

LINK: Whitkeep, Outer City, Interactive Map, World Anvil.

Nyx was feeling very sorry for herself indeed. Casting her gaze over the rest of her companions revealed that they too were sporting dark circles, droopy eyelids and had a rough appearance. Except for Astarion, of course, who looked spruce as always.

Last night was a restless one, and the events at the bone pit left much to be desired, including sleep and solutions. So many problems had sprung up like weeds and Nyx wasn't any closer to pulling them out - the migraine lingering behind her one eye did not help the situation or her mood.

At least Tav's daily Gazette readings brought a semblance of comfort while they waited in line. "'Pollution risk Umberlee wrath - What blackens the waters?'"

Karlach quipped, bounding on her toes. "Oh, oh. I know! Gortash's black deeds." She was rewarded with snickers from her companions and other citizens in the queue, along with a few glares.

"But wait there's more! 'Contraband confiscation to outs cultists.'"

Wyll crossed his arms and spoke in a hushed tone. "Doubtful, more like self-enrichment."

Astarion checked his pockets and groused, "I'm not going to be robbed again." Tucking away various items.

Fortunately, Nyx didn't have to hide away her possessions. One of the perks of having Clive as a backpack, meant that Nyx's things could not be pilfered. Only she had access to its contents. Thus, her pack would remain empty and useless to anyone else - not unless Clive allowed it.

Tav's eyebrows drew together, she paged through the Gazette a few times and Gale asked, "Looking for something specific?"

"It's more like what's not here... Yesterday there were details on missing persons and crime outbreaks to lookout for. Today there's no mention of anything."

Lae'zel cranked her neck to survey the progress up front and said, "Why does it matter? You're not planning on rescuing them all?"

Tav gave her a long look. "Only if we stumbled upon them."

Twirling the tip of her ponytail between her fingers, Shadowheart said, "You mean that'll you'll make sure we stumble upon them."

The well-natured teasing lasted long enough for them to make it through the gate. Although their coin purses were lighted again, at least they made it through with all their goods intact. The broad stone archway gate made way to Whitkeep proper.

The difference between Sow's Foot and Whitkeep was like night and day. Gone were the cramped, ramshackle shacks and downtrodden buildings. Gone was the muck and grease that lined the streets. It had been years since Nyx had seen Whitkeep, and she braced herself for the new type of smell that accompanied the change of scenery. Yet it did not come. The air remained surprisingly fresh?

Her gaze fell on the tanneries that dominated the area, the vast array of colours from their tanning pits gleaming between the merchant houses and workshops. A shimmer caught Nyx's eye. Long, thin metallic silos stood silent next to each tannery, emitting a soft glow that would waft through the air.

Karlach took an exaggerated sniff. "Hold on, something's off."

Pointing at the strange machinery in the distance, Nyx said, "Those are new."

A gnome dressed in teal and violet passed by and noticed Nyx and Karlach staring at the silos. He shuffled over and informed them with great pride, "Beautiful aren't they? Peak gnomish engineering."

Gale's eyes shone with interest. "I've heard of them - 'Industrial air purifiers', I believe?"

The gnome was ready to burst with excitement while he and Gale talked at length about the contraptions, another invention from The House of Wonders. Part magic; part machine.

"Marvellous! Tell me, why is it then that you haven't installed similar purifiers in Sow's Foot?"

The gnome's gaze turned sharp. "Hmmph, they don't have the money to pay and we don't just give away our hard work for free."

Before Gale could put his foot in any more, Tav smoothed the conversation over. "My good sir, he meant that the city ought to compensate the gnomes to bestow their miraculous inventions upon the rest of the city."

Nyx set her mouth in a line, If only.

The gnome's expression brightened again. "Miraculous indeed, just like the Steel Watch! Oh, I must not dally anymore." He wished them a rushed farewell and disappeared into the bright bustle of citizens. More colourfully dressed gnomes were off to their workshops, toolboxes in hand.

Tav appraised the scene, fists on her hips, and gestured with her chin to the biggest building in the neighbourhood. "That's our next destination."

--- --- ---

They were perusing the message boards in front of the Brass Consortium for work. The bone pit cleansing had paid well, but as Tav had pointed out to the rest, they were past the point where they would be able to camp in the nearby woods without being apprehended for squatting. The closer they drew to the Lower City; the more guards were around to enforce city laws - not to mention that the citizens of Whitkeep and Norchapel have gone through great monetary effort to keep their neighbourhoods free from the outright lawlessness that could pervade the rest of the Outer City. Thus, finding work remained a priority.

Perhaps we'll find an uneventful guard posting for merchant goods? Tymora knows we need rest more, and easy work would be gods sent right now.

Tav spotted a seemingly unassuming advertisement.

One lucky charm found.

Enquire at The Lame Fox.

Proof of ownership required.

She narrowed her gaze at it, chewing the inside of her cheek and resisting the urge to fret at her braid. Few people remained from her old life in Baldur's Gate, and fewer still knew how to reach her without attracting attention. A shiver ran down her spine, and the hairs on the back of her neck stood up. For a moment she could feel unseen eyes on her. Ignoring the sensation, she inspected some of the other notices, brushing a hand over the parchment to dogear the bottom right corner of three of them, including the one regarding the lucky charm. Nothing else of note stood out, and Tav suggested to the others that they move onto securing accommodation at The Lame Fox. "We can ask around for more work there too."

"Aww, yeah and another round of cold beers coming up!"

--- --- ---

A creak drew Nyx’s gaze to the inn’s roof, where a weathervane aligned itself with the wind. The metalwork was of typical gnomish origin and styled into Gond's symbol: a toothed gear with four spokes in the middle. Nyx always admired the practicality of gnome architecture, easily adjusted to accommodate the taller races, but keeping all its gnomish comfort. They married artistry and utility in interesting and beautiful ways. The most prominent of which was the metal detailing on everything, including the buildings. The Lame Fox too was a low-rise, squat structure. Its first floor was constructed of sturdier stone, and the upper floors of lighter wood. Both accented with gleaming metal reinforcements that never tarnish.

As expected, inside gnomes made up the bulk of the patrons, dressed in the 'newest available' dyes and leather styles. Nyx's throbbing head was eternally grateful that she was met with a soothing sea of pastels. Soft lavender, teal, dusty rose and a smattering of powdered green and yellow. Many of the patrons wore gemstones, not expensive, but set into geometric pieces that made one take a second look, regardless. The atmosphere was lively and vibrant.

Karlach made a beeline for the beer taps, dragging Wyll and Lae'zel after. The rest followed suit, either standing or taking a seat at the bar.

After mechanically adjusting the height of her seating with a foot-operated pedal, Nyx took up the barstool next to Tav, who was eyeing the barkeep and waved him over. Nyx frowned when Tav grabbed an empty, used tankard nearby and slipped something under it.

Tav slid the tankard to the barkeep and said, "I believe you'll find that proof of ownership has been provided."

The used tankard and its 'proof' disappeared, promptly followed by new tankards, brimming with foam. Everyone else none the wiser, but Nyx caught a slip of paper making its way back to Tav hidden under her filled mug.

The barkeep placed a tankard in front of Nyx. Forgetting herself, she made a face at the beverage when her stomach churned at the malt smell. She held up her hand and smiled half apologetically. "Err, sorry not for me thanks." He shrugged and transported her tankard to another customer. Nyx's head was hurting too much to figure out what Tav was up to. Instead, she spoke into her pack and asked, "So, who have we stumbled upon this time?"

Tav gave her a wink and took a sip of her beer.

Nyx sighed and shook her head. With her anti-migraine potion in hand, her gaze swept along the wall at the back of the bar. The usual display of coloured liquor in glass bottles of various shapes dotted it; however, the woodwork surrounding it was akin to a purposeful art piece. Bottles were neatly organised into irregular geometric slats and small alcoves – their liquid contents on full display. The translucent yellows, fiery orange, rich reds and deep browns were complemented by silvery metal accents in matt tin.

Jesting from her companions drew her attention back to them. She joined in the rest of the idle conversation while they finished their rounds and negotiated rent for the floor upstairs.

"When you said we're heading out I was hoping we're going to do something fun." Karlach crossed her arms, leaning against the wall of the upstairs corridor. "'Meetings' are not fun."

Tav waved a placating hand. "Alright, how about after the meeting we take the rest of the day off? I heard the Whitkeep market is open this afternoon."

 Shadowheart grasped her hands together like an eager child coming out of her room. "Ooh, I have a couple of items I'd want to pick up at the market."

Tav nodded. "It's settled then." She rounded them up and led them out of the tavern.

---

"This is not an ordinary 'meeting', is it?" Astarion batted another branch out of the way. "Seeing as we are hiking through the forest instead of taking a perfectly good road. At first I thought you're dragging us out here for farmers, now I'm wondering whether its foresters."

Nyx snorted. "We're covering our tracks, so to speak."

"Oh? Would our illustrious leader care to explain why?"

They could hear the grin in Tav's voice from the front. "And spoil the surprise?"

After a short walk across cropped browning grassland, they reached the back of a barn. A simple, sturdy, ordinary barn. Reaching the structure, Tav paused and scanned the horizon.

Without looking around, Nyx said, "No one followed us." Both Halsin and Astarion confirmed her assessment.

Tav's posture relaxed. She smiled and gestured toward the sunken cellar door in the ground.

While they filed in one after the other to descend the ladder, Shadowheart quipped, "How clandestine." Their snickers echoed in the musty gloom below.

Warm light illuminated the end of the corridor, and the grey walls gave way to a spacious dining room. A heavyset table occupied most of the space. Its top was carved into geometric shapes and inlaid with different colours of wood. Papers were strewn across the table, and hunched over them were several familiar faces pinched in concentration.

Jaheira straightened and thumped her fist on the table, making the papers shift. "Ah ha! Here they are, and right on time too. Aedric if you will."

He sighed and dug in his pockets, coins jingling into Jaheira's outstretched hand. In full Manip regalia, Aedric threw his arms wide, turning his smile on the newcomers, who were grinning just as widely. "Be welcome friends! We have much to discuss and -"

A large boot kicked a door open, and Bram shuffled through with an apron strapped on, carrying a massive, deep hearth-pan. Yeva and Dorran followed at his heels, stepping past him to clear and set the table. Nyx wasn't sure what exactly she was expecting from their 'clandestine meeting', but it certainly wasn't a home cooked feast by the Flaming Fists. Korran and Nima appeared as the others left, bringing more dishes and platters to the table.

Both Aedric and Jaheira grinned at their guests' stunned expression. Aedric pulled out a chair, patted its top rail and said, "Come friends, eat and be merry. We haven't had the chance to properly thank you for what you've done for Counsellor Florrick. And whole business back at Moonrise."

The table sported a variety of classic dishes from the different representative cultures in their company. This included dwarven roast boar with pears and nuts, complemented by Elven vaervren (wild rice). A sugared pastry with rhubarb glinted in the torchlight, known as halfling bouqthi. Moreover, a selection of wine waited for perusal.

Astarion browsed the bottles and his interest piqued, picking up an opaque one. "Guldathen nectar? Oh, I could get used to this."

While dishing up a freshly baked rolled for herself, Jaheira said with a knowing smile, "Korran suggested it, especially seeing as you're not going to eat anything else. And to keep from helping yourself later."

"Ah, no use pretending then. But it is good to be in the presence of those with taste."

Nyx's stomach was at risk of sounding like Karlach's after taking in the glorious smell of the combined dishes; she had not eaten that morning due to the migraine, and since it broke, the aftereffect of the great thirst had her ensnared as well. Even Astarion gave her an amused smirk at how zealously she dug into the steaming food and annexing an entire jug of water for herself - not that she had much competition for it.

They feasted and relived the battle against Myrkul. Aedric and his Fists recounted how they evaded the Absolute's army and elaborated on a few close calls that had their audience on the edge of their seats. Tav's group shared tales of their own mischief making, including the details of Counsellor Florrick's jailbreak. It had been a long time since they'd made merry in comfort and friendship, but unfortunately, like all good things, it was too brief and came to an inevitable end. A bittersweet moment.

Waving Tav's companions back into their seats; the Fists cleared the plates and soon the table was strewn with reports, missives and maps.

Tav peered at the papers with an elongated neck and asked, "More plans for us?"

Jaheira finished her drink and smiled. "That obvious?" She shuffled a few of the papers around, and the Fists took their seats again. Without further ado, she got straight to the point. "We come baring news, some worse than others."

Their companions shifted in their chairs, sitting upright after Jaheira set her mouth in a grim line, casting her gaze at Aedric.

He interlaced his fingers and said, "Duke Stelmane has been murdered."

Stunned expressions greeted him, and Wyll asked, "Hells great fire! By whom? When?"

Before Wyll could ask more, Aedric provided the details. "Even in her condition Duke Stelmane had continued to work for the city and met in secret with those still loyal to Duke Ravengard. I fear that she was not as cautious as she once was and they got to her before Sir Grousel's warning." Aedric handed Tav a letter with a broken seal.

After taking in the curious faces, Tav turned the letter over. "The Shields?" Aedric nodded grimly and gestured for her to read. She cleared her throat.

"For Duke Stelmane

My lady, events in the Gate underworld are moving fast, and I'm sorry to say that the Shield organisation is unravelling. That young lout Gortash has cut our legs out from under us, Nine-Fingers is no help, and the Zhents just think it's funny.

As for me, my lady, I think I've climbed to the top of Gortash's hit list. I can't help protect you any further. My advice is to write the Knights off, hunker down in your Upper City mansion, and hire whatever muscle you can to guard it. Farewell, it's been an honour.

Sir Grousel"

Tav stared at the letter, looking both sad and tired.

Karlach scrunched her nose. "Who is the Shields?"

Wyll's jaw worked, and he provided, "The Knights of the Shield. Information brokers mostly working for the mercantile houses in the major cities of the Sword Coast. They were meant to keep an eye on smuggling by..."

Tav took in the mixture of concerned and confused faces and finished where Wyll hesitated, "Controlling the black markets themselves." She set the letter down, and her gaze fell on each of them. "Good did come of it. Outplaying other more scrupulous third parties meant that the black market was as 'regulated' as it could be, and word of nefarious dealing could be intercepted before causing harm." Tav sighed, "If they have been dismantled, then underworld can be flooded with any number of foul trade; contraband, weapons and," she chewed her lip, "People."

Disgusted and grim expressions joined that of Jaheira, Aedric and Tav.

Astarion probed, "So, what happens now?"

Tav gave him a long look. "Counsellor Florrick would have stepped in until a new head could take over, but Gortash has indeed undercut both Duke Stelmane and Duke Ravengard by framing her for execution."

Gale scratched his beard after several thoughtful heartbeats. "Surely, we can show this letter to the former Council of Four? Prove Gortash's corruption?"

Jaheira shook her head solemnly. "Not enough, we need more. Duke Stelmane's murder is likely to be pinned on the Absolute cultists, further ingraining Gortash into his current position."

Before the mood could turn more dour, Aedric added, "One of ours is investigating Duke Stelmane's murder. Devella Fountainhead, she's a good one, although I cannot get involved, it seems as though she is not entirely convinced of the cult angle either. I will keep abreast of her findings."

Jaheira gave them a small smile. "And you'll need 'new' passed for the Lower City. The one's you have are only good for the Outer City." She let the grumbles of assent grow until they became suspicious of her knowing grin. "And that's where the good news comes in." They leaned in. "There are a few stragglers still loyal to the cause or simply have enough disdain for Gortash to work against him. As you can see, his not above burning bridges. We have already setup a meeting to get the passes, and some more information on Gortash's dealings."

Tav set her jaw in determination and gave a curt nod. "Tell us what you need."

They ironed out the details while Aedric passed a bundle of envelopes to Tav. He excused himself for a moment, disappearing into the kitchen. Tav took one envelope from the stack and sent the rest along the table. Nyx appraised hers and rubbed the paper between her fingers. Thick cardstock and delicate lettering on the front - it was an invitation. After reading the opening title, her eyebrows rose into her hairline. "A show at the Oasis Theatre?"

Shadowheart made a pleased sound. "Very exclusive - exactly who are we meeting there?" She waved the invite at Jaheira.

Aedric returned from the kitchen with another plate of bouqthi. "Our informant will remain unnamed until the exchange."

Shadowheart rolled her eyes, but the answer didn't dim her delight.

Jaheira quipped, "No such thing as a free show. You're going to repay the Brass Scale Consortium by dealing with a thorn in their side as well."

Tav nodded sagely. "Makes sense for them to be involved."

"Not only, you're getting an advance."

Astarion perked when a bag of coins dropped in the centre of the table. Tav snatched it up before he could, and she asked, "This is a hefty sum, it makes me wonder about the job."

Dorran answered this time, smirking around his canines. "They're already having an 'underworld' problem, but nothing you can't handle. The representative at The Brass Scale will give you the specifics."

"Besides," quipped Nima, "You can't go to a Calimshanite show looking like," And she gestured around the table to their gear.

"Hey," Karlach said, pinching her armour between her fingers, "This is the best stuff I've got."

Nima made a face.

Tav bounced the coins in her hand, making them jingle. "So, a clean up job and a bit of cloak-and-dagger in exchange for something to wear to the show?"

Karlach guffawed. "Tell me whose kneecaps to break."

Astarion lilted, "Point me at the back to stab."

There were nods and comments of agreement. Nima beamed.

Jaheira's expression turned serious again. "Before you hurry out. What of Bhaal's Chosen?"

Tav and her companions brought them up to speed on Orin and her activities in Twin Songs and Sow's Foot. Wyll asked for any advice from Jaheira regarding Bhaal and his doppelgangers, to which she replied, “His goals will probably remain the same, but his tactics will not, especially with Bane's Chosen in the mix. But Orin is more predator than politician, I think. She simply wants to make you feel hunted - isolated. Which you are not, know this well." Jaheira leaned back in her chair and crossed her arms, a crease lining her brow. "'Tell the lordling that Orin is watching'. It seems Gortash and Orin have had a little falling out. We should leverage that." She nodded once, and a mischievous glint settled in her eyes. "Leave it to me and Aedric; we'll shake some trees - see what falls out."

Aedric gave her a raised eyebrow. "I am suddenly deeply concerned about these trees."

Before the afternoon could wane, Jaheira ushered them out of the safe-house in order to 'have time for shopping'. "Enjoy," she called after them as though she were seeing off eager children, and Aedric greeted with a final, "Helm's blessings upon you."

---

During the long way back, Nyx wrestled with her thoughts, fuelled by a tended appetite and clear mind. Astarion's ambition for ascension was gnawing at her. Magic carved into flesh, elaborate Infernal rituals and soul sacrifices. The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end imagining it, and she suppressed a shiver.

It's not right. And despite all his bravado, Astarion knows this too.

She couldn't piece together how to formulate her argument, how to convince him that not only would it be unjust but it is also plain cruelty. And she won't be able to go along with something like that. Similar to the situation with Shadowheart when she wanted to become Shar's Chosen, and there will be paths that she would not follow after.

The chipper in Tav's voice pulled her from her own tangled thoughts. "Remember that the people of Calimshan are proud, and their merchants expect a good haggle."

The forest scenery had been replaced by Whitkeep and their group was nearing the Market Walk. Feint scents of spice drifted down the street along with a low buzz of a crowd as they approached.

Astarion tucked a stray curl behind his ear and tsked. "Easy."

Nyx gave him a sidelong look and confirmed, "Haggle, not free."

He placed a hand on his chest, seemingly taken aback at the remark. "But of course.", and his wicked grin snapped into place. "Doesn't mean I can't try haggling it as close to free as I can."

She shook her head. Smartass.

The Market Walk was new to Nyx, and the last time she was in Whitkeep, the people of Little Calimshan still kept to themselves behind their walls in Norchapel. Seeing them interacting so freely and comfortably with the rest of the 'Baldurians' came as a surprise. Their own group dispersed as soon as they stepped into the Walk proper, and Nyx took a moment to survey the scene. The market had storefronts lined on opposite sides of the street. These were either fitted with large wooden doors that would open up onto the street or metallic ones that rolled up under the roof. This wasn't the only clear indicator between the Calimshanite and Gnomish shops.

The crowd was a mixture of different races, directed in a regular flow due to the smart placement of specific stores. Merchants and customers bargained in various languages, which overlapped into a buzzing ambience - reminiscent of the Lower City. Astarion and Nyx wondered into the first clothing shop, which from the outside did not look like much. There was a tiled frame around the door containing an array of different patterns, and coloured glass lanterns hung around the entrance in shades of indigo, saffron and tangerine. The interior, however, was luxurious. Pale wooden furniture dotted the floor, richly carved in exotic scenes and offset by plain silk decorations in the same deep colours as advertised outside. Various clothing items lined the walls: tailored coats, layered tunics, sashes, fitted cloaks, wide-legged pants and elegant simple dresses. They took one look at the price tags, and even with a good haggle would not work it into their 'allowance'.

Another Calimshanite store, The Quiet Hem, was within their budget. A soft anise incense greeted them from filigree censers that hung from the ceiling, puffing out their smoke in thin squiggly trails. The clothing reflected the same style as the storefronts and furniture; fabric in neutral tones, pleasant to the touch with delicately embroidered patterns at the cuffs and collars; stiffer sashes in vibrant hues of blue, yellow and orange with the occasional hint of green. Nyx thought it prudent to ask the store owner what would be appropriate for guests to wear to a show at The Oasis, and she eagerly fussed over them in her broken common-tongue while selecting several clothing pieces. Astarion took his sweet time going through the options. A couple of fitting rounds later and an exchange of fair haggling, they had their attire for the next evening sorted. Arm-in-arm, they set out to leisurely enjoy the rest of the market's offerings.

They found Gale and Tav at the Copperpin & Catch. Pewter, tin and bronze dripped from hooks in the wall - fortunately Nyx didn't need to flee the store in order to avoid inciting the wrath of her earlier migraine due to the gleam and glitter within.

"Look how smoothly the mechanisms work!" The store owner demonstrated how to transform the spoon into a fork by adjusting hinges and sliding metal parts that clicked together.

"A genius invention - do you have something similar for pots, pans - mixing bowls?"

The gnome and Gale shuffled off to another part of the shop, followed by the clanking of metal upon metal.

Tav gave Astarion and Nyx a wink, and said, "We're likely going to be a while. Don't wait up."

Shadowheart and Wyll were perusing a beauty store, Saffron & Briar, which seemed to have both Calimshan and Gnomish products on display, smelling of herbal and floral notes. Upon closer inspection, the various salves, alchemical perfumes and hair tonics had been mixed from recipes that combined ingredients from both cultures. The packaging was hybrid too. Square, filigree Calimshan bottles were fitted with Gnomish metal-capped droppers and seal-lock stoppers. The labels were very clear that the products were not magical in origin and only 'enhanced' one's natural beauty - no permanent transformation. Nyx added a cream to her purchase that boasted healing properties for stubborn scars and blemishes. At the till, she and Shadowheart snickered to themselves after noticing that Wyll and Astarion each had more products in their baskets than the two of them combined.

Once outside, they scanned the crowd for the rest of their companions, who were returning from the Ember & Date. Karlach had a meat skewer in hand, layered with vegetables and dripping with sauce. Lae'zel was as close to devouring a flatbread stuffed with honeyed nuts that Nyx had seen. Nyx mused whether Lae'zel secretly had a sweet tooth, whereas Halsin popped small round lentil fritters into his mouth - she would have expected him to be the one devouring a honey drenched treat instead.

Shadowheart quipped, "I hope you didn't spend all your allowance on food."

Karlach shrugged, taking another large bite of her prize. Halsin grinned and assured that both professional and personal priorities had been taken care of. Their conversation was interrupted by raised voices nearby.

A Calimshan jeweller was arguing with one of the gnomes in front of a hybrid store. He pointed at something in the display case and bellowed indignantly, "That is my ceremonial clasp! I sold it to you to wear, not to disfigure!"

The gnome replied merrily, "Oh Zahir, I would never do such a thing. I only added a hidden lock to the back. Look," the gnome opened the display case and held the piece in question up for inspection.

Zahir leaned forward, huffed and said, "It was complete, Tinket."

"Yes, and now it is secure. Here let me show you. May I?" Tinket pinned the piece to its creator's tunic. "Even a hard day's work won't loosen the clasp or harm the fabric. Beauty and function revealing its true elegance, wouldn't you say?"

There was incoherent grumbling from the jeweller, but he relented in arguing further, returned the piece and stalked back to his shop. A customer stepped forward, showing interest in the contentious clasp. Nyx could only hope that her discussion with Astarion would resolve so easily.

Tav and Gale joined the waiting group, and collectively, they slowly made their way back to The Lame Fox.

---

Astarion eyed Nyx while she hung their clothing up in the shared cupboard.

"My sweet", he said with a smirk, stepping closer, "If any more smoke comes out of your ears, I fear your hair will catch fire."

Nyx snorted and gave him a weak smile. "It's not a pleasant topic for any evening."

"If it's troubling you that much then you might as well be out with it."

True.

Nyx took a steeling breath, garnering a quizzical look from him, and said evenly, trying not to sound confrontational, "Are you truly planning on usurping Cazador's ritual?"

He made a small sound at the back of his throat. After a moment he stated, "Why not? Not only would I be as good as rid of the nuisances that come with being a full vampire, but I'll get to be the most powerful one in existence. What's not to like?"

He gave her flat gaze a challenging eyebrow.

This could go rather poorly rather quickly.

Nyx narrowed her eyes at his spreading grin.

Perhaps I should take a page from Shadowheart's book.

A smile quirked at the corner of her lips. "I was under the impression that a magistrate should consider all the evidence in a case."

His features gaped in surprise, then his sly grin snapped into place. He gestured with an open hand and lilted, "Alright, my little delegator. Make your case."

Nyx crossed her arms, pursed her lips, her mind churning up an idea.

Let the battle of wits begin.

She began her opening statement. "If hypothetically, you are able to go through with this ritual. Does it not set a ruthless premise for others to follow?"

He barked his pitched laugh. "A few less people to clutter the world won't be a great loss. At least they'll die with purpose instead of in some gutter."

By the Abyss, Astarion. Nyx sighed. That is your conditioning talking.

She countered, "You said so yourself: A vampire's greatest concern is another vampire."

He was being flippant and waved a dismissive hand. "Then if they pose a problem, we'll simply get rid of them."

We? She gave him an incredulous eyebrow, and his wicked grin replied.

She continued, "This being a known consequence. Who knows what other unintended ones there might me."

"I'm sure it’s nothing that can't be fixed with a little stabbing, my dear."

Nyx huffed and rubbed her forehead. "Power always comes at a price, Astarion, and violence generally only begets more violence. It becomes a never-ending game of 'who can be the most cruel'."

He tilted his head and gave her a long, appraising look. "My sweet, your concern is touching, but I have seen neither cost nor consequence for Cazador. My freedom will have no value if I don't have the power to keep it."

"And yet, here we are."

It was his turn to huff. He searched the room, strumming his fingers against the hilt of his dagger before replying tepidly, "I will take your points into consideration."

Nyx inclined her head. "That's all I ask."

Slow progress is still progress.

His sly smile crept back. "You know," he lulled, "My courtroom is always open to you."

Her amused suspicion replied, giving him a brief curtsey to boot, "You have my thanks, Your Honour."

Fangs and rubies flashed. "As well as my private chambers."

She sighed inwardly. Deflecting as usual. And leaned in to receive his teasing kiss.

Why is there no food based lore for Orcs and Tieflings? Even Lance was like: "Sorry, no, I can't find any for you." I wanted to feature a dish from each of the Fists; where are the Orcish and Tiefling ones? ... I'm not very creative when it comes to food (or clothes). So, if anyone has some interesting ideas that also make sense from a cultural perspective let me know.