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Things had settled at the Last Light inn since the high druids return from the Shadowfell. The uneasy surroundings finally falling silent, almost eerily so. There was much still to prepare since the several attacks the Inn had endured, from both the cultists sent by Ketheric Thorm and the cursed Shadow figures that had loomed the outskirts of the barrier. Tav watched from her guarded perch uneasily, legs dangling off the edge of the back dock.
To her left scratch slumbered peacefully, while Owlbear watched the waters below wide-eyed. Trying to spy any fish he might be tempted to leap after.
"I wouldn't." Tav chuckled watching the beast from the corner of her eye. "I don't imagine anything that swims in those waters will taste all that well."
"Hungry." The cub wined. "Want more dinner, please."
"Here then." Tav chucked the bone of her mutton to the gluttonous oversized bird. "Anything more and you'll need to beg the others."
The creature squeaked in approval catching and gnawing down on the meaty offerings. Scratch's ears pricked up at the sound of bones crunching but remained still asleep.
"No more." The Owlbear chirped sadly after greedily finishing off the food.
"Best go be cute for Shadowheart then." Tav shook her head. "She'd be happier for your company anyway."
"Yes nice lady, I will go to her now." With that he bounded off excitedly.
Tav watched after the cub race off like a cannon ball. She was relieved at least Shadowheart would be keen to see the creature, after their previous conversations she was certain the cleric would rather not see the fighters face for some time. Tav sighed and went back to watching the waters.
"The beast is eating all my meals." A hissing voice came from behind. "Kindly deal with your feathered servant."
"Apologies Your Majesty." Tav smirked recognising the voice instantly. "I will speak with him again."
"At least he and the mutt to your side no longer chase me about. Or I’d have to see to their execution."
Scratch growled disapprovingly but kept eyes shut as the cat sauntered up to come and take a rest to the right of Tav. Somehow the rather verbose cat had taken a shining to the fighter and often was found following her about while inside the inn. The cat sat with his eyes shut, seemingly to just enjoy the company. His light purrs soothed Tav’s slight nerves at the road ahead. What lay ahead on the morrow stirred such unrest, the group would be exploring a domain in the Shadowlands that allegedly dwelled the hidden Temple of Shar.
Things had been incredibly tense between Tav and Shadowheart since entering the Shadowlands. The Sharran seemed all the more distracted then usual, Tav could see her mind was far away as if listening to whispers she couldn’t quite understand. The fact Shadowheart seemed safe from the effects of the curse due to her blessings from Shar felt like an invisible barrier secluding her from the remainder of the group. Pushing Tav away.
Tav felt a lump in her throat as she thought on it too much, each night at camp Shadowheart hid away deep in prayer. On occasion when she did reappear she did tend to drift almost subconsciously to be by Tav’s side. However eventually the realisation set in and she would excuse herself and leave once again. Tav had eventually mentioned the obvious growing distance, something she didn't understand considering things seemed to have been going favourably for the two. In he least, she had thought they were friends. Tav felt rightfully conflicted; they had flirted, kissed and at times the kisses almost progressed into something more. She had felt they were growing to be more then friends, Tav was even certain she was falling in love. Despite her best efforts to not go there. Shadowheart admitted she understood and felt the distance as well, claiming once her calling was answered she would be able to better understand. However, the deeper they delved into the cursed lands the deeper the distance grew.
The tension came to an eventual front after Tav had lost her patience with this curse and even the Sharran faith. Normally she was able to remain somewhat amicably neutral when it came to religion, in fact choosing to avoid having confrontational conversations in regards to it. Shadowheart had taken it as a refreshing change and appreciated the lack of hostility. That however changed when Tav was horror-stricken by the House of Healing. The boorish brutality of the faith being practiced in full ritualistic motion sickened her. Tav struggled to keep her opinions inside, but it wasn’t until Shadowheart had made the point of stating this was true Sharran worship and what the “doctor” claimed was allegedly truthful to the faith. The matter-of-fact statement turned Tav’s head inside out. All of Tav’s life she had kept her opinion of harsher dark religions unspoken, the years of physical and spiritual torture bottled up and brimming the surface. Shadowheart’s candid appreciation of the faith would result in receiving the full extent of Tav’s hatred and disdain.
She called her faith demonic. Ritualistic and barbaric.
Tav did not fully understand the Sharran faith, however what she did know was from the torturous experiences of her childhood in the guild and slave markets. She had never seen anything other then pain and suffering, Shadowheart being the first believer to ever allow close enough interactions.
As the harsh allegation left her lips she watched Shadowheart’s eyes widen. A flash of hurt crossed her face but was quickly replaced with anger.
“Who do you think you are to question My Lady and my purpose?”
“It isn’t your purpose, how can you be so naive and blinded by a faith that steals your memories! Erases who you are each chance they get! Tortures and punishes any happiness you find!"
"Don’t claim to know my faith, heathen...”
“I know enough! You and your people take your flesh pound by pound and never have enough...”
Shadowheart hesitated a moment and flinched when her hand seared in pain, balling her fist up in apparent agony.
“How can you believe any of this, Shadowheart?” Tav pointed her hand aggressively towards the darkening fog surrounding their camp, threatening to devour them. “You aren’t this darkness Shadowheart, this evil that consumes and kills all it touches.”
“You don’t know me..” her fist tightened and a violent purple light emitted as Shadowheart was punished further for their disagreement. "Just because I've been tempted to visit your bedroll, do not fool yourself into thinking more of this!" She hissed in pain.
“That right there! What kind of god takes the pleasure in hurting their devout.”
“You should know,” Shadowheart grit her teeth. “Were you not the daughter of the mistress of pain herself. A heretic of a far more barbaric faith, you dare tell me of my beliefs!”
Tav’s mouth hung open a moment, processing the insult.
“You think yourself better then me?” Shadowheart spat, venomous and hurt. “You speak of taking pounds of flesh! How many men have you killed with your bare hands? How many women’s beds you left empty? How many cracks of the whip did it take to clear your conscious and forget your sins?”
Tav felt a sharp pain in her chest, like the air had been smacked clean from her lungs. Shadowheart shut her mouth quick, realising the cruelty of using a truth Tav had shared in a heated debate. The words hung in the air for a moment, Tav screwed her face up struggling to find the words to respond. She wanted to yell, scream. Maybe even cry, the hurt and betrayal she felt stung worse then any whipping or beating she had ever taken in her past life.
Eventually she nodded in understanding. Understanding she had made a terrible mistake ever trusting a Sharran. Ever trusting a mistress of the darkness. Falling in love with someone who too would hurt her.
“Yes... I guess you are right.” She averted her eyes. "I apologise, Sharran... Good night.”
Tav nodded curtly, and walked away feeling eyes watch as she left. Later that night she felt footsteps loom outside her tent as she retired early, on occasion feeling a wiggling in her brain as a thought or two flashed of longing to talk. Even a hint at the desire to apologise. These thoughts were involuntarily shared so Tav opted to ignore and try and sleep off her heartache.
Days passed by and the two awkwardly would avoid each other. Tav had to swallow her pride and ask Shadowheart to join the search through the darkened lands, based on the fact she seemed the most immune to any curse. Of course the irony was there and Shadowheart couldn’t help taking the bait. Shadowheart attempting to preach the benefits of her worship. With a sarcastic huff she asked if a Sharran could be trusted. Tav finally allowing their eyes to meet, answered with an heavy ache; “I trust you.”
Shadowheart swallowed hard, her fist balled painfully in protest. As the day went on and the group discovered the Last Light and its inhabitants an uneasy truce was shared between them. Despite the conflicting distaste Shadowheart had shared in regards to the Inn’s resident Selunite cleric. After saving her from the surprise attack, Shadowheart had begrudgingly approached Tav in a request to join when entering the Temple come the next day. Tav nodded in agreement, understanding this was her ultimate purpose and the only thing that truly mattered. As such, knowing how hard it was to bring the conversation up at all, once again Tav asked if there was any chance for them. Or if Shar would always come between them.
Shadowheart avoided eye contact, stating she would need more time to process. Believing once whatever was calling her in the temple was discovered she would then be able to understand where her intentions could be placed. With hurt in her eyes, she finally looked up and pleading to not expect her to choose. Tav nodded, knowing where the choice would always be. Shadowheart stated once more she just needed time, she handed a single purple flower in Tav’s almost shaking hand. Then left without another word.
Tav was brought back to reality, she sighed heavily, pulling from her pocket the wilted and sad semi-dried purple flower. It felt so long ago when this gift was given, a gift she gave in hopes to bridge the growing divide between them. She remembered how touched Shadowheart was, how she joked and smiled. She had questioned why the gesture, a simple gift no need for a thanks. Yet, a kiss had been offered. Tav looked at the petals, this was the first flower she had ever given a woman. At least as long as she could remember.
“The dark cleric smells of those.” Majesty nodded, curling into a comfortable bun. “She is generous in her gifts of appreciation to me. You have taught your mate well in how to appreciate her superiors.”
“She...she isn’t my mate.”
“Oh?” Majesty stretched and flicked his tail. “I believe I have been mistaken, though I seldom am. Are you certain she is not?”
“What made you think she was my mate?” Tav raised a curious eyebrow.
“She speaks of you often.” He began licking his paw in grooming motions. “I can hear her describe you as she is on her knees talking to her hands, like the light cleric does.”
“Ah.” Tav nodded. So Shar really had taken issue with Tav and Shadowheart’s connections.
“And I smell you on her.” He chirped finishing his grooming. “You also have the same aroma. It must linger after your matings.”
“I-I what?” Tav scoffed in embarrassment. “No, no we have not ‘mated’... I cannot believe I am having this conversation with a cat..”
“I can’t believe you talk to the cat at all.” Scratched mused, drifting out of his sleep. “Not a fan myself.”
“Mongrel.” Majesty hissed in disapproval. “I can put in a good word for you if you need, you have been a most loyal subject and I am happy to help. Despite the flea ridden company you keep.”
“You are most gracious.” Tav sighed feeling ridiculous. “But, I don’t think she sadly has my affinity with understanding you.”
“Don’t I know it.” The cat sniffed the air in annoyance. “Ugh, the large elf approaches. He tries to pat me, despite my clear dislike for the gesture.”
“Have you told him not to?” Tav chuckled. “He talks to animals better then I.”
“Bah, just because he understands means not if he listens.” His Majesty stood and stretched, beginning to strut away with a finesse in his stride. “I shall away and find your soon-to-be mate.”
Tav chuckled as the cat strut off, Scratch huffed in approval and shuffled back into a blissful sleep. The fighter smiled and pet his loyal companion as the hound settled back into his rest. Tav could feel the boards to the dock shake slightly as the heavy footsteps of the very large druid approached.
“Ho there,” Halsin greeted. “You mind some company or have you had your fill for the night.”
Tav could hear the smile in his voice, an overly friendly and warm greeting as always from the overly large druid. His nature incredibly welcoming and less reserved since Tav had assisted in protecting him from returning from the Shadowfell.
“Always a moment for a friend.” Tav turned and smiled as the elf took the offering and sat to his side. “How is Thaniel recovering?”
“He sleeps.” Halsin sighed. “Your genuine concern and continuing help is very touching. You really have shown yourself a worthy ally, to both myself and to the forest.”
“I’m glad.” Tav sighed looking out to the water. “Hopefully come the morning you and I can successfully reunite his other half and end this darkness for good.”
“Do you think our shared travel companion will stop our actions?”
“Minthara? Look, I understand your concern but she has sworn we have a common enemy.”
“I do not mean the drow, though I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t show the restraint you have admirably shown her.” He shook his large head. “I meant Shadowheart. Her dark lady will surely have issues with us attempting to undo her good work.”
“I-I am not sure.” Tav shrugged. “That would need to be something you asked her yourself.”
“The Shar worshiper sadly does not take kindly to any questioning. At least from those of us who have not yet won her favour, like yourself.”
“Perhaps I should get His Majesty to ask.” Tav snorted rolling her eyes. “She doesn’t want to talk to me much these days. And especially not where her “lady” concerns.”
Halsin chuckled, earthy and rumbling like the deep growl of a young bear. Befitting of his nature.
“You put much faith in that untamed house cat.” He smiled. “Though I am sure if anyone can get him onside, it would be you. You have such an acute talent for conversing with the furred and feathered kind.”
“Yes, one of my many talents.” Tav shrugged.
“It is very curious.” The druid mused. “I have not met many outside of our ways so blessed with the gift of animal speech. Even few druids I have met within my faction with such a proficiency.”
“I’m a natural I guess.” Tav shuffled uncomfortably.
“Are you sure you haven’t been trained in some way?” Halsin scratched his chin. “By the Oak Father it has puzzled me for some time how confidently it comes to you.”
“I-“ Tav went to speak, hesitant in revealing any history. The recent break of trust pushing her back inside her own personal shell. “I think it might be something I have already inside me. Deep down.”
“How do you mean?”
“What little I know of my childhood...” she started, starring into the distance. “I believe my parents were both druids.”
“Truthfully?” Halsin beamed in pride. “By Silvanus, it makes so much sense why you have done so much for thee spirits of the forest.”
He leaned in closely, eyes taking in every feature of Tav. He looked at her like he was finally seeing her properly for the first time. He was dangerously close, it made Tav fee a little uneasy with the closeness.
“I had wondered about your tattoos.” He grinned. “They remind me of a long forgotten tribe, I wonder if you are one of our lost sisters. Similar markings in design!”
“I’m not sure.” She shrugged. “These designs are all I can remember of my parents. And the smell of salty water.”
“Salty water?” Halsin frowned. “The ocean? Silvanus be praised, you must be one of the Sea Druids.”
“Well, I’m not.” Tav snorted. “Whatever I was meant to be, it’s too late for that life now. I just enjoy talking to the critters, they're easier to talk to then most...”
“Nonsense! It’s never too late for you, young one. Perhaps once we have broken this curse you and I can explore any possibility of unlocking any other hidden talents.”
“Ha, maybe.” Tav brushed the offer off. “I’m not so sure I can dedicate myself to the forest gods as enthusiastically as you do.”
“We can take it one step at a time.” He smiled. “Perhaps your talents could be unlocked when we are closer to the oceans edge. Silvanus guide you, we may be able to even encourage your body into a transmorph!"
Tav looked at the overly enthusiastic ex-high druid, face scrunched in a mixture of disbelief and unimpressive. She couldn’t tell if he was mocking her or genuinely excited in the hopes of connecting Tav with a stolen and forgotten heritage.
“Yeah sure, Halsin.” She smiled unsurely. “Maybe I will turn into a water rat.”
“Hmmm.” He scratched his chin deep in thought. “No, no I think you could be close but a little more stoutly. Perhaps a seal.”
“Yes, stoutly.” She coughed, eyes looking about for a way to escape. “Well, I don’t think I’m so keen to sign my soul away to another god... but I would be willing to learn about your culture.”
“Our culture, little sister.” He beamed.
“Yes, sure.” She smiled. “Well, thank you... anyway Halsin. For taking an interest. I best call it a night.”
“Of course.” He bowed his head ceremonially. “Oak Father preserve you, I look forward to the time we shall spend together.”
Tav smiled and excused herself, Scratch faithfully sensing her taking leave and rose instantly prepared to follow. Faithful as always to Tav, the only one truly faithful and loyal to the half-elf. The two walked onwards, heading out to the makeshift tent outside the Inn. Tav knew she would struggle to get any rest once again in these uneasy lands but with the early morning set off she needed to gain as much sleep as her mind would allow. Despite her elven blood, it seemed she was running low on any reservations of energy. The curse taking its toll. Or perhaps the hurt, was taking its pound in flesh.
Heading through the door the enthusiastic Owlbear cub ran up and bound straight into her. With a loud thud she landed to the ground in a chuckle. The owlbear squeaked in excitement, rubbing his head against Tav’s hands. She felt eyes on her, and looked up to spy Shadowheart sitting alone outside the stables, she had a saddened half smile on her face. Tav nodded in greeting, wishing for nothing more then this unspoken awkwardness to fade. Hopefully once the shadows faded on the lands, this would too.
“Nice lady misses you.” Owlbear squeaked. “She wants to hug you but can’t, so I will.”
“Oh,” Tav looked down to her feathered friend. “Well, thanks little buddy.”
“You call me buddy. She calls me a squeaker. Are they my names?”
Tav rested a gentle but firm hand on the creatures head, she smiled down at her found adopted child. The poor boy an orphan, something Tav knew and understood all too well. She looked up to Shadowheart, yet another thing the two bonded over. She smiled sadly, longing for things to go back the way they were. The flower suddenly feeling incredibly heavy in her pocket. She thought as loudly as she could, hoping if Shadowheart was listening she would hear.
“I miss you...”
Shadowheart held their gaze a moment longer, then winced when her hand flared in anger. She sighed, and finally broke the gaze to look down at her hand in disdain. Tav’s brow furrowed, she wished she could take the pain that was clearly torturing her forever away. She sighed, finally looking down to the expectant cub watching with wide sparkling eyes.
“Squeak, that sounds like a very good name for you.” She smiled. “Shadowheart picked well.”
The creature chirped in approval and bounded back over to the cleric. She watched longingly as Shadowheart welcomed the owlbear with an open hug, rubbing his large head all over. Without looking up, Tav felt the darkhaired woman’s mind reach out. The feeling of loneliness lifting for just a fleeting moment.
“I miss you too...”