Nyx raced through the last door and was greeted by a wide-eyed Halsin and out-of-breath companions. Distant shouts came from the keep above. Without more time to spare, they pushed toward the cliff. Nyx shot a glace over her shoulder when Halsin's magic swelled behind her to block the escape door, torchlight already illuminating its frame. More druidic magic encouraged the thorny brambles and vines to overgrow their retreating path, even thicker than before. The cliff was a few feet away when arrows whirred past Nyx's head. Florrick's cry pierced the night.

By the Abyss!

The Counsellor was clutching her wounded arm, Tav by her side. Halsin caught up to them and unceremoniously scooped Florrick up, heading for the cliff, vines rising to meet him. Nyx swerved and intercepted a rain of arrows, throwing up her shield with more vigour than she intended. Magic burst forth from her hands, arrows dropping out of the air on contact. She kept her backwards advance toward the cliff while maintaining the shield. Astarion sidled next to her, returning fire, and the rain of arrows ceased long enough for the rest to start the descent down the cliff-side. Tav and Shadowheart clambered down first. Halsin wrapped Florrick in more vines, and they escorted her to safety below in serpentine motions. Nyx joined Astarion in the counterfire until they reached the drop as well.

Nyx's feet touched the shore, and Halsin recalled the vine ladders. They slithered back up the cliff and kept growing upward until they formed a wall of thorns instead. Tav and Shadowheart were helping Halsin and Wyll wrestle the boats into the river when more shouts came from the thorned wall above. Another cloud of arrows rained down, but the distance was too great and they lost momentum, clattering uselessly on the floor. The same could not be said of Nyx, Astarion or Gale's reach. Magic laced arrows and lances of lightning answered. A show of force more than anything else, but it convinced the Fists to retreat. Tav's crew piled into the boats and set off into the dark waters. The Fists regrouped, tracking their boats from other portions of the cliff that weren't overgrown, not that it mattered; neither arrow nor magic could reach them anymore.

Adrenaline had sharpened their group's senses, and the resulting trip back was less of a zigzag detour. Halsin, Florrick, Shadowheart and Wyll were ahead of Tav, Nyx, Gale and Astarion's boat. Movement on the water caught Nyx's eye. "Uh, Tav - a ship is heading straight for us."

"What?! Where?" She stopped her chanty and squinted into the darkness; the ship itself was obscured by the bridge's long moonlit-cast shadow. Nyx didn't know how to explain to Tav where something was that her night vision could not see.

"Which one?"

"Uh, a big one? At this rate, it's going to collide with us," Nyx stated evenly.

Gale asked in a thin voice, "Should we stop and wait?"

Tav replied, "No, keep rowing as hard as you can, otherwise we'll get caught in the surge. Nyx?"

"It'll clear the bridge anytime now."

As though it were a beast emerging from the forest; the great ship unfurled in the moonlight, its creaking bow baring down on the tiny rowboat, huge sails whipped overhead.

"Put your backs into it!" Tav heaved at her oars.

"We're not going to make it!" Astarion shouted as billowing waves lifted the boat aloft and the ship's bow veered past, casting them in its shadow.

"Keep rowing and we will!"

Try as they might, they were no match for the influence of the larger ship on the surrounding water. Their rowing cadence fell out of sync, the water actively working against them. Tav swore when their boat was sucked toward the incoming vessel's towering hull. She shouted over the sound of rushing water and the creaking of wood, "On my mark, we jump!"

Nyx clung to the sides of the tiny vessel, fighting to stand while the boat was tossed about by the waves, water being flung into her face and eyes.

Wooden planks groaned beneath Nyx's feet, the ship's hull drawing nearer, and Tav projected, "Jump!"

Despite the dire situation, Nyx caught a glimpse of Tav's elegant dive. Nyx dove in after. Somewhere to her right, Astarion's swearing was swallowed by the beating waves, then the silence of the water itself enveloped her senses. The current grabbed ahold of Nyx's limbs. She wrapped her arms and legs in magic, swimming and straining against the pull toward the larger ship. Suddenly her body lifted, and the pull became a push, throwing her forward into the roll beneath the waves. She flailed fruitlessly while the current flipped her around in circles, mercifully its hold lessened, and Nyx tried to orientate herself in the dark murky waters. Streaming rays of moonlight showed her which side was up, and Nyx breached the surface gasping for air.

A broken plank drifted into view, the sight of which sent a shock of concern through her, and the cold water pressed in on her body. Shivering, Nyx whipped her head around, searching the waves. Seeing the broken remains of the rowboat only deepened her concern to trepidation, her heart beating in her ears.

Tav's familiar row call reached Nyx, and she answered, "Here!" Gale's voice rang across the waves too, but not Astarion's.

Graces please.

Nyx probed the waters with her whiskers and wrapped her limbs in magic once more, ready to sweep the area when a splashing sound drew her attention to his swearing. A flood of warm relief soaked Nyx's heart, and she followed the swearing and coughing through the calm waters. It led her to him clinging to one of the broken planks, his white curls plastered to his head, which shone like a beacon under the moonlight.

He spat when she reached him. "Gods! I almost died! Dashed against a ship! And for what!?"

"Tav saw us through."

"Barely!" His voice hoarse.

Tav called out again, "You two alright over there?"

Nyx took a deep breath and projected, "Yes, we'll meet you on the other side.", and she turned to Astarion. "Can you swim?"

His indignant bravado evaporated, and he admitted sheepishly, "It's been a very long time since I had to."

Nyx nodded sagely. "You just hold on and keep kicking, I'll steer." She grabbed onto a free portion of the plank and guided them back to the docks. Fortunately, the ship had thrown them in the general direction of their destination.

---

Halsin, Lae'zel and Karlach lifted the swimmers out of the river with little effort. Nyx's shaking legs almost gave way upon meeting the docks. She looked around to find bright smiles and jesting congratulations between the reuniting companions on 'not getting smashed to pieces'.

Karlach guffawed at Astarion. "New hairdo?"

Astarion curled his lip in warning. "Oh, I'm in no mood for this. Keep that up and find out what happens, darling."

Tav rubbed her arms and gestured with her chin. "Who's that?"

Lae'zel sneered at the men tied up against the dock posts in a pair of two and three, their bodies limp and their heads resting on their chests. "Interlopers trying to extort money from us."

Karlach rolled her shoulders and said, "Yeah, told us to pay up or else they'll let the Watch know that we're out here past our 'curfew'." She hooked a thumb over her shoulder. "They're going to have a whopper of a headache in the morning without any of the fun."

Gale managed to dry himself with a modified fire incantation that only produced heat and offered it to Tav, who accepted eagerly.

Nyx considered the men and asked, "Should we not untie them and put them in the remaining rowboat? Could buy us some time having the Watch chase their tails." As though the Flaming Fists had heard Nyx, a blaring siren rose from Wyrm's keep drawing everyone's attention to its imposing structure.

A now-dry Tav nodded once and said, "Let's do that and get going. Counsellor, are you ready to meet up with Aedric?"

Gale walked up to Nyx and Astarion, offering his drying incantation, and mused, "Surely we can't meet under the bridge; the entire guard will soon be upon us."

Florrick gave Gale an incredulous look. "Under the bridge is not where you think it is."

Shadowheart flashed the others an 'I-told-you-so-grin' and they shared curious glances among themselves.

Tav said, "Counsellor Florrick and I will meet up with Aedric. The rest of you head out in different directions from here. Circle back to camp later. Give everything a chance to cool down first."

They did as suggested, dispersing in their own groups of two and three after dumping the unconscious men into the docked rowboat.

---

Nyx held her newly printed pass in her hand and admired the way its glossy black ink caught in the firelight. She never thought she'd be so pleased with a silly slip of paper. However, she wasn't the only one inspecting her pass at the campfire.

Gale brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply. "Smells like my library back home - in need of a good dollop of bound leather though."

Shadowheart quipped, "Smells like progress."

Tav beamed at the excited faces and announced, "At first light we are out of here and meeting up with Voss at Sharess' Caress."

Lae'zel grunted from her seat. "Finally, I'll get some answers."

Wyll tried his luck at asking Tav how things went with Counsellor Florrick and Aedric.

Tav placed her hands in her lap and recounted the conversation. "Aedric will secure the Counsellor at an undisclosed location. She insisted on helping in whatever capacity she could, and she has asked that we establish a connection with the Harpers. So, we'll swing by Jaheira's tomorrow as well, and we can trust that both the Counsellor and Aedric to find other avenues of help and send it our way."

The news was not entirely to Wyll's expectation, and he asked directly, "What of my father?"

Tav gave him a small sympathetic smile and said, "It is as we feared; the Duke is under Gortash's control."

Wyll set his jaw and declared with a fisted hand, "Then we'll take it back from him and restore my father's dignity. Baldur's Gate will not bow to a spineless weasel like him. We'll first need to bathe Gortash and his allies in their own blood."

"Fuck yes, count me in. I want to grind that fucker's head to paste." Flames lapped over Karlach's skin while she stared into the campfire.

Tav nodded and waved them down. "Let's be smart about it; be on the lookout for any information we can use against him. He is going to throw everything he has at us. Like Florrick said; it'll be a dirty game of politics, and we need to beat him at it without resorting to needless bloodshed - all the while he gets to hide behind stone walls and his Steel Watch."

"My dear bard, as the Chosen of Bane; killing is going to be a part of his repertoire. I say we strike from the too shadows given the chance." Astarion drew one of his daggers, twirling it between his fingers.

Tav shook her head. "Not if it can be avoided. I don't want the Gate bathed in blood."

Astarion pouted and stowed his dagger.

Nyx asked, "Any word on Bhaal's Chosen, apart from carving people up?"

There we grunts in the negative and several shaking heads.

Tav fretted with her braid. "I don't know what Aedric will be able to find at their kill site. But they'll show their hand soon enough. We need to be vigilant, since they won't play nice like the Banites."

The mood turned sombre, and everyone stared into the fire.

Halsin cleared his throat. "Let us not despair. We have achieved the unthinkable tonight, and I have every confidence that we'll prevail against the Chosen of Bhaal and Bane as we did Myrkul." He slapped his hand against his knee. "To doing the unthinkable!"

"Here, here!"

"I'll toast to that!"

Several rose and scattered, retrieving goblets and booze with newfound zeal, returning the enduring cheer and lightheartedness to camp. Nyx accepted a proffered cup to toast, but not to drink. She stole a glance at Astarion, and her heart brimmed with endearment.

Halsin is right. We have overcome so much already.

After the formal round of toasting, Nyx allowed herself to be swept up for the remainder of the evening in her companion's familiar and comforting company.

--- --- ---

Tav studied the Baldur's Mouth broadsheet while they waited in line to Wyrm's Crossing. The others were filling Halsin and Lae'zel in on what to expect on the bridge itself.

Wyll crossed his arms, glaring at the guards and closed gates. "Men, women and children, all barred from entry. A damned travesty. And we have Gortash to thank for it."

Karlach curled her lip and rolled her shoulders. "Not for long."

"All part of his plan, of course. Step one: Create an army and order it to march on the city. Step two: Shut the gates in the name of security. Step three: Bask in the applause."

Tav spoke into the broadsheet. "And the rest of his steps will probably include tadpoling more than just the Duke for leverage."

Wyll and Karlach sneered. Wyll said, "Those same fools will thank him for making Baldur's Gate safe, when he has made it into a prison. 'To exert control, you must first sow chaos.' A tyrant's strategy, as father would say. What news from the Mouth?"

The queue moved, and Tav skimmed over the headlines. "The Vanthampur family has aligned themselves with Gortash, no surprise there."

Astarion remarked, "Hmmph, snakes and cutthroat opportunists if there ever where. Served them well though, kept their status as one of the most powerful patriar houses even after the whole Elturel debacle."

Tav's nod turned into a slow head shake. "There is a call to ban refugee help. But, the small piece over here is interesting: 'Ritualistic murders on the rise'. I'd bet good coin that is our other Chosen's doing, especially after the cave incident. And the one that bothers me the most is the reports of Duke Stalemane's worsening condition."

Wyll's eyebrows bobbed. "She had been ill for some time. Counsellor Florrick reported to her once, did she not?"

Tav made a noise of agreement. "Did you know Stelmane very well back in the day?"

"I've only met her twice personally. The first time, I was a boy of seven or eight, at a banquet in the Flaming Fist's honour. One look at I was smitten."

"Oh?"

"Chestnut hair that flowed behind her like willow fronds. She floated from one room to the next as if carried by clouds."

Astarion huffed. "Gods, please don't break out in prose. One devil poet is enough, thank you."

Wyll chuckled and continued after the queue moved forward again. "The second time, Stelmane was, different." He looked down at the cobblestones, frowning. "Even with the aid of a cane, each step she took was a struggle. Every word she spoke took great physical effort. 'A stroke victim?' I asked father later. 'No', he said. 'A stroke survivor.'"

Tav's reply was cutoff by the guard beckoning them to his booth. Passes in hand, each of them proffered the paper when prompted and were dismissively waved through the gate. Tav was a tad bit disappointed at how anti-climatic it felt, but once the bustling streets of Wyrm's Crossing sprawled before her, excitement stirred in her belly.

How did Gale put it? 'The lanceboard is set'.

Let's play.

--- --- ---

Although it had been a few years since Nyx had been at the crossing, the place remained much the same, albeit with a new lick of paint here and there. When the Tufani caravan stopped over at Baldur's Gate, it was usually from the 'top' route via Black Gate since it had wider roads and easier access to trade warehouses.

The hap-hazard construction of the Crossing was on full display; buildings of different sizes, materials and proclivities hugged either side of the bridge, several dangling over or clinging to the sides entirely. Flophouses, brothels, tailors, alchemists and one-manned stalls of street vendors shared the same stretch of road, squashed together. Thus, the streets were never meant for anything larger than a few hand-drawn carts, let alone a trade caravan. The scene brought a tightness to Nyx's chest; people and animals forced to live in such close proximity. So close that one couldn't even see the river stretching out toward either side of the bridge.

Astarion's question drew her from reminiscing. He asked while they walked, "Lae'zel, perhaps you could enlighten me?"

"Speak."

"Is there a specific reason why Voss chose to stay at Sharess' Caress'?"

Shadowheart snorted. "Other than the obvious?"

Astarion flashed a mischievous smile.

Lae'zel's forehead furrowed. "Are you," she searched for the word, "insinuating something?"

The rest snickered, and Astarion tilted his head. "Darling, are you telling me you don't know what services are on offer here?" He gestured to the leaning building on their right; its welcome sign flourished in excessive amounts of cursive script.

Lae'zel sized up the building. "I see nothing special about this establishment."

Nyx helped Lae'zel out of it. "I think it has more to do with practicality. Including the 'no questions asked' policy and the 'we don't care who you are' one. I don't see the owners over there," she hooked a thumb at the flophouse across the street, "being amenable to a Githyanki warrior renting one of their rooms, neither do I picture Voss taking up one there."

"Ugh, my dear, you've thoroughly spoiled my fun."

Shadowheart quipped, "Plenty more to be had inside if you're interested."

Astarion arched an eyebrow at Shadowheart. Lae'zel finally pieced it together and rolled her eyes. "A brothel. Chk. Primitive. Githyanki warriors often partake in sex after training and battle, no need for money to be exchanged."

That took the wind out of everyone's sails.

She crossed her arms, glaring at the building. "Besides, how hideous to imagine a life where I couldn't partake in the pleasures of sex without the looming threat of bearing children. Our asexual reproduction is one of the favourable changes to our biology after escaping Illithid enslavement."

Nyx shared a confused look with Shadowheart.

So, that would mean Lae'zel would have no concept of pregnancy prevention? Hmm, how odd.

Birth control was such a non-issue for Nyx that she found it strange that Lae'zel would specifically bring it up. It was a natural part of Tufani healers' standard of care; most healers elsewhere would have it too. Whether man or woman, there were several options available: herbal, alchemical or magical. Either to purchase, or with a bit of training one could learn to do it oneself. From a young age, Nyx was taught to magically suppress the process involved by herself - it was as normal as breathing to her. In fact, many magical creatures could do it too to prevent overpopulation or delayed bearing until more favourable conditions arose. If Lae'zel hadn't pointed it out, Nyx wouldn't have given it any further consideration.

The rest of the group shifted as though they'd prefer to move on from the subject.

Gale scratched his beard and said, "That reminds me. I've been pondering something. Why is it that Githyanki have belly-buttons, when they hatch from eggs?"

Her head snapped to meet his gaze, and she challenged, "I did not grant you permission to gaze upon my midriff."

He went redder than the food stall's tomatoes and threw his hands in the air. "I - I wasn't gazing! It was merely an observation from - from a book I'd read."

She grunted, uninterested.

Tav pressed her lips together and said, "Moving on then.", and hurried through the entrance.

Gale's question had sparked a random idea with Nyx too - What would happen if Lae'zel's version of Faerûn was a reality? One where there was no birth control?

An image of Faerûn overrun with people came to mind... Everywhere would be squashed together like Wyrm's Crossing – maybe even worse than Sow's Foot - Yikes! So many people! Nevermind hideous, it would be horrific!

Nyx looked around, and breath caught briefly. She decided she didn't like that version of Faerûn. No, no. No thank you. She shook off the silly idea and brought her thoughts back to the task at hand.

Before going inside, Nyx caught some of the conversation from the youthful group loitering to the side of the entrance. It seemed like the group was trying to convince one of their friends to enjoy the entertainment on offer for his birthday.

One proclamation faded. "There is booze and dancing too. Besides, it's just sex."

Similar sentiments to Lae'zel.

Nyx wondered what exactly it was that people tried to convince themselves with such a statement.

Is it alright to treat people like toys as long as there is a 'mutually beneficial transaction' involved?

They entered the building, and she wrinkled her nose at the overly sweet scent of perfume mixed with undertones of alcohol. Scuffing a line through the plush carpets with her boot, her thoughts unpacked the statement.

I'd never been able to bluff myself into believing that truly was the case. Even if the 'other party' agreed - is it truly consent when it is more often circumstance that makes them end up in a place like this? How would I know if there was a true willingness to 'service' other people in such a way?

Nyx found it difficult to envision something like that for herself, and it reminded her of some of the runaways who had joined Tufani with backgrounds of similar circumstance. Their stories showed her that life can easily force people into situations out of necessity. Pure survival - need, not want. The semblance of choice becomes a very murky area when your wellbeing becomes intrinsically tied to someone else's purse strings.

"My dearest Nyx, you are supposed to be enjoying what is on offer - not be stuck inside your head."

Her gaze met his rubies; alight with mirth. Nyx realised they'd made it all the way to the bar and Tav was asking after a 'Madam Amira'. Curious glances were exchanged between the others and Tav's back while Karlach stared longingly at the beer taps.

Nyx gave Astarion a warm smile and said earnestly, "I thought you knew by now that I only have eyes for you, my heart." Nyx rather enjoyed his response instead. Cycling between surprise, uncertainty, abashment and finally settling into his wicked grin.

Astarion purred, taking her hand. "In that case. We can be disinterested in what's on offer together."

Tav drew their attention by stating that she had important information to discuss with Madam Amira. She directed to one of the staff, "Tell Mamzell; the 'lucky charm' has come to visit."

Nyx's eyebrows rose along with the rest.

Does Tav know every single person in the entire Baldur's Gate?

After a hushed conversation from the floor above and some scuttling; blue finery swished across the top stair and flowed down with haste. Madam Amira's face brightened at the sight of Tav. "Oh! The gods have blessed me indeed." The Mamzell let go of her skirts and swept Tav into a warm hug, held her out at arm's length and looked her over. "You are well, child. I was worried after you disappeared without a word." She squeezed Tav's shoulders.

Tav beamed at Amira. "Had to lie low for a while. Tymora's luck kept me safe."

Amira nodded solemnly, the tall arrangement of hair atop her head bobbing with the motion. "Are you still with the temple?"

"I am and will always be." Tav pinched the bridge of her nose. "But some of my previous contracts had - fallen through. Poorly, I'm afraid."

The Madam considered her words for a moment, and a sharp look appraised each of Tav's companions. "I see; challenging times have befallen us all. Would it be selfish of me to ask whether you're here to help us or do you have other business?"

"The latter, Mamzell."

Amira nodded once, disappointment creasing her brow.

"We are looking for a Kith'rak Voss. After speaking with him, I'd want to hear more about your troubles."

A softness graced Amira's aged, but classic features. She informed Voss will be notified of their arrival and an appropriate meeting location organised. "Until then; you must join me for tea. I'd like to hear all about your new adventures. Your friends are welcome too. Come, come."

Tav, Gale, Wyll and Shadowheart followed Amira to the second floor, who was listing out the various teas she had shipped in prior to the city's lockdown. Karlach, Halsin and Lae'zel made themselves comfortable at the bar.

Astarion gave Nyx a sly smirk. "I've spotted a few interesting fellows who also look to be here on other business. Perhaps we could do some 'information gathering' ourselves?"

---

Nyx was keeping casual lookout while Astarion eavesdropped around various corners on several conversations. He straightened and tutted. His quarry had called for one of the scantily clad waitresses to bring their tab. He turned with a dramatic sway of his body and said, "This is no fun. Just when I thought I had a juicy crumb of gossip, someone interfered."

"Anything interesting?"

"Only that the Rivington Rats and The Guild are snivelling over territories and loyalties. They want to bring the Zhentarim into the fold."

Nyx set her mouth in a line. "Why? Everyone knows the Zhents have no loyalty whatsoever. Guild or no, I highly doubt the Underduke herself has enough money to buy it."

Astarion shrugged, spotted something over Nyx's shoulder and tensed. Before she could turn to see what had alarmed him, he slipped his hand around her waist, drawing her to his side. She gave him a quizzical look, but he hadn't reached for his dagger, so she leaned into him instead, placing a hand on his shoulder and resting the other on his chest.

A smooth voice drawled, "What a gorgeous couple."

It belonged to a drow woman, the slit at the side of her dress nearly meeting the one between her breasts. Similar to the waitress, the effect left little to the imagination, but the way she held herself was different. A drow man sidled next to her, bare-chested and decorated with dark gleaming jewellery. The woman asked him, "What do you think, Sorn?"

Nyx didn't catch what he said, but the woman placed a hand on her hip. "My, my. I can tell you two are special indeed from a single glance."

Nyx suppressed an eye roll.

Courtesans, not drow assassins. Still not interested, though. Is it not obvious from my expression?

The drow woman purred at them, "You have but to ask, and we can grant you a moment of pleasure. Don't be shy."

Seriously, is that what you think the look on my face is?

Nyx noticed that not only were they Seldarine drow, but they shared the same angled line of their cheekbones and a roundness in their chins. She attempted to be polite in turning them down. "You're related?"

"Oh, such a sharp eye. I'm Nym, and this is my brother Sorn." She offered her hand, but neither Nyx nor Astarion took it.

Sorn elaborated with an open hand. "We are twins. Though not to worry, when we are hired at the same time, it is often to attend many clients at once."

Nym placed a hand on her hip again, drawing attention to the slit in her dress. "So, have we piqued your interest? You've certainly piqued ours."

Under Nyx's hands, Astarion tensed even more, and she reverted to being direct instead. She said plainly, "I think we're good, thanks."

Unfazed, Nym tried a different approach. She pursed her lips and fretted with her nails, trying to look innocent while cooking up another line. Nym smiled sweetly and tugged a stray hair behind her ear. "In that case, tell us what you want, and we,” touching her exposed chest, “can make it come true."

Sorn added, "A once-in-a-lifetime moment of passion. Every day, should you wish. What could be better? Don't you want to try it? Trust me, you don't want to miss my signature Menzoberranzan Love Trick."

Nyx gave him a flat look.

They are denser than Gale.

Sorn leaned over to his sister. "It seems we need to spell it out for our shy couple."

Nym twirled a different strand of hair with her finger and said coyly, "We want both of you, silly! At the same time."

Astarion cleared his throat to say something, but Nyx beat him to it, annunciating slowly, "No, thank you. We are not interested in the house's package deal."

Astarion made a strangled noise.

The twins gaped at her, taken aback, but recovered admirably. Sorn took his sister by the elbow and led her away. "Come, sister, let us find someone else who'd better appreciate our boundless talents."

They watched them go, and as soon as the twins were out of earshot; a bark of pitched laughter burst from Astarion.

Nyx waited patiently for him to finish, her eyes narrowed in amused suspicion.

"Ah, my love." He gave her a fanged grin. "You told off the most sought after courtesans in Baldur's Gate without so much as batting an eyelash. Do you have any idea many would kill for a session with the twins?"

Nyx waved a dismissive hand. "They could have been Netherese royalty and it would've made no difference. I don't care."

"Clearly." Another bout of snickering overcame him.

"Would you like me to call them back?" Nyx took an exaggerated breath.

"I'd rather you called out mine."

She gasped, scandalised, and he leaned forward quickly, capturing her mouth with his before she could follow through on her threat. It was remarkably effective in stopping her in her tracks. He pulled away, and she brushed her fingers over his lips.

He said onto her hooded gaze, "Let's find out what the others are up to, hm? Before anyone else dares approach us."

And here is your pass adventurer, please keep it safe!