An Uncertain Challenge

It was nearing the evening meal, by the time you had finished your business and arrived at the unplanned destination with Fineth. He had remained unusually tight lipped about his plans and ideas until now, as he raised his hands to show it; an oddly ramshackle building in this resplendant capital, near the outskirts.

"Well, what do you think? Is it a plan or what?" His enthusiastic smile was endearing but misplaced, and faded quickly that he did not see you match it. You actually looked in confusion.

"Fineth, it's a house." You began "How is an old house going to fit into this plan at all?"

"A house?" He looked at you surprised and a degree of confusion. "You must be playing games Breva, surely you know a tavern when you see one."

"Clearly not, Fineth." You shook your head and crossed your arms across your chest, a slight smile on your face "I have a lot of skills. Acting and pretending aren't among them."

"No, I guess not" His mood sunk, as he changed between looking at you and the building, each for a few brief moments. "Well, don't I feel like a stupid ass? I'm sorry for making the assumption. It seemed natural that any city or town would have one. I guess I've got a lot more to learn about your past, huh?"

"It's okay, really. Just tell me what your plan is."

"Right, well, the Priestess said to help people to ingratiate them to you. This is how we do that."

"I don't follow. Walk me through this."

The elf grimaced as he thought through how we was going to explain himself. "Folks have problems, things either the Empire can't handle, or doesn't want to bother with, so we have to rely on each other. Some things your every day folks can handle. Other problems, big problems, you need to get people involved. Adventuring types. We handle the problems nobody else can, and in time, folks recognize both your skill and how helpful and important you are, and start to soften their views on Drow."

"Wait" You rose a finger as the image started to become clear "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were asking to become one of those heroes your people tell children to go to sleep at night."

"I wouldn't use those exact words, but yes. I think-"

"No." You spoke clearly and started heading back the way you came, before Fineth interceded.

"Come on. This is perfect" He began.

"Fineth, no. I'm not going gallivanting through someone else's problem as a sell sword. I came here with enough of my own. Besides, how do you figure into this?"

"I know, I know. You've got your mission, I want to see you succeed. I promise I'm not trying to get in the way. Just, hear me out, okay? Let's go inside, introduce you to a few people, fill that belly, and see how things go." There was a lengthy pause "Please Brenvira, trust me on this".

You nodded after a short sigh "I do trust you Fineth. You haven't let me down yet. And, to be honest, I don't have a better idea, so we might as well go with yours."

"Exactly. Come on, you'll like it. Just, keep an open mind."

As your friend lead you to the front door, through the large windows you could see that it was a bright, crowded, and jovial space. The sign on the door made you wonder just what type of establishment it is, showing curiously drawn women, between the words of the name, From Top To Bottom. There was a degree of clamour as Fineth entered; he had seemed to be something of a popular entity. That perhaps shouldn't have surprised to see you, he lives here after all. Still it was the first time you've seen someone welcome to see him. That positive spirit died quickly, as you came in behind him and made yourself visible. It had grown quiet, a number of patrons stood from their chairs as they saw you. You had begun to feel as though Fineth's confidence was misplaced, but stood quiet as you let him handle things.

"Relax" Fineth spoke loudly, his hands raised "This is Brenvira, she's with me. Nobody's here to cause trouble." He looked to you, ensuring you were okay, and gave a simple nod as he continued in. As you followed him, the majority of the guests went back to their lives, even as a few eyes stayed fixated on you.

"Fineth!" You heard a loud call, as a lady elf hurried towards him. She gave him a particularly familiar hug, and a kiss that suggested even more familiarity. Your face grew hot in an instant, as you tried to figure out what was going on, and how likely it was that this elf man was playing you.

"It's so good to see you. I was wondering if I'd ever see you running around in these parts again. I could use the company"

"Hi Amarna. Glad to see you too. We can catch up more later. I'm here on business"

She let out a gentle sigh with her smile "Aren't you always?" Her face changed swiftly. "Who is this?"

"This is business. Amarna, may I introduce you to Brenvira of Hylsa."

"I'd heard something about a Drow running around town." Her eyes looked up and down you "Not what I would have expected," as she turned to her fellow "and wouldn't have expected you to be her babysitter."

"I'm really just a spectator and a tour guide at this point. She's more than capable of taking care of herself. We could use your help though. Be like old times."

The offer visibly surprised her, but she took a step back and lead you to the table that she sat at, alone. As she unceremoniously sat in her seat, unobscured by Fineth, you could get a better sense of who this was and what manner of person she was. She was a long limber woman. Some manner of armament about her body showed she was certainly of the adventuring type that Fineth was looking for, but still favored her freedom of movement. Her lengthy braid and use of makeup suggested she was concerned with her outward appearance and possibly to the point of vanity, but her unconventional attire also suggested an independent streak about her; unconcerned with the approval of others.

"There's something I don't understand" Amarna began, as the two of you sat across from her at the table "If your new friend is so capable of taking care of herself, what do you need me for?"

"You have the connections and the knowledge. And the experience. I want you to be a partner, help this town feel different about Drow, or at least Brenvira here."

There was a coy smile that unnerved you "I did have fun last time we were partners. It's a shame it ended the way it did."

"We're not here about the past Amandra, and you know why I gave up adventuring."

You raised your hand between the two "Wait a second. You're saying the reason you suggested this hero work is because you've done it before? Why are you here than? What happened?"

Fineth had a nervous sigh "It's a long story Brena, one we can talk about more later. The short answer is yes"

"He never told you?" Amandra grinned "Finny here used to travel with me and a few friends as adventurers. He was actually quite the talented bard, and respected. We parted ways, and he hung it up shortly after." She took a small bite of food with her dagger "Didn't know if I was ever going to see you again, actually."

"A bard?" You asked "You mean, traveling storytellers and musicians? Cast magic spells with their instruments? Thought those were just wild stories" Your focus turned solely to Fineth for a moment "Guess that explains why you took me to the theatre last night."

"Oh?" She asked, with a curious mix of emotion in her tone "Why, Fineth, that's interesting. You never took me to the theatre."

"Please Amandra" You could sense a greater tension in his "another time."

"I don't know if it's her, or being around your father too long, but you used to be more fun. What's the big rush anyway?"

"Fulfilling the will of The First Sister and her prophecy." You answered directly.

Amandra's face went wide with surprise for a moment "Well okay. Not what I would have suspected at all. You can count me in than."

While the answer was what you both wanted, you couldn't help but feel skeptical and inquire further "You believe in the prophecy?"

"Not really, no. For the moment, I don't need to. You holy types are dependable companions, and that's been in short supply lately. But, who knows what the future will bring? All that really matters is that you and I bleed the same color. If you're willing to put up with me, least I can do is meet you halfway. Deal?"

"Deal" You extended hands and shook.

"Great" She grabbed the edge of the table as she stood up "Looks like I'm going to have a busy evening after all, finding leads we can follow. There's no Pathfinders here, which makes it harder and easier in different ways. I'll see you both some time tomorrow, hopefully."

"Pathfinders?" You asked, once again unfamiliar with the term.

"Fraternal organization of adventurers. Pool resources for mutual aid, and also interested in trying to understand the world and it's history more thoroughly. The Emperor doesn't like them, thinks they're an unwelcome foreign influence. Since the Empire supposedly handles its problems, he claims we don't need them."

"It's valid logic" You remarked

"I guess" Fineth responded, looking past you slightly "Until a Dragon or something shows up and your regular army isn't trained or equipped to handle it. That hasn't happened yet, not in any Elf's lifetime anyway. "

There was a long silence, that started to make you both physically uncomfortable. Fineth in particular seemed unable to look you directly in the eyes, not until you ended the tension and spoke.

"Fineth, I don't want to pry into your past, and I don't want to judge. I still feel that I have to ask. Were you and her-"

"I don't honestly know what we were Brena." He jumped ahead of your question, granting a nervous laugh. His hand moved forward on the table towards you "She was, is, a good friend. You take turns saving each other's life, bonds are naturally going to form. Somewhere along the way we got....familiar with each other. Were we ever in love? I don't think so. If she did love me, I must have missed the signs."

"Is it going to be a problem?" You asked as you reached your hand out to meet his "Her and I being alongside each other. The last thing we need is conflict because of what could have been, or what is now."

"If there is, it won't be a me problem. I can promise you that."

"That is still a big promise" You felt hesitant, and **** "I hope I don't have to explain why I'm worried."

He squeezed your hand gently "No, I get it. A sordid love triangle or jealous bickering could ruin the mission. Both in whatever adventure we'd be on, and in the bigger picture. We wouldn't want her spreading nasty rumors. That, and you're worried that I'm playing with your feelings and desires to get something from you, that I'm feigning my affection." You nodded quietly, feeling a lump in your throat. "I'm a decent musician, and a better storyteller. I'm a terrible actor. This is real, Brenvira."

You made a gentle smile as you pulled your hand away "Thank You". Anxiety filled your chest again, unsure of yourself. What you wanted, and what was prudent were beginning to clash again. How long this could continue, you weren't sure.

"Fineth" you started slowly "I know I have my apartment, but, I was hoping I could join you this evening."

"I'd love that" His smile was meek and wavered fast "Unfortunately, wandering eyes and all of that. We're already being suspected."

"Okay" your heart started to sink as you agreed. That he was right was no consolation "That is the prudent decision. Wouldn't want your father banging on the door again."

"Agreed. The walk might give him a heart attack" The surprised snark helped lift moods and brought a short but needed laugh from you both.

"I'll stop by your place first thing in the morning though. Sure to be a busy day, one that noone could fault us for getting an early start to."

"Fair enough." You rose from your seat, feeling that the evening had about run it's course, with Fineth following suit. "Would you at least walk me home?"

"It would be an honor, and as a gentleman, an obligation." The feigned behavior brought another welcomed smile as you left the tavern, as the last light of Mastro's fire dropped below the horizon.