The Mountains

Shadowheart whispers to you once she has managed to pull you away from the one-horned Tiefling. “That is the Devil that the Blade of Frontiers warned me about when I spoke to him. She has one horn and red skin and is... Literally on fire.”

“Oh... No she's fine.” You say simply.

“Really?”

“So she's not a Devil?”

“Attractive as one.” You blush.

A wry smile crosses Shadowheart's lips. “If you're saying it I doubt I can trust your judgment. But, she does look quite charming.”

“Like she could throw you over her shoulder?”

“How did you know?” The two of you share a chuckle.

Lae'zel gathered everyone. “I have determined that the barbarian is more useful that the ridiculous Elf.”

You, with your Drow heritage look to Shadowheart and her Half-Elf self while touching your ears self-consciously. Asterion smiles and whispers in your ear.

“I think she means you, darling.” Lae'zel stares at Asterion flatly.

“Oh... Well I suppose I will enjoy doing nothing back at camp. Please hesitate to come and get me if you need something.”

After he leaves you ask. “Why did we not just travel with five people, Master?”

“Oi, you call this one Master? Didn't she throw you off a cliff?” Karlach has a perplexed look as she stares at you.

You rush to Lae'zel's side eagerly. “Well, yes, but it was a mistake.”

Lae'zel locks eyes with you sternly. “I do not make mistakes, servant. The ally we found was better than Asterion. For that reason I believe my throw quite good.”

“Right you are!” You concede happily.

Lae'zel crosses her arms and looks down her nose at you. “Four is enough. Three is too little. I just don't like that Elf. Do I need a reason?”

“Of course not.”

Karlach lifts one of her brows at the sight of you two. “This is an odd dynamic I walked in on. Is this what we're supposed to do? Puff up the Gith's ego?”

“Yes. But I do not need puffing.”

Shadowheart whispered. “We have a strange individual who will do whatever you ask her to do, and Lae'zel is simply the only one of use that lacks enough conscience to not take that too far.”

“Oh, I see.” Karlach scratches her head.

“Wait... No I don't see.. But, I guess you lot want to get these worms out of your heads?”

“We are apparently headed towards a Creche. They should have a device that will extract the worms.”

“Oh, alright! I'm all for that, then.”

“Speaking of, we should cut through the mountains. I sense my kin are close.”

“Tons of Gnolls up that way and they're pretty strong.” Karlach warns.

“We are 'pretty strong.' These clerics will heal me, and potentially you if the need arises. Before it becomes dangerous, all of the enemies will fall. That is how it has worked so far. There are no enemies that can stand up to us as we are now. A gnoll is no different from a dog that has been taught to walk on it's hind legs.”

“I trust our leader.” You say enthusiastically. As a reward Lae'zel pats you on the head.

“It's refreshing to find even a single individual on this plane that knows their place.”

“I can't wait to meet all the Gnolls...” You say in an excited tone, practically salivating. Even Lae'zel seems to pick up on the foreboding nature of your excitement. The group can tell that she is trying to figure out a way to go back on her decision while saving face.

Karlach steps in. “I hear the road is a bit slower, but not having to fight any battles probably makes it quicker than taking a short route through the pass.”

“You have an impressive head on your shoulders.” Lae'zel compliments, clearing her throat.

“We will still reach the Creche, regardless. We are already past the point of when these tadpoles should have transformed us. Though it makes me uncomfortable, we may not be on as much of a timer as I thought.”

“Very wise decision making, 'Leader.'” Shadowheart comments sarcastically. Lae'zel takes the comment as earnest.

“I am glad you are coming around, Second Cleric.” She finds it hard to say those words, as though she thought it to be a compliment.

“I am the second cleric!? I was the original cleric!” She argues.

“Well, First Cleric is serving me so well that she deserves recognition.”

You smile proudly.

* * *

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