Lets go now.

Zevlor: "Lead on, and we shall follow"

I nod, and he returns to his people, rousing them and spreading the news. As he does so, smiles spread through the crowd like a wave.

The day passes and the travel is slow thanks to the massive convoy moving us. But as night falls, we arrive in camp, Alfira takes center stage and begins playing to set the mood. Casks of ale and crates of wine appear and are distribute. Before long, the elderly shuffle off to bed with the children.

No longer inhibited by responsibilities, the drinking begins in earnest. People sing and dance, many thanks are given to me and the crew. From the corner of my eye I spot a little Teifling girl scamper into the treeline, dragging a barrel behind her.

Curious I head over.

Tav: "What are you up to little one? You cant drink all that."

Mol: "Oh, you caught me huh? Are you gunna turn me in?"

Tav: "Nah. Im just making sure you dont drink it."

Mol: "I dont want to drink it. This stuff tastes like Imp piss."

Tav: "Then why steal it?"

Mol: "So, when all you adults run out I can swoop in and save the night. For a price of course."

Tav: "How industrious of you."

Mol: "Now get out of here, people are looking for you, and its gunna blow my cover if they find you out here."

Tav: "Alright, alright."

I head back to the party and sure enough, five pairs of eyes catch my own silently asking for conversation.

Weighing up my options, I turn first to Alfira sitting on a felled log, no longer playing, instead shes swaying to some unheard melody. As she sees me approach, she jumps to her feet and throws her arms around my shoulders.

Alfira: "Hail the mighty protector!"

She giggles drunkenly and I bask in the hug for a moment before gently ushering her back to her seat. I take a seat next to her.

Alfira: "Ive run out of songs to play. I need fresh content!"

Tav: "Have you seen this body? Itd be a shame not to sing about it"

Alfira: "One raunchy ballad coming up!"

She tries to climb to her feet, but fumbles. Thankfully I catch her in time to steady her descent.

Alfira: "Maybe I should write it first..."

Tav: "Maybe you should experience it first"

Alfira: "Thas a good idea..."

She begins to feel herself up, then pauses.

Alfira: "Oh you meant YOUR body!"

She devolves into fits of laughter and falls back off the log into the grass, literally rolling around in hysterics. As cute as she is, shes far too drunk to bed tonight. With a wry smile, I bid farewell and cross over to Lae'zel.

Lae'zel: "I have seen Kith'raki tear the legs off a screaming Neogi to fashion into blades but that can not compare to the courage you displayed today. It was enough to drive me to madness. You have earned the privledge to taste the flesh of Lae'zel of K'lliir."

Tav: "I thought you didn't approve of my whoring?"

Lae'zel: "I have made no comments regarding my position, I simply announce your intentions directly."

Tav: "What makes you think I'm interested?"

Lae'zel: "Why wouldn't you? You have not shown any deficiencies, you have proven that you take any advantages presented."

Tav: "Tasting you would provide me an advantage?"

Lae'zel: "A warrior requires a clear mind and I am clearly the superior mate of all present."

Tav: "Perhaps I will join you. Perhaps I wont."

Lae'zel: "Istik, turn your back and this opportunity will not be presented again."

Tav: "I guess we'll see where I wind up tonight."

Lae'zel: "Choose your alliances carefully Tav, lest the spurned dont wait up."

She shoves me with a single hand against my chest, sending me sprawling back. I roll to my feet and turn away trying to maintain my image.

Next, I head over to Shadowheart.

Shadowheart: "Oh lucky me coming in third. I understand Alfira, shes adorable. But the Gith? I thought you had standards."

Tav: "I spoke to Lae'zel because shes right next to Alfira. And if you must know, I didn't agree to anything."

Shadowheart: "Shopping around huh? I can respect that. I guess my sales pitch should be good then."

Tav: "Lay it on me."

I say with a smirk, and Shadowheart holds up a bottle of wine, with a shy smile.

Shadowheart: "If you're looking for a fuck, Im not your girl, not tonight anyway. But... if you want something a little more relaxed... I found a nice spot and wouldnt mind some help with this."

Tav: "That was actually impressive. I might make a bard of you yet Shadowheart."

Shadowheart: "Is that a yes?"

Tav: "Its a maybe. Let me keep shopping, Ill let you know before bed."

Shadowheart: "Thats fair, you cant make the right choice unless you have all the options. Ill be here."

She smiles honestly and I turn around making my way to Karlach.

Karlach: "Gods its nice to be in a place where good is still possible eh soldier?"

Tav: "We couldnt have done it without you Karlach."

Karlach: "I know. Im pretty fantastic... It's a shame I cant touch anyone. Id love to celebrate properly tonight."

Tav: "Trust me, fixing your machine is damned near the top of my priority list."

Karlach: "HA! I suppose its good to make ya work for a bit of pussy eh?"

Tav: "Oh trust me, I put plenty of work in."

Karlach: "Ill tell you what then. You get me fixed, then you can lie back and Ill ride you till you see stars."

Tav: "Ill hold you to that!"

Karlach: "Careful soldier, get a girl addicted to cuddles and you'll never get a night alone again."

Tav: "I can think of worse fates."

Karlach: "Yeah... In the meantime Ill just have to settle for watching you break bitches left and right."

Tav: "I might even take requests!"

The conversation devolves into laughing, really strengthening the bond between us. With a friendly shoo from Karlach, I make my way over to Lia, Cal and Rolan all sitting in a circle drinking.

Rolan: "Well, look who it is! Mister Spotlight himself."

Cal: "Be nice Rolan, he saved us all."

Lia: "Care to share a drink with us? We would love to thank you properly."

Cal: "And some socialising practise might help Rolan prepare for his apprenticeship!"

Rolan: "My social skills are fine..."

Tav: "Ive had more than enough tonight I think. I appreciate the offer though."

Lia: "Is there some other way we can thank you then?"

Rolan: "He said No Lia, move along."

Lia: "Shut it Rolan, Im not talking to you."

Tav: "Maybe Ill come find you later, when everyone has gone to sleep?"

Cal: "Oooh Lia's got a date!"

Lia: "You jealous shrimp dick?"

The conversation devolves into bickering and I take the cue to leave. The flames of the fire devolve into embers as the night comes to its conclusion.