(REWRITING) Bard Song | Gale Dekarios

𝕭𝖑𝖆𝖉𝖊 𝖔𝖋 𝕱𝖗𝖔𝖓𝖙𝖎𝖊𝖗𝖘

The energy in the party had gone from somewhat relaxed to a level of tension that bordered on painful. Gale tried to make small talk with Lae'zel and Shadowheart, but both were ignoring each other and refusing to speak at all in the process. Finding his efforts futile, Gale fell into step next to Aera, who was leading the group Northwest.

"Gods, they don't seem to like each other," Gale said quietly.

Aera sighed. "I know. I'm not sure why though. They were like this on the Nautiloid too."

"Strange. I mean I've read about the Githyanki and they're quite ruthless. Their history is very interesting though, and sad."

"Maybe you could talk to Lae'zel about it," Aera said, pushing a stray branch out of their path, holding it away so Gale could walk through without issue.

After a quick thank you, he said: "Believe me I just tried. She's not in the talking mood."

Aera nodded. "Maybe once we find this camp they'll feel a bit better about everything."

"I hope so," Gale said.

Aera heard shouting and immediately put her arm out to stop Gale from walking any further. The rest of the group also stopped, craning their necks to try and see what was going on. They couldn't see anything, but it wasn't long before the mystery person continued to shout.

"Open the gates!"

Aera turned to look at the others. "Astarion, are you good with that bow?"

"Why of course."

"Okay. Astarion and I can go up on the hill to see what's going on. The rest of you, stay out of eyesight but try to get closer."

Surprisingly, this was the first time it felt as if everyone agreed. Even Lae'zel understood and pulled her sword from its sheath, a glimmer of excitement in her eyes.

Aera and Astarion slowly made their way up the hill, their footsteps light. She'd done enough pickpocketing in her adult life that she'd mastered the art of being silent, and it seemed Astarion was the same way. Lae'zel made her way to the path on the right of the hill, Gale and Shadowheart to the left.

From their position on top of the hill, Aera and Astarion could see a gate to some sort of colony or fortress, armed by tieflings. A few of them were shouting down to some humans at the base of the door.

"Please! Get Zevlor! The pack of Goblins will be on us at any second!"

Zevlor?

Aera's heart stopped as she heard the familiar name, her breath catching in her throat. Astarion glanced her way. "Psst," he hissed softly. She met his eyes and he nodded his head to the hill across from them, on the other side of the opening.

Goblins.

They were creeping up on the group of humans.

"What's going on?" Aera heard Zevlor's voice and immediately turned her attention to him.

Wow... it's a small world after all.

Zevlor stood at the top of the gate, looking down at the human with concern.

"Goblins are on our tail! Open the gate Zevlor! Now!"

"You led Goblins here?! Where is the druid?!"

Aera aimed her crossbow at one of the Gobins as silently as she could. Astarion watched.

The lead human pulled an arrow from his companion's shield, waving it in the air. "Please! There's no time!"