Nyx, Tav and Astarion PoVs

LINK: Heapside, Lower City, Interactive Map, World Anvil.

Her footsteps sounded hollow on the common room floor, as did the tea taste duller than usual. Regardless of her enjoyment of the previous night's merrymaking, Nyx's head was groggy. She squinted at the cold ashes in the fireplace.

She had not seen or heard from Astarion, and it took all her restraint not to march over to Cazador's estate and tear the place apart. Her tea was about to spill at the quivering of her hand, and she took a steadying breath, the steam swirling before her.

It was an injustice for him to have just found a sense of normalcy only for it to be ripped away by nightmares. Nyx wouldn't be surprised if they, too, were amplified by the tadpole, like hers had been.

Supernatural beings allowed to meddle in the affairs of mortals... Without consequence, just as Astarion said. Why is that? Why do they get to play games with the lives of others? Destroy hopes and dreams. It's not right; it shouldn't happen so easily. None of us would be exempt from being held responsible. Then why are they allowed to get away with whatever they please?

Before her thoughts could turn darker and spur her into doing something ill-advised, she turned from the fireplace and caught a glimpse of a white envelope on the floor by the door.

Nyx turned the envelope over and read to whom it was addressed.

To Shar's Scorned.

She set her mouth in a line. It deepened into a frown when her magic bristled at the sensation of familiar, yet unwelcome magic, followed by the telltale scent of sulphur.

Speak of devils.

Mizora materialised from the flames and shook out her wings.

Nyx said to her back, "You were not invited."

The cambion spared her a delicately raised eyebrow over her shoulder. "And you're a poor host. Raphael mentioned as much."

Nyx narrowed her eyes, gesturing with her head toward the door. "That implies that you're not only a guest, but that you knocked and were let in. I don't recall any of that being true."

"Ah! Wyll," Mizora greeted with mock pleasantness and threw her arms open in welcome. "There you are. I bring news of Grand Duke Ravengard."

Wyll scowled. "How do I know this is not another one of your tricks? You owe me a contract amendment, not theatrics."

"Tut, tut. Alright, as you wish."

The rest of their companions had gathered. Nyx stalked to the table, placing the envelope in a spot not occupied by Tav's reports.

Mizora raised her hands in the air and her magic swelled, setting her eyes aglow like burning coals. She recited, "Sorores surge. Testis esto pacti mei."

Two more circles appeared in the middle of the common room; several of the others scurried out of the way, and Nyx's hands went to her weapons. Wyll waved them down.

The cambions appeared and Mizora said, "Come, Sisters, be my testament." The three of them chanted together, "Notum sit in Baator."

Karlach's lip pulled back, and she rolled her shoulders. "Nice of you to join the party, Sisters of Justice."

Mizora briefly glanced at Karlach. "You do not call upon the Sisters. They come when the Hells demand witness.", and the three devils chanted once more, "Infernus contractus te vocamus." A scroll appeared before Mizora, floating in the air. It was on fire, but it did not burn. "Infernus contractus te vocamus." Glowing script scrawled onto the parchment, words written in infernal. "Infernus contractus te vocamus." The scroll ended with Wyll's signature.

A sharp smile split Mizora's face and she said coyly, "Your contract, Wyll. Signed in blood, forged in fire, bound in bone - but not unbreakable. And with it you may yet save your Father, and the future of Baldur's Gate."

Wyll clenched his fists and inclined his head. "What are you proposing?"

"A life for a life. No contract is ended without sacrifice. The cost must be paid." She cleared her throat and projected her voice, "Wyll Ravengard. A choice is before you. Option one: I show you the way to your father. I guarantee him no harm except that from you and your allies. And you pledge your soul to me and the archdevil Zariel in a pact eternal." She paused. "Option two: I break you pact, and you are freed from your duty. Your father dies by his enemy's hand, and Baldur's Gate loses its greatest champion. Name your sacrifice"

Karlach shook her head vigorously and pointed an accusing finger. "Bloody Zariel! You know that is a fucked up deal, Mizora!"

Mizora snapped, "Silence, Karlach!" Turning her attention back to Wyll, "Choose."

Wyll stared at the floorboards, then locked eyes with her. "This feels like another one of your games Mizora. I could very well have been hunting innocents from the start. Some 'creative interpretation' on your part, like with Karlach. Hells, you could even have orchestrated that whole attack by Tiamat's cult for all I know!"

Mizora's eyes flashed. "It seems the little pup has found his voice, and I wonder who taught him to bark." She spared Tav a blistering glare. "Wyll, dear, your Father's situation is dire - I assure you, as well as you already know - all I'm offering is a way for you to circumvent his demise."

His jaw worked, and he stared out the window, his fists clenched tight enough for the veins to show on his hands.

Tav asked gently from behind, "Wyll, would your father want you to make this sacrifice?"

Everyone held their breaths.

His shoulders slumped. A long sigh came from him and he hung his head in defeat. "No. Father would say that 'the old should never eat the young'." Without sparing another moment, he straightened and said, "Do it. Break the pact."

An almost imperceptible twitch pulled at Mizora's mouth. "Fiat ita.", and the other cambions join in with the final chant, "Fiat ita. Anima ad Baator."

Fire engulfed the scroll, and it burned into flitting embers; the sisters disappeared in another blaze.

Mizora lowered her arms and glanced out the window for a moment. "Didn't think you had it in you." She turned back to Wyll, clasping her hands together. "Seems my boy's all grown up." Waving a dismissive hand, she said, "And don't go fussing about your father. You made your choice, you knew the terms."

Although Wyll was standing firm, he had gone a few shades lighter.

Mizora tapped a finger to her chin, looking around. "You know what? I think I'll stick around. Not for the greater good, you understand. Just for the entertainment. After all, Addendum F is still in effect. Doing that annoying, performative throat clearing of hers again. "'The Absolute must be avenged for the soul-binder's detention at Moonrise. The soul-bearer retains his gifts until such time as the Absolute is slain.'"

Nyx crossed her arms and said evenly, "Mizora, if I may, as you're unwilling host." Not giving her a chance to reply, garnering a scowl, Nyx continued, "I would highly recommend you see yourself out, and while you're doing whatever very important business it is that you do. You should stop by the Baldur's Gate library. The trespassing laws are - how did you put it? - A cracker of a story. Next time you see yourself in, uninvited, I might be inclined to act upon them."

Wyll gasped, but the rest of their companions made nods and noises of agreement. Taking a step closer to Wyll, their stern expressions focused on the cambion.

Mizora plastered a show-woman's smile on her face. "Well, it seems I've outstayed my welcome. I'll be seeing you around." She spared one last glare at each of them in turn, then disappeared in a final whoosh of flames.

Not meeting their eyes, Wyll excused himself. "I, uh. I need to get some air." Half fleeing out the apartment door.

---

Nyx stomped into her room, heading for the armoire, determined to find something to do other than working herself up even more over meddling devils, vampires, Chosen, and the like.

Wyll had to choose between family or freedom - and what did Mizora lose? A toy she would easily replace with another fool...

Astarion's greeting from behind made her startle, nearly hitting her head against the top shelf, drawing a wry chuckle from him. She gasped when she was suddenly pulled into an embrace; his one arm pressing her tightly against his chest and the other cradling her head. Rosemary and bitter orange filled her senses. It was wonderful, and she eased into his hug, hooking her arms around his neck. She wouldn't mind staying like this for the rest of the day, but he pulled away. His gaze unreadable.

He shot a glare over his shoulder at the bed, and he squared his shoulders. "My sweet, I want to apologise for last night. I'd never want to hurt you." He held up a hand when she wanted to protest and said seriously, "I need you to do whatever is necessary when you ever feel threatened by me."

Nyx gaped at him, her hands held to her chest. "Astarion, I am well aware that last night was an accident. You were scared out of your wits!" He grimaced, and she asked, "Where is this coming from?"

He took her hands, but his eyes lowered to his feet and he swallowed hard before meeting her gaze. A gravely overtone settled onto his voice, "Not being in control, like that. Being... feral. There was a time... I..." The words caught in his throat and he forced the next ones out. "It reminded me too much of my worst self."

Graces.

She had her fair share of memories she'd rather forget, and the black pit stirred in the back of her mind. Her own voice was raw when she replied, "I understand and I will do as you ask, but I doubt I ever would need to. You were more in control than you realise."

Taken aback, he said softly, "Thank you", and kissed the top of her hands. He sighed as though a weight had been lifted from him. "Gods, you're beautiful. R'hunni'vah."

A small smile played on her lips. "You are beautiful too, Erenerhym."

Comfort and clarity returned to her, and a glimmer of it sparked in his rubies as well.

---

After a while, Nyx remembered the letter and promptly returned to the common room, Astarion in tow. He watched with interest as she retrieved the envelope and wordlessly handed it to Shadowheart, who was sitting on the couch. A new fire had been lit; heat and crackling emanated from it. Astarion made himself comfortable on one of the armchairs.

Upon reading the elegant address, Shadowheart's surprise morphed into disappointment. "How subtle."

Although Nyx stepped away to give her some privacy, more curious onlookers had gathered. Shadowheart read the letter quietly, stood and cast it into the fire.

Astarion was the first to break the silence. "Well? Are you going to put us out of our misery? What did it say?"

Not averting her eyes from the flames, Shadowheart provided, "It is an invitation to the House of Grief for a 'heart reading'."

"Now, that is quite unexpected. I didn't think the Sharrans believed in hearts. You sure yours is not too eclipsed for such a reading?"

Her eyes flashed, and she countered grinning, "Unlike yours that is too dead for one."

"Hah! Oh, how you wound me." Astarion placed the back of his hand to his forehead and clutched his chest with the other.

Shadowheart snapped her head back to the flames, her ponytail swinging. Tav sidled next to her, and Shadowheart answered pre-emptively, "We have them on the back foot... I'm ready. Let's end this."

Tav nodded solemnly and asked, "How'd you like to go about it?"

Smirking, she said, "We set out to do what we initially planned for today. Tonight is a different matter. I'd first like to see what the 'House of Grief' is about before I 'commit' to a proper visit."

---

Bright morning sunlight streamed onto the streets of Baldur's Gate, and in the distance, a kaleidoscope of colour beamed back into the sky. The light show was the result of Sorcerous Sundries' multicoloured glass dome that could be seen from the surrounding neighbourhoods. Their group wove its way through the streets from Eastway to Heapside.

"Something has been bothering me." Shadowheart increased her speed to catchup with Nyx and sidled next to her.

Nyx could practically hear the other's ears perk up. "Ask away."

"How is it that you know so much about Baldur's Gate laws? I find it rather curious." Her gaze drifted to Astarion's back.

A smirk pulled at Nyx's lips. "Keetjah made sure we knew enough to keep ourselves safe."

Shadowheart's eyebrows bobbed. "Oh? You made a habit of getting into trouble. I knew there was more to you than a surly visage."

She snorted. "It's rather the other way around. People tend to think that caravan's are communal property, whether inside city jurisdiction or no. The city guards themselves are ill informed about the laws, specifically those that protect all caravans, not just a wealthy merchant's."

The bustle of the streets picked up as they neared Heapside's shopping district. Nyx continued her story, "If a city burglar were to target the caravan for easy pickings, we were allowed to take appropriate measures to both apprehend and detain said criminal. They were usually handed over, in rougher condition than they arrived, but after educating the city guards about the rightful arrest - they were dragged off to the nearest cell."

Mischief shone in Shadowheart's eyes. "I'd pay to see you 'rough up and apprehend' Mizora. Be sure to call me the next time she appears in a blaze of fire."

Nyx laughed freely at the image conjured in her mind, and several others joined in. Wyll, too, seemed more at ease and their group fell into the usual routine of jesting.

Sorcerous Sundries towered above the buildings of the small shopping district. People scurried between the ground floor of the emporium and the surrounding shops. More silhouettes passed within the Sundries, climbing the staircases that spiralled up five floors. The interior was partly visible through elongated windows that swept all the way from the glass dome to the ground below like transparent vertical ribs.

A group of elegantly dressed wizards made their way to an open area, away from the emporium entrance, where a crowd had already gathered. Children muscled their way to the front, eager faces staring up at the wizards, who had elevated themselves on a makeshift stage.

One clad in emerald threw his hand in the air and addressed the audience, "Marvel at the wondrous selection available at Sorcerous Sundries!"

The crowd 'oohed' when a crackle of magic set loose a series of fluttering butterflies, trailing light and sparkling in the colours of gemstones.

"Hah!", another said in sapphire, "You call that a spell? Step aside peasant!"

Laughter rippled through the crowd, and a gust of wind picked up, ruffling hair and sweeping up dry leaves. With it came soft giggles, and figures danced in the periphery of Nyx's vision; something akin to a breath brushed against her skin. The children gasped and attempted to catch the conjured wind sprites shaped like rabbits.

The next challenger stepped onto the stage and bellowed their superiority. Gradually, each round of the show escalated until one performer suspended a giant snowball over the crowd, only to shoot it down, creating a rain of bubbles and shimmering snowflakes. The children stuck out their tongues, catching the floating prizes, squealing with delight when they caught one.

"I got one, Grapefruit! Aaw, now I just want more..." Karlach guffawed from behind, and rowdy applause rose from the audience.

The wizards gathered in a loose line and bowed; one dressed in emerald gestured to the Sundries. "You can purchase these spell and more at a discount of fifteen percent for today only. Don't miss out!"

Disappointed noises came from the children, who lingered while the rest of the crowd dispersed. Most of the town's folk were only here for the show, but Tav's group shuffled through the emporium entrance.

--- --- ---

Tav's skin prickled as though a thin shawl had been draped around her body and the magic of Sorcerous Sundries pressed against her peripheral awareness. Everything inside hummed in unison. Several magical melodies were overlaid on top of one another. She extended her magic to meet their harmonisation, creating a pleasant background sensation. Gale's magic responded more prominently that anyone else's; his magic seeped between the empty spaces as though it belonged there, and the space felt full. Comforting.

He caught her watching, and his brilliant smile replied and a knowing glint in his eye. A shared sense of urgency tugged at her chest. Anticipation of what they might find about the Karsus crown - and whether it may just be the crucial thread they've been missing in the defeat of the chosen and the Elderbrain.

A loud whoosh and swell of heavy magic startled her out of her reverie. One of the young wizard-performers was showing off another spell to a prospective customer. They were standing in an open yet fenced off area of the emporium surrounded by soil. A slight tremor ran through the floor and the earth within the arena shifted. Rocks levitated and slammed into one another. Each successive stack built a creature of stone until an elongated worm-like earth elemental towered over the summoner and his client. The shorter and plump merchant squinted at the summoned creature, nodding while the wizard pointed.

Lae'zel was marching toward the creature, and Tav noticed that her companions had also dispersed and wandered further afield. Lae'zel's stern gaze sized the creature up, crossing her arms. Her gaze ran over its jutting spine of sharp stones down to its even sharper claw-like fingers. A smirked pulled at the corner of Tav’s mouth when Lae’zel butted into the conversation between the wizard and his customer. "What is this beast? It is not of this plane."

"Ah, keen observation." The wizard made a wide, swooping gesture. "This is an earth elemental from a plane of largely the same name and make-up." He continued to elaborate on how the elemental planes were arranged and that mud or lava elements could be found in those adjacent to water and fire, respectively.

"I do not care for your theorising, wizard. From its hide; swords will not be efficient - tell me how to soften it."

"Oh, uh, of course." He turned to the merchant, "Our guest makes a good point about it armour, which is important for your interest in it as a guard. And knowing its weaknesses are valuable too, I'm sure." Addressing Lae'zel, he said, "Earth elementals can move through unworked soil easily without leaving a trace, but wet the earth and their movement is slowed. Combine that with shattering thunder spells and it'll not only come apart, but have no place to hide."

Lae'zel gave a single curt nod, turned on her heel and left. The wizard seemed disappointed in the loss of the sale, but the merchant was already retrieving his coin purse. Tav grinned as Lae'zel's intrusion was soon forgotten.

Shadowheart was standing in front of the large bookcases, which covered a quarter of the emporium's boundary wall, a scroll in each hand. Tav sidled next to her and read the section plaque. "Obfuscation."

A thin white line lit up the plaque’s script, and it replied, "Greetings and welcome to Sorcerous Sundries. This is the Obfuscation section. Scrolls and spells of moderate casting requirements may be found here. This includes those that manipulates light, memory and perception."

Tav pursed her lips. "That's new, and surprisingly helpful." She turned to Shadowheart and gestured with her chin, "Sounds right up your alley."

"Preparation for our visit later." She winked, subsequently unrolled each scroll and placed them on a small table nearby. Her brow furrowed in thought.

"Something I can help with?" Tav offered to her back.

"Maybe." Shadowheart pointed to the one on the left. "Scroll of non-detection, for evasion of magical detection. Long lasting, but limited to one and a fairly expensive." Gale rounded the corner and drifted slowly in their direction while searching the bookshelves. He too had a few scrolls cradled in his arm. Shadowheart pointed at the other. "Pass without a trace, short spell duration but for a group."

Without looking away from the shelves, Gale mused, "For physical obfuscation only. And your Non-detection is not only more demanding from a skills perspective, but it would require a handful of diamond dust each time."

Shadowheart made a face of disgust. "As if the scroll itself wasn't expensive enough."

An annoyed drawl came from behind. "Yes, yes, terribly fascinating. Could we get a move on please? Some of us are here for more important reasons than compensation for our inabilities." Shadowheart shot Astarion a blistering glare, rolled up both scrolls, returned one to its pigeonhole, and continued to the cashier.

Tav regarded the shelf for a bit, decided that Shadowheart's foresight was worth heeding, and retrieved a Pass without a Trace scroll for herself as well. She joined the others; each had their own selection of supplies to purchase. Afterward, they made their way to the second level of Sundries.

--- --- ---

Finally we made it to the floor that actually mattered.

The contrast between the two could not be more pronounced. Instead of a hoard of wet-behind-the-ears 'students of magic' trying to pawn useless junk, the floor was littered with wrinkly wizards. Astarion was sure some of them were as ancient as the tomes on display. Shelves linked the walls as far as the eye could see; they even seemed to stretch impossibly upwards regardless of three more floors being above them.

Their group's own walking encyclopaedia was right at home, between the dusty tomes and his stuffy scholarly peers. Gale was talking to the receptionist at the restricted section. The very same Astarion was also interested in, and he crept closer.

"Salutations, my esteemed colleague of magical literature. I am Gale Dekarios, Wizard of Waterdeep."

The wrinkles on the woman's forehead deepened. "Waterdeep's tower mage? Welcome to Sorcerous Sundries’ rare books. What are you looking for today that you could not find in Waterdeep?"

Astarion scoffed. Gale's head was inflating tenfold with airs at the recognition of his 'title'. It was at risk of shoving Tav right out the window where she was not standing on the opposite side. The smell of rain drew his attention to Nyx, who glanced at his tapping foot and smiled at him with more amusement than she ought to.

Both Gale and Tav were asking about the Karsus Crown. Warranted it was an important topic near to all their hearts, but Astarion dearly wished they would stop talking so much and start pulling books from the shelves instead.

His gaze settled on a series of shadows spanning one portion between the shelves. I could simply help myself... If it weren't for the sheer volume of books. He realised he wouldn't even know where to begin his search and reluctantly waited it out instead.

"Surely there can't be harm in asking?" Gale said in exasperation.

The receptionist shrugged. "Theoretically no, but on the Master of Ramazith's Tower can provide you a viewing of his private collection."

Tav placed a hand on Gale's shoulder and thanked the old bat. "We'll make enquiries for a viewing with the Special Services division upstairs then."

The Annals of Karsus will have to wait. My turn.

Much to his chagrin, and despite his charms, the receptionist gave him much the same runaround as Gale. She croaked a stern warning, "If you ever should come across this hypothetical book protected by spirits I suggest you turn it over to Master Lorroakan. It is too dangerous to be handled safely." She even had the audacity to look him over. "Especially for one with minor magical abilities such as yourself; you're only going to get yourself injured or worse."

He could hear Nyx suppress a snort behind him, and he strained to maintain his smile. "This was a delightful conversation indeed, illuminating. Now, if you don't mind, I'll be right on my merry way."

The crone gave him a last raised eyebrow and greeted. He didn't return one.

Reaching the others, he chewed, "Seems we're both due for a 'viewing request'."

Gale shook his head. "Truly disappointing. I'm not holding out hope for this viewing."

Tav asked, "Why not?"

He sighed and placed a hand on his chest. "Wizards are know for hoarding knowledge, not giving it out freely."

Nyx quipped, "Speaking from experience?"

Gale grimaced and conceded begrudgingly, "Not all wizards are as forthcoming about their experience, such as myself."

Astarion scoffed, and Tav shared a wink with Nyx.

I should simply go back to helping myself... Wait.

A mischievous smile split his lips. The others saw, and to his surprise, Gale's expression lit up equally.

Tav shook her head in earnest, "Oh, no. I'm not going to like this am I?"

Nyx sighed and held up her hand. "Ask first. 'Repossession' as last resort."

Astarion grinned spread. "My sweet, I don't think there is going to be an alternative. This is going to be fun."

--- --- ---

Nyx along with Tav insisted on making sure that an 'official' viewing was off the table before relenting to the notion of robbing a wizard tower. Of all things! Nyx didn't like this idea, even less so than Tav.

The staff member behind the counter of 'Specialist Magic Services' declined their request for a viewing, stating that Master Lorroakan's private collection was just that, 'Private'.

For someone catering to clientele, he's not very good at it.

Tav drummed her fingers on the wood and stated, "We have information about the Nightsong."

The man's eyes narrowed. "You have now, do you? Alright," he cleared his throat dramatically and asked, "What is the Nightsong? Show it to me."

Tav tilted her head and said, "It's not a what, but a who."

Caught off guard, he gaped at her for a moment and coughed. "Ah, um yes. It seems you do have information. I'll pass it on to-"

Tav raised her hand and shook her head. "We only speak to Lorroakan about her."

Before he could answer, the crystal ball next to the man strobed, and a voice projected. "Frederick, send them through." The attendant snapped to attention. "Right away, Master Lorroakan."

The light faded, and Tav gave the man a wide grin. He gestured for Tav to step away from the counter, opened the top to clear the way and waved them through.

---

The attendant had led them through the backend of Sorcerous Sundries to a small office with a wide standing mirror and beckoned them through. A tightness had settled in Nyx's stomach upon entering the portal; the shift in ambient magic made the hairs on the back of her neck stand upright. Her own magic stirring in agitation. They found themselves in an entirely new area. Nyx was closest to a window and she cast her gaze out to a view that made her breath catch.

From a staggering height, Baldur's Gate stretched out before them; its cityscape climbing halfway to the horizon with the Chionthar river, Duskhawk Hill, and Wyrm's Crossing framed by the arching pillars of a massive set of windows. A breeze stirred her hair, but the smell of the harbour did not reach her nose. Stray leaves had been swept up against an invisible barrier gleaming over the windows, keeping the lush potted plants outside from growing into the room itself.

Metal boots approached, and a construct came into view. Its armour remained suspended with magic glowing between its seams, outlining something humanoid, yet lifeless.

A hollow voice came from it, "The Master waits.", and it led them up a circular stair into a round room. Lavishly decorated with tapestries, plush rugs, and an abundance of display cases brimming with artefacts and various magical items. Protective wards pulsed from the cabinets, making Nyx's teeth buzz. Even Astarion kept his distance while their group followed a straight path after the construct.

In the centre of the room sat the owner of Ramazith's Tower. Neither did he rise nor greet their party. He merely scowled and said in a reprimanding tone, "I see no Nightsong. Surely you wouldn't have entered my tower without the Nightsong in hand. Surely you wouldn't have come here to waste my time."

Tav stepped out in front and greeted, "You must be the master of the tower, Lorroakan. I am Tav and these are my companions. We know of the Nightsong, what do you intend to do with her?"

"Her?" Interest shone in his eyes, and he stood. Now lecturing with a pointed finger. "I intent to achieve greatness. And I intend to do it for a long, long, long time. I intend to put her to a grand purpose: equalising man and god. Whoever helps me attain that which I seek will be greatly rewarded."

Gale mumbled under his breath, "He would seek the power of gods for the pettiest of reason - his own gratification. At least I seek them for the better of all."

Nyx's eyebrows rose at that, and Lorroakan projected, "What's that? I didn't quite catch the words, but the insolent tone was clear enough."

Gale straightened. "Uh, pitying, not insolent. You chase one power without knowing an even greater one lies within my reach, the Crown of Karsus."

Lorroakan waved him off dismissively, but Gale continued nonetheless, "Once we acquire it, your ambitions will be dwarfed. I will be able to stand against Mystra, and wrest her powers from her for the betterment of all."

What?!

Nyx shared a wide-eyed look with several of the others. Since when?

Tav froze for a moment, turned slowly to glower at Gale over her shoulder before looking back to Lorroakan, who scoffed at the assertion, "The Crown of Karsus? Nonsense - even if it still existed, you couldn't possibly handle its power."

"Hmmph, perhaps you could not. But Netheril's power is in my blood, and Mystra? I know her in ways that most mortals can only dream of."

Nyx ran a hand over her face. By the Abyss, now is not the time for 'who has the bigger stick'.

"Aaah." Lorroakan pointed a mocking finger at Gale. "So it is you. Mystra's discarded lapdog. And now you think your bark is cause to make me tremble."

"There is no need for me to bark. My actions will speak for themselves... In time."

"Hah! Then go - act. I'll open a fine vintage in your name, once word of your failure reaches me."

Nyx set her mouth in a line, and Lorroakan addressed Tav, "Where were we? Ah, yes, did you meet the Nightsong in Shar's temple? Look upon her face in the Shadowfell? Tell me and choose your next words carefully: where is she now?"

Tav let her answer linger while his impatience grew. "She has returned to her Mother, the Moon Maiden."

His mouth fell open; he visibly shook and spat, "Dead?! That cannot be! She - it - is immortal. A god!"

"After Ketheric's defeat she chose to be with her dying beloved at Selune's side."

"Is that supposed to be some consolation? She - it - was the key to my immortality!" Pacing circles around the room, he fisted his hands. "How can this be - how can this be!" Nyx readied herself as his magic swelled and he cried out, "SHIT!" Letting off a bolt of lighting to strike at the ceiling, sparks raining down from above and the tower shuddered. Bearing his teeth, Lorroakan turned his magic on them, "Get out, get out! NOW!"

Nyx braced herself as magic surged beneath her feet and the entire tower activated to Lorroakan's outburst. One moment she was standing on soft carpet, and the next she was hurled into the bodies of her companions as they all landed in a sprawling bundle on the floor. The portal crackled behind them, and the office mirror turned to stone.

---

Nyx was tangled up in Shadowheart's ponytail.

Shadowheart croaked, "Ow, ow, ow!"

"Sorry, sorry! Keep still." With great effort, Nyx teased out the pieces of hair that were caught in her armour. Shadowheart retrieved her ponytail, clutched it to her chest, and sighed in relief.

The others had recovered, and Nyx said to Tav, "As hairy as that got", smirking at Shadowheart's unimpressed side-eye, "It was rather satisfying watching you deny the asshole the thing he wanted most."

Tav flashed her smile, dusted herself off, and double checked no one was injured.

Astarion huffed and jutted out a hip. "Well, that was a monumental let down. I didn't even see a way out of that room let alone finding the insufferable idiot's 'private collection'."

Disappointment lined everyone's stance and expression.

Nyx pressed her lips together. Once again, they were out of reasonable options. They needed information about the Crown of Karsus, and she was going to make good on her promise to help Astarion with that creepy book of his, too. There was no getting out of it.

Time for last resorts.

Tav gave Gale a long look, and his cheeks coloured. She asked, "Supplant Mystra? I hope that you were just boasting to needle him." When he didn't make eye contact or reply, her frown deepened. "Gale you can’t be serious. You of all people should know what that did to the realms previously."

Astarion put in, "What happened to crawling your way back to being Mystra's Chosen?"

Gale drew himself up and said indignantly, "By Ahghairon's lost nose, I'm not going to kill her and bring about a second Spellplague! She threw me away! But with the Crown; I can surpass my understanding of magic to beyond that of even Mystra herself! And I will share that knowledge. I won't deny others what she had denied me."

Astarion tutted, "My, my. You've been putting a lot of thought into this, haven't you? I'm impressed."

Abyss take it.

Nyx shook her head and said, "Sounds to me like a monumentally bad idea for so many reasons I can't even choose which one to bring up first." She gestured between Astarion and Gale. "Could we please focus on getting rid of the brain before you two come up with more ways to get us all killed?"

There were sounds of agreement from the others. Miffed, Astarion pouted, scuffing the tiles with his boot while Gale muttered indiscernibly to himself, surveying the office.

Tav looked at each of her companions in turn and glanced back at the mirror. "We'll need to be smart about this."

A garbled growl cut the air. Karlach patted her belly and said in a serious tone, "Crowns, Gods, and fucking Ramazith’s Tower. That’s a lot of stuff - magical stuff, and I can't think on an empty stomach. Can we ‘be smart’ over lunch, yeah?"

Their group shuffled their way out of the office and solemnly made their way up to the fourth floor.

History In Brief (and trying to keep it un-convoluted):

The Spellplague (1385 DR) was a catastrophic magical disaster in the Forgotten Realms caused by the death of Mystra, who was assassinated by Cyric (god of lies) and Shar. Mystra's death corrupted the Weave, shattered the world's geography and caused general magical chaos for everyone, including the gods. The Sundering (beginning 1484 DR) was a series of events, orchestrated by Lord Ao (the big boss god) and the other gods, that functioned as a "reset button", reversing the chaotic geographical and cosmological changes caused by the Spellplague, transitioning the world from the 4th Edition to the 5th Edition setting. Mystra had died two times prior, one during Karsus' folly and (another ~30 years prior to the assassination) after refusing to be banished and was killed by Helm (god of guardians). She get's reincarnated as a somewhat different version of the goddess of magic after each death.