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karniss-bg3 · 5 months

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Writing prompt! While travelling in the forest Tav and Kar'niss meet a human (probably druid, at your liking) who lives in the hut. The man greets them with surprise, but with no hostility. He is ok with Tav and absolutely fascinated by the drider.

A/N: Switched a few things up as I had an idea in my head. Hope the minor changes still suit what you were after. Thanks for the prompt!

[AO3 Mirror]

***

The first chill of the autumn season had cracked through the summers heat which carried across the realm, inducing change in the landscape. Orange and yellow hues dominated the treetops creating a harvest season ambiance that uplifted the traveling pair while also warning of winter’s steady approach. Kar’niss in particular seemed fascinated by the array of new sights and smells as it was his first time on the surface during such a time. The scents of burning wood wafted on the breeze, drawn from nearby farms who were discarding excess leaves and fallen trees. The crunch of withered foliage beneath their feet followed their every step, the path they traveled surrounded on both sides by thick woodlands that spanned on into forever. Squirrels were heard above them leaping from branch to branch, their cheeks stuffed to the brim with nuts collected from the ground in preparation for the upcoming season of famine. This place was full of life and activity and Kar’niss could focus on little else, his curiosity too great. Tav noticed the drider stopping at various intervals to examine which ever caught his eye, including a collection of red capped mushrooms growing from a dead log.

“It is nice out here, isn’t it?” Tav asked.

Kar’niss stepped back from the edge of the road, turning his body to better face his companion. “Yes. Is there a reason the trees on the surface change like this?” He pointed above his head and then motioned to the ground where many leaves had come to rest.

“It is what they do before winter comes. Their leaves change colors and fall away, leaving the branches barren during the winter months. I assume it is so they won’t break under the added weight of the snow.”

He hummed and craned his head back, his many eyes blinking in unison. “Snow?”

Tav chuckled. “Snow is...frozen water that forms into small flakes and falls from the sky when it is really cold. It’s white, soft and covers the ground.”

“Oh,” Kar’niss crossed his arms, “that sounds unpleasant.”

“It can be. But I imagine we’ll find a town to settle in long before it becomes a problem. Once the frost breaks we can continue our travels.”

Satisfied with the answers, Kar’niss resumed following Tav on the path forward. As the pair rounded the bend in the road they were promptly met with a problem. Ahead of them a wall of winding thorn covered vines stretched between the trees either side of the road. The obstruction seemed to extend a great distance in either direction preventing them from advancing. Kar’niss frowned and took a cautious approach while sliding his sword free from his back.

“A strange growth,” Kar’niss said.

“I don’t see a way around it, either. I wonder where it came from.”

He swung his sword in an effort to cleave into the blockage. While the blade did make a dent in the thick creeping plant it seemed that it was still rather resilient and would not yield. It didn’t stop the frustrated drider from trying again, unleashing a series of strikes against the barbed barricade which did little more than shear off smalls chunks. The wall proved to be immovable.

“You will not break through,” a peculiar voice rumbled behind the pair.

The duo whirled around, startled and on high alert. At first they didn’t spy the source of the voice until they spotted subtle movement in the treeline. Their vision adjusted in the mid-afternoon sunlight, seeing what looked to be a pile of earth with leaves spread over top. Upon further inspection they realized it was not earth but rather an individual, a bizarre one at that. Seated on a patch of grass looked to be a humanoid shrouded by layers of worn cloth. The fabric itself was frayed at the edges, the colors a mixture of muddy brown and faded green. Twigs and autumn leaves were collected on a patch of moss that had grown on the back of their garb shifting their position only when their host moved. A heavy cowl was tucked over their head with an off white deer skull mask protruding from underneath the folds. Atop their head, pushed through the fabric of the cowl, sat a crown of antlers which had a few strings of moss and dirt dangling from the various curved hooks. In the sockets of the macabre mask were an illuminated pair of green orbs acting as eyes, focused and staring at the pair.

Kar’niss scuttled forward and in front of Tav taking on a protective stance. He thrust his sword out to point at the mysterious creature, on high alert. “Who are you?? Did you make this barrier?”

“No,” the stranger began, “I do not know why it is here.” The voice sounded masculine in pitch, a drawn out, breathy monotone that was neither threatening nor friendly; Neutral.

Tav stepped around from behind Kar’niss to get a better look at the new comer. “We need to get through before the frost comes. Do you know another path?”

“None you would care to traverse,” he said.

Both Kar’niss and Tav sighed in frustration, both with their current conundrum and the stranger’s casual response to it. The drider was still on edge, the appearance of this unknown individual a bit off putting to him.

“You didn’t answer me. Who are you?” Kar’niss asked once more.

“I am Valkier.” He shifted enough to lift an arm, his skin ashen in tone and fingers capped with black claws.

“My name is Tav and this is Kar’niss. Do you live around here, Valkier?” Tav asked.

“Yes and no. I’ve come to investigate the barrier. Once that has concluded then I shall depart.”

“Have you learned anything or know when it may be removed?”

Valkier shook his head. “No.”

Tav clamped a palm to their forehead and tapped a foot. They’d then look to Kar’niss with a scowl. “Well this is a problem. The nearest town is half a days walk and where we just came from. Even if we push it we won’t make it before nightfall. It’ll be an uncomfortable experience camping in these temperatures.”

Kar’niss shuffled side to side nervously. “What do we do?”

“If I may offer,” Valkier began, “my home is a short distance that way.” He pointed behind himself. “You may shelter there for the evening if you are so inclined.”

Both Tav and Kar’niss side eyed one another with a wary glance. They didn’t know this man and couldn’t even be sure of what he actually was with his appearance obscured so.

“Without meaning offense, why would you offer two strangers entry into your home? One being a drider no less,” Tav said.

“Most tend to cower when they see me, you aren’t,” Kar’niss added.

Valkier rocked his body from side to side, picking up the gnarled quarter staff that had been resting in his lap. He’d use it to hoist himself up from his seated position, excess dirt and leaves trickling off of his body as he did so. “A drider on the surface is most unusual. In fact, you would be the first I’ve encountered. My reasoning is thus; If you were a danger you would already be dead or imprisoned. It is not as if a drider can easily go unnoticed, especially in towns. I offer my home as an act of kindness. You do not have to accept if you are worried.”

It was a sticky situation for the pair. While wary of Valkier they feared their fate if they camped on the road more. With reluctance and little choice Tav took Kar’niss by the hand and ushered him toward the treeline where their would be host stood.

“Lead the way.”

Valkier nodded and turned to guide them deeper into the forest, away from the familiar road they’d traveled most of that day. The unusual man walked ahead with more of a wobble in his gait, using the quarterstaff as a walking stick. He seemed to be compensating for the weight of the many layers of cloth piled on his frame making it unclear as to what type of build was hidden underneath or even his race. Unsure of how long it’d take to reach their destination Tav opted to fill the silence with a series of burning questions.

“If it’s not rude to ask, what are you?”

“I am Valkier,” he responded simply.

“R-Right but I more mean...what type of creature are you?”

“Unimportant. Know that I am benign and mean you no harm, that is all that matters.”

Kar’niss and Tav side eyed one another, confused but deciding it was best not to press further. Kar’niss had to choose his path through the woodlands carefully to ensure he didn’t get stuck on the way, weaving his large body between trees and over obstacles in their way. The thick layout of the forest began to relent, opening up more as they approached their destination. Soon the trio came upon a vast clearing surrounded on all sides by towering trees. Beams of light filtered into the glade casting light across a sea of tall grass mixed with wildflowers. At the center stood a rustic cottage that was dome in shape, built from wood and mud which made the structure sturdy. Piles of straw capped the roof lined with wooden beams to keep the hay secure. A small brick chimney poked from the right side of the building pumping out thin plumes of smoke, the scent of honey and sage permeating the air. A single, round wooden door stood closed at the front flanked either side by two small windows of the same shape. To say it was cozy was an understatement and it looked as if it had been sitting in this spot for quite sometime.

“Oh it’s beautiful,” Tav whispered.

“Mm thank you. It could use some repairs but it is holding strong,” Valkier said.

As they made their approach Kar’niss shrank once he got a good look at the homes size, particularly the front door. “I don’t think I can fit through that.”

The druid chuckled, the sound coming out in a broken wheeze from beneath the bone mask. “You can.” He lifted his staff and pointed it toward the entrance, waving the wooden rod in slow, tight circles. As he did so the pair witnessed the home expand and outstretch, it’s dimensions increasing before their very eyes. The door increased in height and width until it nearly overtook the front of the home, now more than large enough to accommodate one of Kar’niss’ size. They both gasped in surprise, the drider taking a few steps back with an anxious gait.

“How did you do that?” Kar’niss asked.

“It is my home. It does what I tell it to,” Valkier said. “Come inside.” He waved his staff and the door swung open effortlessly. He waddled his way through leaving it open for his reluctant guests.

“Should we?” Kar’niss asked, looking to Tav.

“Well, we’ve come this far and now I am curious. Be on your guard.”

Tav stepped inside first to survey what awaited them. While the exterior size appeared to increase the interior didn’t look to match, at least at ground level. Directly ahead of Tav was a square wooden table with four chairs made of the same material with intricate swirled designs etched into their backs. To the left sat a compact kitchen with limited counter space and a wood burning stove, a few cabinets attached to the walls above. Hanging over a hand washing basin were strings of dried herbs that likely explained the earthly aroma about this place. To the right of the table was a comfortable arm chair upholstered in forest green fabric. It looked old and well used suggesting it was a spot favored by the druid. It rested in front of a small, stone fireplace which was currently lit by a warm fire that kept the temperature a stark contrast to the chilly outside. In the back corner was a single, solitary bed covered in a nest of quilts piled at the center left in a state of disarray that mirrored the rest of the interior. Books were strewn about haphazardly and potted plants dotted the shelves and every available corner. When Tav focused their gaze upward they’d see the ceiling was impossibly high up and likely caused by the forced expansion. Timber beams crisscrossed over the canopy providing stability.

Kar’niss stepped in behind Tav and like them he marveled at the inside, careful with his steps so as to not knock something over by mistake. “A marvel. You said you came here to investigate the blockage, yes? Has it been here that long?”

Valkier meandered to the stove to put a kettle of water on. “No, I suspect only a day or so.” He waved a hand which prompted the door to close behind Kar’niss.

Tav squinted. “But this house looks like it’s been here for years. Did you find it abandoned and move in or something like that?”

“Something like that,” Valkier said, maintaining his neutral tone.

“If you’re not from here, then where?” Tav asked.

Valkier shook his head and slowly turned around, green orbs within darkened sockets focusing on his guests. “Make yourself comfortable then we might chat.”

Tav exhaled and pulled out one of the wooden chairs to take a seat. They looked to Kar’niss who obviously couldn’t fit. Before either could voice their concern Valkier held up a hand.

“One moment.”

His clawed fingers curled then outstretched in the direction of the floor beneath Kar’niss’ wide legs. Both of them felt a mild tremor, the floorboards creaking audibly as they splintered and crackled. From beneath a series of vines stirred but unlike the ones blocking the road these didn’t carry thorns. They slithered beneath the driders body which did startle him. Having little room to back up he could do no more than watch as they bunched together to form a solid surface beneath his body, raising up to conform to his unusual shape. When the movement stopped Tav realized that Valkier had made Kar’niss a seat of sorts, the back cradling his bulbous abdomen while the front curled up to support his humanoid torso. It appeared almost like a wavy, green slide from the side point of view and it conformed to him perfectly. More so, Kar’niss was able to get up and move away without trouble if he so chose.

“There, that should do,” Valkier said.

Tav smiled a little while Kar’niss clutched his arms to his chest, still a little confused about the entire affair. “It looks comfortable at least,” Tav said.

“A bit...yes.” Kar’niss said.

Valkier approached the table with three mugs in hand, steam rising from each. He’d place them down and slide two to his guests. “Now then, I believe it is my turn to ask some questions.” Valkier steadily lowered himself into a seat, clasping the mug in his palms to warm them. “Where is it you’ve come from?”

Tav eyed Valkier from across the table, lifting their mug to take a cautious sip of the hot liquid within. It had a distinct floral taste to it with a mild bite on the tongue, a tea of some sort they concluded. “Baldur’s gate.”

“Ahhh Baldur’s Gate, a city recently under siege to my understanding. Mind flayers and the very elder brain itself descended upon the nation stirring up chaos. Were you caught in the middle?” Valkier asked.

The drider took a sniff of the concoction in the cup and scrunched his nose, finding it too potent for his liking. He’d roll his shoulders still a bit tense but trying to follow Tav’s lead. “In the top, the middle and the bottom. We were the ones who felled the beast.” Kar’niss murmured.

The green orbs hovering in the sockets expanded in size, as if widening from such news. “You are the heroes of Faerun? My, what an honor it is to host such esteemed guests. If I had known I’d be receiving such legendary company I would’ve taken the effort to tidy up.”

Tav smiled and shook their head. “No need, we’re just grateful you welcomed us at all. We would’ve had a hard time of it if we had to camp outside overnight.”

Valkier hummed, a funny sound that reverberated within his throat as he did so. “I am curious how a drider not only came to be on the surface but somehow aided in saving the world as we know it. I must say you are a delight to look at, Kar’niss. Your very form speaks to me.”

He’d jerk his head back with some surprise, the drider’s expression twisting to mirror his clear confusion. His pedipalps clicked against the surface of the chair of vines he sat upon. “How does the way I look speak to you?”

“You have a haunting beauty. Your body tells a story, one of tragedy and struggle. I know little about the drow, I admit. But I have taken to studying them since my arrival. If you are here traveling by your own free will it means you’ve broken the chains that bind. It’s an admirable feat and one you should be proud of.”

“I try not to think about what it’s taken me to get here,” Kar’niss stated, his voice quiet, “but I do acknowledge the road has been long. I hope you don’t intend to gawk at me the entire time we’re here.”

Valkier snorted, his fingertips tapping in clean succession along the side of his mug. “If by gawk you mean stare for hours on end, then no. But if you would humor me I would enjoy the chance to speak to you on a more personal level. It is not everyday you meet a drider much less one that isn’t hostile from the start. And a hero of the realm, besides! Any information I wish to gather will be non-intrusive if that helps.”

He tensed, sinking deeper into the chair as if trying to hide away. He looked to Tav, the only one he trusted in this situation. While he said nothing his gaze suggested he was searching for their approval more than anyone.

“It’s your choice, Kar’niss. If his questions or requests make you uncomfortable then you can turn him down. I’ll be here the entire time.” Tav reached over and rested a hand on one pedipalp, issuing a gentle squeeze to put him at ease.

He seemed to think it over, his gaze darting between Tav and Valkier in contemplation. Choice was still a new concept to him and one he had trouble coming to terms with, the very idea that he could say something and it would be honored. His arms crossed before he issued a single nod. “Very well. I will answer what I am able but no more than that.”

Valkier held up his hands. “That is all I could ask for.”

The remainder of the afternoon was spent with Valkier doing precisely that. With a journal in hand he would ask a series of questions about Kar’niss and his origins, jotting down the pertinent information as it was provided. Tav sat by and watched, paying particular attention to Kar’niss and his overall comfort levels. As promised much of what he asked was non-intrusive. All but one.

“How did you come to be a drider?” Valkier asked.

A silence fell over the room, a budding tension rising in the air. Tav frowned and looked to Kar’niss who shrank in his make shift seat, his legs clicking at the ground either side. Strange as Valkier may have been he wasn’t oblivious to the change in the atmosphere.

“If it is too much you don’t have to answer,” Valkier murmured.

Kar’niss took in a slow inhale of breath, his claw tips picking at the winding vines he was perched upon. “Not...too much, sensitive.” He swallowed the lump that formed in his throat, hesitation written all over his features. Tav reached to take Kar’niss’ hand into their own, offering a gentle squeeze to help ease his anxiety. After a pause he nodded to affirm to himself and continued. “I would rather not recount that.”

“Very well. Forgive the offense.”

The line of questioning continued, topics varying from the culture of the Underdark to the travels Kar’niss and Tav went on to bring them to this point. The exchange was relatively pleasant and without incident. As evening morphed into night everyone at the table felt the creep of exhaustion overtake them.

“Where is it we should rest?” Kar’niss asked.

“I don’t have much room but I can provide blankets and you may rest near the fireplace. You are free to make a web in the rafters if you so choose. I can find uses for the silk you leave behind.”

Tav smiled and nodded. “That sounds perfect, thank you.”

Kar’niss took the given permission seriously. He climbed the wall and began weaving a web from one side of the home to the next until a thick veil of silk hung above the ground floor like a sticky tarp. The lines were secure and strong ensuring both he and Tav could rest comfortably. “It is done,” he’d call down to his companion.

Tav wandered over to Valkier. “Thank you again for allowing us to stay. I don’t know where we’ll go tomorrow if the road hasn’t cleared but this kindness did save us some trouble.”

“Of course, think nothing of it. I am certain tomorrow will yield you good fortune,” Valkier said.

Kar’niss climbed down far enough to scoop Tav up into his arms, carrying them up into the nest he had built for them both. Tav’s sleeping bag rested on a curved incline of webbing where they could sleep without getting stuck on the adhesive strands. Kar’niss placed them upon it letting them climb in and get comfortable. He then lowered himself and took advantage of the raised webbing so he could lay his torso over top, his preferred method of snuggling with his companion. His arms and pedipalps wrapped around them while his head settled on their shoulder. The pair saw Valkier climbing into his bed below but rather than lay down he instead crawled into the mountain of quilts situated at the center. Sitting cross legged he’d wrap himself in the pile until only his antlers stuck out, his own comfortable cocoon acting as a hideaway spot.

“He’s a bit unusual, isn’t he?” Tav whispered.

“Mm, a bit. So are we, I suppose,” Kar’niss murmured in return.

“True,” Tav chuckled. They ran their fingers through Kar’niss’ long white locks with one hand while stroking his back with the other, taking the moment to revel in each others company. A thought dawned on them considering the lengthy discussion they’d had with the druid. “When you told me why you were turned into a drider you mentioned you changed your name. If I may ask, what was your name before?”

The drider lifted his head to look at Tav, his chin resting on their collar bone. “My mother named me Rhyltran.”

“Rhyltran? What does it mean?”

“Moon weaver,” Kar’niss explained. “She said my skin looked as if it was woven from the very fabric of the moon itself.”

Tav cupped the side of his face. “Moon weaver, I rather like it. Do you miss that name?”

He shook his head. “No. It belongs to a man who doesn’t exist anymore. I...had considered changing my name again after the battle in Baldur’s Gate, a way to mark a new era for myself. But you seemed attached to the name Kar’niss so I thought better of it.”

Tav blinked with surprise, their head cocking to one side. “Oh? What name did you have in mind?”

“Selds’yrr.” He’d make eye contact with Tav and smile. “It means sworn protector.”

Tav sucked in a gentle breath, their heart swelling within the depths of their chest. They’d lean in to bump nose to nose with their dear drider. “It suits you. No matter the name you take you’ll always be the man I grew to love.”

The pair shared a kiss, their lips coming together in a tight seal. They’d hold one another until they drifted off for much needed rest, warm and cozy in their hosts home.

The night passed and morning would come. The pair were greeted by the steady chirp of birds outside the home as well as the rustling of leaves tussled by autumn winds. Tav rose first, peering down from the webbing to greet Valkier. To their surprise the druid was no where to be seen having long since abandoned their quilt pile.

“Strange.” Tav gave Kar’niss a gentle shake which prompted a groan of disapproval from the drider. He was very comfortable in his position over Tav, burying his face deeper into their neck to avoid being forced to move. “Valkier is gone,” Tav said.

With reluctance, Kar’niss would skitter back and helped Tav rise from the bedroll. “Then we should seek him out.” He’d let Tav climb onto his back while peeling the bedroll from the webbing, rolling it up to store away among their things.

After retreating from the rafters they moved to the front door, opening it to peek out into the clearing. There they’d spot Valkier, seated in the middle of the glade where the morning light shone brightest. He basked in the rays, his head craned in such a manner that it appeared he was staring skyward. Tav wandered outside to approach him, looking on with curiosity.

“Morning, Valkier. I hope you slept well. The druid gradually craned his head to look up at Tav, those swirling green orbs enlarging in their sockets as if sparking awake. “I did. I trust you both did as well.” That monotone voice ever present.

“Yes, quite well in fact. Now we must face the troublesome task of working out where we’re heading. I assume the vine barrier still stands,” Tav said.

He shook his head. “No, it has fallen. The way is now clear.”

“What?” Tav squinted and looked to Kar’niss, confused. “How? That wall was massive. It couldn’t just...up and disappear.”

“It seems it has. Some questions are better left unanswered.” Valkier rocked side to side to get the momentum needed to rise to his feet. With quarterstaff in hand he would turn to face the pair. He lifted a satchel that he had packed at his side, handing it to Tav. “For your journey.” They took the pack and peered inside. A collection of food and small potions were contained within, mostly cheese, bread and smoked meats. “Oh this is very generous. Thank you, Valkier.”

“Of course. Thank you for the company, it is so rare to have guests. You have a long road ahead and time to make up. Do not let me keep you.”

“You’re right, we are behind. We appreciate your hospitality. Maybe we’ll meet again?”

Valkier rolled his shoulders beneath his many layers. “Perhaps. Have a safe journey.”

Tav motioned for Kar’niss to follow once they had collected their things. Valkier stepped forward to stop the drider, at least for a moment. “I won’t forget what you’ve told me. Hard as life may have been it seems you’ve been gifted a new start. I sense good things in your future, Kar’niss. Find peace in that.”

A moment of quiet fell between the pair as they looked at one another. Kar’niss couldn’t explain why but he felt a sensation of calm wash over him, from one end to the other. “Thank you,” he said, his eyes locked on the verdant orbs ahead of him. He’d step away to follow Tav, leaving Valkier standing firm in the middle of the clearing. A gust of wind tossed a flurry of fallen leaves across the landscape, fussing the branches of the many trees surrounding them on all sides.

Just as they approached the treeline ready to depart, Kar’niss turned to look back only to startle himself in the process. “Tav, look!”

Tav turned to do just that, their eyes widening once they realized what had surprised the drider so. The cozy home had disappeared from sight along with any evidence the area had been occupied at any point. Only an empty glade remained, unspoiled and serene. “He’s gone.”

Flabbergasted and a little unsettled they decided to move on, not wishing to incur the ire of forces unknown should they linger. Both were quiet once they found the road and resumed their travels, pensive and wondering what it is fate had caused them to meet. When they reached the point in the road where they were blocked before they saw the vine wall had vanished just as Valkier said. The way was clear and bright, silently inviting them to travel onward. Tav lead the way following the road around the bend which led them out of the forest and into a mountain pass. The rocky cliff side was steep on the right and open on the left, revealing a vast landscape down below. They knew if they slipped off it was likely the end of their journey so they stuck close to the wall instead.

Not far into the new territory they spotted activity up ahead. A series of ox drawn carriages appeared to be hauling large rocks and boulders in the direction they were heading. A crew of half orcs and tamed ogres were hard at work chipping away at a pile of stones that were scattered across the road. One of the half orcs turned to see the approaching pair and immediately went into high alert.

“DRIDER!”

This prompted all to shift their focus from the clean-up efforts to preparing for a fight, weapons drawn and formations taken. Tav jogged ahead of Kar’niss and held up their hands defensively.

“He’s with me, he’s friendly! We’re no threat. We’re just looking for passage,” Tav called out. Kar’niss tensed behind Tav at the ready. It wasn’t the first time his presence stirred up conflict and he knew it wouldn’t be the last.

The group ahead appeared wary, eyeballing the duo with great scrutiny. “What’s your business?”

“We’re just heading to the next town over. A wall of vines blocked our path from the forest but it has cleared.”

The foreman of the crew, a large half orc with dark green skin and black hair tamed into a loose ponytail, approached with mallet in hand. “Wall of vines? Not sure what you’re talking about. We came that way last night, wasn’t anything there.”

Tav and Kar’niss glanced at one another, the drider shuffling side to side. “What happened here?” He asked.

“Rock slide, took out the entire road. We’ve been clearing it for hours, almost free.”

Tav rubbed the back of their neck. “A rock slide? About when did this happen?”

“Ehh our sources say sometime mid-afternoon yesterday. Took out a caravan of poachers, bloody mess that was.”

A silence fell over the pair. Tav turned to look up at their lover. “That was about the time we reached the wall of vines. If we had been caught up in it—“

“We would’ve been killed,” Kar’niss interjected.

A chill ran down their spines, both peering over their shoulders in unison to look back at the way they had come. The silence between them was deafening while trying to rationalize events over the last day. Kar’niss would be the one to break the silence, recalling something their host had said before their departure.

“Some questions are better left unanswered.”

The drider lowered himself to the ground, a sign that he desired Tav to climb on his back. They did exactly that, straddling behind his back with their arms looped around his waist. Once Tav was secure he’d lift himself up and resume marching the path forward, weaving between the carts and wary road workers.

This would be a tale the pair often reminisced about in the future wondering who the stranger in the woods really was. While they’d never see him again his words of encouragement stuck with Kar’niss. He did find that peace and oh so much more with his beloved Tav by his side, a new purpose that he held onto until the end of his days.

The sworn protector for the hero of Baldur’s Gate.

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