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Chapter Text

The story of Athena Grim starts out in a coastal town called port Damali. Her father was a very tall human sailor with dark tanned skin and a very strong build. Her mother, Hestia, was an elven bard with purple hair and bright blue eyes who worked at a tavern in the town. She slowly developed her magic at a young age and learned a few sorcerer spells that her mother knew. Hestia grew ill as Athena grew older until she passed when Athena turned 10.

Her father tasked the orphanage with taking care of her while he was at sea, as he still had to make a living. This is where you met her first friends. Curtis Xandat, who's mother worked at the orphanage and was really the only one who didn't treat the kids like shit. Curtis was quickly drawn to this small sad girl and once he finally saw her smile he was smitten. They quickly became best friends and spent most of their childhood's together. The third of the trio was a chubby half orc child who they called stone. Most of the other kids at the orphanage picked on young stone so Athena and Curtis adopted him into their group. They were very close until Stone decided to leave the orphanage to go find a place of his own. Eventually at 18, Athena left to help her father with money.

After travelling along for about 10 years she found her place at the Fletching and Moondrop circus using her magic to cause wonderous illusions to entertain crowds. A few months later she found out that her father's ship had exploded and he was never found. This threw her into a loop of putting on a face for the crowds and then going to sulk after the shows at near by taverns or within the tent. While working in the circus she decided to take up her mother's mantle as a bard. She excelled at playing the violin either in an elegant way or in a fiddle like routine.

Two years later the circus took in a new member, a tiefling who was having a bit of an identity crisis. He was soon named Mollymauk Tealeaf, in reference to him saying "empty empty" over and over again. Once Molly started gaining a personality of his own he and Athena grew close, as Athena took him in when he was "Empty". The two grew into a wonderful relationship of best friends with benefits. If one of them was having a rough night the other would take one way or another to help them ignore it, where it was with a night of cuddles and tea or alcohol and sex. A year later a large strong looking monochromatic woman stumbled upon the circus and joined in as security. Of course Athena and Molly would take Yasha in to add a bit of color to her life. They became a very close nit group who knew exactly what to do to comfort each other. After traveling together the circus stopped for a show and Trostenwold. The three wandered into the local bar to promote the circus' performance that night.

Chapter Text

Athena's pov

I looked to Molly as we reached the door of the tavern.

"You ready for your pitch?" He turned to me with his signature grin.

"What you don't think the people in here will fall for all my charms? I came here last night and trust me they will." Yasha and I gave a quick chuckle as I took a breath pulling my viol out from it's sash before Molly burst through the door. As he swaggered forward I stayed close as Yasha monitored from behind. "Come one come all! Looking for a night of enchantment and wonder? Then come to the Fletching and Moondrop circus! Who would like a sampling of what we have to offer?" He sold it perfectly as always. I grabbed a drink from the bar and sat at a nearby table as he read another tiefling's tarot. At another table there sat a half orc man riddled with scars. There was something about him that drew me over.

"Care for song sir?" I gave a smile faking my accent. After what happed with dad all that old accent did was reminded me of what I had lost.

"How much is it gonna cost me ma'am?" He spoke with a drawl that was so familiar to me. The same drawl that usually fell out of my lips. I was silent for a moment before putting on a large smile.

"You know what. I like you so this one's free. Got anything in mind?"

"You know any shanties?"

"Ah a sailor! I knew there was a reason I liked you. I'll play my best one." Not only did he have that drawl but his looks weren't half bad either. "But only if you tell me your name cutie." I gave him a quick wink. It was hard to tell at first but his face flushed red. I could tell he was easy to fluster. You'd think a sailor would have more experience with that. He cleared his throat and tried to look cool.

"The name's Fjord."

"Athena pleasure to meet you." I smiled as I started to play a shanty my parents used to sing. He smiled as he listened looking as if he recognized the song. After I finished up he looked as if he had something on his mind but decided against saying it.

"That was nice. Thank ya for that."

"It was my pleasure. If you'd like to see what else I can do you should come to the carnival tonight. But from what it sounds like over there I think your friend is already interested." I got up and walked over to Yasha who was signaling Molly that it was time to leave. I blew a quick kiss to the half orc and walked out with Molly and Yasha.

When we made it back I couldn't help but think about him. These two were the few who heard my normal voice.

"Molly did you see that guy I was playing for?" He chuckled.

"Yeah he was quite the looker. You thinking about convincing him to stay for an after show cause I would very much like to participate." My face got a bit pink as Molly laughed a bit.

"No no it's not that...did he look familiar to you? I swear I've seen him somewhere before."

"I haven't seen him before...you did say you traveled around for a long time maybe that's where you've seen him before." I nodded and looked down. "Did you see anyone you were thinking about bringing back tonight? That other tiefling she was pretty but a bit well...naïve if you ask me. Did you see the scruffy looking one. With the little friend? With a shower he might look pretty good." I could help but smile at Molly's antics. "What about you Love see anything interesting?"

"That woman was watching you both the whole time. The one with the top not. She looked suspicious of us." I grinned noticing the small smile on Yasha's face.

"Oooo she was pretty! Yasha you could totally get with her. If anything you are probably way out of her league you absolute goddess!" She blushed and ruffled my hair.

"Come on you two we have to get ready for tonight."

A few hours later we made our way to the outside of the tent to see the rag tag group we had met up with earlier. I finally noticed the 'scruffy looking one' as Molly called him. I could understand what Molly meant about if he bathed maybe he would look a bit better. I made my way over to Fjord the half orc from earlier.

"Heya sailor. So if you don't mind me asking you got a last name? You just seem really familiar to me that's all."

"Oh uh yea...Fjord Stone." I knew that name...so he wasn't just someone I saw after I left the port.

"Stone...where have I heard that before...wait Stoney?!" He looked at me shocked to hear that name. "Don't tell me you don't recognize me? Athena Grim. We grew up together!"

"Holy shit! Oh my god its you! I came back to the port but they said you went on your own!" He picked me up with a huge hug and I laughed as he swung me around. Yasha ran over.

"Woah woah its okay! Yasha this is one of the kids I grew up with! Molly! Come here I gotta introduce you guys! It's Stoney!" Molly grinned and walked over with the blue tiefling that he just finished a second card reading for. "Look at you I would have never recognized you! All slimmed up and shaved."

"You can't say much. Hell I never saw you with short hair as a kid."

We caught up for a bit before it was finally time for the show. After the others gingerly handed over their weapons, they went inside as we prepared to preform.

I sat at the edge of the tent hood up with viol in hand. I played along as the first two acts went great. It was finally time for my big part. I walked on stage with Toya, who was preparing to sing. I played along to her song as the giant "Devil Toad" calmed and watched in awe. Then there was a scream.

I looked over and there was an old man who looked a bit worse for wear. At first I didn't think anything of it until the man started attacking another woman. Yasha yelled for everyone to get out and handed the group their weapons as we all started to attack the two newly undead. Between the 8 of us it didn't take long. These people were quite strong but so were the three of us. Gustav looked at the three of us as he heard the guards approaching. I quickly cast disguise self and looked to Yasha and Molly. When the guards arrived they arrested Gustav and Molly against Gustav's pleas. Yasha convinced one of the guards that it was because of Toya then ran off while he investigated an empty tent. The guards didn't recognize me so they assumed I was with Fjord and Co. They told us that we shouldn't leave town until this was sorted out.

We made our way to the local inn. My nerves were on fire as my spell ran out. Not because I was worried about being noticed, but because It had been years since i had spent the night away from Molly. I couldn't help but worry for him. He didn't know anything about himself aside from the circus. What if they asked about something he didn't know.

"Athena look at me. We are going to get your friends out okay. Try and stay calm." Fjord gave me a smile. I smiled slightly as I looked at him.

"Since when did you become such a charmer?"

Chapter Text

Athena's pov

I sat at the bar of the inn trying to figure out what could have caused that man to go undead. I was lost in though and didn't notice the person who had sat down next to me.

"Your playing was wonderful you know." I looked up to see the scraggly looking man Molly had pointed out to me. I put on a quick smile.

"Thank you. You know I really appreciate you vouching for Molly earlier."

"I have a feeling one of you would have done the same. I should say I know a fake smile when I see one. I'm an expert on those trust me." He waved his hand and an orange cat appeared on the bar. I couldn't hold back my smile.

"A wizard huh. I mean I knew you were a magic user from the fight earlier. But you had a little friend with you at the tavern didn-" I quickly turned and grabbed the hand that was reaching for my coin pouch. I lifted up the girl and gave her a glare. "Your lucky I know your half orc friend or I would inform the guard of the goblin trying to steal from me." She made a bit of a sheepish noise as I sat her down.

"I apologize for my friend I told her not to try that but if you can't tell she acts on impulse." He gave the small goblin a glare and I gave a quick chuckle.

"Tell you what. I'll forget about the little incident if you let me buy you both a drink. And if you tell me any ideas about what happened at the tent." The goblins eyes lit up.

"DEAL!" She jumped up on barstool and ordered a drink. The wizard smiled and nodded ordering a whiskey. I put the coin down on the bar and ordered a glass of whiskey myself.

"So you guys have names?"

"My name is Caleb Widowgast. She is Nott the Brave." He took a large swig of his drink and scratched his cat. "Oh and this is Frumpkin." I smiled.

"Well its nice to meet you both. I'm Athena. Athena Grim." I noticed the rest of the group walk in from pleading with the lawmaker. Molly was among them. I rushed up and hugged him tightly.

"Your childhood friend and Gustav convinced the guards to let me go." He smiled at me as I held onto him. I looked over to Fjord and mouthed a quick thank you.

"Well now I'm buying you all a drink as a thank you for getting him back for me." We all sat down at a table and I ordered a round of ale and a nice cocktail for Molly. "So tell me about yourselves. I mean I know a little about Fjord from when we were kids but what about you Miss Tiefling?"

"Well my name is Jester. I am a cleric and oooo have you heard of the traveler that's my god he is soooooo cool you guys." She was very excitable. I turned to the human woman who did some nice hits earlier, although she was a bit bruised.

"The name's Beau. I'm a monk from the Cobalt Soul." I nodded recognizing the group.

After talking for a bit and after a show of what everyone can do Caleb turned to me.

"What about you Ms. Grim what can you do? Aside from that music from earlier.” I grinned.

"Well I know a bit of magic myself." I stood up and cast minor illusion to make a dancing frumpkin on the table. After a minute I gave the illusion a quick tap on the nose to dissipate it. I took a small bow and sat back down, downing my drink. We all talked for another hour until we all went up for bed. Molly and I shared a room as normal. I stared at the ceiling thinking about the day we had. It didn't take Molly long to notice I was having trouble sleeping. He turned and looked at me.

"Is it a I want you to put me to sleep kind of night or a lets talk until you sleep kind of night." I chuckled.

"I know that Yasha can fend for herself but I'm just worried for everyone else. What are we going to do if they shut down the circus?" He thought for a minute then smiled.

"Well I don't know about you but I find these people interesting. If things don't get sorted I think I may travel with them for a bit. I would hope you would go with me though. I would miss our late nigh talks." He chuckled at the end.

"Of course I would go with you. I mean at least I kinda know Fjord. Well I used to. He just seems so different now. Hey and maybe if I'm around more magic users I'll figure out some more spells." He smiled at me. Then he gained a bit of a somber look.

"Are you going to send him a message tonight?" I shook my head no and moved closer to him.

"You know for someone who uses so much ice magic you are so warm." He smiled.

"I know songbird. Now why don't you get some rest okay?" I nodded and slowly drifted off to sleep.

When we woke up we made our way downstairs to grab some food and meet up with the others. Molly sat to the side and started praying to his blades as he did every morning. Fjord nodded to me and went to talk to Molly. I sat down at a table after paying for some breakfast. Fjord walked over to my table and sat down.

"Do you know why he does that?" I shrugged.

"He's been doing that ritual since we first met. Thought it was a religious thing at first but its not." Fjord nodded.

"How much do you know about him I mean you two are clearly close. Anything we should know?" I gave him a stern look.

"If your jealous of him I'll have you know we are very very close friends. We met a couple of years ago after I joined the circus. Molly is a bit eccentric but a very caring guy. He has a complicated backstory and it's not really mine to tell. But we really care about each other. Besides Yasha, we only have each other." Fjord looked at me confused. "You remember that my mother passed right?" He nodded. "Dad's ship wrecked at sea. Never made it back..."

"Athena I'm so sorry." I wiped my eye as it started to water and I noticed the others making their way down. Jester smiled and sat next to Fjord and Caleb followed behind Beau and Nott in tow. We talked about our plan to leave before we realized that Caleb, Nott, and I were not under house arrest.

"Wait how did you not get arrested?" Fjord gave me a shocked look.

"Well for one I keep a hood up for my performance so no one actually knows how I look. Secondly I disguised myself and when a guard asked me if I knew you all I just claimed to be a patron who thanked you for saving me from the 'horrid creature that took poor Samantha away from us'." I put on a voice and feigned distress on that last part. Molly laughed.

We all decided that those who had been arrested would use either illusions or disguises to sneak out after Caleb, Nott and I had walked out. Molly had suggested we ask around town about the man who had turned first. After asking around we made our way to the pub that the man had frequented. I stayed close to Molly who had decided he wanted to try and play cards with an older man. He looked at Molly with a sneer.

"I don't play with devils." I frowned and sat down silently casting charm person on the older man. I put my normal drawl in my voice and gave a sad look to the man.

"Well that's not very polite now is it." He looked a bit resigned and went back to his game. "Sir you wouldn't have happened to know Enon Brinjay did you?" The man frowned again looking up with a sneer that quickly subsided when he looked at me.

"I told him not to go to that carnival. But Enon always did have his head in the clouds so it wasn't very useful to advise him on anything the poor bastard." I gave him a fake smile and stood up noticing the others were finished talking to the barkeep.

"Well I am terribly sorry for your loss sir. In fact-" I waved at the bartender, "Bring this man another round on me. He's grieving after all. You have a good rest of your day sir." I held his hand and gave him a quick peck on the top of his head as I sat the copper on the table. I pulled Molly away from the man as we walked out of the pub with the others. "Bastard. Try finishing your game now." I said as I showed Molly the four aces I had taken while he was distracted. He burst out laughing.

According to what the others found out we made our way to the dock to question one of the men who apparently worked with our unfortune zombie pal. He didn't really have much information to offer. the others had decided to head back to the inn to avoid getting caught leaving. Caleb and Nott decided to go shopping. I turned to Molly.

"I'm going to look around some of the shops with those two. Stay with Fjord and the others. I can't risk you getting caught okay."

"Okay...but you better bring me something back." I laughed and agreed before running to catch up with Caleb and Nott.

Chapter Text

Athena's pov

I waved to Molly as I ran to catch up with Caleb and Nott.

"So what are we looking for while we are out?" Caleb turned just noticing I was there.

"Oh uh I want new books." He shrugged as he looked around scanning his surroundings. I looked to Nott.

"I just like to...browse." She rubbed the back of her neck. I couldn't help but chuckle.

"I know what you mean and hey do whatcha got to do. Let's just say the spell charm person is more than just for getting people to give you information." I gave Nott a wink.

"I think I like this one the most Caleb." He gave a quiet chuckle before pointing out the shop we were going to. Well it was more like a shed than a shop. Caleb gave a knock at the door before it swung open. In the frame of the door stood an old gnome. He welcomed us in and I realized we might be here for a bit. This place was full of books and trinkets. I looked around looking for anything interesting. There was a necklace that was missing a gem. Perfect for my crystal. I glanced over at Nott and noticed she was replacing her flask for a platinum one. I smiled and looked over to Caleb who was negotiating the price of two books with the gnome. I tried to get a glance at the names of the books before he looked at me.

"Miss Grim we are headed back to the inn."

"I'll catch up I'm just trying to find something for Molly. You two go on ahead." I gave a big smile. I looked around once more before spotting a large sheer robe. I quickly grabbed it and a few other things before talking with the older gnome and paying. I got a pretty good deal on everything, and ran out to catch up with Caleb and Nott.

When we made our way back to the inn I put my hood up just incase. We easily made our way in and I made my way up to the room Molly and I had shared. I knocked on the door and was quickly greeted by an annoyed Fjord.

"WE UNDERSTAND THAT THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING NOW F- oh hey Athena." A purple hand I knew all too well pushed him out of the way.

"So what did you bring me songbird?" I smiled as I walked in shutting the door behind me. I quickly pulled out the sheer robe. "Oh my god its perfect." Molly quickly started pulling his jacket and shirt off to try it on. Fjord turned his head very quickly. "Relax cowboy I left my pants on. Unless someone here wants me to take them off they will stay on." I giggled as Fjord stuttered in the corner.

"I don't know Molly I think you aren't supposed to wear pants with this." We laughed and he gave me a quick peck on the cheek.

"Thank you song bird I love it. What else did you buy?" I poured out my bag onto our bed. My necklace, two rings, a hairclip, and a book flopped out. Molly picked it up. "Since when do you read about 'The Fiends of Folklore'? I thought that wasn't your kind of thing." I scratched the back of my neck.

"Well that scruffy guy Caleb was checking it out but the guy wouldn't negotiate with him. After they left I talked to him and I got it for cheaper...the old perv. I might have snatched the rings and hair clip though. But honestly I deserve them after dealing with that gnome." Molly laughed.

"What about this? Another gift for me?" Molly held up the necklace. Fjord looked at it before holding it out to me.

"I'm sorry to tell you Athena but I think that gnome scammed you. It's missing a stone." I grabbed it from him and pulled out my Crystal gently placing it inside the wire frame, bending it so it wouldn't fall out.

"It's for my focus Fjord. This way I can just reach right here when I need to cast." He nodded sitting back down. Molly came up behind me and grabbed my waste.

"You know Athena I think this robe would look great on you. Don't you think so Stoney?" Molly looked over at Fjord with a smirk as Fjord's face flushed bright red. I giggled and turned to Fjord.

"Well unless you'd like to see that Fjord, which your more than welcome to, I suggest you go have a drink." I gave him a wink as I started to pull up my shirt.

"I uh I'm sure you'll look great but i uh im just gonna-" while Fjord was covering his eyes, he walked into the door frame. I giggled before turning to Molly who was already enjoying the view.

An hour later Molly and I made our way downstairs to meet up with the others. After some more discussion we decided to go back out and follow another lead. Unfortunately that did not go far, so we made our way back to the circus. Beau had suggested asking Toya if she knew what had happened since it was during her performance. Caleb and Fjord decided to stand guard by disguising themselves as guards. Molly and I made our way into the tents the others in tow. We went into a couple of tents and asked Desmond and the Knot sisters about what they knew, making sure they were all okay before making our way to what Jester said was an evil presence. Molly and Beau stayed behind to ask the sisters more while we investigated. We made our way into the big tent and saw Kylre and Toya sleeping.

"The presence. It's coming from the toad." I looked to Jester confused. I mean the whole bit of there act was that Kylre was this monster who could be charmed by a sweet child. "Should we wake him up to ask?" I shook my head and walked over to Toya gently waking her up. She jumped slightly before giving me a big hug.

"Toya I have to ask you. Do you know why those people turned into undead." She shook her head. Jester asked her about what the song was about.

"It's about angels." I turned to Jester.

"It's not the song. Toya has been singing that same song since before I joined. I'm just apart of her act to add some background." Nott asked her if there was anyone who didn't like another member of the circus. She told them that Orna was never really fond of Gustav and they run off convinced. I chuckled at the two and gave Toya some snacks I had brought from the inn. She smiled at me as I hugged her. "Don't worry hun Molly and I are working with some really strong people and we'll make sure it's sorted out I promise." I heard a growl and looked up to see Kylre starring daggers into me. He snatched Toya away and swung his arm at me clawing into my torso. I yelled out and fell down in pain as he ran off with Toya. Two guards ran up to the tent and were attacked by Kylre. I watched as they fell to the ground before rising up again undead. I felt the rip in my torso burn as I watched Molly and the others run in. I slowly stood up looking at my hands noticing one of the two rings I had taken were glowing. Molly rushed up to me helping me stand.

"Athena are you all right?" I nodded and grabbed my crystal getting ready to fight the two now undead guards. I casted a quick Ice Knife and threw it at one of the undead. Fjord and Caleb sent Magic at the same Zombie before Molly finished it off by beheading it. After taking a few hits Molly went down. I yelled causing my wound to get worse than it was as I tried and failed to cast burning hands. Nott finished off the second zombie with a shot from her crossbow. I hobbled over to Molly holding him up. Jester followed and preformed a cantrip.

"Why isn't he up?" She looked at me.

"I don't have any spells left so I stabilized him but that's all I can do." I sighed and looked down at him. I shakily stood up and held Molly up wincing at my own wound. "He needs to rest then he will be okay." I nodded and felt the weight lifted off of me as Fjord took him in his arms. We realized that we had technically committed a crime so we loaded up the two corpses in a cart after finding a horse. I got in the cart with Molly as we were both pretty hurt. We made our way to the lake as I waited for him to wake up. He let out a groan as his eyes opened.

"Hey songbird. How long was I out?" He chuckled quietly as I hugged him wincing at my own wound. Before he could protest I started singing to cast healing word on him and myself. I sang the shanty i had played earlier in the day. We took a small rest as the others dropped the bodies as made our way back to the inn.

After a night of rest we met up the next morning to discuss how we would find Kylre and how to figure out how he was turning people into zombies. We made a plan and Caleb had remembered the book he went to buy yesterday. As he made his way out I walked out following him.

"Caleb wait! I meant to give this to you when we got back last night but it was a bit chaotic. Here." As I held out the book he gave me a surprised look.

"You bought this? Why?"

"Well I noticed the old gnome was being difficult with haggling with you so I made have...let him have a squeeze in exchange for a large discount." I rubbed the back of my neck before squirming at the thought. He chuckled.

"Thank you Miss Grim. This will be very helpful in clearing your friends' names." I gave a big smile before walking back inside to sit down.

Chapter Text

Athena POV

When we finally made it back to the inn, we snuck inside and rested a bit before meeting back up to discuss what to do. I had patched up Molly and myself before we made our way downstairs to meet with the others. As I sat down I noticed that everyone looked pretty well rested. Except for Caleb. He had the book I gave him sat in front of him along with some notes. Right as he went to speak about what he found out three guards walked in.

“The lot of you who are under investigation will be needed for trial today. Do not leave this place or you will be placed under arrest.” As soon as they announced this they left. We all turned back to Caleb.

“As I was about to say, what I found is that this could be a demon called a nergaliid.” Molly looked up from the table.

“Wait I’ve heard of those. They are from Xhorhas.” Caleb nodded.

“They can steal a being’s life force and turn them into a husk.”

“Well we need to figure out a way to get to the island. We can’t just use the cart like we did last night.” I turned to look at everyone for any ideas. Jester jumped up.

“WE COULD TAKE A BOAT!” Fjord stood up turning to her.

“Well we have all ready committed enough crime. I used to be a sailor so maybe I could convince someone to take us there.” I nodded.

“My father was a well known sailor so maybe I could help with that too.” Caleb looked over at me.

“I have a way that I could scout out the island with frumpkin but I need to pick up some supplies.” He yawned as he finished talking. Then the guards came in again.

“Two guards have been found dead so we are postponing the trial until tomorrow. We still have to find some of the performers too.” With that we were left to get ready for tonight. Caleb got up to head back to the market stumbling a bit as he did. I stopped him.

“What all do you need.” He looked surprised.

“Miss Grim I can’t ask you too-“

“Do you have the fund for what you need?” He shook his head. “Look you would have had to ask one of us for the money anyways. This way you can still get what you need, probably for cheaper, and you can get some much needed rest.” He gave me a confused look. “Don’t think I can’t tell you spent your time researching instead of sleeping like you should have. Look if we all aren’t rested before tonight then this could go really badly. I don’t want to watch any of you go down again tonight so just…go rest before I put you to sleep myself.” He sat there for a moment before sighing and making a small list of supplies for me to pick up. I looked over at Molly before I went to walk out the door.

“Hey Molly my dear. Can you make sure this one actually gets some rest for me while I go pick up some supplies.” He smiled and walked over to Caleb leading him upstairs.

I made my way into town and picked up the incense needed for Caleb’s spell and made my way back to the inn. I ran upstairs knocking on the other’s doors before making my way into the room I shared with Fjord and Molly. Molly was sat at the foot of the bed while Caleb rested in bed. Fjord was sharpening his sword. I quietly walked over and lightly shook Caleb’s shoulder to wake him. He jumped awake looking a bit…scared before looking at me and calming down. As he sat up Jester and the others walked in. Caleb quickly set up his spell and we all watched as he turned his cat into a small sparrow. Very quickly he spoke to it before the bird flew out the window as his eyes glazed over. As we watched we each took to doing our own thing before Nott started to mix some chemicals and spilt them on the floor as it burned through the wood. After a few minutes of panic Caleb snaps out of it and turns the wood to iron to fix the problem.

“Well I didn’t see it but our best bet would be the large island. We should wait until the evening though to head out.” We all agreed as started getting ready to leave for the night.

Caleb, Nott and I made our way out the front and Fjord made a distraction for Molly and the other’s to sneak out of the inn. Caleb went “blind” again as I lead him along with Nott to the docks. As we met up Fjord and I decided to talk to one of the sailors and Jester tagged along.

“Hello there. My friends and I are looking for a bit of passage on the lake.” The sailor looked at us a bit confused.

“Well of course I could offer passage in exchange for coin.” I stepped up.

“You see my friend here is a bit of a sailor himself and I used to tag along when need. He could offer some work or if there is anything I could provide I’d be very welcome to oblige.” I gave a bit of a flirty smile. He chuckled and looked at the two of us.

“A sailor huh. So where are you two from.”

“Port Demali.” We spoke at the same time. Then I noticed Fjord’s change in accent. He sounded like he used to in the orphanage.

“Ah so you two do know your way around a ship. Okay if you all can bring me some booze and I get a song, I will take you all out on the lake.” We agreed and made our way back to the others. Fjord and I gave Beau some money to pick up some wine as we all waited. She made her way back and we climbed into the boat. I began playing a low melody on my Violin as the others discussed the trip with the owner of the boat.

After awhile we finally landed on the shore of the island. We started walking through and after some poor communication we came across a small destroyed hut. As a few of us got closer to the ruined hut Molly and Fjord stayed back a bit to keep an eye out. Right as we got close Kylrie popped out and we started to fight.

Molly quickly pulled out his swords one of them slicing at the back of his neck and got ready to attack. Once Kylrie noticed us all he yelled back at Toya before jumping up and summoning some imps. As he came by Beau gave him a quick wack on the back. Toya started singing and I noticed Jester started to look a bit dazed. She made her duplicate and backed off. Beau ran out towards Toya and started to choke her out with her staff. Her song was a bit muffled but she kept going. I shot a Burning hands at Kylrie before looking towards Fjord. I sung out an old shanty from Demali to give him some inspiration and he mumbled something as his sword changed a bit and Kylrie was cursed. He ran around and shot an Eldritch blast at Kylrie. At that moment the imps ran towards different people but only Molly was unable to dodge them. He quickly swung back and killed it with one blow. Kylrie jumps over by Caleb and starts to siphon from him until Nott starts stabbing at him. AT this moment I heard the singing stop and looked over to see Beau holding a knocked out Toya. Kylrie yelled out and turned away allowing Caleb to move away. Fjord attacks Kylrie again as the imps go for Caleb and knock him out. I mumble a curse and make my way over slicing at Kylrie as I go. After a few more attacks Fjord shoots out another Eldritch blast and takes down Kylrie but is taken down by one of the imps afterwards. Beau and Jester take down the other two Imps and I run over to heal Caleb as Jester runs up to Fjord. They both groggily sit up and I gave a sigh of relief. I took Toya in my arms and I healed her a bit. She slowly woke up and looked at me scared. Molly walked over and held her face in his hand.

“Hey sweet girl. You’re okay I promise he can’t do anything to you anymore I’ve got you. Molly and I have you.” She nodded and held onto me shaking a bit. 

“So…how do we prove what he did if he is dead.”

Chapter Text

Three days later

As we made our way back to the inn after defeating the knolls and parting ways with Shacasta, I thought back to the final fight. Caleb cast some of the most powerful magic I had seen, a fireball, but he froze. Even now he seemed a bit…zoned out. I walked over and lightly placed my hand on his shoulder. He jumped fear in his eyes, and I quickly pulled back.

“Hey hey it’s just me. Caleb are you okay? You seemed a bit out of it after the fight.” He took a minute to take a breath and nodded. Molly made his way over grabbing my waist.

“He’ll be alright. After all we have to celebrate I mean we have done great things for these people.” I smiled wide at him as we walked into the inn. “Barkeep! A round for any of us who wants it.” I walked over to the bar gladly grabbing my drink. Fjord, Caleb, and Beau all sat down taking a drink. Caleb started messing with some of his items we had found and I made my way over to a table. I pulled out my violin and started playing some music. 

The great thing about this violin is that once I get through so much of the song it will play for me floating in the air. As I let go I made my way over to Molly who had already downed three drinks and pulled him into a dance. People in the bar of the inn joined us clapping along and dancing. I gave Molly a nod and broke apart. I made my way to Fjord and Molly to Jester.  

“Come on Stoney I know you know this song.” I laughed as he went red before quickly finding his rhythm. Jester and Molly were having an amazing time. I nodded to Molly and split off from our partners pushing them together. As I met back with Molly I noticed Caleb making his way upstairs with a frown on his face. Nott noticed this and grabbed two drinks headed upstairs as well. The song finished up and we all smiled as we caught our breath. I sighed sitting down as I grabbed another drink.

When we made our way downstairs, the villager lead us outside to a nice new cart. We thanked the people of the town and we were about to leave when Jester ran up to the Starosha of the town . She spoke to him for a moment before running back grinning ear to ear. 

“Fjord! I just got the Starosha to write you a letter of recommendation for the Soltrace Academy!”

“Are you serious that’s amazing! Thank you so much Jester!” Jester’s face went flushed as she smiled. While we waited on the letter Jester told us all about her mother and how she got kicked out of her old town. 

As she was telling the story I felt a nudge from Molly’s elbow. I looked at him as he nodded his head towards Caleb. He looked just as zoned out as he did after the fight yesterday. I made a mental note to try and ask him about later if we had some privacy. 

The Starosha made his way back letter in hand and we started out journey to Zedash. 

The first day was actually pretty peaceful. I spent most of the day working on a new song and laughing with Jester about some of the pranks she had pulled before she left home. She made this traveler guy seem pretty interesting. 

When we made camp for the night I made my way over to Caleb while Jester and Nott were having a conversation to themselves.

“Hey Caleb. Is it alright if I sit?” He nodded as he sat with Frumpkin in his lap. He was just staring at the flames from the campfire. “Can I ask you something? If it’s too much you don’t have to answer I just figured I should ask I don’t want to bother you after all-“

“Miss Grim, you are rambling.”

“Well uh, you would call yourself an academic right?” He nodded. “Well why didn’t you see if you could get a recommendation letter too? I mean I’ve heard of the Academy, some of the women at the orphanage tried to convince my father to send me there. He was never very fond of it.” He froze again. “You okay?”

“Ja just thinking. I didn’t get a letter because I don’t have an interest in it. I like to learn on my own.” The look on his face said otherwise but I didn’t want to press on about it if it made him uncomfortable. 

“I understand. I’m glad I didn’t go. It would have taken away from the time I did get to have with my dad before…” He looked up from the fire for once with a somber look.

“Your father has passed?” I nodded.

“My mother too. I was young when she passed but its only been a few years since my dad.”

“My condolences.”

“I appreciate it. I think they would be proud of what I’m doing here though. Helping people.” He nodded. 

“Miss Grim?”

“Caleb you can call me Athena you know. I mean if you want to.” He nodded again.

“What were they like? Your parents?” I smiled.

“My dad was a sailor. He was gone a lot but he always brought me back something. This earring, he had found the gem at sea and had it made into this. He taught me all kinds of things about the sea and lots of the shanties I sing. He was so happy when I took up music.” I stopped for a moment and held my necklace.

“This was my mom’s. She used to read to me every night. She was a lot like you actually. I mean she was very academic. My dad liked to joke that he landed himself a catch with a smarter older woman. She was an elf. She tried to teach me as much as she could before she passed…she was amazing though. Her hair was so vibrant, a bit brighter than mine. She was kind and gentle.” For the first time I saw a smile on Caleb’s face. A genuine one. I felt my cheeks flush a bit before getting back on track. “She was pretty tough too. She had some nasty scars on her arms, she always told me they were from ‘fighting an evil dragon’. As a kid I always believed her but later on dad told me they were probably from a bar fight gone wrong before she came to the port.” I smiled and yawned. “I’m going to go set up my bedding.”

“Athena?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for telling me about your parents. If what you say is true I can tell where your good nature comes from.” I felt my face flush and nodded before walking over to where Molly had started setting up his bed roll. 

The next day was pretty calm. We made a good bit of distance before we had to set up camp for the night. Molly decided to take first watch so I went straight to sleep after our meal. 

“Everyone get up.” Caleb’s voice whispered, just loud enough to stir us all. I sleepily sat up and so did the others. “Intruders.” I grabbed at my viol readying myself to attack if needed. 

“Alright listen up. Now give us everything you’ve got and this won’t go badly understand?” Caleb stood up with his hands in the air.

“Oh please, we are headed to the city for medical attention. We all have extreme syphilis.” At the end of his sentence I noticed a slight movement of his hand and a glazed over look on the bandit’s eyes. Charm person, nice. I quietly hummed and cast minor illusion on myself making it look like I had welts on my face and arms as I turned to the bandit. 

“Oh gods…” Nott made her way over to Caleb.

“Honey did you tell them about our disease.”

“Oh gods! Look we better…wait a minute…you are faking it.”

“Shit.” 

Caleb immediately sent three fire bolts at the leader and the rest of the bandits aimed their weapons at him firing arrows. Beau rushed to catch them but three hit and Caleb fell to the ground. I pulled out my sword from the top of my Viol and started to charge some of the bandits. Jester made her…giant spiritual lollipop appear and swung the leader into the air burning him to ash. 

“Wait wait stop! We surrender we surrender”

“What the fuck man” “Yea what do you mean?”

“They turned Trevor into ash. You want to end up the same?” The rest of the group agreed and dropped their weapons. 

As Jester made them give us all their stuff Molly stopped her and started talking to the group of thin strangers. As the group set off with a warning Caleb sat up and started to pull out the arrows that were stuck in him. 

“Caleb don’t pull them out!” I made my way over and plugged two of the holes as he pulled out the third. Jester healed him up and Caleb proceeded to pass out from the pain. 

“Guys I took their horses! I’m calling them Toilet, John, Crapper, and Loo!” I chuckled and we saddled up. I road in the back of the cart just to keep an eye on Caleb as he rested and wrapped up my own small wounds before resting myself.