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They had escaped Crèche Y’llek with their lives. But there was still infighting to be had. Lae’zel was certain this was but a test of her faith, that she could still win back her queen’s favor. Ganos barked a laugh at his fellow githyanki, “Did you not see the silver dagger thrusted into our backs, kin!? We have been named hshar'lak! You saw the truth laid bare as much as I did! And guess who pulled that dagger out of our backs? These istiks to whom we now owe our lives!”
“Silence!” Lae’zel growls back at the barbarian, “You are too quick to turn on our people! On our kin! This is a test of faith for both of us! And I can clearly see that you have already failed! You would abandon the teachings and the mandates so quickly and eagerly! What kind of githyanki are you?!” She pulls her sword and continues to sneer, “I should have sliced you open when we first met!”
“You are blinded by your faith Lae’zel!” Ganos roars in return as he pulls his weapon as well, “The zaith'isk damn near took your life! Or have you already forgotten that as well? Did that joke of ‘purification’ scramble your brain!?”
Lae’zel growls a battle cry and Ganos replies in turn. The two githyanki charge for each other. But then Gale and Shadowheart were heard quickly conjuring and both were caught in a hold person spell. Wyll then snaps at them, “That’s enough! Both of you! That idea of a cure failed! Lae’zel, you have every right to be upset after being lied to! And you, Ganos! There’s no need to egg her on! We all saw that you were both betrayed by your people. Nothing can change that. But we still have to work together! We can’t have you both at each other's throats like this! We’ll find another cure.”
“Release me!” Lae’zel sneers at the Sharran cleric holding her in place.
Shadowheart scoffs, “After you come to your senses, maybe I will.”
Gale then addresses his captive, “When I release you, you need to stow your weapon. Got it?”
“Yes, fine,” Ganos growls, “Release me.” Gale ends his spell and Ganos stumbles for a second. He breathes deeply but complies with the terms of his release.
Gale then looks at Lae’zel, “Same for you. We can’t be at each other’s throats.”
When all he got was a growl Shadowheart huffs, “I can hold you here until nightfall if I must. It would be a shame to waste what time we have left before the parasite consumes us. That dream guardian might be our only hope. And surely you have more brains than a barbarian.” The cleric looks at Karlach, “No offense.”
“None taken,” the tiefling replies.
“Chk!” Lae’zel replies, “Fine. Release me.” Shadowheart ends her spells and Lae’zel sheathes her weapon as well. The two githyanki then glare at each other once more and a sharp ‘chk’ was traded.
Astarion then speaks up, “Well now darlings, have you gotten your murderous intents for each other out? It would be better to save that for whatever danger awaits us on the road ahead.”
Karlach then addresses her fellow barbarian, “So, about that egg that varsh guy let you take. What are you going to do with it, soldier? You said you had an idea, but you never told us what.”
He had nearly forgotten about that. Ganos reaches into his bag and pulls out the large and heavy githyanki egg. Its green shell as rough as slate wrapped in black iron bands had remained fully intact after the string of fights to escape death at the hands of his kin. Former kin might be a better phrase at this point. Being marked by Vlaakith, he didn’t know when his queen’s knights would come to skin his hide. And Lae’zel was marked as well, they would skin her hide without a second thought also. Bullseyes were predominantly painted on their backs now. The egg wouldn’t be safe with them. Nor was it safe inside the crèche, it was soon to be smashed for not hatching. Ganos answers, “I was going to take it to another crèche. But that’s out of the question now.”
“Perhaps you should have let Lady Ester live and have given it to her then,” Shadowheart muses.
“Not a chance,” he snaps back, “That istik had foul intentions for this yank. I’m certain of it.”
“Why not just smash it then?” Astarion suggests. His suggestion got a quick glare from Gale, Karlach, and Wyll. The vampire continues, “Don’t look at me like that! That thing is quite heavy. It’ll just be a burden for us. There’s no point in lugging it around. Do you even know how to hatch that thing, darling? Do you even know if it will? It’s probably just a dud.”
As a matter of fact, Ganos had no clue. Hatching an egg was always done in a hatchery, a place of ideal temperature and conditions to incubate the eggs. And under the care of a well trained varsh. Not to mention caring for a hatchling, that would be an incredibly difficult chore as well. More so with them being on such a perilous quest and the ever looming threat of them turning into ghaik should the dream visitor’s powers fail.
Lae’zel was heard next, “In this case, I must agree with Astarion. As noble of an idea as it is to save the unborn. It would most likely prove to only be a burden for us. We should get rid of the egg.”
“You can’t be serious!” Karlach interjects, “The poor thing is just taking a bit longer to hatch! It just needs a bit more time, that’s all. We should give it a chance.”
“I agree,” said Wyll.
“I don’t,” Shadowheart remarks, “We don’t need a third gith target with us. And if it does hatch, it could murder us in our sleep. Just get rid of the damn egg.”
Gale then addresses Ganos again, “I won’t say I agree with hurting the wee one. But I doubt that egg has much of a chance with us. I, however, will yield to whatever you decide my friend.”
Ganos looks at the egg once more and then holds it up into the sunlight. Inside, he could see the shadow of the unhatched githyanki stirring inside. Given the size of the shadow, the child should have hatched. Or at least, be on the brink of it. He felt movement, the egg trying to sway between both of his hands from the hatchling’s movements while he held it in a firm grip. And then back ahead, over a steep cliff side. One quick toss and both egg and child would be no more. It would become food for whatever scavenger found its remains. He pulled the egg back close to his chest and looked at it, studying the shell intensely. Part of him cried for him to hold the egg safe and snug, another argued for him to see reason and send the weakling away. He had cut down so many of his own kin during his upbringing, during his training, and he had witnessed a varsh in his own creche smashing duds with a stone cold face. And with this gnawing ghaik tadpole, would it be worth the risk? An oath from long ago came to his mind but reason tried to shoo it away. It would be better for this child not to suffer. “Mother Gith forgive me,” Ganos finally spoke. He holds the egg in one hand and pulls back his arm.
But the egg suddenly lurches and tosses itself out of his grasp. Wyll dives forward and catches the egg before it hits the ground. In his grip the egg starts to rock and frantically thrashes about, “Easy there! Easy!” He calls out to the egg.
The group looks at the egg in shock as Wyll wrestles to keep his grip on it. Ganos then shouts to the egg, “You’ve made your point! I won’t smash you little one! You can stay!”
A few more frantic lurches and the egg finally settles into calm once more. Wyll sits on the dirt path holding the egg in his lap, “There, see! There’s some fight left in this one.”
Karlach laughs, “Well that was a plea to live if I ever saw one.”
Ganos kneels down to the egg and gently takes it from Wyll. His eyes dance over the shell as he runs one hand over it. Still intact and none of the iron bands had started to bend, but he swore he could feel the child pushing against the shell once more. A deep sigh follows, “Okay, in you go.” He gently tucks the egg back into a protective pouch, “I’ll protect you. I’ll be your shield, little one.“
Lae’zel looks at him perplexed, “Are you serious? You’re going to try and hatch that egg? You don’t have any varsh instinct about you!”
“It asked for a second chance,” Ganos answers in a matter of fact tone, “So I’m granting it one.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
Following Halsin’s advice, the group of misfits ventured into the depths of the underdark in order to reach the shadow lands. They soon lost track of days down in the bowels of Faerûn with no sunlight to mark the passage of time. Only their weariness from fights and exploration served to mark the end of the day. Another group of locals helped, a rogue mindflayer found who tried to render aid but the attempt was unsuccessful. It was just as perplexed about the tadpoles they carried as was the group. Duergar and gnomes encountered and another so-called true soul life was taken. Ganos started to ponder if there was a connection between these cursed tadpoles and this cult they continued to encounter. An elevator back out of the underdark was found wrapped in the embrace of a Sharran temple and Shadowheart took delight in admiring the temple.
During the long elevator ride back to the surface, Ganos pulls the egg out of its protective pack and examines it once more. They had bought the hatchling a few more days that it potentially needed. But still there were no cracks or rips in the shell. None of the iron bands were starting to bend. He cautiously rubbed his hand along the shell, “Come on now…. I’ve bought you a few more days. It’s time to hatch.” He felt a push against his palm, but after lifting his hand to check, he found no cracks. So he rubbed the spot once more, “I’ll continue to shield you.”
Halsin then spoke up, “I would advise against encouraging it to hatch now. These cursed lands would be no place for a newborn.” The elevator jumped slightly as it reached the top of the shaft. Iron doors rattled open, the egg was replaced in its protective pouch and Halsin led them into a blighted land.
The air felt unnaturally cold. Death clearly gripped every corner and every square inch of land. The curse itself twisted the ground and brought forth terrifying shadow creatures. More Absolutist lunatics were found and soon enough avoided. That was one good grace of this blasted tadpole, they could at least investigate their camps without catching suspicion. Torches held the cursed darkness at bay but for only so long. Any who strayed too far felt themselves suddenly being drained. Shadowheart was the sole of the group who found the darkness lovely and enchanting but maintained a protective ring of guardians around the group as Gale held up his weapon enchanted with light to try and keep the beasts away. The shadows who drew to close Astarion, Karlach, Ganos, Lae’zel, and Wyll worked to quickly defeat. Thanks to darkvision, Karlach and Wyll took point in finding their way through the shadows while Astarion and Shadowheart kept an eye on their backs and sides. Halsin was able to give directions but the twisted land caused them to take several detours.
In the distance, they saw a globe of light. A beacon of hope in this place of cursed shadows. Hopefully there they could find relief from the terrors of the curse. Jaheira understandably greeted the band of adventurers with defensive caution. A quick explanation was given and they were welcomed to Last Light Inn. The tieflings from the grove had made their way here as well and told their heroes the tragic tale of what happened when they set foot into these accursed lands. Many of them had been lost to the shadows or taken to Moonrise Towers. Some damned Zelvor’s name and called him a coward
Finding the cleric of Selûne protecting the inn was a simple task. Getting her blessing to hold off the curse, as much as Shadowheart sneered at it, even easier. But when Isobel came under attack the band of misfits were quick on the draw to protect both her and the inn from the incoming threat. The traitor Marcus was swiftly slaughtered and his band of helpers dealt with, at least those who didn’t immediately flee with a captive. The ambush was held off and Last Light Inn continued to stand as the remaining beacon of hope in these cursed lands. Isobel and Jaheria were both beyond grateful for the aid. But Kethric would need to be dealt with, and soon. They were ordered to gather themselves and aid the Harpers when they were ready.
With a chance for reprieve at last, Ganos hides in a secluded corner of the inn and pulls the heavy egg out to inspect it. It remained untouched by the shadow curse thanks to their efforts, and even after the ambush it was still intact. With great care, he cradles it close to his chest and places one hand against the shell. It felt like the hatchling was shivering in fear. So he speaks warmth and comfort to the egg, “Your shield is here. I will keep you safe.” The shivering stopped. A few seconds pass and he feels a push against his hand. A flicker of a smile pulls at one corner of his lips briefly as he rubs the spot, “You will be honed.” It had become a ritual for him over these last few days, speaking to the egg, waiting for a response and then replying.
A familiar voice was then heard, “Has it been cursed?” When Ganos looked at the voice, he found Lae’zel looking back at him with her stern gaze. “Or is it wanting to hatch amongst this curse?”
“Neither,” Ganos answers his kin and turns his attention back to the egg. By the gods, what was he thinking trying to hatch this thing? He thought he was saving it from danger but he had only brought it into an even more dangerous place.
Lae’zel walks closer to him and looks at the egg curiously. She then looks at him and speaks softly, “It’s not safe to travel any further with it. I have no reason to doubt Halsin or Jaheira's claims that these shadows will only grow stronger. It will surely be smashed either in battle or taken by these shadows.”
She was right, he knew that. His eyes suddenly flicker with an idea and he covers the egg once more. Ganos then whistles for his comrades and heads towards the forge just outside of the inn. “Dammon,” the githyanki says to the tiefling blacksmith, “I need to request a favor.”
Dammon smiles at his saviors and speaks in mild jest, “If it’s a discount, I can’t help you there, friend. But I’ll be happy to fix your armor or weapons if you need it.”
Ganos shakes his head, “It’s neither repairs or gear that I need. I need you to guard something of great importance. While we go and try to remove this shadow curse.”
“Guard duty?” Dammon questions, “I’m decent with a weapon but whatever you need guarded would be better kept in the inn, not my forge.”
“It’s the warmth of your forge I need,” Ganos replies, “Or rather…,” he then presents the large egg to the blacksmith, “What this little one needs.”
A double take from Dammon as his eyes are drawn to the green egg, “My gods…. Is… is that a githyanki egg? Your kind actually hatch from eggs? I-I thought that was a jest!” He walks closer to the egg and holds out one hand, “May I touch it?” Ganos gives a short nod of approval and Dammon gently brushes his hands along the rough shell. A soft smile spreads on Dammon’s face when movement was felt and he lifts his hand from the egg. Next, he questions, “So is this egg...?” He trails off his questions and gestures between Ganos and Lae’zel
“I should cut out your tongue for suggesting as such!” Lae’zel snaps, “I am no shu'kyani. Hells, may I never be given that honor,” she speaks with a short shudder.
“Don’t be daft!” Ganos answers abruptly, “I did not sire this egg! I rescued it. From a doomed crèche and certain death.” He then looks over his shoulder towards the lands just outside of the protective shield and then back to Dammon, “Or at the very least, I intend to save it from certain death. But that’s all that is out there in those shadows. So I wanted to leave it in your forge where it’ll be safe and warm.”
Dammon looks back at the egg and then towards the shadowlands, “Out there is no place for a child. Much less a defenseless egg.” He then turns back to his friends, “Okay, I’ll guard the egg for you. It’s the least I can do after all you’ve done for us.” With great care, Dammon gently scoops the eggs out of Ganos’s arms and holds it close to his torso, “Heavy thing, aren’t you? Don’t go hatching until your caretaker comes back, alright?”
“Thank you,” Ganos speaks sincerely, “We’ll be back soon, I hope.”
~~~~~~~~~~
Off into the shadows once more this time with the harpers at their side go the misfit band of heroes. Dammon speaks warmly to the egg and places it in a secure nest lined with cloth. He watches it curiously and chuckles to himself, “So those stories are true. Gracious you’re a big thing. I pity the, what did she call them, shu'kyani who laid you. Well, you’ll be safe here. I don’t blame you for not wanting to hatch yet. It’s pretty scary out there right now. We came across some shadow cursed githyanki, did they come from the same place you did?” Of course the egg gave no response. Not that Dammon was expecting one. He returned to his hammer and anvil, repairs for the caravan still needed to be made. Weapons and arrows for the Harpers and the group of adventures would be required as well. The blacksmith was more than happy to offer his services for the sake of survival.
The band of adventures returned to Last Light Inn for reprieve a handful of times. Time was difficult to keep track of with darkness all around. But everytime they returned, be it for supplies or a quick meal, Ganos would hurry to the forge to check on the egg. Dammon noted that he thought the egg was looking for him everytime he left. They would give Jahira a report of any findings and then back into the shadows they ventured. More of the Throm clan was finally laid to rest, a possible lead on how to end the immortal ruler of the shadows was found, and Dammon caught a bit of gossip from Karlach about the two githyankis bonding during a nighttime fight as he reforged a bent glove. And then, the long awaited return of hope as Dame Aylin soared across the skies. The final fight for the shadow cursed lands was at hand. Jahira and her Harpers hurried to Moonrise Towers as Isobel and those under the Moon Maiden’s protective embrace cheered them and their heroes onward. One last stand, Kethric would fall and this blasted curse would be no more!
And with the fall of Myrkul’s chosen, the lands could finally at long last be granted a chance to heal. Cheers of the hero’s success quickly reached Last Light Inn. It was safe to travel onwards to Baldur’s Gate once again. The tieflings gathered their supplies and made for Moonrise Towers. There they would gather and regroup and then, Baldur’s Gate awaited. Cheers and jubilation was abound now that the curse was lifted. The reign of shadows was finally over. Dammon quickly found his saviors once more and with the heavy egg in tow, “Friends! You’ve saved us again!” The egg lurched in his grasp prompting Ganos to run to his friend and hold onto the egg as well, “Easy there little fighter!” Dammon speaks in a jovial tone, “I’ve brought you back to your varsh. Did I say that right?”
“Yes, that’s right,” Ganos replies as he scoops the egg back into his arms. The child inside was brimming with more power and energy than ever before. It felt like it was making quite the attempt to break out. “The curse is gone. You’re safe to hatch now.” The egg continues to squirm and jump in his grip. Ganos kneels down and places the egg on the floor. The others quickly gather around and watch. But soon the movements wane, the egg spins in place and then goes still once more.
“Oh come on!’ Karlach shouts, “What’s the big idea teasing us like that little one!”
Wyll laughs, “Maybe it’s just tuckered out.”
“Chk!” Lae’zel scoffs, “You’ve been given plenty more time and the curse is now gone. Are you hatching or not?”
Ganos frowns at the egg and scoops it back into his arms. That certainly looked like it was ready to burst from its shell. Halsin chuckles, “New life can take time. The land will soon heal. And once the new growth emerges,” he then points to the egg, “New life will quickly follow.”
Back on the road, off once more to Baldur’s Gate. The city and answers to their many questions would hopefully soon be in sight. Fueled by their victory over the curse, they steadily march and trail after the tiefling refugee caravan. A wonderful accomplishment was had, bards would sing of their victory for ages to come. Gale joked that Volo was probably already at work. It was nice to finally have a day of peace, no bandits, gnolls, goblins, or shadows came to stir trouble and to pick a fight with the band of heroes.
As the light started to fade, it was time to make camp once more. An easy to guard spot by the river would do nicely. Gale went to work preparing the meal as always as the others claimed their various places for rest and started the campfire. And in the dim fire light, Ganos holds the egg in both hands and looks over it in concern. After that voracious thrashing, a clear attempt to hatch in the reclaimed Moonrise Towers, the child movements had gotten slower and less energetic. He started to worry that she was right. Lae’zel sat close next to him, their bodies touching and sharing each other's warmth. She looks at the egg as well and then to the concern in his eyes, “It was a noble effort on your part, zhak vo'n'ash duj. We both know that dud eggs happen. That at times a hatchling is simply too weak to emerge. To cross that first hurdle into life. We’ve both watched a varsh cull the weak.”
“Yes,” Ganos sighed. With all the victories they had recently, perhaps it was too greedy of him to ask for one more. He rubs his palm across the egg’s shell as he had done some many times before. There was a longer pause than usual, and then he felt the hatchling lightly hit his palm. A grimace crosses his face. Come dawn, Ganos knew that if the egg hadn't hatched, he would need to face fact and smash the egg. It would be nothing more than useless heavy cargo to carry it any further. He knew Astarion would join him, and rattle off a long list of ‘I told you so’s as he cleaned more boar blood from his fangs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ganos’s sleep was restless, and not just from the tadpole. Nightmares of red dragon riders hunting them down. With each and everyone he swung at, three more would appear. He heard his friends shouting for each other, he attempted to command them but his voice was gone. Any load roar that would unlock a frenzied rage was shackled. Arrows and arcana whipped by his head. Metal and stone could be heard splintering and cracking. A torrent of fire rained down on them, their camp was scorched, one by one each of his friends fell. Gale went first, Wyll was next, Karlach took the full brunt of a fatal blow, Shadowheart soon followed, Astarion was ripped asunder by dragon claws, Halsin and Jahera both vanished in a wall of flames, and Lae’zel was run through by a silver sword. As each one fell he cried their names, damned the gods, cursed the hells, and tried to race to the aid. But a silver sword came aimed for him.
As its edge met his neck, Ganos awoke with a sharp gasp. He placed both hands to his neck, no blood was felt and no fang marks were found either. Panting desperately, his eyes dance around the camp as he rushes to his feet. They were all asleep. All safe and sound, all still alive. Only the sweet smell of nightfall greeted him. Ganos gripped at his heart as he breathed deeply, “Just a nightmare,” he whispers.
But something peculiar caught his eye, his bag had moved during his sleep. There were no footprints, but it looked like it had been dragged or pushed away from him. Silently, he walked over to the bag and reached to move it back to where it was. But as he lifts the bag, an empty githyanki egg shell rolls out of the top. His breath hitched at the sight and his eyes went wide, the iron bands were bent, green tinted goop stained the ground and sullied the eggs protective pouch. Upon looking closer, more shell shards were found. And leading away from the empty shell, a pair of wet foot prints heading towards the river shore. The maker was clearly unsteady on their feet for several steps and a line was drawn in the dirt next to the tracks. “Tsk'va!” He hisses and races towards the river shore grabbing a short sword as he runs.
The egg had hatched! The hatchling was alive! But where had it wandered off to? Where were its githyanki instincts leading it!? Ganos hadn’t a clue but knew he had to find it. His answer soon came, a raspy cry, an attempt at a snarl or perhaps a growl came further down the river edge. And under the moonlight he found the infant boy. In both hands the infant was tightly gripping a small crude bone dagger. The child must have grabbed it out of the bag after it hatched. Ganos was slightly relieved to see the child had enough githyanki instinct to grab a blade.
As for who or what the infant was trying to frighten, it was a pair of lowly human bandits. The female laughed at the sight of the infant, “I didn’t think your types came so small! Were you casted out, little githyanki?” The infant tried to intimidate the duo with another raspy cry and clumsily swung the dagger at the two humans. The swing caused the infant to fall off balance and into the dirt. It gave another raspy cry and stumbled back to an unsteady stance as the two humans laughed.
The portly male spoke next, “Oi, I got an idea. What about we take this little feller? Have him put on a show. Say we tamed him. He can fill our coin purses.” The female laughed and agreed to the idea. The portly male looks at the infant again, “Come on little guy! Put on a show fer us. And will give you some britches. Do good and we’ll even get you a shirt. Go on. Roar again.”
The idea made Ganos’s anger flared, his rage started to build and flood his veins. These istiks want to hear a proper githyanki roar? Then they will hear the best barbarian roar he could muster. The infant inhaled to shout again. Ganos leaps down just behind the infant, towering above him and draws a deep breath as well. Once more the infant gives a raspy cry, but Ganos delivers a proper, barbaric, raging, githyanki roar.
His terrifying roar echoed into the night frightening the two bandits. “Shit! There’s a big one!” The portly male yells.
“That must be his dad!” the female remarks, “We've got to run-!”
But before the female bandit could finish her sentence, a pair of sharp fangs pierced her neck. She yells in pain and tries to wrestle away her assailant, but rapid blood loss makes her grow weak. Her partner looks at her in shock, watching in fear as a pale elf drinks her dry.
First a full grown githyanki and now a vampire!? The portly male yells in terror and tries to flee but Ganos wouldn't allow it. He charges at the bandit and runs his blade through the human's chest. Both of the bandits fell dead into the dirt, only one left bleeding out.
Astarion pants and wipes away the trail of blood on his chin, "What's the big idea trying to scare off my prey? You said I could drink bandit blood." When his companion gave no answer, his red eyes looked back ahead and he gasped, "By the gods… it actually hatched!"
Ganos turned back to look at the frightened hatchling. He had dropped the crude dagger and was frozen in fear. Ganos approached the hatchling and kneeled down to the child. Next he placed one hand near the child's head and spoke with a reassuring tone, "It’s okay little one. I am your shield."
Fear started to wane from the child and he looked at him curiously. A raspy vocalization was heard and the hatchling look between Ganos's face and his hand. Cautiously, the hatchling reaches for his hand and chirps again. Ganos smiled and spoke, "You will be honed." He then places his hand atop the hatchling head and gently rubs his black hair. It was still slick from hatching and needed to be clean. Delight came next and a happy chirp came from the hatchling. He knew Ganos to be his varsh and he eagerly grabbed at his shirt while trilling various happy notes.
A short chuckle escapes from Ganos, “Hello to you as well. Your hatching must have been horribly mistimed. You made all of us worried.” He then takes a moment to examine the infant, yellow skin, short black hair, sapphire eyes, no black spots but those would appear with time. His nails were short and still soft, no good for scratching yet. After a few hours they would be as hard and sharp as claws. The infant's ears were pointed as expected but still smooth along the edges. With every vocalization from the infant, Ganos attempted to check for any teeth. His very front teeth were present and flanked by two sharper dagger like teeth. The four front lower teeth, each pointed and sharp, could be seen as well. Soft food and liquids only for the time being, he knew at least the infant could land a nasty bite if needed.
Be it from the night air or the leftover damp from hatching, the boy’s body felt cold. Ganos quickly removes his shirt and wraps the hatchling in it before scooping him into his arms. Not the best but it would keep the small child warm for now, “Did you come down here to get cleaned up?” The hatchling warbles another happy tone and gives him a smile. A happy smile that was reflective on Ganos’s face as well. With the danger gone, disbelief at this accomplishment he was now cradling was starting to set in. He had actually managed to hatch an egg outside of a crèche. Him, a barbarian without a lick of varsh training to his name. The hatchling was content to cuddle against his chest, Ganos assumed for warmth.
Astarion scoffs, "Well then. I suppose congratulations are in order, my friend. Such a shame that my list of 'I told you so's will have to wait. Although, I must admit I'm not too keen on having an infant at our camp. Do you have a name for him yet?"
Ganos took a few seconds to ponder the question. He was this hatchling’s varsh, and thus the task of naming was on his shoulders as well. And with any luck, this newborn githyanki in his arms would be ignorant to Vlaakith’s teachings and mandates. Instead, he would know the full truth of the lich queen's tyranny concealed as false promises. A possible first for his species in many millennia. A hum was heard and then Ganos answered, "Al'darez. That's what he'll be called. Let's get you back to camp, little one."
"Your roar definitely woke everyone up, darling," Astarion notes as he takes the lead back towards the camp.
~~~~~~~~~~~
Back at the campsite the others were looking around in a panic. Why had their leader roared? Where was the danger? They held their weapons at the ready, the spell casters preparing to launch an offensive. Those with night vision peered around on alert ready to call out any intruder. But instead back into their camp came their high elf companion, "No need to be alarmed, darlings!” Astarion announces with his usual flair, “We already took care of those bandits."
"And got yourself a meal out of the deal, looks like," Karlach pointed out.
Gale then groans "Bloody barbarian scaring us like that. A wizard needs his sleep."
Ganos arrived back next, it was obvious that he was carrying something in arms. Wyll was quick to ask the obvious, "Why are you carrying your shirt? Don't tell me those bandits got the jump on you."
The hatchling squirms for a bit and then manages to push part of the makeshift blanket off of his head. Al'darez then warbles and chirps at the others with a curious look.
"Oh my gods!" Karlach was the first to yell out in delight, "The egg hatched! Hello there! Welcome to the world you doll!"
"It hatched!" Gale exclaimed, "It actually hatched!"
"You actually managed to hatch it?!" Lae'zel shouts in equal shock.
Halsin smiles brightly at the sight, “Like I said. New life now that the curse is gone. That little one there is proof of it.”
Jaheira scoffs, “Well, I must admit. Even a githyanki child is cute when new to the world.”
Wyll then points out, "That's why you roared. Those bandits went for the kid."
"A lethal mistake on their part," Ganos notes, rather proud of the fact. "Karlach, can you get some water warmed up?"
"Sure thing, pal," the tiefling replied and went to her task.
Gale speaks up, "Don't keep us waiting. Boy? Girl? Got a name yet?"
"Boy," Ganos answers, "His name is Al'darez."
Lae'zel then notes, "A late hatch but enough sense to grab a weapon. He might have a chance yet."
"Should we be worried that his first instinct was to grab a weapon?" Shadowheart questions.
"Not at all," Lae'zel answers, "He armed himself. That was proper instinct. He even grabbed something he could swing."
The band of misfits went to work helping to clean the small hatchling and getting him dressed in proper clothes they had taken to sell. Al’darez looks at the group from where he sat, his eyes shining in curiosity and then a raspy growl was heard.
Karlach tilts her head in confusion, “Something wrong with your throat, love?”
Al’darez replied with another raspy growl. This time Lae’zel was quick to respond with a proper growl in kind. Her reply causes the child to freeze and then change his growl into a more proper sound. “Good,” Lae’zel responds.
Al’darez looks back at Karlach and growls at her once more. The tiefling looks at her githyanki friends, “Translation?”
Lae’zel answers in a matter of fact tone, “He mistakes you for his kin. If you want that fact to remain, growl back.”
Karlach wasn’t fond of the idea of scaring the hatchling, but she cleared her throat and gave a soft growl back. Al’darez chirped a happy tone back and then looked around the group at the others. It took a sharp elbow hit from Lae’zel but Wyll was the next to growl at the hatchling. Al’darez gladly growled back and gave him a smile as well. One by one Al’darez traded a growl with his protectors and then turned to find Ganos. Instead of a growl, he attempted a louder roar, but it was closer to a raspy high pitched squeak. Ganos smirked at the hatchling and gave a soft roar back. The hatchling laughed and chirped happily in reply.
“Alright you,” Ganos reaches out and scoops up the hatchling, “You’ve met the closest thing you’ll have to a crèche. Bedtime.” Al’darez was quick to grab onto his shirt once more and cling tightly to him. Their eyes lock for a brief second before the infant lets out a soft yawn. He then curls up once more against Ganos’s chest and starts to drift off to sleep.
Gale was heard next, “If I didn’t know your species better, I say you were looking like a proud father right now.”
“Varsh,” Lae’zel was quick to correct, “Would be the correct term. You would be wise to not sully Al’darez with your istik ideals. Both for his sake and your own.”