That night, after the group had killed the assassins in the Tollhouse, they decided to head back. Thankfully, the grove was only a few hours away from where they had ended up, so getting back wasn't an issue. Aera decided she would study the map in their down time so they could find the Goblin camp the following day.

It surprised her that they had not become Mind Flayers yet.

Gale had gone on a tangent while they were walking and had spoken of the process of ceremorphosis, explaining how by now, they should already be showing clear signs, including hallucinations, headaches, even losing teeth. He said because that hadn't happened, there seemed to be something different about their tadpoles.

Either that, or something was keeping them from changing.

Back at camp, they were relaxing after such a trying day. Aera knew there were many more to come, but she tried to make the most of her down time.

She decided to go outside the gates and wash up. As she grabbed a change of night clothes she'd taken from the Tollhouse earlier, she heard someone walk up behind her.

"Are you going for a wash?"

It was Shadowheart, who was also dressed down. Aera nodded.

"I am."

"It's best we go together, just in case something catches us with our guards down," Shadowheart said. "If you don't mind, I mean."

Aera enjoyed her time alone, but she had to admit that going by herself wasn't a smart decision.

"Not at all."

The two women made their way to the nearby river. Neither knew what to say, but Shadowheart tried to make conversation.

"What do you make of everyone?"

Aera set her clothes down on the edge of the river as she responded. "I'll admit that I enjoy everyone more then I thought I would."

"Really?" Shadowheart said.

"Yes. Some more than others, but overall I think we make a good team."

Shadowheart said nothing.

The two women undressed. They faced away from each other out of respect and got in the water, keeping their weapons as close to the edge of the river as possible.

"Do you think we have a shot at this?" Shadowheart asked. "I mean, after what Gale told us earlier, I'm not sure if I'm relieved or more anxious."

"I think we do," Aera said as she took some of the cool water and rubbed it along her left arm. "We just have to hurry with the goblins and move on."

"I don't even know where we're headed," Shadowheart told her. "I mean what's the end goal?"

"Finding a healer, of course." Aera got her hair wet and sighed as the cool water ran down her face.

"Well, yes, but we also need to think about the bigger picture," Shadowheart said. "The Mind Flayers attacked Baldur's Gate and Waterdeep. Who knows what they're planning?"

Aera thought about Shadowheart's words. She was right. They might be able to get the tadpoles out of their heads, but how long until the Mind Flayers came back with an even bigger vengeance? Better yet, why were they doing this?

So many unanswered questions.

"Well, once we rid ourselves of these tadpoles, we'll figure out what to do about the Illithid," Aera said. "One thing at a time."

"Can I ask you something?" Shadowheart said.

"Sure."

"What did Gale talk to you about? It seemed urgent."

Aera's heart skipped a beat. She cleared her throat, then said: "You have nothing to worry about. If Gale wants to tell the group, I'm sure he will, but it wasn't anything that puts you in danger."

"I guess," Shadowheart replied. "I'm just not sure I trust him."

Aera said nothing. She couldn't blame her, but she felt a bit differently.

The two women finished up, then dried off with some rags and got dressed. Aera pushed her bangs back from her forehead, enjoying feeling somewhat clean. They made their way back, making small talk about Shar. They heard a commotion at their camp as they neared, looking at each other in confusion before hurrying toward the others.

"One horn! The stink of Avernus. Advocatus diaboli!"

Aera threw her dirty clothes over by her tent and walked up to the angered Wyll, who was staring Karlach down.

"Well I'll be godsdamned," Karlach started. "The Blade of Frontiers. Thought I'd shaken you for good. That'll teach me to underestimate you."

"Wyll," Aera said, walking up to him. "Stand down."

He ignored her, staring at Karlach with hatred.

"Karlach! The archdevil Zariel's gladiator, come to burn the Sword Coast to ash."

"You've got it all wrong, Wyll. Karlach's not about to hurt anyone." Aera glanced at the others, who had gathered around to witness the scene.

"Well-not counting the fuckers that need a good hurting," Karlach said. Aera glanced at her in a slightly frantic please don't.

"Shut it devil," Wyll snapped. "I know your kind. A heart darker than a shadow's nightmares. You'd cut a child's throat just to taste the blood."

"Hey now," Gale said. "You know nothing of Karlach."

"I most certainly do," Wyll said, glaring at Gale.

"A devil?" Karlach looked at him in confusion and annoyance. "I didn't take the Blade for a fool. I'm- ngh!"

Everyone's minds collided with Karlach's, showing the world from her perspective. Fighting demons, indescribable heat, the frontlines of the Blood War.

When Wyll came back to his senses, he frowned at her.

"Proof, clear as summer sky. It's over, Karlach. It's time you feel the sting of the Blade."

"Oh stop," Aera snapped. She was once again ignored.

"I've tried to tell you - I'm not what you think I am," Karlach said. Astarion quietly slipped away and over to his tent. Aera watched him grab one of his daggers and make his way back over. They made eye contact, an understanding nod shared between them.

If Wyll attacked, they would have no choice.

As Aera turned back to face Wyll, they were met with another vision. Zariel's servants fell around Karlach as she cut them down. The tiefling woman was looking for a way to escape.

Wyll shook his head in disbelief, but Aera could tell he was questioning the situation fully now.

"By Balduran's helm, I- no. I will not be tricked!"

"You saw the truth. I may be an effective soldier, but I never wanted to serve Zariel. Legged it away from her the first chance I got."

"And yet you served," Wyll snapped.

Aera had had enough of Wyll. She got up close to him, so close that she could feel his body heat and his angered breathing.

"Look, I get that you were sent after her, but you saw the truth, just as we all did. Karlach is not a danger. You need to stand down- now."

Wyll met Aera's eyes, dread in his expression, but he shook his head once more as she backed away.

"No! Devil's cannot be trusted!"

"My gods you're stubborn," Astarion said, rolling his eyes.

"Devil? Karlach is not a devil and you know it," Aera said. "Now please. Can we all just calm down?"

Karlach sighed.

"See?" Karlach said. "Would you listen to sense? This doesn't have to end badly for either of us. You know monsters better than anyone. Can't you look in my eyes and see I'm not a devil?"

"You don't know what this means. You don't know what you're asking me to do."

Aera saw the fear in Wyll's eyes, saw the fight going on in his mind.

"I'm asking you to live, Wyll. I don't want to hurt you. And, to be frank, I'd rather not find out how the Blade got his name. I swear to you, on all I am, I'm not what you think."

There was a moment of silence as Wyll contemplated his next move. Aera glanced at Gale, who seemed in mild discomfort. He rubbed his chest and took a deep breath. When he noticed her looking, he stood up straighter, giving her a small smile of acknowledgement.

Aera looked away, worried but knowing now wasn't the time.

"Shit. Shit." Wyll sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat. "You really are no devil, are you? I've... I've been deceived."

There was a collective breath let out as the tension dissipated.

"Thank the gods. Thought I was going to have to take your head," Karlach said.

"You would've died in the attempt. But - there has been enough threats today."

"Truce then, hey?"

Will nodded. "Aye. Truce. I see the good in you, Karlach. I promise not to lose sight of it, even when the Hells burn hottest."

Shadowheart sighed. "Good. Glad we could clear all this up. I thought I was going to have to end you, Wyll."

Wyll chuckled, but there was something more behind his eyes.

As the group dispersed, Aera walked after Wyll. He sat down at his tent and pulled his knees up, draping his arms across them. She sat down facing him, her bangs falling back across her forehead.

"I'm sorry we didn't warn you," Aera said. "We just stumbled upon her and she didn't seem to be a threat. We should have come to you to talk it out."

Wyll look up at her and smiled. "You did nothing wrong. You've been witness to a pantomime, I'm sorry to say, and I've played my part all too poorly. It's not you or anyone else I'm upset with. I'm just worried."

"What's wrong?"

"I... it's complicated."

"Someone sent you after Karlach. Who was it?" Aera tried to meet his eyes, leaning forward slightly.

"Someone who isn't going to be very happy that I spared her."

"Should we be concerned?" Aera asked. "What's going to happen to you?"

"It'll be okay," Wyll assured her. "I won't let harm befall you or anyone else in camp. My punishment is my own. One night soon, when we make camp, the veil will be lifted and I'll pay my penance."

Aera sighed. "Well, whatever that means, you won't be alone."

Wyll smiled at her. "Thank you."

Aera nodded, then stood. "Try to rest," she said. "Tomorrow's a big day."

"Will do."

Aera walked away. She noticed Lae'zel, who'd avoided the confrontation, practicing combat far from the others. She considered talking to her, but figured the Gith didn't want to be interrupted.

Talking would have to wait.

*****************

Aera woke up to Gale gently shaking her shoulder. "Aera?"

She sat up in confusion, her eyes barely open from grogginess. "Huh? What's wrong?" She whispered.

He held back a groan, wincing in pain. "I... need an artifact. I thought I could make it till the morning, but no."

Aera noticed how sickly he looked. He was sweating, dark circles beneath his eyes. He was pressing his palm to his chest as the orb mark lightly glowed.

Aera immediately woke up. "Oh gods. What do you need?"

"Any magical artifact," Gale said. He stood up, his breathing heavy. It wasn't long before he was doubled over in pain. "Please."

Aera rushed to look through her backpack and camp chest. She pulled a set of enchanted gloves from the backpack and hurried back to Gale.

"Gale? Does this work?"

She held out the gloves, her heart racing.

Gale nodded. "Gods... thank you."

He took the gloves and began concentrating. The orb began glowing, Gale stiffening and clutching his chest. He gritted his teeth at the discomfort. Aera watched, eyes wide.

Once the gloves were drained of their magic, he let out an exasperated breath, then glanced down at them. "Thank you... I'm sorry to wake you."

Aera watched the orb slowly dim until it took on the appearance of a tattoo once more.

"Are you okay?" She asked.

Gale nodded. "I am now. Although this didn't seem to work as well as it usually does." He handed her the gloves back. "They're quite useless now... but just know they didn't go to waste."

Aera tossed the gloves over to her tent and turned to him, stepping closer. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, I'm quite alright." He smiled at her. "I owe you twice over now, you know?"

She looked at the mark on his chest, then back up into his dark eyes. "What is this? How did you obtain such a curse?"

"That's a story for another day," Gale said. "You need to rest."

Aera sighed. "I must know."

Gale looked around at the others, hesitating. She waited for a response, watching him contemplate. When he finally met her eyes once more, he nodded slowly.

"Okay, I'll tell you. But let's go somewhere private."