The Surest Way

[shosen]

"What have you been up to?" Such a simple question, but hardly a simple answer. I hadn't seen Avenhar for so long, and the past few weeks had been hectic.

"That's... a question with a rather long answer, actually."

"Then you'd best start answering."

"Helping friends, for the most part." The easiest way to sum it all up. I didn't really want to go into the details, not in the middle of the Zhevra. And I didn't have to, not once the very tiny gnome arrived and decided that Ahale was wonderful. I'm not certain he shared the opinion, but it sent the night off onto a light note that eventually lead to costumes, and dancing.

Different look. Human, whole, but still male, male, male. Tall, dark, and handsome. I can't wait until Hallow's End and candies that will let me make-believe it's okay, if rarely and only for a little while.

But it was still fun, all of us being what we aren't and enjoying it. I wanted to stay longer, but Avenhar said we had to leave, something important. I didn't get to hear the why before I heard a familiar voice across the crowd.

"Is... Mr. Koani here... by any chance?"

Doctor Vines. I hadn't had a chance to talk to him since sending the copy of my file. If he was looking for me, it was probably related to that, even if he was out of the Plaguelands. Instead of leaving right away, I went to see if that was the case.

The costume seemed to throw him off, and he walked right past me into the inn in search of me. I followed after removing the illusion. He was... focused. His words were oddly paced, but he wasn't befuddled or confused at all. Maybe it was because he was working. He asked me for some samples: skin and whatever it is we have in place of blood. It's always interesting, to see him when he's working. He can be so grumpy and prickly, but he asked me if I was all right after taking the skin sample, and cast something at the end, maybe to prevent infection, I didn't ask.

And I realised that I trusted him. To keep secrets and put his own interests first, maybe, but also to tell me the truth, to look into the matter in all the ways he was able, and to not cause unnecessary harm while her was doing it. Which is why I agreed, when he asked to perform a soul examination. Though I figured it might be better to mention that I was a woman before he began. He didn't seem to know that.

Which was probably why he thought Avenhar was my... bedmate? When she interrupted because we had to leave. Absolutely embarrassing, especially since she didn't even bother to try to change his mind. She just laughed! I swear, people have far too much fun making me blush.

But a few goodbyes and a quick hug for Gaark later, and we were on our way out of Ratchet. I thought we were going to go to Stranglethorn, but instead she turned serious, talking about questions and answers and honesty. Made me swear that I would answer her questions. And then, just like that and let it go, and went in an entirely different direction than I was expecting.

"Good now you need to fetch Sakti's soul."

"Er, I have it. ... wait, is she healed enough?"

"Yes. We need to start things in motion."