Bishop grumbled under his breath, upset at his animal companion. Once again he had asked Karnwyr what it was about the hobbit that made him trust her so much and all that came back was images of a red sibling. He had barked “cub” and “mom” but never communicated anything about the hobbit. At least as far as he could see he didn't. The dire wolf would then get upset and not want to discuss anything further.

He thought it over. Sitting near the fire, he was chopping up sticks with his knife that he got back from that brat who survived the destruction of Ember. He tossed some sticks into the fire. It seemed right that the sparks felt as explosive as his temper.

How was that woman able to make his companion not wish to speak? Could he be misunderstanding the dire wolf? No. How could he misunderstand? It was only a red cub with a wimpy tail that didn’t even wag. Red dire wolves were rare so he figured this one had not even survived long in the wild before she got caught by a hunter or trapper.

They never had trouble communicating before. Until she came along and drove both of them nuts. But his wolf’s trust was given to the hobbit and the animal was refusing to tell him why. He was even razzing him at times when it seemed the woman would enjoy the barbs.

She took from Bishop and even though she always promised recompense, in this case there was none.

“Do you think that is enough evidence, Sand?” Casavir asked while rubbing some blood from the front of his breastplate, then picking up another section of his armor to clean.

Sand glanced past his paperwork, “Hmmm? Oh yes. It seems that we were able to find a good amount of evidence. This should all work very nicely. Very nicely indeed.” He noticed the paladin’s look and sighed, “And since you are wondering, no, I do not know if it will clear her name. It is good evidence, but judgement is often based on intrigue more so than actual evidence. Let’s just hope your woman can pull it off.”

Shandra continued working on her chore of cutting up the tubers and vegetables that she had been able to gather. They had all been concerned about the amount of evidence they had found. It was a good thing they were able to get that powder from the wood nymph which had changed that Lorne person’s appearance to look like Avera. However, she was still a bit creeped out that the little woman had happily made friends with a spider that was bigger than all of them combined.

She was happy that they had been able to roll the dire animals they had killed over a cliff face a short distance away. It took all of them to push the bear, relatively speaking as Sand had decided to manage the process instead of help physically, but they finally were able to get rid of it. It did not take long to hear other animals getting to the bodies.

“The lass is damn good with her mouth.” Khelgar spoke without thinking then suddenly remembered who he was around too late, “I mean, speaking.”

Bishop looked up and snickered. That was too good an opening not to take advantage of it. He regarded Casavir’s startled expression then delved straight in, “Is that true, paladin? Is she good with her mouth? She does kiss well but what else is she good at?”

The paladin stopped what he was doing and slowly turned his head to glare at the ranger, “You kissed Avera?” You could almost see ice come out with the words.

Khelgar glanced between the two men and pushed his axe into an easier to grab location. Sand pretended to be going through his notes but he was making sure to have some scrolls handy. Shandra shrugged and listened with interest.

The ranger snorted, “I’d say her tongue is almost like cinnamon. Bittersweet in a way. Maybe she has a thing for rangers as well.”

“Really?” Casavir snorted contemptuously, “Then why is she with me instead of you?” He enjoyed the way the ranger screwed up his nose in frustration and outrage. His lips quirked and he got a glint in his eye, “I guess you are not as good a kisser as I.”

Bishop stopped, realizing that the paladin had actually baited him for once. He shrugged and feigned indifference, “Are you sure? It’s not like I wanted to take it any further, anyway. It isn’t like she’s a great catch or anything.”

Karnwyr snorted then put his paws over his nose, whining as his master gave him a scathing gaze.

“Keep telling yourself that, lad. In the meantime, ye might be wanting to stop drooling every time she walks past ye.”

Shandra chuckled.

Casavir continued cleaning his armor, “So when did this happen?” He asked in a matter of fact tone, almost as if it meant nothing to him. But it did. It meant worlds to him. Did Bishop get to her while he was meeting with Ophala? Is that the real reason the ranger had followed him when he tried to find Avera that night? What did they do in that cave they had fallen in? Is that why she told the ranger to take a cold shower? When, oh Tyr, when did it happen?

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” His nose twitched, then he and Sand stood, looking into the woods. They gave each other a glance and walked backwards a few steps. Casavir grumbled as he threw on his platemail as quickly as possible with Khelgar helping. There was a reason the two men had decided long ago not to work on their armor at the same time.

“What is it?” Casavir asked.

The wind blew down fully towards them, and all of them groaned then gagged. Their eyes closed as they backed up a few more steps.

“Oh please don’t let it be what my nose tells me it is.” Sand choked.

“How do you get rid of one, ranger?” Khelgar squinted and tried to breathe through his mouth.

“Usually you just avoid them. They don’t normally come near people.”

“Just our luck.” Sand choked, “Does it always happen that things follow you like this?”

“Nah. Things usually follow Avera.” Khelgar stood back and choked.

“Or she finds things.” Bishop snapped in disdain. He was still put off with how the discussion with Casavir had turned.

They stood there, battle ready, but much more ready to run away. Karnwyr had already booted it to a safer distance, and stood panting at them.

The shrubs moved, and out from the bushes came Grobnar and Avera. The stink that wafted off of them was horrendous.

“What in the nine hells did ye do, lass?”

Avera glared at the gnome who was happily bouncing in spot, and was not looking upset or discomfited in the least, “A certain person, whom I shall not name,”

“She means me!” Grobnar threw his hand up as if he were in class and piped in with a huge smile. He danced about cheerily from foot to foot.

“Decided that it would be fun to track down a dire skunk that I was avidly trying to avoid.”

“It is always a treat to see them up close. Such cute creatures.”

“I’m sure.” Intoned Sand as he tried to breathe through a cloth.

Avera ground her teeth, “So before I could stop him, he decides to show me the wonders of the anal gland … and poked it in the butt with a stick!”

“You have to admit that it was something you have never seen before!”

She put her hands out in entreaty, noticing that all the men, Shandra and the dire wolf, had been inching upwind of them, “Uhm, Sand, can you do something?” She almost whined.

“Even though I wish there were a spell to remove eau de dire skunk … especially now … it is not something which has been constructed as of yet. Maybe I should delve into remedying that factor. Anyway, the only way we can deal with this odorous event would be for me to obtain some ingredients for you to bathe with.”

“Couldn’t we just throw tomatoes at them?” Khelgar put in. Shandra hit him in the arm and he gave her a scathing look, “What? At least let me pelt the gnome!”

“I’ll help.” Bishop encouraged.

Casavir sighed and rolled his eyes.

“So we go to town?” She queried.

“Oh no, my dear! Certainly not you or your adventurous pet. If you went to town they would be likely to hang you for stinking up the place. Now, that may not be such a bad thing with the gnome here," He pointed to the happily dancing, smiling gnome and groaned in disgust, "But I believe this little trip has been an adventure to keep you from the noose.”

“You’ll need someone to help carry the supplies!” Khelgar jumped over to his gear, and flung it onto his back before anyone could object.

Shandra moved warily to her pack, “I’m better than any of you at haggling!”

“I’m sure that Karnwyr and I can hunt on the way back since you two were unable to catch anything … edible.” Karnwyr barked and wagged his tail as the ranger grabbed his weapons.

Avera looked at her feet and nodded, “Good ideas.” She glanced at Casavir who stood in place. He was fighting the scent but did not move. She waved him on, “Go. You should not have to endure this more than you have to.”

“I promised to stick by you through all things. I stand by my word.”

“How very paladin of you.” Sand shook his head.

Bishop sneered, “I was wondering if you would stay by your woman and not break any more vows.”

“It is only right.” Casavir said, but gave Bishop a wilting stare.

“Why don’t we just kill the gnome?” Khelgar grumped as they were walking away, “It would keep Avera much safer. And us.”

“Now, now, Khelgar,” The ranger admonished, “You can’t kill him without torturing him first.”

“Aye, lad. You are right there.”

The three men, and the farm girl walked away, discussing the benefits of Grobnar torture and murder. Well, the men did. Shandra could be heard giving them trouble for being so cruel to even think of such things.

Avera sat down with a hand on her forehead.

“It might help if you both changed into clean clothing.” Casavir had grabbed a thick cloth from his bag and was holding it over his mouth and nose. She was watching him carefully as he did this, “Please do not take offense to this but … well …” He shuffled his feet, not wanting to say it, “You stink.”

Avera giggled at her lover. His eyes were cheerful for a moment then she became confused by the blank mask which suddenly shut down over his features. Something wasn’t right. She knew that look. He was upset … at her. Why? She looked on in concern as she grabbed her pack to get out clean clothes.

Grobnar pulled his pack off and bounced out of sight, whistling all the way, while Avera pulled out some clean clothes from hers and changed right there.

Casavir’s stare softened as he watched the way her body moved, removing her leathers, then her underclothes. She wiggled so soothingly that he could not help a half grin and the excitement which came from watching her form in all it’s natural beauty. That little beauty was his. Or was she?

She pulled out a pair of slacks and a shirt then put them on. He grimaced as she had to dress, but was happy she was done when a voice rang from a bush, “All done, ready or not!”

Grobnar walked into the clearing, naked. He sat on a log as Avera averted her head, and gave Casavir a shocked expression, hinting with her eyes that he should say something because she couldn’t. She’d have to look at the gnome. The human seemed just as put out as she was, but graciously asked, “Where are your clothes?”

The gnome looked up at the paladin, “Oh well, you see, I had my pack on my back when that dire skunk sprayed us so I have no clean clothes.”

“I am so glad I only took my weapons.” She kept her face averted from the sight, “So we need clothes for you to wear until ours are cleaned. My pants are all too small to lend you.”

My eyes, my eyes, “Mine are too large.”

The two beheld the pack that had been left in the ranger’s spot. Avera tittered in amusement, “But those may be just right.”

“We cannot use another’s clothing without asking permission.” But oh that would be such revenge. No, paladins don’t go after revenge. We look to justice. But isn’t this a kind of justice? No. This is revenge. It is also my lady hauling out some trews and tossing them to the gnome. Oh well. At least it is not on my conscience, and she does pay people back. It isn’t like that man was here to say anything.

Or did she feel that the ranger wouldn’t get upset if she let the gnome borrow them? He would want payment for the clothing. What would she give him for it? Stop! There had to be a reasonable explanation behind Bishop’s statement.

Avera noticed something weird, “Grobnar? Why isn’t this smell bothering you?”

“Oh! Well, that’s quite the story, Avera.”

“Make it a short story, Grobnar.” If there was something he could not handle right now it was a long Grobnar story. He had enough trouble fighting with himself about this kiss his woman had bestowed upon another.

“Very well, Sir Paladin! I’ve been sprayed before.”

Avera bit her lip, “That’s not a surprise.”

“Not really when you think about it. I mean, I’ve played with dire skunks since I was a child. I was sprayed so much that I lost any ability to smell it. I can smell everything else but skunk spray just doesn’t bother me in the least.”

Casavir hung his head, “Can you go near the river and wash the clothing? Maybe with it wet it will not reek as badly.”

“Good idea, Sir! I’ll do that right away!”

He clasped his hands in front of his face with the cloth as Grobnar gathered the clothes then ran off. He had no idea what to do. She was looking at him, confused. He could feel her. He could feel the curiosity streaming off of her. And the worry. But he couldn’t get himself to say anything. What if she did not want him anymore? What if she was playing games? Why would Tyr show him visions of her if it was only to break his heart?

“Casavir?”

He looked up at her. She was so sweet. How could she do anything like that? Why would she stab him in the heart? The ranger had to have been teasing him. But what if he was not? “We need more firewood.”

With that he was off. He avoided her the rest of the night, pretending that the reason was because the smell of the dire skunk was too much for him, but Avera could see through the mask, and whatever it was that was hurting him, it hurt her as well.

nnn

“Could you come wash my back for me?”

Casavir looked up with a pained expression, and turned his head, scrutinizing the ground, “What about Shandra?"

"I asked you. Not her."

"Why don’t you use that back washer Grobnar made?” He couldn't get that close to her. Even being across the fire from her was difficult. He had no idea what to do, what to say, or how to ask the simple question of what she and the ranger had done together and when.

Grobnar sat near the fire playing with a stick that had a wiggly, furry thing on the end.

Khelgar allowed himself a gander of what was going on as he cooked their lunch. The four had gotten back mid morning. Grobnar had already bathed but Avera decided to wait until after the gnome had cleaned up before she did. She watched the paladin pout instead hoping that he would somehow get over whatever it was that was bothering him before she bathed. The dwarf was afraid that the ranger may have done damage this time. He knew the paladin must have been up most of the night agonizing on what Bishop had said.

She raised an eyebrow and gave Casavir a disgusted expression, “That thing is the tail to the dire badger we killed yesterday when we got the transformation powder.”

“What you ask of me would not be proper in the company of others.” You kiss the ranger and you ask me to wash your back? What is this?

Avera turned at the brisk refusal. She looked him up and down, noticing the animosity in his eyes, “It isn’t like I asked you to screw me in front of them! You have long johns. Stick a pair on.” Her words shook him, making him sit up, “All I want is to get this stink off of me or do you want me going to court smelling like this? That would be appropriate, wouldn’t it?”

“I will wash your back for you.” Bishop leered at her while raising his eyebrows suggestively.

Casavir stood. There was a burning behind his eyes, and it took all his strength to keep from bashing the ranger’s face in. How dare he? “No. You are correct. It was an innocent request. I shall do my part.”

She grabbed a couple of towels and cloths. With a snort, she snapped, “You don’t have to make it sound like I’ve asked you to clean the crap out of the lavatory.” With that she pulled her eyes from Casavir, almost in tears, then stomped off to the water, ignoring the hurt look in his eyes. Didn’t he notice how much he just hurt her? What was eating him anyway? She had done nothing to deserve the attitude this man was giving her since she and the gnome had returned to camp. If she knew he’d act like that she would have stayed in the forest.

Sand and Khelgar watched them while blinking in surprise, Bishop snickered, Shandra shook her head unhappily and Grobnar danced around the fire singing his whitethistle song.

“At least the lass’s cussing has gotten a bit better.” He went back to cooking. Khelgar figured he would stay out of the way for now. Let them settle it on their own. But if they kept this up for much longer he was going to sit them both down, knock their heads together then beat on the ranger for starting this up in the first place.

He gave the ranger a sideways glance. Maybe just beat on the ranger first for the heck of it.

nnn

Avera wiped her face as she went behind some bushes. There was no way she would allow him to see her this way. Not with the freezing disdain he had been showing her.

Casavir followed with his own towels and the soap Sand had made. He watched as she disrobed and tossed her clothes onto the ground. His clothes, except for his long johns, followed with a grumble. She was about to step into the water but the grumble made her stop.

“I could always get Karnwyr into the water so I can rub against him to wash my back if you don’t want to. It would be more difficult to clean up that way and I’d have to wash him well but it is do-able. If you are that put off with me.” She grabbed the soap from him, and walked into the water. She found a sandy section to drop down on and simply flopped into it. Sitting, the water came up to her breasts.

Her hands rushed to wipe soap onto her face, neck and ears to get the skunk scent out of her nose. She splashed the soap off then with a troubled snarl, and started scrubbing her legs as fast as possible. It turned them red and hurt but she wanted to think of something else. Anything to stop her from crying in front of the one who was hurting her for no reason.

He followed but stopped short. Casavir watched as she abused her skin. At least Sand’s concoction was doing the trick and taking away the smell. When she started scrubbing above her knees, he finally forced himself to talk. He couldn’t allow her to continue abusing her flesh like that, “If you would prefer the wolf, I could send him over.” He hung his head, watching her carefully from under his lashes. There was a feeling as if daggers were inching into his body with every moment near her.

The coldness in his voice tore her heart to shreds. She finally turned her head, looking way up into his face, “What in the nine hells did I do? Did I accidentally stick something up Tyr’s ass? Are you mad that I didn’t try harder to haul Grobnar away from the dire skunk? What? For goodness freaking sakes, what?” She almost screeched.

The confusion, with such anguish in that outburst made his legs give way. His knees dug into the sand close to her, and he slumped forward, head still bowed and eyes glazing at the water.

She choked on unshed tears, but forced herself to crawl to him. Her hands reached up to clasp his ears, as she craned her head back to examine what was going on behind his eyes, “What is it?”

“You kissed Bishop.” His eyes held realms of emotion. Fear, anger, betrayal, love, sadness … and more.

Avera gasped. Her eyes closed, and she let out a little breath, “Yes and no. After the bunny incident coming back from Luskan, he set up an ambush site to test me. As I went to walk away, he grabbed and kissed me. I - responded. It …” She hesitated then opened her eyes, “It was my first kiss but all I could think of was you, so I pulled away. Then … then I threw up.”

Casavir studied her eyes. She was not lying. She never did anything wrong. He felt ashamed that he would allow Bishop to maneuver him like that. Yet, all the ranger had done was feed him some information to eat at him. But that was enough to damage them. The man knew that Casavir was insecure about feelings and took advantage of his fears.

Then, something dawned on him. That was just before he had operated on her. She threw up, “On him?”

“You wish.”

“So … all you thought of was me? We hadn’t even … done anything yet.” He had accused her in his mind of being unfaithful when even before they coupled she had fought to keep true to him. He could finally breathe easier, even with the dire skunk scent still on her.

“No, we hadn’t even had a real kiss. Pecks on the forehead, cheek or nose, yes, but nothing more … sensual.”

He kissed the tip of her nose, both cheeks, then her forehead, and turned her around so he could wash her hair, “I am sorry.” Casavir angled them so his back was to the trees. He was not going to allow that man the chance of seeing her in the buff.

“I take it that Bishop told you but didn’t expand on the information?”

“Yes.” That one word exposed a potent boiling of contempt.

Avera leaned forward so he could get to her back, “I'd never risk what we have. I’ve wanted you since I first dreamed of you. The dreams were so vivid, and they felt real. I didn’t tell you before but … well, they were explicitly … sensual.”

“I … had guessed that long ago.”

“And you still stayed with me?” Her voice was incredulous, “I kept thinking you would run if I told you.”

“I had the same type of dreams of you. Of us. When I left Neverwinter and asked Tyr for a vision, he sent me images of Old Owl Well, fighting orcs, and you.” He sighed, pleasantly lost in the feel of her body close to his, his hands touching her, “I heard your songs before we met. Felt your touch, breath … you.” He shivered in reaction, “Our actual meeting was a surprise even though I knew my visions were from Tyr. But a little voice said they could have just been dreams. I didn’t believe I could ever love again. I just wanted to die honorably, so why would Tyr send you to me?”

“It was such a shock to me when we met, too. I looked into your eyes, and it was like my heart jumped into your hands.”

“This was to be.” Casavir pulled her close, wrapping himself around her, “No one will be able to make us doubt this again.” It was finally her scent. No more skunk. Just her and strawberry soap. He chuckled, and gave himself a mental reminder to thank Khelgar for making sure that scent was used.

He relaxed with her leaning back against his chest then gasped as her hand found an opening in his pants. His eyes rolled back in reaction as she continued to make him shudder, “Avera?” His voice came out as a squeak.

“Yes, my paladin?” A chuckle tickled his pecks. She had turned her head.

“What,” His mouth would not work right, “We can’t …”

“I told you we wouldn’t do that … but they don’t have to know that I am doing this … or that I’m all clean now. They can’t see what I am doing so let me make you happy and no one will know the difference.”

“This ... is ... wrong.” Then why did it feel so good? He licked his lips. He wasn’t sure if he wanted her to stop because of the others being only yards away, or to continue. She could make his mind turn to jelly without even trying. No other woman had ever been able to do that. But he shouldn't allow her to do this so close to others. It was something that was private. But, they were a good distance away, behind trees. No one could see. No. He should stop her from continuing. Another rush of intense pleasure made him finally decide that he really did not care what the others thought.

“Yes." She almost purred, enjoying his reactions, "But I’m having fun so shut up and pretend like we are washing.”

“You are evil ... my lady.”

Another almost purr escaped her, “Ah yes, but your paladin abilities didn’t pick that up soon enough.”