#mellybaggins

"My my, don't you cut a fine figure?" I was already seriously questioning my decision to enter this den of thieves, but this human obviously leering at me from across the room made me want to turn around and walk right back out of here. "I do, don't I?" I quipped, crossing my arms and trying to keep the grimace of annoyance off my face. "Want your portrait done, love? My pet artist will capture your likeness as sure as if you were trapped in amber…" "No," I cut him off. He frowned slightly at my retort, but was quickly distracted by Astarion coming up beside me and slipping an arm around my waist. "Now now, my dear, don't bite," he said with a wry grin. "I do want a good deal on this fine gentleman's merchandise." I bit my lip at the irony, glancing up at him out of the corner of my eye. He was smirking down at me and I had to shake my head and walk away so my smile wouldn't show. Astarion kept hold of me for a second longer to plant a soft kiss on my cheek before letting me go, then stepped forward to haggle a good price on a few trinkets. I rolled my eyes and then glanced up at the second level of the large cave system the Zhentarim had set up shop in. Rugan, the rugged middle-aged human who we'd rescued from another pack of gnolls, was up there chatting with their leader, Zarys. "He's cute," Shadowheart murmured over my shoulder. I startled at her sudden appearance, and then followed her gaze towards Rugan, considering him for a moment and then responding with a dismissive shrug. "Not my type," I lied, then walked away. I wandered around the large expanse of caves that the Zhent had set themselves up in, passively noting the sheer number of strategically placed barrels of smokepowder, oil, firewine and other accelerants. They were all parked near pillars and doorways and other structural weak spots, with trails of oil leading to each payload. It didn't take a military strategist to assume someone was planning to bring this whole place down on top of us. "I wouldn't fuck with those if I were you," I heard a voice behind me. Rugan was suddenly standing behind me, arms crossed and a smirk on his lips. "Looks like a security system," I said, "or an exit plan." "A bit of both," he nodded, "Zarys is moving us out soon, heading to Baldur's Gate, and we leave no trace after we're gone. Say," he added with a glance over his shoulder before he leaned in a bit closer. "If you're in the city, you might look me up sometime. Elfsong's my local. I'll spot you a drink." I narrowed my eyes at him, then let my eyebrow lift at the audacity. "You couldn't afford me," I said. Rugan let out a good-natured chuckle and unfolded his arms to plant his hands on his hips. "Maybe," he said with a nod. "I heard a rumour you and your merry band are searching for an entrance to the Underdark. Best to slip out now before the way becomes impassable." I frowned at him and he lifted his eyebrows meaningfully, jerking his chin to a point over my shoulder. I turned around to follow his suggestion and saw nothing but a solid rock wall. When I turned back he was gone. Curious, I walked towards the wall, looking closer at it. Something about it was definitely unusual, but I couldn't place it. Maybe there was a switch hidden in the rock? A tripwire? Or… …the wall shimmered slightly as I pressed my palm to it. The illusion lifted instantly when my hand passed right through it. I stepped through into a cave cloaked in darkness. My eyes quickly adjusted, and I saw an old abandoned lift. It was caked in dust, rust, and cobwebs, but may still be functional. Below it was an impossibly deep mining shaft, dimly lit by an ethereal violet glow. "You smug, beautiful bastard."