#wymm

A low, hesitant murmur of conversation comes from somewhere above him.  He creeps over to the staircase. Dal has worked wonders with this place. It’s almost unrecognisable even from the last time he was here. It seems the Oblodra woman has given them free reign to improve the building. Doubtless with no cost to herself. It could be her upstairs with Dal, he supposes. But the smell is wrong. He slips quietly up a couple of steps. 'So how are things going in the Underdark?' Dal’s voice would sound normal to anyone who doesn’t know her. But Astarion picks up the tiny quaver in her voice, as only someone with their shared experiences in torture and torment can. She’s scared.

'Where's Lae?' Shadowheart sits at their solid wood table, smiling her thanks as Trip pours the dark brown liquid into her mug.  'Gone to the bakery. We had no bread.' 'You mean we had no bread suitable for your palette.’ The cleric picks up her steaming mug and holds in both hands, holding it under her nose so that she can enjoy the aroma. Trip's coffee always seems better somehow. But perhaps it’s the presence of the person who made it that makes it more pleasurable. And perhaps the fact that Trip actually takes the time to brew it properly. 'Indeed. I do not enjoy stale food as much as you.’ He slides onto the bench beside her and pours himself a mug. They sit in companionable silence, listening to the sounds of the city seeping in through the open window.  Despite the bizarre happenings of late Shadowheart feels at peace. Trip always has that effect on her. It was the same during their adventure. Long before any romantic relationships began, she often went and sat beside him. There was no need to talk. It was just peaceful. 'How long can you stay this time?' The monk’s visits are rare, and usually for far too short a time. He spends his life flitting from place to place, doing gods know what. His order seems even more secretive than Shar's. 'I'm not sure.’ The monk leans back and stretches, 'Perhaps a tenday. It's hard to say.' 'Isn't it always.’ The comment comes out more flippantly than she intends. But Trip just smiles, then takes a sip of his coffee.