Tales from the Forgotten Realms: Tarakhin Grimscale

Chapter 11: A Fresh Start

As Tarakhin and Oneshoe made their way down the winding country lanes that led to the grand city of Neverwinter, tension hung thick between them. Tarakhin rode ahead, his jaw set in anger, while Oneshoe trailed behind, desperately thinking of how to make amends.

"Oneshoe," Tarakhin finally spoke, his voice low and tense. "You lied to me. You put us both in danger back there. How could I trust you after that?"

Oneshoe rode up next to Tarakhin, his eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I know. I messed up," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "But I did it to protect our friendship. The guard was clearly impressed with you, and I didn't want to put you in a position where you had to choose between a friendship with him and your friendship to me."

Tarakhin snorted. "I'm not some naive child, Oneshoe. I can make my own decisions."

Oneshoe shook his head. "It's not about that. I just...I didn't want to risk losing you. You're my friend, Tarakhin. You're the only one who's ever looked past my size and treated me like an equal."

Tarakhin sighed heavily, his anger beginning to dissipate. "I know that, Oneshoe. But you can't keep things from me. We're a team, and we have to trust each other completely. I can't have you hiding things from me, especially when they put us in danger."

Oneshoe nodded, his expression contrite. "I understand. And I promise, I won't do it again. From now on, we'll be completely honest with each other, no matter what."

Tarakhin regarded Oneshoe for a moment, his gaze softening. "Okay," he said finally. "I'll stay with you, Oneshoe. But I can't say I trust you completely yet. It's going to take time for me to forgive you for what you did."

Oneshoe nodded, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "I understand," he said. "And I'll do whatever it takes to earn back your trust. We'll get through this, Tarakhin. I promise."

As they continued their journey towards Neverwinter, the two friends rode side by side, their conversation light and easy. They discussed the sights they'd seen, the battles they'd fought, and the adventures that lay ahead. And though Tarakhin still harboured some resentment towards Oneshoe, he couldn't deny that he was glad to have his friend by his side.

As the journey dragged on, Oneshoe busied himself with the forgery of the necessary documents to gain entry to the city. He had seen Gundren's special dispensation, and his careful hand was able to replicate it perfectly, even with the movement of the horse.

Within 3 days, Tarakhin and Oneshoe approached the grand city of Neverwinter. They were struck by the beauty and grandeur of the city. The towering gates were imposing, with guards stationed on either side to ensure that only those with proper authorization were allowed entry. Oneshoe flashed his forged papers, and was lazily waved through.

As they made their way through the gates and into the city proper, the pair were immediately struck by the vibrant colours and incredible craftsmanship on display. The streets were lined with exquisite jewellery shops, each showcasing their wares in glittering display cases. The multi-coloured glass lamps, for which the city was famous, hung from every corner, casting a warm and welcoming glow.

As they rode through the city, they passed magnificent gardens filled with blooming flowers of every variety, tended to by skilled and dedicated gardeners. The air was sweet with the scent of springtime, and the streets were alive with the sounds of vendors selling fresh fruits and other produce.

Oneshoe was immediately taken with the city, his eyes wide as he took in the sights and sounds. "This place is amazing," he said to Tarakhin, who nodded in agreement.

"It's certainly something," Tarakhin replied, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But don't let the beauty fool you. There's danger in every city, and Neverwinter is no exception."