Fourth Wall

Nine: Untrue Soul

‼️TRIGGER WARNING‼️
{Potential triggers near end of chapter including but not limited to: abuse, self-harm}

(Honestly I mostly just tee'd up the next chapter, which this trigger warning will be more relevant for, and will be repeated.)

***

Chloe, Lae'zel, Wyll, Shadowheart and Astarion crouched behind a bush on an outcropping of rock in a mountain pass overlooking the goblin base camp. The camp was much larger than they'd anticipated, with active guards on duty behind walls of wooden spikes, and switching at strict intervals.

The goblins were uncharacteristically organized, and thus the group had huddled down to discuss their tactic for gaining entry.

"If we just rush in there, we are absolutely going to die." Chloe stated obviously.

Astarion, who was kneeling closest to the edge, peered over it to get a closer look.

"It seems we're out of options, unless we've got enough invisibility potion to split between the five of us." He cocked a quizzical eyebrow as he looked at each member of the group. None of them had enough, it would seem. Chloe huffed.

How would this normally happen if she were playing the game, she wondered? But then again, it didn't truly matter because in the game she could quick save and load it back if things didn't go her way. Here, if she messed up once it could be the end of everything. She chewed anxiously on her lip.

"I think I might have an idea," she spoke quietly. "But you're all probably going to think it's stupid."

"More so than usual?" Shadowheart smirked at her.

Chloe gave her a look, though she secretly appreciated the dig from her comrade. And yes, it would be more stupid than usual.

"If I was playing the game, this would likely be a persuasion  or deception check, or maybe I could use the tadpole if that didn't work. I can't check everyone's stats anymore, but I think I technically have the best chance to convince them of anything. I propose I just fucking walk up there and try to convince them we're meant to be here."

Her plan was met with silence for a long moment.

"That's your plan?" Astarion asked, his disbelief evident on his face. The others quickly agreed, their voices overlapping as they explained what a terrible idea it was.

"Do you have any better ideas?" She challenged, looking at each one of them. "Do you really think we could take on all those goblins without losing someone? Do you really want to take that chance? We can't sneak in, we can't fight our way in, so we have to just waltz right in. There's really no other way."

"I'm not going to stop you," Lae'zel said, shrugging. "If you fail, I will have a clear shot at them from here. I might be able to provide you enough cover to escape."

Chloe swallowed. "Thanks, Lae'zel."

"Don't thank me yet."

"Alright, well," Chloe pushed herself to her feet and brushed off the dirt from her pants. Astarion lunged forward and gripped her forearm, dragging her back down into the bush.

"Don't you dare!" He cautioned, pulling her roughly back into the dirt.

"What??" She questioned, trying to shake his strong grip off of her unsuccessfully.

"Are you mad?" Astarion hissed, bringing his face close to hers despite the watching eyes of the rest of the group. Chloe's cheeks burned at his sudden proximity. His voice lowered so only she could hear. "Do you have a death wish? Is this a suicide mission?"