The Quest for Dawn

Chapter 27: The Consequences of Actions

The Moon Siren, dressed in a glimmering white gown bejeweled with diamond-like rhinestones, was escorted to the front of the hall by Varis, dressed in refined black leathers. An armored but appropriately dressed bodyguard for the occasion of the special event. The conversations of anticipation fell to a hushed murmur all around them.

Tavriel kept her gaze up on the balcony, and saw Theomin leave through the archway behind him. She signaled Astarion into his hand, small rudimentary signs they had spent the last few months developing, enhanced by adapted thieves' cant. Beside him, Gale leaned in to whisper, "Theomin's moving."

"I know," said Astarion. The sudden quieting of the crowd around them alerted him to the performance about to start. He felt Tav touch his ear, and quickly instructed Gale, "cover your ears."

"Are we not going to enjoy the performance?" asked the wizard, puzzled.

"She's a siren, fool. She sings to enthrall, literally. Do it."

Elara, the new Moon Siren, exuded a presence of divinity before the crowd in her ethereal attire. A goddess of pure starlight and shimmering with its essence, her skin pale from being kept indoors during the harsh daylight hours of the southern city. Her hair was a rich chestnut, highlighted with fiery red tones in the lantern light of the hall. The audience was captivated by her simple beauty, and waited to hear the first notes sung from her lips.

Her mouth opened, her wordless song coming forth with an enhancement that was otherworldly.

"Now," Astarion hissed. All three companions discreetly covered their ears.

The melody of the song wove through the air, like a cold winter breeze blowing over the white caps of mountains. The audience stared in awe of the siren before them, their expressions placid, falling in love with the girl's essence. Tavriel recognized the signs of the Voice taking effect. A resurgence of anger filled her, followed by a hint of sadness—but mostly anger. That was her voice. And now the little bitch had it , she thought darkly.

Her gaze darted across the room, taking in the scene. The wealthy, unsuspecting nobles were utterly captivated by the Moon Siren's enchanting melody. Tavriel's jaw clenched in frustration. Beside her, Astarion, with his heightened senses, could sense the tension radiating from her, understanding the root of her discomfort. With their ears covered, it seemed to muffle the song's seductive lure and shielding them from its full impact.

Gale, too, cast a wary eye around the room, his mind meticulously registering every detail of the unfolding scene. He stood ready to support his companions. Despite his reluctance to prematurely reveal his magical abilities, which could potentially lead to capture or arrest, he was prepared to defend his friends against any threat.

Concealed behind a suit of armor, a lone figure hunched low, her ears tightly clamped by her hands as she observed the unfolding spectacle from the depths of the shadows. Shadowheart's gaze darted towards her companions amidst the crowd, a silent curse escaping her lips as she witnessed their hands covering their ears. They were under scrutiny. The insipid gold elf had discreetly withdrawn from his observation post. If their presence was discovered, swift action and even swifter thinking would be their only recourse.

Their movements did not escape the keen eyes of the Moon Siren's bodyguard. From his position across the room, his emerald gaze swept across the gathering, and his attention was drawn to the unusual behavior of three individuals at the back of the hall. Even concealed behind her mask, he could recognize Tavriel by her flowing dark hair and the unmistakable grace of her elven features.

Astarion's hands remained pressed against his ear, detecting a subtle shift in the crowd's mood, a ripple in the murmurs and movements that his heightened senses could perceive. "We've attracted attention," he whispered urgently to Gale and Tavriel, detecting footsteps approaching.