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[Bri]

After rescuing Nalia from Isaea...


As the group travels along, Tashia notices that Nalia is a bit quiet, keeping her eyes to the ground, only raising them up when she senses the group makes a change in their direction.

Tashia: "Hey Nalia, what's so interesting on the ground?"

Nalia: "Oh, hi Tashia. No, there is nothing...why do you ask?"

Tashia: (pulling Nalia to the side) "No reason, really, just that you seem a bit preoccupied with that...I thought maybe you found a trail of breadcrumbs or something to follow..."

Nalia: (a puzzled look on her face) "Trail of bread...oh, that old story of the woodcutter's children putting down a trail of breadcrumbs to follow their way home...no, I was just thinking..."

Tashia: (concern on her face) "Thinking about what Isaea said? I won't deny that I wish matters had been settled more definitely...but I also know these things take time..."

Nalia: "There is that...but that wasn't what I was thinking of...its just...I don't think I can repay anyone for all that has happened..."

Tashia: "What do you mean, repay?"

Nalia: "Well, it was easy when you all defeated the trolls...after they were defeated, I gave the amount of gold as a reward...but you saving me from Isaea...I don't know that if there is any way I can pay you all back anytime soon..."

Tashia: (irritation on her face) "Nalia...whoever said anything about paying us back?"

Nalia: (confusion on her face) "What? Did I say something wrong? I'm sorry...but I guess you guys don't really know me all that well...but I do repay my debts..."

Tashia: (saying softly) "I am sure that you do, Nalia...but this isn't about repaying debts...not like that..."

Nalia: "What do you mean? Well, if you guys want something else, I could probably find something else...sell a few heirlooms..."

Tashia: "No, Nalia...we didn't do any of that because we expected recompense...we did that because we were friends...well, I can't speak for any of the others, I guess...but I'm sure did it for the same reason I did...that we don't like something hurting our friends..."

Nalia: "Friends?"

Tashia: (smiles gently) "Yes, Nalia...friends...is that so hard to believe? I would like to think we are friends..."

Nalia: (says softly, as if tasting it on the tip of her tongue) "Friends...we are friends...aren't we?"

Tashia: "Certainly..."

Nalia: (an awestricken look on her face) "Friends...I didn't really have friends, growing up that is. Oh, there was Baunchy and such, but he was really my father's friend. Aunty ruined any friends I might have made with the commoner kids...always going on a tirade about how I was ruining myself and dad...well, I loved him of course...but ever since mother died...he threw himself into his business more than anything else...and whatever Aunty wanted, he gave her, just to keep her out of ear shot..."

Tashia: "I'm sorry..."

Nalia: (interrupting) "Don't say it...don't say you're sorry when you had nothing to do with it..."

Smiling though, Nalia said, "But...I know what you meant, and I thank you for it..."

Nalia: "So, Tashia...what do friends tend to talk about?"

Tashia: "Whatever comes to their mind actually...heh...why I remember talking with my sister...you know that I had five siblings...we originally went traveling together...anyways, she had this crush on the boy...I thought he was a bit slow myself...but I must admit...he was easy on the eyes..."

[Bri]

A possible Haer Dalis' interlude...


As the group walks along, the moon is bright in the sky, and Tashia's hair appears to glow in the darkness. Haer Dalis' gives out a small gasp, at this, and he walks toward her, a faraway stare in his eyes.

Haer Dalis': "But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east..."

Tashia: "So help me, if you say, 'Tashia is the sun...' I shall kick you so far where the sun don't shine that my foot will be coming out of your mouth..."

Haer Dalis': (surprised) "Why fair maiden, dost thou not care for the words?"

Tashia: (grimacing) "Only when they have been done to death...how often do you think that I can hear...
'
O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art
As glorious to this night, being o'er my head'

or some other such nonsense? I mean...sure, it may be a well turned phrase, but it gets boring after awhile..."

Haer Dalis': "Excuse me, then milady...I was but complimenting thine beauty...is that such a crime to..."

Tashia interjects: "Oh sure...compliment us on our beauty...I swear...is that all you bards can think of first? Why don't you guys try something original for a change...I mean, I'm sure even Milil gets tired of hearing the same thing day after day..."

Haer Dalis': "Milady calm down...you are..."

Tashia continues to growl, not even noticing Haer Dalis' entreaties: "Every damn time you guys talk about us, you essentially talk about how we have a figure that won't quit...hell, after the first compliment, the list includes skin like satin, hair of the softest gold, and a chest fit for a herd of cows...I mean, its like we are some kind of brood mare for you guys..."

Haer Dalis': "Lady Tashia, they are just stories, meant to entertain...of course we tailor our songs for audience..."

Tashia: "Oh really? Has it occurred to you that if you just put a little more variety in your stories, you would entertain an even bigger crowd? That may be so...but tell me, do you guys have some kind of agenda for the stories...I mean, it seems like most of the time the women either need rescuing...or else they turn into the wicked stepmother or some such nonsense...and of course, we all know what happens there...its almost like you guys want to keep us safe in a box...or bury us in one...six feet under..."

Haer Dalis' looks at Tashia, and he beats a hasty retreat, muttering under his breath, when Tashia lashes out, "You better not be saying about 'that time of the month...' either..."

[Bri]

Valygar and Tashia encounter...



Tashia: "Ouch!"

Valygar: (turning his head), "Tashia, quiet...too much shouting distracts even me from listening for possible trouble..."

Tashia: "That's easy for you to say, tall, dark, handsome, and brooding..."

Valygar: "What do you mean by that?"

Tashia: "You heard what I said..." (Tashia lifts her arm slightly, and where her other hand is applying pressure, you see it starting to swell and redden. She almost jerks her arm away from Valygar when he reaches out to look at it.)

Valygar: "Tashia...if you don't stop that this instant, I can't see what's wrong...I don't bite, you know..."

Further examination reveals that there is a bee sting on Tashia's arm, and carefully, taking water from his canteen, he cleans the area thoroughly, and then with the flat edge of his dagger, removes the stinger.

Tashia's face flinches slightly, and she barely rasps out, her eyes watering, giving a dry cough, "Just what are you doing?"

Tashia gives one more shriek, as Valygar pulls her down to the ground, making her lie flat, and he partially tears open her blouse, laying his hands on her shoulders. Tashia stars to tremble under Valygar's hands, her eyelids flattering rapidly, and she starts to jerk as Valygar's own eyes start rolling in back of his head, and he whispers something deep under his breath.

Almost as fast as the seizures set in, they slowly start to subside, and Valygar wearily rises to his feet, and he pulls his clothing around him, and he goes to keeping a lookout for any possible danger.

Valygar: "Give her some air...she will be wanting water...just give it to her in sips..."

Slowly, Tashia stabilizes, and as she leans back weakly, she rasps out, "You saved me...what...happened?!?"

Valygar: "You went into shock...looks like you're allergic to bee stings..."

Tashia: (Disbelief on her face) "Shock? Allergic? I've been stung before...I've never..it felt...like my whole body was on fire..."

Valygar: "Tashia, I know what I am speaking of...some people are allergic to bees...it can kill...sometimes very quickly...I don't really know why...but I also know that sometimes people have been stung before with no problems...but one more sting later..."

Tashia: "Valygar..."

Valygar: "If you are well enough to talk...well, then you are well enough to walk..."

Sparing a few more glances, he softens slightly, "Take a few more minutes..."

Once the party gets moving again, Tashia strides up to his side, and she quietly says, "Valygar...thank you...you saved my life..."

Valygar flinches, "You're welcome, it was nothing...now, can we get back to the trail..."

Tashia: "After you answer me one question..."

Valygar: "Hmm?"

Tashia: "I know you healed me...and I know how you feel about magic...so...why?"

Valygar: "First of all...its not magic...well, it is...but it isn't...I mean...as a ranger...its not a major secret, but we are endowed with some minor abilities...no different than a cleric really..."

Tashia: (softly) "Yes...but I still know how you feel about..."

Valygar: "Tashia, what will it take for you to drop this? Would it be so hard to believe that I don't hate all magic-users? Even I can slowly revise my opinions...that doesn't mean I still don't think the temptation is too great for one to pursue magic...but neither will I allow my...comrades...down..."

[Bri]

Edwin and Tashia encounter...



Edwin: "Tashia, have I ever told you that you are coming quite nicely into your powers...why, with just the proper instruction, I'm sure that you may even be worthy of being in my presence..."

Tashia: "Okay, Edwin, I'm just getting a bit tired, so I don't really have the energy to verbally joust with you...what are you getting at..."

Edwin: "Nothing, Tashia, just stating the obvious...why, with the proper training, as I just said...you could certainly deserve..."

Tashia: "You do realize that I'm not a wizard proper? Just how do you expect me to learn spells when all my magic comes from within?"

Edwin: "That's just it, Tashia...your power comes from within...its as if you internalize all your spellbooks...imagine...what a wondrous advantage that is...though it shames me to admit it, at times even I can see where that ability is greater than sheer memorization..."

Tashia: (a thoughtful glance on her face) "The great Edwin...admitting shame? Okay, who are you, and what have you done to the real Edwin?"

Edwin: "Hear me out...it could be that as you grow stronger...the spells you display are founded on some internal desires...why, if we could just channel that..."

Tashia: "And how would we channel?"

Edwin: "Well...why don't you come to my bedroll this evening, and I will give you your first lesson..."

Tashia bursts out in laughter: "Edwin, I will give you some points for subtlety...at least for you...however...thanks but no thanks...I'm afraid that you will have to sleep alone once more this evening..."

Tashia strides away, as Edwin curses, muttering, "Damn, so close, yes...so close..."

Tashia turns her head, and says, "Oh Edwin...maybe you can tell me...is it true that the staff of a wizard has a knob on the end of it?"

Edwin: "Why of course..."

Tashia starts to giggle, and Edwin's face turns red, and goes back to muttering to himself.

[Bri]

Tashia and Anomen...


Anomen: "Say Tashia, you may have heard of my deeds with the Hillgnasher Giants...but have you also heard..."

Tashia: "Anomen, give it a rest already..."

Anomen: (offended) "Something wrong, milady?"

Tashia: "I'm sure I'm not the only one that has felt this way, and I'm sure that you are probably correct in your deeds...indeed, if true, then there is reason to be proud...but that doesn't mean you should be so boastful about it..."

Anomen: "Me...boastful? Those are harsh words, my lady...how can it be boasting when it is simply the truth..."

Tashia: "Truth or not, but that seems to be the only thing coming out of your mouth...as I already said, there is nothing wrong with taking pride in your deeds, but if that is the only thing that you can talk about...then you live a mighty empty life...frankly, its a wonder..."

Anomen: (splutters) "If that is the case, then why is it that most of the ladies back in Amn hung on my very word..."

Tashia: "Well...as it is unlikely I'll be able to hobnob around the rich and famous, I can only hazard a guess or two...but the first is that some of them were genuinely interested..."

Anomen interjects: "But...you just said..."

Tashia: "Of course I said that it sounds very arrogant to talk of your exploits time after time...but that doesn't mean others don't find them fascinating...and have you considered the average woman of nobility?"

Anomen: "Consider...?"

Tashia: (sighs) "The average noblewoman tends to lead a very boring life...compared to the men, anyways...unless they have an understanding father, or are strong enough to set out on their own...there is a very small range of allowable behavior for them. You don't see to many noble ladies taking up a life of adventuring, now do you?"

Anomen: "Well...no..."

Tashia: "Of course not...I mean...it seems to me that a woman is mainly expected to solidify social connections, and assure the next generation of nobles...hell, even ones that are into horse riding, hunting, or falconry are looked down just a bit as well..."

Anomen: "You are right..."

Tashia: "Anyways, to get back to my point...when you tell your stories...and you do tell them rather energetically and vividly at that, even if it gets old after a while of the same thing...you draw them into in, and for a brief moment...you show them a life that doesn't bind them..."

Anomen: "But then...what am I supposed to tell them...afterward?"

Tashia pauses thoughtfully, then says, "Tough nut there, I admit...I mean, when I think of women of 'high station' I get obsessive weavers and compulsive dressmakers in mind...maybe you can break the ice with a joke..."

Anomen: "A joke? Surely you jest!"

Tashia: (winces) "And I would stay away from the puns...a lot of courts would consider that a hanging offense..."

[Bri]

Jan Jansen and Tashia encounter


Jan: "Hey Tashia, did you ever hear..."

Tashia: "Let me guess, Jan, this is going to be some pointless story about one of your myriad relatives...it shall go on and on, without any end in sight...involving some kind of small, vaguely round vegetable?"

Jan: "Tashia, you cut me to the quick...why, this story doesn't involve anything that you just said..."

Tashia: (sighs) "Okay, Jan, what is it, then?"

Jan: "As I was going to say, I was going to ask if you ever heard of my cousin Bjorn. Rather good with his hands, expert locksmith. Anyways, there was this king who was going off to war. Unsure how long he would be, and worried about the...fidelity...of his new wife, he commissioned Bjorn to create a chastity belt..."

Tashia smirks: "Heh...as if that would stop a truly determined lady..."

Jan: "Normally, that would be so. However, I did say that Bjorn was an expert locksmith...when the king came to see Bjorn's creation, he was rather surprised to find a rather large hole in the most obvious of places...that which a chastity belt was meant to guard against..."

Tashia: "Really? I would think that an opening at that...orifice...would rather defeat the whole purpose of having the belt..."

Jan: "Indeed...but I did say that was rather resourceful. Upon seeing the king's disbelief, Bjorn reach over the workbench for his lunch, and pulled out a rather large turnip. He slid the turnip into the gaping hole when there was a whistle in the air, and a satisfying snick. Pulling his hand back, Bjorn showed that half of the turnip was cut clear in half, and pointing at the hole, revealed a rather sharp blade..."

Tashia winces: "Ouch..."

Jan: "Certainly...anyways, the king was well pleased with Bjorn's invention, and he doubled the salary he was paying my cousin...of course, as he had no intention of paying him anything...Bjorn spent the next few years in the dungeon...anyways the king finally came back from his years at war and assembled his knights. He had them drop their drawers for an inspection, and much to his chagrin, everyone of them was mutilated in some fashion...all but one knight...his brother actually..."

Tashia: "I think I see where this is going..."

Jan: "Oh yes. The king embraced his brother in a manly hug, pleased that at least one man was loyal to him. The king smiled, saying, 'Since you were the only one who kept faith with me, I shall reward you with anything you want...all you must do is say what you want...' Several minutes pass, as his brother turns his head, and the king said, 'Come, come...no need to be bashful...all you have to do is give voice to it..."

Tashia raises her head to the heavens, and whispers, "I should have seen this coming..."

Jan: (flapping his mouth open, tongue pressed down at the last part of the sentence) "So the brother opens his mouth, and says, 'Ah-buh-buh-ah-buh-buh..."

A few minutes pass, when Tashia says, "Jan?"

Jan: "Yes Tashia?"

Tashia: "Go away..."

[maus]

Just for information: at the moment I am debugging the SoA alone installation which takes more time than I expected (as I have only an installation with ToB and need the report of testers). If this is finished I'll start with the dialogues.

@Yoho: if you are reading this post: will you take care of the french translation?

[Bri]

*nods* Take as much time as you need too certainly. I've just been busy for a bit, and am now trying to catch up and create some new stuff. At the moment, I'm trying to finish up at least one more banter for each other NPC now, before going back to some of the romance dialogues for Tashia. I only have 6 left to go for SOA. I did make most of them with non-verbal interaction, so putting them in shouldn't be too bad when it comes time to that.

BTW, if it makes helpful to separate the NPC banters with actual love dialogues, I can certainly make another Topic then...

[Bri]

Yoshimo and Tashia dialogue...


Tashia:
"Hey Yoshimo...I am curious...but your not from around here, are you?"

Yoshimo (his eyes dancing):
"Indeed I am not, Tashia...tell me, what gave it away? Was it maybe my accent that gave it away...or was it my swarthy, if rather handsome appearance...maybe it was..."

Tashia: (laughing)
"Okay, okay...I kinda walked right into that one. Tell me, though, where are you from? I come from the lands of the Ten Towns...much further to the north...one thing I can say I don't honestly miss to much is the constant cold..."

Yoshimo:
"A man in my work must be a bit careful who they tell information too...but you seem honest enough...truth be known, I come from Kara-Tur..."

Tashia: (a bit surprised)
"Kara-Tur? Funny...you don't sound how I would imagine one from Kara-Tur would sound like..."

Yoshimo: (grinning)
"Oh? And just how would you expect us to sound? Not all of us go around sounding like we are speaking in broken phrases like. If I went around saying things like:

Autumn winds dance in the sky
The leaves fall frosted with ice
The swallows return south

I could guarantee that half of my business would be cut as they waded through the swamp of my language..."

Tashia:
"Yeah...heh...I guess I really should have given it some though...but coming to Amn...isn't that a bit out of the ways to go to from Kara-Tur?"

Yoshimo:
"Indeed it is...I spent many a night aboard ship, to many nights it felt like sometimes...though I was glad to make landfall...as was the crew..."

Tashia:
"Really? And why that would be?"

Yoshimo:
"Oh it had a little something to do with their gambling debts...why, I bet that if I would have had one more week, I would have been the proud owner of a large, if smelly fishing trawler..."

Tashia:
"And just what would you have done with that ship?"

Yoshimo:
"I don't know...maybe turned it into a riverboat gambler...one that reeks of dead fish..."

[Bri]

Possible Mazzy-Tashia dialogue...


Tashia:
"Mazzy, do you have a moment?"

Mazzy:
"Sure you may...in fact, I think you just did..."

Tashia: (her lips cracking slightly)
"Why Mazzy...a joke...I didn't think you had it in you..."

Mazzy: (slight smile)
"Well, I may not be as adept as you, Tashia, but that doesn't mean I can't appreciate a well crafted phrase..."

Tashia:
"Oh, its like anything else, I imagine...whatever you put your mind too, one can usually learn that skill..."

Mazzy:
"Yes...although I can understand the urge of a crowd if a jester gets up there and starts asking, 'Why do knights ride stallions in the day?' and the inevitable reply is, 'Because they don't like nightmares...' Anyways, you said you wanted to ask me something?"

Tashia:
"Yes I did Mazzy...well, with all that we've been through...it seems like I'm using my magic more and more...and with that period in Trademeet...well, would it be possible for you to help me get my staff work back up to par?"

Mazzy:
"Sure, Tashia, I wouldn't mind...but are you sure? I'm sure there are plenty of others in the party that could help you just as easily..."

Shaking her head, Tashia says:
"No, there really isn't...the last time I asked for help, the fool put his arms around me, and grabbing the staff with both hands said, 'Fighting is like everything else : it's all in your thrust..."

Mazzy: (winces)
"I hope you put the churl in his place..."

Tashia:
"Well...last I heard, they managed to find a cleric good enough...but walking with a dislocated kneecap to one has to be painful..."

[Bri]

Possible Aerie and Tashia dialogue...


Aerie walks up side by side with Tashia, a perplexed expression on her face. So drawn into thought, she accidentally bumps into Tashia, and then her eyes open wide, as Aerie says, "Oh, sorry Tashia..."

Tashia:
"It's okay...just out of curiosity, would you mind telling me what is on your mind...you seem to be elsewhere, at least mentally..."

Aerie: (blushing)
"Oh, its nothing...or I don't think it is...its just that as we left that last town...while everyone was busy getting supplies and what ever, I was refilling out canteens when there was a man, eyeing the passing traffic...he might have been a thief, since he seemed to be taking in everything that went by...anyways, he looked directly at me, and he seemed to get this weird...I hesitate at calling it a smile, but he gave this smile, walked over, grasped my hands, and said, 'I have faced powerful spirits, magical beasts, and evil men, but 'twas your eyes, milady, which finally smote me.'"

Tashia chuckles:
"And what did you do?"

Aerie:
"What could I do? All I remember is that time seemed to stop, and I spent a lot of time looking down at my feet...and then I heard you guys calling my name to keep up, and I hurried to catch up...but the man seemed bemused by my blush..."

Tashia smiles, though there is a tight edge to it:
"Sounds like someone just tried a pick up line on you..."

Aerie:
"Pick up...line?"

Tashia: (nods)
"Yeah...that's where a stranger tries to talk with you...mainly because he finds you attractive...and would like to get to know...you better..."

Aerie: (frowns)
"But why? Why would someone try to talk to me...in that way...at all? I mean...why would anyone..."

Tashia: (interrupts)
"Not that women are to my taste, but I think the answer is very simple Aerie...you are a beautiful woman...too be honest, I'm surprised that someone hasn't tried to be with you as it is..."

Aerie pauses, and then says:
"Funny...they may think that...but they don't know that I'm deformed...do they..."

Tashia sighs, as she realizes that Aerie is about to go into another bout of self-pity, and rapidly changes the subject to head it off.

Tashia:
"At least you had a decent first line...mine was much worse..."

Aerie, giving a wary look toward Tashia:
"What do you mean?"

Tashia smiles, as she says,
"How would you have reacted if someone told said, 'Pardon me, madam, but your beauty as caused an involuntary lowering of my drawbridge. If I show you where the handle is can you crank it back up?'"

Tashia advances forward, while Aerie says, "Oh my..."

[Bri]

After the first test in Throne of Bhaal, after defeating Gavin.


Tashia looks down at the ground, rubbing her foot over the various sigils that appeared on the ground after the defeat of the various souls seeking vengeance due to their demise at the hands of .

"Retribution..." she whispers quietly.

Tashia then raises her head up, taking a glance at the endless sky up above her, before raising her hand to her brow, and rubbing the wrinkle that slowly appears.

Option 1:
You walk up behind Tashia, sliding your arms reassuring around her, allowing your presence to comfort her. For the briefest of seconds, as you gaze her fair face, she seems to have aged as she continues to stare at the killing fields. After all, what more can be said for such a long string of deaths by your hands.

Option 2:
You walk up to Tashia, and look at the sigils on the ground as well. Leaning down, you feel that the markings are cold to the touch, much colder than the rest of your hideaway here in the planes. Raising your head, you turn and tell Tashia, "It was us or them...they didn't give us much choice..."

Option 3:
"It was us or them..." you say, a bit of disgust crawling in your voice, "They could have backed down...you would think that the more and more we did...that they would get wise. Hell, Sarevok learned not to underestimate me, and yet these fools kept coming and coming, as if throwing themselves on our blades..."

If Option 1, then go to A.
If Option 2, then go to B.
If Option 3, then go to C.

A:
Tashia moves in closer to you, taking comfort in your silence, her hand slipping down into yours, and squeezing it tight. She continues to look a bit haunted, and then she turns her head to look up at your face.

"Just how much longer is it going to last?" she asks, her voice a bit breathless, and that's when you notice a tear running down her cheek, her normal ebullient self stifled but the recent actions.

Option 4:
Running your finger under her eye, you wipe away the tear, and say, "I don't know...gods above...I wish this would stop as much as you..."

You would allow a tear to slide down your face, and whisper, "Its funny...when I started out...I was so eager for adventure...but the tales always seem to gloss over the losses...over the sorrows...people get...and that's assuming some of them survive...how many times do people go missing...and that's the last of that..."

Refocusing your thoughts, you say, "But...if there is a way I can stop it...I promise you...I will..."

Option 5:
Tashia isn't bearing up well under the strain. As you hold her speculatively, she seems to shift even closer into your arms, and a part deep within your soul writhes away from this enforced intimacy, and you feel a small tinge of disgust from that part. Better to end it now, rather than continue a relationship with someone who is unable to steel herself with the deeds yet to come...

"Tashia...maybe it would be best if we separated...if this little display was enough to make you start to doubt yourself...to doubt me, then we should end this before we get to far. With all that can still happen, I can't take my chances on someone who may or may not be there to protect my back..."

If Option 4, then go to D.
If Option 5, then go to E.

B:
Tashia nods at your words, and she replies, "Yeah...I know..."

Then she cocks her head at your rather neutral, if unfeeling response, speculation on her face "But what was the purpose of all this? That Gavin said it was souls seeking retribution...but your brother Sarevok said this place was created by yourself...for yourself...to test yourself...so...why would

Option 6:
You answer, "I don't know Tashia...I'm sorry if I seemed a bit not myself there...I just have a lot on my mind...yeah...the whole tests...its not different than when we faced Irenicus...but...maybe...as a warning..."

Pausing, staring into her green eyes, you say, "I mean...all we do is fight...there has to be a limit to it...I don't know...this gave me a lot to think about...but very little answers..."

Option 7:
You answer, "This was a test...a test for myself...that being if I look back...then my past will drag me down..."

Shaking your head, you add, "As if to say...I have to look forward to the future...otherwise, the past will bury me...in a pile of self-recriminations...or self-doubt..."

Shrugging, you finish, "Though I'm far from certain..."

If Option 6, then go to F.
If Option 7, then go to G.

C:
Tashia turns around on , but she seems more sad than angry at his declaration, and she says, "Is that all they are to you? Simply fools? How many of them truly had a choice? Oh sure, Irenicus, Bodhi...a few...a sizable few, I will agree...had total control of their actions...but what of the others? Many of them were defending their own homes...or else they were spurred on. Please, spare me the simple excuse that 'they were evil.' I know that they were our enemies, and most of the time it was kill or be killed, but doesn't it strike you as a waste? Just how much longer this will continue?"

Glancing back at the killing fields she says, "Is this new callousness the taint from within...or is it coming from you directly?"

She glances once more, awaiting an answer.

Option 8:
You glance at her, steeling yourself as you answer "What does it matter? The only thing that is important is that we lived. Maybe its taken me a long time for me to figure out, but
if people want to keep on wasting their lives by continuous pointless attacks, then let them...life is hard enough without us worrying about how their situations..."

Option 9:
You apologize, and your face softens as you say, "I'm sorry Tashia...I...didn't mean for it to come out sounding so harsh...but it is wearying on me. The dreams are getting stronger, you know that? Of course, it stands to reason...when I go to sleep here in my father's realm, they're even stronger...and its even harder for me to keep them out...I have to steel my mind...and my emotions...please...bear with me..."

If Option 8, then go to H.
If Option 9, then go to I.

D:
Tashia seems heartened by your words, and she puts up a smile on her face, though its obvious that it doesn't quite reach as is its normal wont, and she kisses you again, then says, "I believe in you...if there is a way to stop all this...you will find it..."

She lays her head on your shoulder, as she says, "You saved me...heh...I guess I've said that before, but that doesn't make it any less true...if there is anything I can do for you...even if its just being there for you as you were there for me...let me know...come, let's see if we can finish this..."
(End dialogue)

E:
Tashia grows angry now, and she stamps a foot as she says, "So...I'm weak...is that what your saying? Just because I don't wish to harden myself to what is going on? Well, this may come as a shock to you...but these ghosts...these beings were those you've killed...you heard your brother Gavin...these weren't the ones I've slain...so, go ahead...squash that last small part of yourself that makes you decent...don't say anything further...you won't have to worry about my emotions any further..."
(End romance)

F:
Tashia nods, and a bit of relief floods through her face as she gives your arm a gentle squeeze, and turns to exit the room, saying, "Let's see if we can find some of those answers..."
(End Dialogue)

G:
Tashia gives out a sharp laugh, though it is obvious that she is less than pleased with the declaration, and she says, "Well...that is a way to obfuscate the issue, now isn't it..."

She shrugs, as she steps forward, her earlier emotional initial outburst hidden deep within, giving the impression that some distance has been placed between the both of you...
(End Dialogue)

H:
Tashia's face hardens, as she says, "I see...I guess you answered my question. It really doesn't matter whether its the taint or you...or a combination of both...you've decided to harden your heart..."

She glances up at you, and she says, "I'm sorry...it was bad enough when Arilistan turned on me...I am not going to go through that again..."
(End Romance)

I:
Tashia looks at you, and this time she tentatively wraps her arms around you, and while your body reacts to her presence, the tension draining from you, there is an intimacy that is lacking, and then she pulls away.

"Okay..." she says, a sad smile tugging at her lips, "I can bear it...for a while...but I can't do so forever..."
(End Dialogue)

[Smoketest]

Wow, makes me wish I had ToB. *sigh*

David Gaider did say at one time that if they had any inkling that the romances would be as popular as they are now, Bioware would have done a much better job with them.

[Bri]

*grins*

Well, to me Baldur's Gate II was billed as an RPG, and as such, I did get to enjoy that it was more plot and story oriented than just straight hack'n'slash games.

As a result, I thought the romances were a nice touch personally, for they seemed to give further depth to the main character...

[Bri]

A possible Viconia-Tashia dialogue

Viconia:
(giving an appraising glance at Tashia) "I wouldn't even give it a half a day...hmm..."

Tashia:
"Okay, Viconia...I give...just what wouldn't take even half a day?"

Viconia:
"It is nothing much, surfacer...I was just considering how long it would take to make you break on the rack..."

Tashia:
"Oh...and you estimate that I wouldn't last even half a day? I'm so glad that you think so highly of me..."

Viconia:
"Oh, don't act so insulted..."

Tashia:
"That's right, isn't it...you participated in their bloodsports, haven't you. That explains it entirely..."

Viconia:
"Believe it or not, I did find their practices distasteful, but when a matron mother is overlooking your shoulder, you do quickly learn how far a victim will last...when to apply the last stroke of the lash, when to pull the last turn of the crank..."

Tashia:
"You seem quite proud of this, I take it?"

Viconia:
(Her eyes flashing angrily) "Of course ibblith. I survived when many of my sisters did not...let alone many others. One who is not...strong...but adaptable soon finds themselves amongst the lower ranks...or discarded like so much refuse..."

Tashia:
(pauses for a second) "Well...I won't deny your strength...but for all the competition, all the strife...the drow are not exactly commanding too many surface kingdoms, now are they?"

Viconia:
(a bit bitterly) "That is true...though don't think I am foolish enough to disagree with the obvious...that constant is also one of our greatest weakness. One doesn't need to be a tactical genius to see that. Our conflicts amongst ourselves does little to allow our power to be extended...and our treachery is so legendary that even normal enemies will band together to weaken us, bring us down if at all possible...but, even with all of this, it is a testament to our prowess that we still survive..."

Tashia:
(snorts) "Well, pardon me if I don't exactly sing the exploits of your prowess..."

[Bri]

A possible Minsc-Tashia dialogue...

Tashia:
"Hey Minsc...do they enjoy stories from where you are from?"

Minsc:
"Certainly...Tashia...why the question?"

Tashia:
"Oh...just want your opinion on a story...a man walks into an inn, and he orders a steak. The serving wench gave him a quick once over, and she said, 'I don't think so...you don't look like you can afford a glass of water, let alone a steak...' The guy nods in agreement, but replies, 'But what if I show you something that you haven't seen before...will you give me my supper..."

Minsc:
"Hmm...Boo says that one really should have the money to pay for their dinner..."

Tashia:
"And Boo is one intelligent hamster...now let me continue...so, anyways, the waitress agrees and the man reaches into his pocket, and pulls out a tiny harpsichord and from the other a small hamster..."

Minsc:
"Ooooh...this may be one of Boo's relatives...you didn't tell me you had a musician in the family..."

Tashia: (a bit exasperated)
"Yes...yes...well, the hamster starts to play up a storm and the waitress' eyes open wide, and she calls the innkeeper to come take a look. Everyone in the inn is now looking at the hamster, but the man reaches into a third pocket, and pulls out a green item...he places it on the counter, and everyone sees that it is a frog, and as the hamster plays, the frog starts to sing..."

Minsc:
"A singing frog? Now that is getting a bit far-fetched..."

Tashia: (hurrying)
"Anyways...a wealthy merchant saw what was happening, and he said, 'How much for the frog and hamster?' The stranger shook his head, and said that the hamster wasn't for sale, but he could part with the frog for 300 gold pieces. As the greedy merchant went to his room, the waitress looked at the stranger, and asked, 'Are you insane? Giving up a singing frog for that much? It must have been worth thousands...' The stranger smiled, and he said, 'No, it wasn't...the hamster is a ventriloquist...'"

Minsc:
"A ventriloquist? Say it can't be so! The hamster is a foul thief! Boo's fur is all wiry in righteous anger! If we meet up with this deceptive rodent, we must apply the boots of justice to his backside..."

[Bri]

Possible Sarevok-Tashia interaction in Throne of Bhaal...

Sarevok:
"Tsk...tsk...tsk..."

Tashia:
"What now Sarevok? I stand upwind of you or something? Or is that just a general sound of disgust at your predicament?"

Sarevok:
"No, Tashia, believe it or not, I wasn't even thinking about you...rather, I was just thinking..."

Tashia:
"Oh that must be painful...stay a moment...I'll see if I can find something to take care of your headache..."

Sarevok:
"It will take more than those pitiful insults to rouse my ire, Tashia. Let me just say that death has a way of changing one's perspective...as you may or may not know. Oh, its still easy to kindle my anger, but neither am I the prisoner of it either...anyways, I was just thinking about how my sibling came to this..."

Tashia, amusement in her voice:
"Oh, so you're saying that MainChar's success galls you?"

Sarevok:
"I would be lying if I didn't say that was the case, and in that, you are correct. And what is even more infuriating is that it seems MainChar had very little clue of what was to come...unlike him, I studied the prophecies extensively...there is a reason I that possessed the knowledge that could release the seal on the first test as it was...not that I had the power to actually do that..."

Tashia:
"Yes...but...something interests me...why did you think that you could be ressurected again? Was it from that time MainChar faced you for the tear of Bhaal when MainChar and Irenicus were contesting for the soul?"

Sarevok:
"Yes...here I was...listening to the screams and torments of my fellow Bhaalspawn...those who preceded me...some by my hand...some by the vicissitudes of life...and suddenly I get snapped back out of that hellish torment...and for what reason? Only to find my brother standing their before me...and for the briefest of moments...I wondered how I got there...and then the knowledge seemed to flood through me...and that angered me...to find myself drug out just because some whelp was unable to master themselves...but...even after facing death that second time...a plan formed in the back of my mind...one that could allow me to come back to life..."

Tashia:
"And so when the opportunity arose...I must say that you took a great chance..."

Sarevok:
"As to what? Staying here for the rest of eternity? I would think that as you have seen with your own eyes, even the impossible becomes possible when those of Bhaal's progeny are involved..."

Tashia starts to nod when Sarevok interrupts:
"Oh, you are good, elf, I will give you that...to have me admit my weaknesses...not many were able to get into my confidences...I will have to keep a closer eye on you...maybe you are not as useless as you first seem..."

[Bri]

An Imoen-Tashia dialogue

Tashia:
"So you're Imoen! I'm pleased to meet you...to be honest...I was wondering whether you really were alive or not..."

Imoen: (smiling)
"Heh...well, I was wondering what was keeping ...its not like him to be so late..."

Tashia smiles, then changes the topic so as not to bring up some recent unpleasant memories:
"Heh...you know, you remind me of my younger sister..."

Imoen:
"Really, I do? Younger sister, huh...just how many brothers and sisters did you have?'

Tashia, thinking of pleasant memories:
"There were five of us altogether...we were orphans really...but one family took us in...heh...sometimes I wonder what possessed my foster parents to take us all in..."

Imoen smiles in remembrance:
"Just like and I with Gorion...well...truth be known...mainly me...not that didn't have his moments...but he was always more serious of the two of us..."

Tashia:
"Yeah...you know...I remember back...oh, I must have been about 12...anyways, with so many kids there...money could get to be quite tight. Well, my older brother, Ilyan, had this great idea that would save us time and money. When we weren't doing chores around the house or anything like that, Ilyan usually was drafted to watch us, being the oldest of us all...but he also loved fishing...it wasn't until he got the rest of us hooked that we were able to supplement the dinner table...anyways...Ilyan, got the idea that instead of constantly trying to catch fish for the table, it would be better for us to raise our own..."

Imoen, laughter dancing in her eyes:
"I think I see where this is heading..."

Tashia:
"Of course...so, one day while our foster parents went to town to sell our produce and such...we all went out back and dug a big hole...probably wasn't no more than 5 feet wide..maybe 3 feet deep...but it seemed like it was much larger...that's a lot of dirt for a group of kids to move...anyways, we then took buckets of water and started filling it...anyways, we were about done when our foster parents came in...well, nothing more happened...dinner was served and whatever...anyways, it starts to get late, and so we go to bed...the sun has just set...and our foster father needed to go use the privy...did I mention its an outdoor privy? Next thing we know, we hear screaming and swearing coming from outside, and our foster father is busy bellowing for us all to come down..."

Imoen:
"I gather...you didn't keep your ditch?"

Tashia:
"Of course not...you see, once he calmed down, our foster-father said that since we liked digging so much...we could muck out the barn...I swear...we couldn't get rid of the odor for a week from our clothes..."

[Bri]

A possible Jaheira-Tashia dialogue possibly outside of town...

Tashia stops by a bush, a thin woody climbing plant slightly entwined the trunk of a small tree, yellow-green in color. After further examination, Tashia starts to pluck small bluish-purple crescent shaped, compressed berries, putting them in her belt pouch, before popping a few in her mouth, swallowing immediately, and her face contorts with disgust, and she immediately spits out the remnants, pouring the other fruits from her belt pouch.

Jaheria, hearing the sound, looks over with interest:
"Tashia, just what is going on?"

Tashia, wiping her mouth of the foul acrid taste:
"Something is wrong with these grapes. Its even worse than biting into a lime..."

Jaheira, examining the bush in turn:
"Hmmm...well, first thing...there is nothing wrong with this bush..."

Tashia:
"What do you mean there is nothing wrong?"

Jaheira answers,
"This is Moonseed...its fruit looks like grapes...but it isn't...in small amounts it is actually a good laxative...as I'm sure you will find out..."

Tashia, clutching her sides, an anxious look on her face:
"What do you mean I will find out?"

Jaheira continues:
"Just be glad you didn't eat more than a small handful...it will cause purging..."

Tashia:
"I said...what do you mean I will find out?"

Jaheira smirks:
"Come, Tashia, I didn't think you were that hard of hearing...I said that it was a diarrhetic
...I highly recommend that when you...leave...you keep an eye out for the poison sumac..."

Tashia, her face slightly red:
"Isn't there anything you can do to help me?"

Jaheira shakes her head:
"No...one shouldn't use one's spells casually...not when the matter will resolve itself...let...Nature take its course..."

[maus]

What are you doing? Two dialogues each day? I'm really impressed.