Hope wasn't unaware of the tension in the camp. Frankly, she didn't care. Whatever Shadowheart and Lae'zels' issues with each other were, they weren't her problem. Though it was annoying to hear random snide comments directed at each other. At least while walking the dirt road that would lead them toward the goblin camp, they stayed far enough away from each other that they didn't constantly pick at each other.
It was quiet as the sun rose and the doves cooed their morning ballads. Almost peaceful, Hope thought as she looked around and took in the scenery. She'd lived in quiet isolation for so long this past decade, she'd forgotten to listen. Now she did, and while the circumstances were anything but perfect, at least she had a sliver of this — a taste of freedom.
"What is that up ahead?" Shadowheart asked suddenly.
Bringing her focus back, Hope silently cursed herself for allowing herself to get distracted. True as she said, there was a mound of something ahead, blocking a portion of the road.
Astarion scoffed, "I hardly think that's anything worth looking at."
Without a reply, Hope ventured toward the heady aroma that drifted off it. The closer she drew, the more she came to realize why it beckoned her. A dead bore soaked in dried blood, while not ideal, was still a temptation. She wrinkled her nose.
Not in disgust, but desire.
She was starving.
It would have been a good idea to walk around it immediately, but something about it struck her funny. Squatting, she sat on her heels and examined the puncture wounds on its throat. The markings were similar to those of a vampire's attack, and she'd seen plenty of them to know.
"Oh, just leave it. It's not of importance," Astarion quipped, "We're on our way to a goblin camp, not assess road carcasses."
Lifting her head, Hope set her gaze on him. She watched him keenly, assessing him for a long moment until his red eyes finally strayed toward hers, vexedly, "What?"
The corner of her mouth twitched with slight amusement. She'd wondered how he might be different from the others, and she was fairly sure she got her answer. Not that she'd voice it. Why would she? After all, she too had secrets to keep.
"Nothing," she finally said and watched the slight rising panic begin to dim from his eyes, taking on his careful confidence again.
"Lead on then, we don't have time for this."
Hope rolled her eyes and stood and she absolutely certain he saw it, but rather than expression frustration…he smirked.
"Wiley one, aren't you?"
You have no idea.
"Alright, let's go."
"Finally."
Walking around the animal, she ignored the hunger pains in her stomach and gums. The headaches were starting to set in, which begged the question: should she tell someone? At the very least, Astarion. He, of all of them, would understand if he truly were what she thought he might be. If he were and she confided in him, they could arrange something together.
Maybe next time he'd share.
Then again, she thought as they walked, glancing sideways at him. He wasn't exactly what she'd call trustworthy. Neither was she, certainly, but it was easier to trust her own instincts over someone else's actions.
They crossed the bridge, and Hope paused, staring down at the people lying dead on the ground, feeding their blood to the stone beneath. They'd been dead for some time now, judging by the stench. Glancing up, she stared at the sign that read Blighted Village.
"More goblins," Shadowheart said, "Be prepared for another fight."
Gale moved forward then, stepping in front of Hope, and she allowed herself to fall back. Though her jaw was tight with annoyance, it didn't show in the doe eyes she portrayed.
"Maybe there's a way around," she offered.
"Coward," Lae'zel shot back. "How do you intend to be useful at the camp if you can't handle the few?"
"I can be very persuasive when I want to be."
She sent a glare over her shoulder before following Gale toward the entrance while Hope slipped her middle finger in Lae'zel's direction. Quick and immature, but needed.
Looking above, Hope frowned at the sight of a scout above. An arrow trained on them as they approached.
"What do you think you're doing here?" A goblin demanded in her approach, weapon in hand. "I suggest you turn around and walk away while you still got legs."
"We have some rather important business to attend," Gale said, offering an empty smile, "Now if you'll excuse us…"
"Don't think so." She gripped her weapon tighter as another few gathered.
Hope didn't hear the whistle of the arrow until it was already embedded in her thigh. She hissed and lurched forward, landing on her hands and knees. Gritting her teeth, she raised her head to see the goblin laughing. She wasn't sure if it was the laugh or the pain of the arrow that drove her to do it, but one minute he was laughing, and the next his head was in his hands, screaming in agony. He fell off the stone wall and landed on the ground, now silent.
In the time since the first arrow was released, the others had begun making quick work of the other goblins. Hope stood to her feet and grimaced at the burning ache that rippled up and down her leg. Limping toward the village, she gripped the entrance wall to keep the weight off as she assessed her companions.
With the distraction of killing the enemy, no one had noticed her spiteful attack on the one, thank goodness. She stared down at the arrow that protruded from her leg. It had been a long time since she'd suffered an injury. It wasn't terrible, and she knew she'd heal within seconds of it being taken out. That could prove to be a problem.
If they saw her healing ability, they'd suspect other things, just as Gale had.
"I can take that out for you," Shadowheart offered, shaking Hope from her thoughts.
Swallowing, she looked up to find all of her companions staring at her leg, all but Gale…who stared at her face.
"It's alright, I can take care of it. I need to sit for a second."
Gale nodded, "Take your time. We'll take a look around the place, see if we can find anything of value for our journey."
All in agreement, she watched them walk away as she lingered on the other side of the wall and slumped down. Opening her pack, she took out a bundle of fabric and tore it with a satisfying rip to make one long length. Then, glancing around to ensure no one was around to watch, she took hold of the arrow's body and yanked.
Cringing, Hope shuddered from the ripping pain as her flesh came with bits of the arrow's barbed head. As expected, the moment the foreign object was gone, her wound healed within seconds. Usually, that would have been it, but at the moment, she was putting on a show. She drenched the fabric in alcohol and wrapped it tightly around her thigh where the arrow had been. It was cool against her skin, but not otherwise unpleasant.
Ensuring the whole space was covered, she stood to her feet and limped back into the village. Everyone was busy gathering food or weapons that might come in useful at some point. It was then that a well came into view. She ventured forward, eager for a drink of something cool against her parched throat.
Hands on the ledge, she peered over the edge only to be met with complete and utter darkness. Not even a glimmer of water could be seen at the bottom of it. Putting her ear to it, she listened but heard only a strange scuttling sound.
"How is your leg?" Gale asked from behind her.
She turned to find him holding an armful of fresh fruit, extending an apple to her with a small smile.
Returning it, she nodded, "I'll live…" She took the extended offering. "Thank you."
"It wouldn't be wise to enter a goblin camp with a limp. We should rest for the night, I'm sure there's a few healing potions around here to take the edge off."
Hope nodded and smirked just a little, "I don't think that will sit well with Lae'zel."
"Lae'zel will have to remain patient," Gale shook his head, "we're all in this together. All of us, and our little travel companions." He touched his temple with his fingers, pursing his lips into a tight smile.