"Don't," he said simply.
"Don't what? Don't kiss me now, or don't kiss me ever?" she said. "You already know the outcome. What can it hurt?"
"I don't know anything," Ruen said. "Nothing is carved in stone."
"Finally, he admits it. His gift is not infallible," Icelin said. She brought his gloved hand to her lips and kissed the back. "Congratulations."
"Mock me if you want, but you're not giving up either," he said. "You wouldn't be leaving Waterdeep if you didn't think there was something to find in the world that could help you."
"I admit it freely," Icelin said. "Aldren's burden was lifted. But if such a cure doesn't exist for me, I'll live the remainder of my life as well as I can. And I'll have my taste of adventure besides."
"Lead on, then," Ruen said.
Icelin nodded, but she did not turn in the direction of the city gates. "I have a stop to make first, to Sull's shop."
"It's closed up," Ruen said. "Going there won't change anything."
"I know," Icelin said, "but I need to go anyway."
They walked in silence, and Icelin was surprised, when she turned onto the butcher's street, to see Bellaril standing in front of the shop. She held the signboard with its painted haunch of meat in her hand.
"I didn't expect you'd get roped into helping him," Icelin said when they walked up.
"Didn't think it myself," the dwarf woman said. She made way as Sull's bulk crowded the doorway. The butcher's bright red hair caught the sunlight. His teeth flashed in a wide smile when he saw Icelin. He dropped the hammer and nails he was carrying into his apron pocket and went to her.
He swept her up in a hug that was ten times as crushing as the one Kersh had given her. Icelin had no breath left to protest.
"Almost done here," he said when he released her. "Just need to board the windows for winter, then we can be on our way."
"She came to make you reconsider," Ruen spoke up.
Icelin elbowed the monk in the ribs. She smiled sheepishly under Sull's black glare. "I'll be fine, Sull. Ruen's coming with me, and what about your shop?"
"Got it all with me," Sull said. He trotted around the side of the building and came back with a small cart and pony. "We need provisions, and I'm goin' to see to it you don't starve on hard rations. Besides, I've got recipes for the road," he said proudly. "There are spices and meats out there in the world Waterdeep never sees. How can I pass up the chance to bring some back?
This is research, is what this is, an investment. Got nothin' to do with you," he said, grinning broadly.
Icelin looked at Ruen, who shrugged. "I dori't mind eating good food," he said.
She appealed to the dwarf woman next, but Bellaril shook her head. "Nothing to me if he goes ot not, but I'm staying. The Cradle's a mess, and I'm still looking forward to dealing with the pretty elves," she said, a wicked light gleaming in her eyes.
Icelin sighed. "Fine. You're all baggage, though, and nothing but."
Ruen bowed. Sull grinned wider.
When they passed beyond the city gates, Icelin silently composed the letter in her head.
Dear Grandfather,
I leave today on a new adventure. Faerun calls to me, and I'm willing to hear what she has to say. Wish me good fortune, and know that wherever I go, I carry all of you in my heart.
Love always,
Icelin