Cleaning out the crypts became a ritual in its own right. Move onto the next section, vanquish the risen undead, quell their bodies to keep them down, move onto the next section. Rinse and repeat. Until they reached the empty backroom sporting another stone door, leading to the last floor below.

Nyx tracked the trail of blood from the entry to where it vanished beneath the stone door.

Gale stroked his beard. "A lot of blood. Do you think they accidentally sealed someone in?"

Frowning at the drag marks, Nyx puffed out her cheeks and said, "That would be terrifying and tragic."

"Suffice to say, darlings, whomever it was - we're unlikely to find them alive. No use crying over spilled blood."

Nyx shook out her limbs. The battles were wearing on her, and the others too. After a break, their group reviewed the map and discussed options to limit their collective growing fatigue. Afterwards, Tav planted her feet in front of the door and confirmed that everyone was ready. Poised weapons, nocked arrows and primed magic replied. She gave a curt nod and spoke the opening incantation.

Once the grinding of stone-on-stone stopped, they were met with silence. Apart from the noises of their own breathing and movements, no screeching greeted them this time round.

Nyx deadpanned, "Undead are like babies, if their not crying then something is wrong."

Astarion gave her a sharp look. "Uncalled for."

Snickers broke the tension, and Nyx smiled sweetly at Astarion. "Present company excluded, of course."

He flashed her a fanged grin in return.

Tav bounded on her toes like Karlach and chippered, "Maybe they're taking a nap, let's go wake them up only to knock them back down." She marched down the stairs with exaggerated dapper.

The chamber below was also unremarkable, yet it had a distinct lack of undead. It was warmer, and the heaviness in the air had lifted, smelling instead of dust, a mixture of the mineral bite from the dry stone and a faint hint of mildew. Fire was summoned to illuminate the area. The sputtering of the torches affixed to the walls punctuated the eerie silence. It illuminated the residue of blood on the floor; the smear carried on down the stairs to the next room. Shadows danced in the recesses of the chamber. Several of the coffins set into the walls had their lids removed, and peering within revealed nothing but a scattering of bones.

Karlach shrugged her hammer onto her shoulders. "This is giving me déjà vu - the creepy kind."

"Traces of necromantic magic." Gale said after probing the coffins.

Shadowheart nodded after inspecting another. "Desecration would explain the risen. Cultist stragglers perhaps?"

"In hopes of achieving what?" Wyll asked, and Halsin answered, "To simply do what's in their nature? Carrying out Myrkul's bidding or continuing Ketheric's plan?"

There were grunts and nods of concession. The coffins yielded no further clues, and they followed the blood trail.

They fully anticipated a trap waiting for them at the end, and, sure enough, they stood in front of huge arched doors. From within, light cast a line on the floor. Lae'zel and Karlach shoved the door open simultaneously.

Most of them gasped at the ghastly scene. It was as they had feared; someone had not only been sealed in the crypt, but tortured, disembowelled, dismembered and their remaining pieces strung up on the walls like morbid decorations. Approaching carefully, they inspected the gore.

Tav had her hand over her mouth, squinting at the mangled remains of an arm. "Looks like a grey robe. One of the acolytes?"

Nyx took a step toward the centre of the room. The blood painted on the walls and pillars suddenly aligned, snapping a pattern into place. She backed up slightly, adjusted her stance and said with wide-eyed recognition, "Uh, Astarion - does this remind you of the cave?"

She beckoned him closer and pointed at where he should stand.

His expression became grim. "Yes."

Nyx made way for the others to see, and Tav remarked, "But it's not Bhaal's symbol."

Gale seconded, "Gibberish mostly."

A deep baritone interrupted their discussion. "Defilers."  

Cringing like children caught where they do not belong, they turned to find a broad armoured silhouette standing in the doorway.

He took a step forward; his gold plate armour, embossed with intricate designs, took on a maroon tint from the reflected blood. Amber eyes glowed from behind the helmet's visor. His head turned slowly, surveying the chamber, and the grip around his claymore tightened. "You dare."

Karlach raised her hands in the air and backed away toward the others. "Woah, easy now big fella. We didn't have anything to do with this."

"You die!"

---

Lae'zel lunged first, and the revenant parried her blow without turning his head. Metal rang as he diverted and drove her blade into the ground. He landed a loud metallic kick against her chest that sent her crashing into the wall. Raging, Karlach bared down on him, Halsin joining in bear shape, forcing the paladin from the room and into the corridor. Shadowheart tended to Lae'zel, while the others piled on after with magic and ranged weapons.

If their blessed weapons affected the revenant, he didn't show it. He easily countered Karlach's advance and shrugged off blots, arrows and magic missiles alike. The hallway was cramped, and the battle proceeded in uncomfortably close quarters. Nyx had to take great care not to shoot her companions amongst the mass of fighting bodies.

At one point, the revenant drove both Karlach and Halsin back, and they sprawled in opposite directions. He placed a fist over his heart, and magic rippled through the air and down the corridors. Shrieks replied.

Shit.

Lae'zel and Shadowheart rejoined the battle. Radiant blasts proved effective, preventing the revenant from cleaving through Halsin, while Lae'zel and Karlach closed the distance. The shrieks drew closer too, and Nyx found herself pinned between two fights; the paladin's to her back and a handful of wights at the front. Too many moving bodies in such a narrow space meant that Nyx's whiskers were more distracting than helpful, and she withdrew them closer to her skin.

Nyx lost track of her companions in the fighting mass, desperately fending off undead with her staff while dodging both enemy and friend. Something hit her in the back  - an elbow or the blunt end of a weapon - either way the result was the same. It shoved her right into the claws of a wight, and it latched onto her, digging its black nails into her hip and upper arm - rot pouring in after sending an icy chill through Nyx. It leaned into her face, making her choke on the stench of its gaping rotten maw and black teeth. Her staff was pinned between them. She layered it with magic, wrested it upwards as hard as she could and slammed the butt into the monster's jaw. Soft flesh gave way, and the staff broke through the skin to knock teeth from its mouth. Another hard tug from her ripped its jaw clean off. Its shriek nearly burst her eardrums, but she used her momentum to drive the creature back into the wall.

Using her staff, Nyx mercilessly pummelled the wight's head into the wall with all her physical and magical strength, trying not to register the pulpy mess it became. She didn't stop until it collapsed on the ground and stilled. The moment of respite made her suddenly aware of the pain from her wounds, and she leaned on her staff, trying to make sense of the battle again.

Shivering, she retrieved a healing potion, hoping to ease the pain and slow the spread of infection. The others were in similar shape, armour torn and pierced, festering wounds dripping with puss - the wights were falling slowly and the revenant was swinging its claymore at the rest of the melee fighters with such vigour that it made Nyx's breath catch. She spotted Shadowheart and rushed to assist, drawing the attention of the opponent to herself. Shadowheart fully utilised the opportunity.

She raised Lathander's mace in the air, calling up its magic. The blood amber in its hilt lit up like the sun. The wight barely cried out when Shadowheart levelled the mace and shouted, "INCENDĒ!"

Nyx shielded her eyes when sunlight erupted from the mace, searing down the corridor.

"Ardē!"

The revenant and the wights' screams were drowned out when Gale cast a fireball in quick succession after Shadowheart's incantation. Nyx pinched her eyes shut as blinding light, heat and magic roared around her, whipping at her hair and tugging at her whiskers. The charred remains of the wights crumpled to the floor, and the revenant heaved. He was kneeling on one knee, propping himself up with his claymore. But he had fight in him still; driven by divine vengeance against the transgressions committed here. Yet now he was severely outnumbered, and the battle had spilled into a wider area.

Halsin, Karlach, Lae'zel and Shadowheart took turns to engage the revenant, who despite his own injuries remained a formidable opponent, parrying and countering many of the blows. Nyx, Tav and Astarion harassed the paladin at range. Although their arrows weren't enough to pierce his own blessed armour, they struck his body with enough force to make a difference. A fraction of reaction time delayed here, a moment of forced repositioning there. Combined with Wyll and Gale's magic, the revenant stumbled from a coordinated barrage of ranged and melee assaults.

Halsin caught the revenant's gauntlet between his teeth and clamped down. Karlach landed a crushing blow to the paladin's chest, tearing his arm out of its socket and sending him crashing into a stone coffin. He trashed in the dust and blood like a tortoise on its back, but Karlach brought her hammer over her head and swung it down onto his chest, denting his plate with a deafening blow. Lae'zel's sword followed through, flashing in the torchlight and relieving the revenant of his head.

The battle concluded, and they all but collapsed, heaving and panting. Sweat collected on Nyx's brow, and her body shook with fever. She eased herself to the ground, retrieving her pack, gathering potions and implements to see to her wounds. The horrific sight of which made her want to cut out the flesh, instead focusing on her meditative techniques to still her hands and manage the pain - she set to work cleaning them until they started to knit from the healing potion's effects.

Her fever broke, and she ambled her way over to the closest of her companions. Wyll, propped up against the wall, had lacerations across his chest, and Nyx cut away the ragged pieces of tunic to tend to his wounds. While his injuries healed, she treated his rot-fever as well. Slowly but surely their group regained their health under the combined care of Nyx, Shadowheart, Halsin and Gale.

Muffled steps approached, and they rose to meet the challenge. Father Liam called out before rounding the corner, and they sighed in relief.

He surveyed the carnage and Tav's group. "By the Gods! The entire crypt had risen. We came as quickly as we could, once Sir Egglemore's anger abated."

The bald priest entered the room supporting Father Halran, whose shaking increased tenfold upon seeing Sir Egglemore's remains. Father Liam and the bald priest assisted with injuries while Father Halran sat on the rim of an unoccupied coffin.

The final wounds were mending, and Father Liam rose, asking Tav, "Did you find the source of their anger?"

She chewed her lip and nodded tentatively, pointing down the corridor. "I'm afraid someone had been brutally murdered in the chapel."

He gestured a blessing in the air and stalked to the chapel. The others waited for his verdict, and when he returned, he'd gone a few shades lighter.

Tav said, "I'm sorry for your loss."

He managed a smile. "We'll see to it that they receive proper burial rites. We should spea-"

Father Halran made a disconcerting wheeze, stood and took a wobbly shuffle toward Father Liam. The bald priest rushed to Father Halran's side, but before he could ask the elderly priest where he was going - a blade flashed, and blood arched across the room. The other priest crumpled to the floor, and a malicious smile spread on Father Halran's spattered face.

The old priest's grey robe and beard were dripping with blood, and he lunged at speed. Both Tav and Astarion reacted before anyone else. Tav dove Father Liam out of the way, and Astarion's daggers rang from their sheaths to cut the blade from Father Halran's grip. The old priest howled in an inhuman voice, flailing back and clutching his hand with several fingers missing. Astarion didn't give whatever Father Halran was time to recover, and in a blur of motion he closed the distance and drove a dagger into the old man's eye. Its howl was cut off when Lae'zel decapitated it from behind. Father Halran's body hit the floor, but his skin moved. It undulated like waves, features twisting, its body writhing until a ghoul-like creature lay at their feet.

Father Liam gasped, sitting up from his sprawled position. "A shapeshifter! But how?"

Gale helped Tav to her feet, and she dusted herself off. "We've had our suspicions about the ritualistic murders. This is as close to marking their kills with Bhaal's signature as it gets."

Wyll pulled Father Liam up by the arm, who sputtered. "F-Father Halran was a Bhaalist? It cannot be! We've know him for years." He turned paler than before.

Nyx set her mouth in a line. "I won't be surprised if Father Halran is the unfortunate soul in the next chamber and this", pointing at the creature, "Is an imposter."

Father Liam recovered somewhat and said, "Sure... Surely Bhaal won't risk a war with the other gods by slaughtering the devoted and enraging the fallen faithful?"

Shadowheart shook her head. "A message more like."

"Or we're being toyed with.", said Astarion.

Tav gave Father Liam a sympathetic look. "Come Father, let's get you away from here and make sure there are no other surprises waiting upstairs."

He nodded absently, and they escorted him out of the crypt, leaving its horrors behind.

---

The Church of Last Hope was a bustle of early evening activity. The scarlet armour of the Fists and the coloured robes of the acolytes and priests hurried back and forth. Inspectors were summoned, prestidigitation scrolls carried in by the armful, and both groups returned even more perturbed after inspecting the crypt.

Nyx puffed out her cheeks and found a seat, mindlessly watching the commotion.

Why should someone have to die for the authorities to do something?

Astarion appeared next to her, and she asked, "How are you holding up?"

"Hmmph, I need of a bath, a bedroll and triple the compensation." He counted down on his fingers.

She chuckled darkly. "Yes on all accounts." Gazing over at Father Liam, who had recovered some of his own colour, she said, "He owes his life to you."

"He owes me money."

Nyx sighed internally.

One of the newcomer priests approached Tav and grasped both her hands in his. "I'm told you and your party of adventurers are to thank for saving the church and Father Liam."

Tav smiled politely and said, "I'm relieved we interfered before the undead took to the streets."

He nodded solemnly, released her hands and introduced himself. "Father Rowan. I also thank the wisdom of Father Halran in moving the majority of the clergy to The Gilded Lantern." His eyebrows furrowed and searched Tav's face. "We are deeply saddened by his and Father Innik's deaths, and the gruesome manner in which it came to pass. Father Liam speaks of a shapeshifter posing as Father Halran that killed Father Innik - but we found none."

Eyebrows rose into hairlines, both Tav’s and those listening in. Tav beckoned with open hands. "We all saw the shapeshifter kill Father Innik and attempt to kill Father Liam. Where its body went to is anyone's guess."

Father Rowan cleared his throat and said, "As much as the situation grieves me, I'll speak to the matter of business now. I have arranged your payment and stay at Lantern. Unfortunately, we do not have rooms to spare, but you are welcome to camp on the grounds and we can offer you protection there."

Tav thanked Father Rowan, shaking his hand one last time, gathered up her companions and set out.

They collected their payment from the Lantern, which was more than agreed upon. Unfortunately, not three times as much. By the time they finished up, other patrons had booked the guesthouse, and no further accommodation was available in Twin Songs. Thus, they took up the offer of camping on church grounds adjacent to the main building.

Setting up camp was a welcome routine, settling much of their own group's nerves. True to their word, the priests set up wards around the camp, and their acolytes insisted on collecting everyone's gear for repairs. Gale gracefully declined their offer to provide dinner and privately confessed that he'll rather skip out on eating 'commune gruel'.

Nyx and the others sat around the campfire, staring into the flames. Astarion rubbed his shoulder, wincing in the process. The wights got to him too, infecting him with flesh rot at the same spot Myrkul's necrotic bone shard had injured him.

She set her goblet down and turned in her seat to face him. "Did Shadowheart have a look at it?"

He hmmed and said, "She says it needs rest to heal, not more magic."

Nyx tapped a finger on her lip. "We can look at helping it along its 'natural healing'. I may have something."

A soft smile graced his features. "Thank you, my sweet.", and she led him to her tent.

Nyx gestured for him to make himself comfortable while she rummaged through her small cupboard. She slid out a square wooden box from the bottom drawer and joined Astarion in the living nook. Setting the case on the ground, she opened the clips on either side and slid the lid off. A wonderful blended scent of aromatic oils was released in a puff of air. His nostrils flared, and he leaned over to peer into the case.

She asked, "Too much?"

"Not at all. Quite pleasant, actually."

Pleased, she elaborated on the contents of the box. Pointing to the regimented bottles arranged in a grid and separated by dividers. "There are four quadrants: florals, herbs, spices and citrus."

He looked to be searching for something, pointed at a bottle and asked, "May I?"

"Please do, I'd prefer if you chose your own massage oil."

A sly grin quirked at the corner of his mouth. "Is this your way of getting your hands on me?"

She placed her fists on her hips and arched an eyebrow. "How else am I suppose to help with your injuries if I cannot put my hands on you?" Her primary concern was helping; that she could get her hands on him was a bonus.

Astarion chuckled, retrieving one of the bottles, screwing the cap off and took a cautionary sniff. Blinking a few times, he put it back.

Nyx caught the name on the label. "Wintergreen. I'd have to dilute it before use, won't smell as strongly then. Be careful with the spices; some are very potent." A smile played on her lips. She wouldn't be surprised if he felt like he had a brand new set of nasal cavities after taking in such a generous whiff of wintergreen.

He traced his finger to the spice section and retrieved another bottle. "Smells like you after a fight sometimes."

She said impressed, "Sandalwood. My quarterstaff has inserts made from it."

He placed a finger on one of the bottles in the herbs section and mused, "Lavender. Tav takes a liking to it. And that one's Gale's; sage and whatever other cooking herbs."

Nyx squinted, made a circle with a finger in the air and selected a bottle for him.

His rubies lit up after sniffing, and he turned over the bottle. "Neroli?"

"A soft citrus blossom. Like it?"

He nodded, and she set the bottle aside. He continued sampling the fragrances and selected an interesting blend of geranium, juniper, rosemary and neroli. Nyx confirmed whether she could add a few drops of black pepper, and he agreed after taking a whiff of the combined scent.

She packed away the other bottles, collected her carrier oils and droppers to create a blend from the individual oils.

Nyx went with the universal carrier that was grapeseed oil, and quickly jotted down a recipe for the blend, recounting its most prominent effects as she went.

Neroli - a light citrus note for tension and anxiety. Can be generous with the amount added.

Black pepper - a biting note, use very sparingly. For circulation and muscle pains.

Juniper - a fresh note, goes well with pepper and rosemary. Synergistic activity on muscular aches and pains.

Rosemary - a strong herbal note and has pain-relieving properties. Use less than juniper or geranium.

Geranium - a sweet green note would help balance the blend and stimulate the lymphatic system.

A question came to mind; Do vampiric lymphatic systems still work the same? She wondered whether the blend would have any effect at all. Meh, let's see.

Once happy with the ratios, she added the carrier oil and aromatics to a fresh bottle and settled herself behind Astarion, who had preemptively removed his shirt. She shuffled to one side, running a finger over the scar the bone shard had left. The wound had healed well, and the scar was light and flat.

As it should be.

Nyx rubbed the oil on her hands and started with a light massaging motion. "Black pepper is naturally warming, but if at any point the burn becomes unpleasant or itchy. Let me know and we'll wash it off. I'm not sure whether you'll respond the same way, as, erm..."

"The living does?" He gave her a knowing smile.

"Well, yes. I don't want to slough your skin off."

Astarion chuckled, then grimaced when she dug her thumb into a spot on his along the tight shoulder muscle. "Ow."

"Hmm, stubborn area. If it hurts too much let me know too."

"You can work me over like this anytime."

She narrowed her eyes in amused suspicion, and carried on massaging out knots, lightly probing at the area with her magic.

There is no injury left per se. Shadowheart was right; it mostly needs rest and a little help to get there.

To finish, Nyx stretched out his arm and shoulder, eliciting a pleased groan from him. She wiped down the excess oil with a cloth and asked, "Better?"

He tested the shoulder, and his range of motion had markedly improved, but he pouted. "What about the other side? It feels very left out."

She cupped her face in mock horror and said, "Oh goodness, we can have that." Smiling, she scooted to the other side, repeating the process with the other arm. Both enjoying the ritual, Nyx indulged in massaging his neck as well, steering clear of his face and hair of course.
We wouldn't want to anger the mistress of vanity.
Afterwards, she gave him a peck on the cheek, and he sighed, turned around and grabbed her before she could pack her things away.

"My turn."

Astarion drew her into a kiss, slipping his hands beneath her clothing. He quickly relieved her of her shirt between the kissing, his tongue and fangs grazing down her neck and across her one shoulder. He applied pressure with his teeth, and she shuddered. The smoke from her quiet fire rose to meet his. A thumb ran along the seam of her bandeau, lightly tracing the curvature of her breast underneath. Her breath hitched, and her fingers replied by lacing one of his ears, stroking it along its length, tapering her fingers to its point. A deeper groan escaped him, and he gripped her tighter, one hand on her thigh, the other cupping her breast.

He purred past her ear, "We'll need to do something about your fever."

Her brain took a moment to formulate words, and she said softly, "I am more than capable of waiting Astarion, there is no rush."

Pulling away, his ruby gaze searched hers. "If that is what you want."

She searched his expression in return. Stroking his face, she said, "I would want for you to want it too. This is about us."

He mulled that over and replied, "I like the sound of that."

Although she was a bit taken aback, by him seemingly expecting the opposite. She kept her expression neutral and confirmed earnestly, "You are worth it. Besides, I prefer taking things slow, and our relationship was never meant to be one-sided. We are in this together."

And I will continue to remind you.

He smiled sheepishly, bringing one of her hands to his lips and brushing her fingers against them, several things passing behind his gaze. He leaned in to capture her mouth, making her hum in appreciation.

Uncertainly clouded his expression again, and he breathed, "Would you rather I stop teasing you?"

"No," was her immediate reply, and she said between her own gentle kisses, "Whatever you're comfortable with. All that matters. Anything you give. Is deeply satisfying."

His hands roamed to her lower back, and he drew her closer, breathing her in. Desire darkened his return gaze, and he said in a low tone, "I find that incredibly erotic", and the promise in his lingering kisses overwhelmed her.

That sly smile crept onto his face. Tilting his head, he mused, "There are others ways for you to take the edge off." Roving his eyes down her body, he said, "I don't mind watching."

Nyx blinked at him, shocked at how blasé the suggestion was while his smile kept spreading.

I suppose there will be many aspects of 'pleasure' that won't faze him.

It wasn't an appealing idea, so she decided against it and reiterated, "Astarion, I meant it when I said you are worth the wait. It doesn't matter how long it takes - I care about what you want too and I'll respect your choice whatever it may be. And if it does happen..." She borrowed his words, "I want to indulge together, share in it with you. When you're ready, and you're here with me, Erenerhym."

An unexpected softness touched his features, and the sincere 'Thank you' that followed made her heart ache with both fondness and sadness. She cupped his face and kissed a line from his forehead to his jaw, easing him into an embrace.

--- --- ---

Astarion relaxed into her arms, guiding her back into the pillows and nuzzling into her shoulder. Her hunger for him was undeniable, as was his desire for her. Yet, his shades were already lurking. Bringing with them the bile of self-loathing. A choking sensation threatened in the back of his throat at merely the thought of having to force himself.

He, too, wants to indulge in her; fully present and free of his hauntings. And the numbness. The fear. All of it.

Taint.

It had tainted the moment between them, and what could have been.

Nyx is different. I know this, but the rest of me doesn't.

As though sensing his lingering discomfort; her hands moved to massage his arms and shoulders again. A deft, soft touch. She tentatively continued to stroke his back, and he welcomed it. The motion soothed away his growing apprehensions.

He sighed, content in her presence and affirmed to himself.

I feel safe here. I feel safe with her. R'hunni'vah.

---

They lay in each other's arms, and Astarion didn't feel a need or want for anything else. Nyx's hands combed through his hair. Her heartbeat and breath steady beneath his ear. His thoughts drifted.

Such a simple thing. There was no need for performance. Not from her. Not from him. They could simply just be. Together. Like this.

Muffled laughter from their companions drew his attention to how genuine and free it sounded. He mused mostly to himself, "You're surprising." Her movements paused for a moment, and he continued, "All of you really. Most of the time I'm expecting the whole charade to finally come to an end."

He could almost hear her frowning. A small, bitter laugh escaped him. "Why is it that you lot are not what I've come to know about people?"

She shifted, and her answer stirred his hair. "I don't know. What is it that you've come to know about people?"

He harrumphed and stated, "Where would you like me to start? Greed, lust, gluttony. Rampant and ubiquitous. 'Take what you need' - no. 'Take what you want' - regardless of what it costs someone else."

Her lingering silence made him regret starting this line of conversation, and he resisted the urge to turn his head. He didn't want to see the look her in the eyes. Rather hoping the topic would wane out of existence by itself.

Finally she said, "Perhaps because of your 'hunting grounds'... You've been generally exposed to a certain type of person?" A smile tugged at his lips after her cautious framing of his situation, and he considered it more seriously for a moment.

Another tentative input from her. "And were also inclined to hunt similar?"

The uncomfortable weight of truth settled on him, clawing at his chest. Of course, she had already put it together. What did I expect? Her ability to reconcile with it was even more remarkable. But he wasn't being entirely honest.

He admitted softly for some unknown reason, "There were many innocents too."

Not expecting such an immediate reply, she merely stated, "I too have been responsible for the loss of innocent lives. I doubt people who lead lives like we had could claim otherwise."

Her concession took him aback, but before he could chase after a nagging reminder at the periphery of his mind, there was a sudden change in her heartbeat and breathing. Shortly followed by her body tensing beneath him.

He sensed her priming magic, eyes snapping to hers, and he asked with more urgency than usual, "What's the matter?"

--- --- ---

Nyx's magic hackles stood at ends sensing a massive surge of unfamiliar power.

And it's heading straight for us.

"Something's coming."

An expression akin to relief flickered over Astarion's features, then a frown replaced it. "The devil?"

"No, more powerful." Her eyes grew wide. "Much more."

Sounds of alarm came from outside. Before Nyx could sit up to retrieve her hunting knife and clothing, Astarion was gathering his shirt and daggers. She darted from the tent after him while the incoming magic continued to swell within camp despite the protective wards.

I have no idea why the Dragonheart scene with Sir Egglemore popped into my head when I was thinking of a name for the revenant - but here we are.

I just realized that I never explained what the prestidigitation scrolls are... And for some reason I had convinced myself that it was in the game when it wasn't. So here is a quick summary:

A cantrip that creates minor magical effects, such as lighting a candle, cleaning an object, or making a symbol appear.

So, I generally refer to it for the magical cleaning effects... Oh, how I would love to have something like this in real life...

Wight, Forgotten Realms Wiki - I would consider those from the crypt unarmed 'civilians'.

Revenant by Tulio Brito