Challenge

"I'm out," Alexander said, tossing his cards down on the table.

Nalia glanced up, meeting Vicona's gaze over the top of her cards. The drow woman looked back with steady, unreadable eyes. A pile of gold coins – nearly the entire spoils from the party's raid on the slaver's compound – lay gathered in front of her. Whether by skill, subterfuge, or sorcery, the priestess had managed to win nearly everyone's share. Korgan and Minsc had already departed the table, the former much less politely than the latter, and now that Alexander had bowed out, only Jaheira and Nalia remained.

"I raise you three gold," the De'Arnise heir responded, throwing the coins into the central pot. She only had four left, but the chances that Viconia had a hand better than her five nobles was slim.

"Match." Jaheira slid her last few gold over.

"Very well." Viconia matched the bid and laid her cards down on the table. Three Lords and two Ladies smiled up at the three seated women.

Jaheira scowled. Her two Pages and a trio of Cups were no match for Viconia's hand. "You win."

The druid warrior pushed her chair back, making no secret of her displeasure, and departed the room as well. Now it was down to the two.

Nalia shook her head and sighed. "If I hadn't cast detect magic on you after the third hand, I would swear you were cheating."

Viconia smirked and gathered up her winnings. "Shall we continue, rivvil, or have you had enough for one night?"

"Enough?" Nalia grinned. If there was one way to make her do something, it'd always been to tell her she shouldn't – or couldn't – handle it. Aunty Delcia had never figured that out, and the frustration of it had given her quite a few gray hairs before her time. Nalia loved a challenge, and that definitely sounded like one. She scooped up the cards and began reshuffling. "Not on your life."

One pale eyebrow arched up. "Strong talk from someone with but one gold to her name."

"Is one coin not enough for you? I figured you would want it all."

"I am not so paltry in my desires."

"Oh, please." Nalia rolled her eyes as she handed over the pack. "Deal the cards."

"How about a worthwhile wager?" Viconia suggested, taking the stack.

"Such as?"