Chapter 1: I am Sam

Chapter 1

“Sam," Rita Hillman said, "Douglas and I will be heading back to Redstone for provisions. Anything you might need?” I shook my head yet again, as I always do, at the request. There was nothing that I needed that she or Douglas could provide.

Soon it was just me on the front porch of the Sewn-Flower, key in hand, watching the Hillmays starting their trek with the caravan to Redstone. Part of me wished to join, to return myself to the city, but the very thought was met with a resounding, “No.” Instead, I wiped the dust and the budding sweat from my forehead before retreating into the less dusty Tailor shop.

My name is Aisamijk (AA-sam-eeZH), but I’ve been going by Sam Phoenix for months. Sweeping floors wasn’t my first choice of work. Nor was milking cows or cooking or stitching cloth into dresses or hammering nails to thatch a roof. But seeing that I came here with nothing, other than the charity of the Hillmays, I took on anything I could get.

The Hillmays were the only consistent work I managed. Each week I earned enough to buy a few meals and save for a rainy day. All I had to do was come and sweep the shop three to four days a week. Okay, there are other duties, but it’s the dust that is the constant perpetrator to be battled. Linen had to be placed over the bolts of fabric and window displays lest to return in the morning to a fine layer of desert dust on all the ware.

When I’m not working at the Sewn-Flower, I hire myself out in the hopes for a meal or a place to sleep, but it’s been difficult. A lady without long hair is not my idea of an attractive woman. When I first arrived, I had a fine stubble of hair regrowing. Three months later and it’s only two inches long according to Rita’s measuring tape. It’ll take years before my hazelnut hair is cascading to my waist again. It’s interesting how much hair is apart of a person’s identity...

I was lucky that it was Rita and Douglas I had happened upon. Though I hate their kindness, it could be worse. Being new in town, no one knowing who I was, it was like being a stray dog. Some people took pity and let me earn a meal or a place to sleep. Other’s shooed me away, taking me for a whore or disease they didn’t want to catch.

I almost became a whore... It’s funny what a hungry stomach could do to a person. My pride was- still is- too big to keep accepting the Hillmay’s charity. At the end of my first month in Skullcreek, I took to heart what one of the tavern maids said to me. “Darlin’. Why you scarfin’ down food like ya ain’t eatin’ befor? A pretty thing like ya could eat fer a week if ya make the right man’s night.”

The whores did dress better than I and had more meat on their bones. And when the next two day stretch without a meal came around, I gave in. I doubt I chose the right man, or maybe it was too soon to be intimate, if that’s what I could call it. The moment his hands were on me, I felt a terrible pit form in my stomach. My first and only lover, Elrik, sprang to my mind. The way she use love me was something to be desired over the lust the man handled me with. At the same time, it angered me that I would crave for her. It was all because of her that I am where I am.

It’s enough to say I never returned to the work of a whore. Whoever the man was, I hadn’t seen him since. Probably someone passing through.

As people got use to me being around, I began to acquire more jobs. There are still nights I go hungry, but surely in time I’ll have something steady. Maybe even earn enough to buy a home and pay the Hillmay’s back for everything they’ve helped me with.

In the meantime, wiped my brow with my apron. The day was going to be another scorcher. Hastily I finish sweeping and dusting the shop. Once the Sewn-Flower was locked, the key secure in my pocket, I went to retrieve my lute from my nook in a barn.

To avoid the heat, I went to my favorite place: the Mesquite tree next to the creek the town was named after. In the shade of the tree I play my lute to pass the time. And on a day as such, with coin for food, I play music until my stomach can’t stand being empty any more.

Next Chapter

XXIV: Shard

Previous Entry

SHARD

“Is he the father!?” Sylis’s voice rang through the night.

Lana stood numb, the cool summer air chilling her bones. Her mind raced for a distraction, a lie, something to take the piercing blue eyes off of her. The dark streets began to light up as Sylis’s shouts continued to punctuate through the night. All Lana wanted was to run, but Sylis held fast to her arm.

She shook her head in response, which did little to appease Sylis. “Is he a potential father!?” he pestered, his grip tightening.

“You’re hurting me!” Lana retorted. She wanted to fight him, to make him let go, but she suspected he’d fight back. Sylis continued to stare at her, waiting for Lana’s answer. Her heart thundered as fear strangled the truth in her throat. Don’t cry! she told herself as emotion bubbled to the surface, don’t cry...

Rin had come up in conversation as they walked the streets of Zilspar, Lana talking too fondly of him. By doing so, Sylis asked about the kiss the Halfling had given her at their farewell party. Lana tried to brush it off as Rin being drunk, but the Wizard saw through it. There was no more lying about it.

Just as her mouth prepared to spill the truth, a door slammed near them.

“You dare question her honor!?” Shard’s voice boomed, sword drawn. He marched toward them, his boots clunking along the cobblestone road. Lana maneuvered herself between him and Sylis.

“Don’t Shard,” she said weakly, not able to meet his gaze, as Sylis continued to hold her firmly. “He’s allowed to ask questions.” The lump in her throat swelled as she turned, dreading that both would know. Once her eyes met with Sylis’s, her face contorted as she nodded her head in answer.

The look the Wizard gave her was filled with disbelief and betrayal. His grip relaxed as he took a step back. His mouth groped for words, but when they didn’t come, Sylis turned on his heels and walked away.

Complete panic broke out in Lana’s mind. A cry ripped from her throat as she called after him. She would have clung to Sy’s arm, but her legs sunk to the ground as she tried to breathe. The Wizard made no attempt to acknowledge her pleas. He left her. He walked away. The abandonment felt similar to her father’s rejection. Let alone he knows too much about her, and in that moment, she didn’t trust him with her secrets.

What have I done!?

To add fuel to her torment, Lana couldn’t help but wish Rin was there.

Strong, gloved hands, gripped Lana’s shoulders. “Hey, stop these tears. Let him go blow some steam off. He’ll come around. You made a mistake. Lots of people make mistakes. You make them, you learn from them, and you move on,” Shard tried to console. As he lifted Lana up, she felt her strength give out again. The Warforge didn’t understand.

“B-but it wasn’t a-a mistake Shard,” she began as he wrapped her in his arms and took her inside, “I-I did it on purpose. I in-instigated!”

“Oh I’m sure whatever it was, you were just in the heat of the moment. It’s not like you love the guy-”

Another loud wail escaped from Lana. “But I do! I love them both Shard! And I-I thought that maybe Rin and Sylis would be friends and-and I’d be able to be happy with both of them!”

Shard sat Lana down on her bed, letting the girl continue to cry on his shoulder. He smoothed her hair a little and handed her a tissue.

“You done yet?” he asked bluntly. Lana blew her nose, her eyes taking in the details of the wooden floor. In a more gentle tone, Shard asked, “Does Rin know about Sylis?”

Lana nodded, sniffling.

“Doesn’t seem very fair that you left Sylis on the outside, but you’ve got a choice to make now. If not for your own sake, then for that of the baby.”

“I know,” Lana whispered, “It’s just... complicated.”

Shard let a defeated sigh escape him, his body creaking as he shook his head. He made to leave, but Lana grabbed his arm.

“Would you please stay...?” she asked. Shard gave her a look as if to say he didn’t want to get involved, but then Lana added, “I don’t want to be alone,” and his resolve disappeared.

Lana slept with her back to the Warforge. It wasn’t Sylis or Rin, but it was better than no one. Shard had come with Lana to be her guard, which she delighted in because he always doted upon her. Tonight was the first time he had been so serious though...

Part of her wanted to be mad at him for not sympathizing with her more, but at the same time, Shard was right. She had a choice to make. Rin or Sylis? Weeks ago, it would have been an easy decision, but now... who did she give up? The person who supports her at her worst, or the one who inspires her become someone better?

Next Entry

XXIII: Rin

Previous Entry

RIN

“What about that one?” Sylis whispered. Lana looked across the campfire at a twelve year old boy. He was a hired on orphan, helping one of the merchants they were traveling with. Lana had even tried teaching him how to spin a hoop but to little success.

“No!” Lana hissed, “Too young and too familiar. We’d be among the first questioned!”

“It’s not like he has any family who’d miss him.”

“Sylis! Ya-know-what will just have to wait until we’re in town!”
Lana began to bite her nails. She could only hope she could make it to a town before lashing out. Her mind had been trapped for days, plagued with thoughts of blood. Often they crept back to the night Sylis had presented her with a victim. The memory once made Lana sick as she recalled her cold blooded kill. But now... she could feel her toes curl with anticipation.

“You know what I can’t wait for? Better food. I’m tired of the stews and beans, and does anyone know how to make a biscuit? Curse Rin for feeding us so well!” Sylis complained.

Lana nodded in agreement, but at the mention of the Halfling, the thoughts of killing vanished from her mind. A moment of needed clarity. How she wished Rin was beside her instead of Sylis. It was bad enough that her inner voice encouraged her to kill, but the Wizard made it all the worse. Rin would never assist her in such a lowly sport. Gods help me if he ever finds out...

Lana grinned in spite of herself as she thought about the Halfling and his ability to see the good in just about everything. “Don’t forget, Lana good here,” Rin said, tapping Lana’s heart, “And Rin will see Lana soon.”

She fought back the ugly tears. He had said those words to her the afternoon after the murder. Lana felt like dirt and part of her wished to come clean with the Halfling, but she wasn’t about to sabotage her relationship with him, especially when what she had been long waiting for seemed to be within reach. Sylis was willing to swallow his pride and make amends with Rin.

“Let’s have a farewell party with him,” the Wizard had suggested, “Send us off to my mother’s in fashion.”

Lana beamed her enthusiasm. It was unexpected of Sylis and would make the months without Rin more bearable. Lana had agreed to meet Xara because of what Sylis had done for her, but if she was honest, it was to avoid the Halfling until her guilt subsided. Rin had such faith in her, but she kept failing him. Her desire to be something more than a crazy murderer was becoming more of a wishful dream.- that is, unless Rin or Sylis followed through with a cure.

The Wizard left Lana to run a few errands for their departure, leaving Lana with Rin to arrange party plans The Halfling was more than pleased to host the gathering.

“Where Lana going to?” he asked as they walked the market.

“Trolanport. I’ll be meeting Sylis’s mother,” Lana mentioned cautiously as she examined a squash, “It also sounds like she has business to discuss-”

“Trolanport?” the Halfling interrupted.

“Yeah.”

“Rin have Uncle there! Maybe Rin visit Randy?” he said, not seeming to care about the introduction to Xara.

“That... would be amazing,” Lana said lightly, masking her apprehension, “If you’re able to arrange it, it would be nice to see ya,” Lana added. At first it felt like a lie, but every day that passed, the hope for Rin to meet her in Trolanport grew. Something that Lana clung to as a means to keep her mind off of killing.

The child within suddenly grumbled as Lana’s thoughts lingered on food and her last night with Rin. The Halfling outdid himself with a memorable feast: honey glazed lamb, brown buttered squash, tarragon green beans, roasted mushrooms, peach and berry tarts, and fresh made rolls. It was heavenly, and luckily, Rin made enough to feed a small army. What Lana thought would have been a private party of three, turned into a gathering of five. Don and Brugg came along for the festivities since they were to head out with Lana and Sylis in the morning.

The smile grew on Lana’s lips as she remembered Don suggesting a competition to see who could eat the most that night. Lana, not wanting to be bested by the men, kept pace for the first two helpings. The third plate was half finished before she sat back in surrender.

Lana watched the men continue to pack the food. Though not the best of table manners, the merriment filled Lana with warmth. After hours of laughter and Rin’s store of liquor nearly all spent, Lana helped her guild companions to various places within Rin’s home. Once they were comfortable, she then helped Rin over to his bed.

“Lana has good friends,” Rin mumbled, sleepily leaning forward and kissing her. “Lana so loved.”

“I think ya drank too much,” she replied, pulling the covers over him.

“Rin love Lana.”

“Lana loves Rin,” she whispered. She then dared a kiss on the Halfling’s temple.

Lana’s insides squirmed at the memory. When she turned away from Rin, she had found Sylis sitting up on the couch, a dark look in his eyes. Cautiously, she asked what was wrong. The Wizard blinked and shook his head slightly before focusing on Lana. A dopey grin stretched across his face.

“Absolutely nothing,” he sang, pulling Lana to him. A wave of relief washed over her as she took her place next to him.

What if he had seen? Lana wondered.

Sylis might not care anymore. Maybe he’s okay with it like Rin...

Is Rin really okay with it?

The smile had faded from Lana’s face. He deserves better than me, she thought, but Lana knew it was out of selfishness that she stayed with Rin. Her conscience could scream at her that she deserved to be alone, but Lana needed him. Rin made her feel worthy, even if she didn’t believe it.

Lana curled up next to Sylis, sleep far from her mind as her thoughts wrestled within.

Next Entry

XXII: Sylis

Previous Entry

SYLIS

“Sylis! We can get in serious trouble for this!” Lana seethed. She looked at the woman bound in the corner. This was the Wizards idea of a present and it scared Lana. She was feeling the itch to kill again, but this was far from what she had wanted. Every kill had to be done tactfully if she didn’t want to get locked up.

But the fear in the woman’s eyes was tantalizing. The high in her bloodshot eyes did little to ease what she knew was coming. Lana was in control over her without having lifted a finger. Lana had seen the woman before too. Making money by seducing men and stealing from vendors when they weren’t looking. Nobody would come searching for her. She was nothing- though at that thought, a twitch of pain shot through Lana as she looked at what could very well be her future.

That morning when Lana woke up, she listened to the rhythmic beat of Rin’s heart. She began to tap a finger along his chest in time to it, pausing long enough to enjoy the warmth of his skin. Her mind wondered what the scent of his blood would be like, but as she got lost in thought, flashes of what she saw in Barut’s dungeon horrified her.

Lana sat up, shaking the daydream from her mind and with great reluctance knew she had to return to the guild. If she didn’t feed her needs carefully, she may come to regret it later.

As she looked at the notice board in the guild, seeing if any requests for an assassination were available, her attention was drawn away.

“You’re back?” Sylis questioned. Lana looked doe eyed for a moment at the Wizard before smiling brightly.

“Yeah. I was thinking the other night that a couple thousand gold wasn’t going to really support a baby forever.” She held up her fingers as she began to list, “Food, toiletries, whatever education we’ll want for them, and cloths! Goodness, that can be it’s own fortune,” Lana rambled. She then sighed. “So yeah. Figured I’d keep saving up until I’m too fat to even waddle.”

Sylis laughed with her before kissing her forehead. He then leaned away from her, surveying her avoiding eyes.

“You need another kill don’t you,” he whispered. Lana’s face dropped, part of her cursing her inability to keep in character. She thought about arguing it, but when she looked to Sylis she knew it was pointless. Disappointed at not being as deceiving as she had hoped, Lana nodded.

“Don’t be sad babygirl. You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Sylis consoled, pulling Lana into a hug. Lana felt numb. So badly she wanted to believe that, but fear reared it’s ugly head, forcing Lana to smile to hide it.

“Well, there’s nothing here that has caught my eye. I’ll go put my things up stairs and perhaps we can get some practice on my knife throwing today?”

“I actually need to head out, I’m suppose to meet with an acquaintance to see if the travel portals are useable- oh!” Sylis said, pulling a note from his pocket, “Mother has asked for my help in Trolenport. Will you please come so I can introduce you to her?”

Lana tried to hide her disinterest in meeting with Xara. She was still on the fence about Sylis. Rin had the hope that Lana would give the Wizard up, and she didn’t want to keep leading Sylis on, especially if family got involved.

“I’ll think about it,” she replied, “When will you be back?”

“In an hour or two?” he shrugged. Lana nodded and made do with dinking around the guild with Shard and Kari.

It wasn’t until twilight that Sylis returned. Lana was simmering and proceeded to throw catty insults at him when he walked through the door. Sylis, beaming at his fiery girl and wrapped her into a kiss before telling her, “Let’s go out to eat.”

“Really? That’s how you’re going to make up for being ridiculously late?”

“You make it sound like I stood you up. I have a life to live too,” Sylis replied playfully. Lana pouted. She was being childish, but she wasn’t use to Sylis not waiting on her hand and foot. She would have been stubborn and refused to go, but the child within insisted on something fried.

Lana was full of mirth and food as midnight drew nigh. They were strolling along the boardwalk, the moon and stars bright in the clear summer sky. Ships creaked in the light wind that gently encouraged the waves to lap to shore. It was a pleasant end to the day when Sylis said, “I have a surprise for you.”

Lana cocked an eyebrow. “And what would that be?” she asked. The Wizard pulled on her hand leading her to an old shack at the base of a cliff. She heard him whisper something and the faint click of a lock releasing sounded briefly. The door swung open silently and Sylis beckoned for Lana to enter first.

With fire in her hand, Lana moved into the building. That was when she saw the frightened woman in the corner.

“Sylis!” Lana hissed as the Wizard locked the door behind them. The woman began to cry, Lana going to her aid.

“Surprise!” Sylis replied, freezing Lana in place. Hands just inches from the restraints, hovering motionless as the situation’s reality hit her. HE KIDNAPPED HER!? her thoughts rushed.

“Please don’t hurt me!” the woman wailed.

Lana whipped around on Sylis, ignoring the woman, and marched back over to him. “It’s this kind of recklessness that can get us into trouble!” Lana scolded in a frantic whisper.

“I know. But only if we get caught,” the Wizard retorted.

Lana was momentarily lost for words. He had used her own logic against her. Her heart pounded violently inside her chest. So much could go wrong. Someone could walk by and hear the woman’s cries. And if they let her go? It’d be a cold day in hell if Lana were to accept the thief’s promises to remain quiet. In a way she’d be ridding the world of another useless being. Lana continued to debate silently, cursing Sylis for the predicament he had put them in.

“Babygirl,” Sylis spoke. He walked up behind Lana and wrapped her firmly in his grasp. His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, “Let me help you. Better to ease the ache then to let it fester again.”

“But this is murder!”

“And the others weren’t?”

“Those were under contract! I had permission! Who’s giving permission over this!?”

“I am,” Sylis’s smooth voice answered. A shiver ran down her spine to the allure of the his words. They seeped into her veins, warming her inside and out.  

Make her scream, her thoughts coaxed.

Someone will hear!

“Enjoy your moment,” Sylis interrupted, sensing her thoughts. His words we like the silk dress she wore last night, clinging to her, wrapping her in their comforts. Sy’s hand slid down her arms and to her hands. Little currents of energy prickled at her fingertips as he guided them to the daggers on her belt. “You did say you wanted to practice your knife throwing. No one will even hear her cry,” he whispered down her neck.

Why is he doing this? Lana weakly thought. You’re no better than her-

I’m worlds better!

It was vain for Lana to try and reason with herself. Her blood was hot, her heart palpitating with excitement as the woman continued to cry while Sylis moved his lips along the nap of her neck.

The Wizard left Lana in a haze of desire. He hoisted their hostage up, positioning her in a star formation against the wall. Her pleas fell on deaf ears, Lana biting her lip eagerly. Once tied in place, the Wizard returned to Lana’s side, waiting with bated breath like herself.

He has done this for me, her thoughts soothed. No judgement. No limits. No rules but our own.

A smile curled at the corners of Lana’s mouth. It was like seeing Sylis for the first time. No longer was her love for him a game as she let her hunger for blood and the Wizard take over, unrestrained. The sounds of terror and passion echoed about her, feeding her. Nothing had felt so liberating to her as that night. For the first time Lana didn’t feel she needed to look over her shoulder to see who was watching.

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XXI: Kari

Previous Entry

KARI

Lana kissed Sylis on the cheek as she gathered the rest of her things and left. Her spirits were higher than had been in a long while, but it still didn’t mean she was going to return to the guild.

Earlier in the day, Lana had entered the Bringers of Hope to retrieve her items. No longer in debt, and expecting a child, she was happy to be free of Rasuvius. However her leaving was much to the displeasure of Sylis.

It had been three days since the King’s Hunt, a banner still hanging in the entry hall in celebration of the guild’s win that Lana and her guild mates had achieved. The past few days, Sylis had been trying to persuade Lana to return, at least at night. But she refused.

“What about us?” he had asked the first night after her stay at Rin’s.

“What about us?” Lana questioned back. She knew if she stayed, she’d get roped into further missions. “I’m not forcing ya to sleep at the guild. That’s your choice if ya want to stay here.”

“Well, it’d make me feel better if you stayed or at the least didn’t sleep at his place,” Sylis muttered bitterly, avoiding Rin’s name. He continued to make his opinions known as Lana laced up her boots. Once ready to leave, Lana grabbed Sy’s face and kissed him firmly. He relaxed at her affection and when she withdrew she told him she’d see him in the morning.

Lana made sure to spend time with the Wizard each day. She still had her training, let alone whatever antics they found themselves in. Yesterday they had reached the top of a clock tower. The view was breathtaking, though Lana’s lips curled as she recalled Sylis’s kisses along her neck. Still, she returned again to Rin’s at the end of the day.

It annoyed Lana that the one person who could anger her so quickly was someone she somehow needed. Like a drug, she thought as she shouldered her pack and quietly left the room. She was still in her fancy dress, her hair a mess from their bedroom games. The entire day seemed surreal.

Lana was making her point more clear about her desire to be as withdrawn from the guild as possible, by gathering her gear from her room. Sylis had an appointment and Lana took that opportunity to get in without another argument of staying.

As she entered the room, she was surprised to find gifts arranged for her. A box wrapped in a tulle ribbon laid on the bed and a bottle of cider with a single flute and card were on the bedside table. Lana snatched the card up, wondering what new antic Sylis was up to in his attempts to reclaim her in his bed, but was surprised to find the note a mere invitation from the new guild member, Kari Fayre.

Lana read the note twice, perplexed by the invitation to join the Tiefling for dinner. It was refreshing to have had another lady fight alongside her during the King’s Hunt, but she had thought she left a terrible impression upon the woman.

“You are to return to the guild now!” Kari had instructed when Don revealed the truth of her pregnancy to the group.

“I can’t,” Lana responded through gritted teeth, “If I don’t participate, I won’t earn my share of the winnings that’ll pay off the debt I owe.”

“You can have mine,” the Tiefling insisted.

“I don’t take charity,” Lana lied. She mostly didn’t want to be told what to do. She was fully aware of the risk she was taking with her child.

“And if you die, the child does too! We might not be able to resurrect both you if that happens!” she said adamantly. Part of Lana was touched that she cared about her and the baby’s safety, but at the mention of being spared death, Lana’s fury erupted.

“Good! If I die, I don’t want to be resurrected! It was resurrection that has me in this hell right now!”

Lana hadn’t meant for the words to be implied about the child, but about the madness she had endured since Rasuvius administered a potion to her over two months ago. Her emotions had a mind of their own and her enjoyment of killing folk warred for control within her. Lana couldn’t bare another revival if that was the price to pay for renewed life.

Kari seemed to hate Lana or thought that she was unsuitable for a mother. So it made her nervous to be asked on a date by the Tiefling. Still, she couldn’t help but look at the dress that the note implied was in the box.

It was of extraordinary quality. Silks embroidered with intricate details and exotic beads shimmered up at her. A pale green dress, that complimented her eyes, with silver accents, fit for someone rich, someone noble. As Lana held it up, a few ladies knocked at the door. They were there to help her prepare.

The gown hung from her slim form perfectly. Lana almost didn’t recognize herself staring back when she looked in the mirror after the work the girls had done. It was as though she evolved into a princess. If only...

Lana then went down stairs to the carriage awaiting her. She climbed in, Kari already seated inside.

“Well aren’t you a pretty thing,” the Tiefling commented with a faint smile. Lana rolled her eyes a little. How could someone not be beautiful in the dress she wore? "I hope you are ready to feast and be entertained,” Kari continued after a long drag on her pipe. She blew a puff of smoke out of the window before adding, “There is a show being played at the De'Maurus La Frunn tonight and I couldn’t think of a more fitting place to get to know you.”

Lana furrowed her brows questioningly. Thoughts of caution lit her mind up. Was this a friendly ‘get to know you’ or an interrogation? Her nervousness worked up, but she figured she’d put on an act. With a smile she replied, “Well that sounds fun! This is rather generous of ya to go to all this fuss on me.” Kari laughed, Lana’s facade dropping.

“Tell me then, why are ya getting into guild work when you’re clearly loaded?” she asked icily.

“Oh child, I have yet to spend a silver coin,” Kari chuckled. She then explained to Lana that she is the first born of the House of Fayre, a fashion empire that Lana somehow managed to not know. Then again, she was still very new to the big city, having only had her freedom for a little over six months.

Their chit chat continued back and forth, melting the initial tension between them. Lana found herself feeling rather comfortable with Kari. She had only known girls, and even then, girls with varying mental illnesses. Kari’s maturity and wit was something to be desired.

“I think I’m really going to enjoy having another lady around to talk with,” Lana commented as she leaned back in her seat, “I might actually miss the guild some. It’d be fun to show the guys up. The two of us.”

“So you have quit? You were rather brave out there the other day, despite that pit you fell in. I was rather impressed,” Kari complemented, “A bit feral, but none the less fearless.” Lana had smiled brightly at the praise, but her face became sullen.

“Hardly fearless,” she mumbled.

“You took down two Centaurs with a dagger.”

“Don’s friend was in trouble.”

“Deary, we all saw your fit of madness. You enjoy stealing life from the living,” Kari pointed out. Lana felt ice form inside her. Was this the reason of their date? Did the Tiefling single her out to blackmail her? Lana vainly attempted to keep her composure.

“N-no I don’t,” her dry mouth spoke.

“Sure you don’t.”

“I don’t,” Lana said more indignantly.

“Hey, you’re welcome to use the mask of ‘killing bad guys’,” Kari went on, emphasising her statement with her fingers, “but to be honest, I don’t think it’s a flaw against you either. It’s what makes you so fascinating. A feral beauty.”

“I’m not feral!” Lana snapped. Her mind worked rapidly. Where was Kari going with her observation? She didn’t want to be thought of as a cold blooded murderer. There was nothing enjoyable about the torture she conducted on her victims- though with the stress of the situation, part of her began to entertain the idea of stabbing Kari a few times. Maybe then she’d feel her anguish.

Suddenly her mother’s words came mind: The truth will set you free. Lana swallowed hard and, coupled with a look, let out a sigh of defeat. Carefully, she divulged what had happened to her, explaining further all she knew about her post resurrection. “If things keep going as they are... it’ll  be the asylum again for me.”

A mirthless laugh escaped Lana as she realized what she had confessed. “Well, I guess there ya have it. I’m crazy by the way.”

Kari sat composed, looking regal as her champagne colored gown glowed against her skin. She looked out the window, letting another puff of smoke escape and commenting that they were nearly there. Lana’s stomach stirred with anticipation. What did the Tiefling think? What judgement would she pass?

“I was sent to spy on the guild,” Kari announced. Lana cocked her head.

“What?”

“Your first question. I never answered it. And with the secrets you’ve divulged, it’s only fair I share some of my own. You and your group have accomplished some great feats. My family wants to see how serious you all are.”

“Right... Seems odd for people in fashion to worry over us, doesn’t it?”

Kari chuckled, taking another drag from her pipe. “You’re welcome to ask me any questions you want,” came the Tiefling’s reply, “You’ve earned that right.”

Lana thought for a bit. She wanted to pursue more information about the spying, but at the same time, there was something familiar in Kari’s eyes that Lana knew all too well. She was hiding something.

“What do ya regret most?”

A stiff smile formed on Kari’s lips as she withdrew into her thoughts.

“Being born a Tiefling,” came her curt reply.

The carriage came to a stop as Lana asked, “Why?” Sure Kari was different in looks, but for all Lana cared, she was beautiful and stood out.

“Don’t worry your pretty little mind about it. For tonight, we are celebrating you.”

The carriage door was opened, preventing Lana from pestering. To further distract her, Kari summoned in front of Lana a tiara and adorned her head with it.

“Tonight, you get to be whoever you want to be,” Kari instructed.

Childlike giddiness warmed the insides of Lana. Whatever intent Kari had didn’t matter, for it was the escape she had been desiring. Even if it was temporary, when she stepped from the compartment into the twilight, she was Lana, sister of Kari Fayre, heiress to the noble House. No longer was she the crazy orphan girl, desiring to kill. For the hours she was with Kari, her old self was dead.

The euphoria of forgetting her faults lingered well into the night. When Sylis returned to the guild, he walked in to find the pair of women in a fit of giggles as Kari painted Lana’s nails. Upon seeing the Wizard, the Tiefling quickly made her exit, leaving the lovers to their time of bliss.

Lana explained that the fanciness was all Kari’s doing. “She just wanted to get to know me better. Have a girls night really. I think she’d like it if I remained apart of the guild,” she said.

“As would I,” Sylis responded. Lana smirked not bothering to answer. Dinner had elevated her mood and she wasn’t about to let it be soured with a redundant argument.

Only when Lana knew Sylis was deeply asleep did she get out of bed. She felt bad to leave him without good bye, her heart full, but she really didn’t want to stay any longer in the guild than she already had. It was unfortunate Sylis didn’t like Rin better. Maybe then they could share the Halfling’s place. Maybe then everything would be perfect.

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