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Blood Wench
Chapter 4: A Warm Welcome

Chapter 4: A Warm Welcome

Eyes hidden beneath her golden locks, Elisabeth marched in a beeline towards her brother and slapped him across the face.

Ebonhearth winced at the impact…

But before she could intervene, the blonde threw herself into Brocksteel’s arms, sobbing and screaming as she dug her face in his chest.

“You fucking asshole” — she exclaimed — “where have you been all these years!?”

Cheek red from the slap and a face marred with shame—no doubt—David wrapped his arms around Elise in a soothing embrace and caressed the backside of her head.

David then closed his eyes and faintly whispered to her…

She didn’t hear what was uttered, but by how neither of them pulled away, it was far from an insult.

It wasn’t the moment for her curiosity to wander free, so she rubbed at the back of her neck and let the siblings be.

Everything would make sense soon.

At least, she’d hoped so…

<><><>

West-Town, sometime later.

Beneath the glint of a star-filled sky, the young triad sat at the dining table within the Brocksteel residence.

A kettle laid upon the cast-iron stove in the kitchen. Its bubbling waters tore through the silence like molted iron steaming in a well, and it grated on Julia’s nerves.

The siblings sat in a total standstill, with Elise glaring daggers at her brother and Brocksteel not uttering a thing as he dared not look his sister in the eye.

“So” — David uttered — “how exactly do you two know each other?”

“Your friend here helped me out of a peculiar situation…”

“Oh” — he finally shared eye contact with Elisabeth — “what sort of situation did my friend help you with?”

David crossed his arms and glanced at Julia with an arched eyebrow.

“Some goons were giving me trouble and they would have raped me had it not been for her intervention.”

Upon hearing that, Brocksteel rose from his seat and hard-slammed the table.

Both girls jumped at his outburst.

“The fuck” — he exclaimed — “did those bastards hurt you!?”

“Relax, David…” Uttered Ebonhearth in an effort to sooth his nerves.

Yet his sister wasn’t having any of it.

“I’m surprised you even give a shit…”

She averted her gaze filled with bitterness.

His face hardened, and Julia worried that a full-on fight would break out before her very eyes…

“Lass” — the blond spoke, his voice grounding her back to reality — “how exactly did you deal with those thugs?”

“I didn’t” — she gulped — “a raven-haired woman intervened—”

“—she showed off an odd emblem with a ruby gemstone shaped like a leaf on it, and spewed some weird gibberish about; Seeing And Forgetting A Thousand Things Every Day.”

He crossed his arms and lowered his sights…

An expression devolved of emotion marred his face and it filled Julia with concern.

“You okay there, Dav—”

The kettle hissed and it cut through her words.

“Scuse me…”

Elise uttered as she rose from her chair with bitterness in her tone…

She went straight for the kitchen, and David eyed her as she walked towards the stove.

A sigh of relief escaped Julia’s lungs and she let herself breathe with more ease.

‘Crisis averted…’

It didn’t take long for Elisabeth to return with a silver platter in tow, a tea set upon its glinting surface.

She settled it on the table and began pouring the drinks. The blonde served Ebonhearth first—then herself and finally with a scowl—her brother…

Some of the tea spilled onto his shirt and given how high the tension was between them, it clearly wasn’t an accident…

Yet Brocksteel didn’t groan nor complain at the spillage.

The earthy aroma of mugwort filled Julia’s nostrils and she released a pleased sigh while warming her hands around the cup.

“So” — Elise reclaimed her seat — “I’m guessing you aren’t going to tell me why you left and never came back!?”

David took a moment to sip at his beverage and settled it back on its plate.

“Listen—”

He hesitated and a frown soon marred his face.

“—it’s complicated and you wouldn’t believe me even if I told you…”

Silence reigned for a tense moment, and he pressed his chin against his knuckles, before finally uttering to his sister with abstain.

“I had my reasons…”

“Of course you did” — the blonde rose from her chair — “you’ve had a reason for everything ever since father died…”

“Don’t bring up the old man like tha—”

“Give it a rest” — Elise shot him a stern glare — “you know it’s true!”

Whether her words filled him with rage or shame, Julia didn’t know, but he calmed himself almost instantly and lowered his head…

“I’m sorry…”

Elise veered away from him in silence and walked towards the back door.

“I should kick you out” — she wrapped her fingers around the knob — “send you and your friend on your merry ways—”

“—but I have no qualms with Julia, so for her sake, I’ll let you stay…”

“Thanks, sis…”

“Don’t mistake my hospitality for forgiveness” — uttered the blonde with apparent bitterness in her tone — “now if you’ll excuse me, but the chickens haven’t been fed yet…”

Elisabeth then stepped outside and closed the door behind her.

Left alone with her friend, Ebonhearth bit her lip as an effort to keep her awkwardness at bay…

Yet the quiet grated on her nerves and she broke it with a sip of tea.

Its sour taste burnt its way down her throat and she fought the urge to wince as she sat her cup back on its plate.

“You weren’t joking when you said things were complicated…”

Frowning, Brocksteel stirred his tea and gave her the cold shoulder.

Pinpricks spread through the back of her nook and she chuckled out of awkwardness.

“That raven-haired woman you mentioned” — he changed the topic — “did she brandish a shortsword?”

“Now that you mention it” — Julia pondered — “yeah, she did!”

“Seems like you encountered not one, but two ghosts of my past…”

“So you know her too?”

“Her name’s Gabriella Winterglen and lets just say that her and I are on even less friendlier terms…”

“How so?”

“It’s a very long and complicated story, lass…”

“I mean… You could always try to make it short, ya know…?”

Yet instead of providing a proper response, Brocksteel chose silence and took another sip of his tea.

‘I swear, this bloke sometimes!’

She crossed her arms and looked away with a pout. It was more than apparent that he was deliberately ignoring her on purpose.

Julia opened her mouth to berate him but was interrupted when she heard the back door open again.

“Now then, Julia—”

Said Elisabeth with a blatantly forced smile.

“—you must be tired of all that traveling with my churl of a brother! Shall I show you to our guest room?”

“S-Sure…?”

“Wait” — he interjected — “since when do we have a guest room!?”

“Since your former bedroom is vacant, of course!”

“Then where the hell do I sleep!?”

“Oh, right…!”

Sarcasm dripped from her tongue as she scratched the underside of her chin and pretended to think hard.

With a mocking bow, Elise gestured to the opened backdoor.

“The chicken coop awaits you, dear brother!”

David gawked at his sister with shock written all over his face.

“You gotta be kidding me, sis!”

“Do I look like someone who’s kidding; Bro—”

She crossed her arms and shot him a stern look.

“—you’re sleeping outside and that’s final!”

David hissed but kept his mouth shut as he rose from his seat, while approaching the door that his sister held open for him.

“Whatever—”

He bumped shoulders with her on the way out.

“—not like I’m a stranger to sleeping beneath the stars!”

Elise slammed the flap behind him and pressed her back against it…

“Well then” — she looked at Julia with forced civility — “shall I show you to your room?”

With an awkwardness charged smile, she chuckled while scratching at the back of her head.

“S-sure…! W-whatever you say…!”

Her barbaric display towards her brother had left her dumbfounded and the last thing she wanted was to get on her bad side.

“Then follow me!”

The blonde led the way upstairs, and Julia took a moment to eye the sealed door.

She felt bad for David, yet knew better than to get involved in a clash between siblings…

“Are you coming?”

Elisabeth’s voice snapped her back to reality.

“Y-yeah…! Just got a little distracted…!”

Julia followed her upstairs, determined not to spend another second worrying about her friend.

They entered a narrow hallway upon reaching the second floor…

A lone door stood on the right, and two other on the left, lit oil lamps hanging alongside their frames.

“The first room on your right is where you’ll be staying.”

Elise held the door open for her and upon setting foot within, Ebonhearth couldn’t help but comment at its size.

“Quite the bedroom!”

“It used to be our father’s, but surely became David’s after he passed away, what with him being the eldest and all…”

“So this is the master bedroom…?”

Elisabeth cracked a smile.

“Indeed—”

“—my room is the last door at the end of the hall and the washroom the one before that.”

“Thanks! I’ll keep that in mind!”

“I’ll let you get settled in now” — said the blonde — “gonna go check on my mule-head of a brother.”

With that said, Elise took her leave and closed the door behind her…

And when she was gone, Ebonhearth glanced out the window which oversaw the front lawn, and contemplated all that had happened up until now.

A deep breath left her lungs, and Julia prepared for bed, until a small picture frame alongside the window caught her attention.

It sat on a nightstand, and she eyed it for a short second before picking it up…

Beneath the glass was a group photograph.

Her eyes zeroed upon a man of blond hair and eyes of blue, who was a spitting image of David.

‘Must be his father…’

She thought, her sights veering to the other faces within the picture.

The man stood next to a young brunette, while a little girl sat within the crook of his arm, and a boy a few years her senior stood between both adults…

Ebonhearth had no doubts in her mind that the children were David and Elise, but the woman gave her pause—she shared no semblance with the kids, yet nobody seemed to mind.

‘A stepmother, perhaps…?’

With a tired and beaten yawn, she placed the photo frame back with great care and finally approached the king-sized bed.

She threw herself on it and let the warmth of the sheets lure her into a tranquil sleep.

‘Hope David isn’t having it too rough…’

<><><>

Meanwhile, within the backyard.

Once she entered the garden, Elise saw her brother hauling a pair of saddlebags on his shoulder, and a bedroll beneath his arm.

The sight of her caught his attention and he scoffed.

“Here to scold me again!?”

The blond laid his stuff below a tree near the pen.

“I actually came to do a bit of catching up—”

Elisabeth then crossed her arms and veered back towards the door.

“—but if that’s how you’re going to be…”

“Wait up a moment!”

With her hand coiled around the knob, she stopped and peered over her shoulder to meet David’s eyes.

“Why don’t you help me set up” — he suggested — “we’ll talk afterwards…”

Cracking a smile, she offered him a nod and went to lend him a hand.

Later, both siblings sat beneath an oak tree within the yard, laughter bursting off their chests in waves as they chattered.

They pitched the tent along the coop and it was finally time for them to unwind.

“Seriously” — Elise giggled — “that’s how you two met!?”

“Yup” — he replied with a chuckle of his own — “got lost in the forest my first month in Solseed and it was the lass who helped me find my way back!”

“Father was a skilled hunter, but I suppose he never taught you how to bare your surroundings.”

“Nah” — he cackled — “skipped that part of the orientation and had to learn it the hard way!”

She playfully tapped him on the shoulder with a giggle.

A weird knot formed itself inside her throat and Elisabeth sought to change the subject to avoid the familiar narrowing within her chest.

“Julia seems like a nice gal…”

“That she is—”

“—a little naïve and stubborn at times, but a kind soul overall…”

A beat of silence befell them and the blonde curved her knees to her chin—to protect herself from the gale…

“David—”

He hummed in response, a clear indication of his heedfulness.

“—why did you leave for Solseed?”

Brocksteel looked at his sister as his face switched from various expressions, and he unleashed a heavy sigh.

“It’s complicated” — he uttered — “a lot more then you think…”

His blatant avoidance sent tears to her eyes and a pang to her heart.

“Can’t you just open up for once and tell me what’s going on—”

“—am I not your sister!?”

“I just need some time” — David left pause — “I promise that I’ll tell you everything at the appropriate moment…”

“Right” — Elise scoffed while brushing away her tears — “as if I haven’t heard that one before…!”

“Sis” — his voice waned — “it’s not like that…”

But his hollow words fell on deaf ears as anger and dread fought for control of her heart.

“You’ve distanced yourself from both me and Teresa ever since dad died—”

She got back on her feet and started towards the porch.

“—I just wish you’d stop treating us like strangers…”

A muffled sob fled her throat as a thousand different thoughts raced through her mind. But she braved them all with false bravado so she could look back into his eyes as she turned the knob and opened the door…

“His death hasn’t been easy for us either, you know…”

When the breeze picked up once more and David still hadn’t spoken a thing, the blonde turned around and prepared to enter the house…

“I’m sorry, sis” — he remorsefully murmured — “I really am…”

His words stopped Elise dead in her tracks but she didn’t say a thing as she regained her breath and left through the door.

She had heard enough of his dumb apologies…

<><><>

Northern district of Fairen, at dawn.

The clock had just reached six as a lone maid sat on a mansion’s balcony. She looked to the eastern horizon with disinterest as she fixed her auburn hair.

‘Not the most comfortable…’

The chair she sat upon dug into her back but she ignored it in favour of the coffee cup she held neatly between her fingers.

She savoured it in silence, a gentle breeze blowing through her hair.

Suddenly, a pigeon’s coo sounded nearby and it dampened the taste from her tongue.

The maid then glanced at its source.

A snowy dove sat before her eyes, perched upon the bird feed inches away from her seat.

It had a scroll tied to its miniscule frame…

The maid settled her cup on the patio table next to her, stood up and approached the bird.

It didn’t soar off and remained adamant to her presence as it pecked at the scattered seeds within the feeder.

“What do you have here…?”

She placed her index closer to the dove and it hopped on her finger…

The maid undid the cord tied around it and removed the scroll from its frame.

It then pecked the underside of its wing and flew off to the horizons.

She then removed the crimson ribbon seal, unfolded the parchment and briefly swept through its content.

It was a message addressed to her master—from Edgar Braithway…

<><><>

Some time later, at the Brocksteel residence.

Rays of morning sun shone within the guest room Julia rested in and she pried her eyes open at their warmth.

What woke her up though, was a sweet smell stemming from downstairs, undoubtedly produced within the kitchen.

‘Is Elise making pancakes…?’

With a yawn, Ebonhearth stepped out of bed.

The scent grew stronger and stronger as she strode out of the chambre and made her way to the main floor.

Once she reached the dining room, she spotted her satchel laying on the table with a plethora of leathering tools at its side.

Skimming to the cast-iron stove, Julia spotted David standing before it with an apron tied around his waist. He glanced over his shoulder and finally acknowledged her presence.

“Good morning lass” — the blond smiled — “hope you slept well?”

Julia brushed the tiredness from her eyes.

“Weren’t you supposed to sleep outside?”

“I did” — he stated with a smirk — “but sis didn’t say anything about re-entering the house come morning.”

A plate of pancakes in hand, David neared the table and settled their breakfast upon it.

“And besides—”

The blond pulled up a chair and took a seat at the dinner table, while gesturing her to do the same.

“—knowing my sister, she would’ve locked the door if her intention was to keep me out.”

With a warm-hearted smile, Julia sat next to him.

“Now then” — David rubbed his palms and wet his lips — “let’s eat!”

Whilst they enjoyed their breakfast together, the leathering tools at the far end of the table caught her eyes again and Ebonhearth finally noticed her newly repaired satchel.

An aberration of the beast tackling her flashed within her mind, and her stomach churned at the thought.

“You fixed it?” She pointed to her satchel.

“Yush! I swuppid—”

Julia arched an eyebrow at his failed attempt to speak with a mouthful. He stopped and rolled his eyes but swallowed it down and tried again.

“I swapped out the old strap for a sturdier one, though I suggest that you wear it around your torso from now on.”

“Didn’t know you had such nimble fingers for that type of thing.”

The blond chuckled at her response.

“Like I’ve said before, I’m a man of many talents!”

They shared a laugh and it helped her keep her mind away from that horrible night.

Yet it didn’t take long for it to drift back there…

Before she could lose herself to those memories again, she searched her brain for something—anything—that would distract her for the time being.

“Uhmmm” — Julia bit her lip — “when are you going to tell me more about this; Gabriella Woman?”

Brocksteel froze, a piece of his pancake halfway to his mouth.

He let out a sigh and laid down his utensils.

“I was hoping that you’d forgot about that…”

Cheeks heated, she doubled back on the question.

“I-I mean” — she flailed her arms around — “if you really don’t want to talk about it, y-you don’t have—”

“It’s fine—”

David pressed his chin against his knuckles…

“—given that I know a few of your secrets, it’s only natural that you should know some of mine…”

His response left her surprised, and Julia felt the desire to pinch herself, to make sure she wasn’t dreaming.

There’s no way he had actually agreed to that!

She noticed the solemn glow in his eyes and all spirited feelings between them evaporated in an instant. She put her utensils down and provided him with her undivided attention.

“I once ran with a band of cutthroats, and Gabriella was the one who got me involved…”

“Seriously” — she gasped with dismay — “you were a criminal!?”

A gilt-ridden sigh escaped his lips…

“After our father passed away, I began participating in paid fights in a tavern meant for the less; Savoury Members Of Society—”

“—I was young, mourning and angry, and beating the living crap out of people helped me forget the pain…”

David lowered his head in obvious shame.

“That’s when I met her…”

<><><>

Eastern district of Fairen, six years ago.

Cheers and applauses boomed inside The Drunken Bruiser, a saloon packed to the brim with thugs and drunkards alike…

A caged arena—the main appeal for its patrons—laid at the heart of the tavern.

It’s black iron bars didn’t shone in the torch light, the corrosion and dried-up bloodstains a clear indication of their age…

David stood inside the ring, readying himself for his next fight as his adversary did the same—both trying to silence out the announcer’s over-the-top narration.

His foe was a towering man, standing shirtless with muscles bulging off his scar-punctured skin…

The brute’s blinded left eye stuck out from his hazel-coloured right.

“Patrons of this humble establishment” — the announcer rallied the crowd — “do we have one heck of a brawl lined up for you tonight!”

“In this corner” — he led their attention to the righthand side of the arena — “he moves like a ghoul but hits like an ogre—”

“—give it up forrrrr…! The Iron Bull!!!”

The entire tavern erupted with cheers, whistles and shouts and they boomed throughout the building…

“And in this corner” — he pointed at David — “our youngest fighter to date! He might only be sixteen but boy does he pack a wicket right hook—”

“—a round of applause forrrrr…! Derick Rockfeild!!!”

That evidently wasn’t his name, nor was it a mistake on the anchor’s behalf—but an alias he had picked for himself while participating in these brawls.

The criminal underworld was a dangerous place and he didn’t want his family name anywhere near it…

The audience roared, but where The Iron Bull got cheers and shouts of support, jeers and boos dominated the masses at the blond’s turn.

Whatever opinion these drunkards had was all noise to his ears, and Brocksteel didn’t bat an eye at their remarks.

“Now then” — the announcer stepped out of the cage — “place your bets so that the show can finally begin!”

The long wait graded David’s nerves, and he threw his back against the nearest corner of the arena, sneering at the slow dumbasses that refused to get things moving.

Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

He clenched his teeth until someone murmured to him from beyond the arena.

Yet he didn’t turn around to meet their gaze…

This wasn’t the first time someone came to him with an offer and he knew better than to acknowledge them through eye contact.

“Pssss, hey kid” — mumbled one of the workers — “see that hooded wench over there in the corner?”

Eyes squinted, Brocksteel sought her out and finally saw the woman in question…

The errant gal sat alone at a table, her eyes hidden beneath her hood as she smoked from a pipe.

“What about her?”

The blond mumbled while making sure that his lips didn’t move too much, so that nobody around would notice their exchange of words.

“She placed a pretty high bet for you to win, more than all these fools here combined.”

“How much…?”

“One thousand gold…”

His eyes widened and his rage gave away to confusion.

The blond almost blurted something, yet held his tongue, before uttering another word…

“Throw this brawl and I’ll see that you get twenty-five percent of all revenues from it—”

“—do we have a deal?”

“I’ll think about it…”

Replied David as he saw the anchor move back towards the front of the arena.

“Just remember that morality is a worthless commodity down in the underworld, kid.”

He ignored him and moved up to the centre of the ring as did his foe.

Brocksteel wasn’t here to please a bootlicker’s pockets, but to let his wrath take over…

“Ladies and gentlemen” — bellowed the announcer — “let the fight begin!!!”

A bell rang throughout the pub, and both brawlers raised their fists.

They ringed circles around each other, their bodies tense with every movement.

David threw the first punch…

Yet Iron Bull blocked it and countered with a left hook, but the blond ducked under it and punched him in the ribs.

The massive man staggered, though was quick to regain his balance.

“Not bad punk” — he taunted — “but you’re going down!”

He took another jab at his face but Iron Bull avoided it—his fist grazing his cheek before getting head-butted on the nose.

“Son of a bitch!”

He wobbled backwards and his vision hazed as he pressed his hands against his face.

Blood soaked his palms as the taste of crimson iron filled his mouth.

David shook his head, and his eyesight cleared just in time to see the sucker punch about to strike at his face.

Yet the blond was too late to evade it…

The force of the impact sent him crashing back first against the cage, the cold iron of the bars sending shivers up his spine.

Brocksteel snarled as he glared daggers at his adversary, blinded by a curtain of red.

And this asshole’s taunting didn’t fucking help!

“Alrighty” — Iron Bull grinned — “let’s finish this!”

He hurried ahead to deliver the final blow with an animalistic growl.

Eyes narrowed, David waited until the last possible second to dodge the attack, grabbed his arm and flung him face-first against the bars.

The brute swerved himself around to face the blond but was thrown back against the cage with a sucker punch right between the eyes.

A deafening thud stirred the arena once Iron Bull hit the floor, blood gushing from his undoubtedly broken nose.

He sought to stand, but failed miserably and almost banged his head against the bars.

Snarling, he rolled himself on his back and tapped the ground thrice.

It was his admission of defeat…

“Iron Bull has surrendered!” The announcer declared.

The entire saloon went silent for a brief moment but soon burst into cheers and applauds of encouragement.

Yet their words were all falsehoods and their shouts a venomous lie.

They grated on David’s nerves and set ablaze to the anger that burnt within his heart…

He glanced down at his opponent’s pitiful shape and his eyes zeroed onto his bloodied face.

Adrenaline rushed through his veins and his heartbeat drummed in his ears and suddenly, Brocksteel couldn’t breathe—couldn’t think.

His entire world darkened, until all he saw was Iron Bull’s shattered frame upon the floor.

And the blond acted on pure instinct…

Before he knew it, David straddled the man’s waist and rained strike after strike against his face.

Yet each time he struck at his foe with a nauseating crunch, the more his anger burned and the less satisfaction he felt.

People were shouting all around but he couldn’t understand a thing they said.

He didn’t care enough to…

Heavy footsteps approached him from all sides and countless hands hauled him off Iron Bull.

David resisted, yet was overwhelmed with ease.

The crowd jeered and booed and somebody shouted so loud that his ears began to ring.

It took him awhile to notice that the screams were his own.

His body lost all its weight at the realization, and it gave the workers the opportunity to drag him towards the changing room.

They threw him inside, slammed the door behind him and locked it.

“Fuck!!!”

He yelled from the top of his lungs and bashed his fist against it with but one strike, tears welling in his eyes as rage and sorrow ate away at him from within…

<><><>

A long time later, the blond sat upon a bench inside the fitting chamber. Surrounded by wooden lockers, he used a rag to wash the blood off his face and chest.

With his adrenaline and fury gone, his body hurt from the brawl and he winced when he touched a sore spot.

The door then creaked open, and David sighed…

He threw the handcloth onto the ground and readied himself for another sermon from the landlord.

Yet when he looked upwards, it wasn’t the owner that he saw by the doorway, but a dark-haired woman not much older than him.

He frowned but quickly recognized her roguish attire…

“Who the hell let you in here—”

The blond snarled as he threw on his chainmail and tunic.

“—this place is for fighters and employees only!”

With a chuckle, she leaned against the wall and grinned.

“Let’s just say that the owner of this place owes me a few favours…”

“You’re the wench who placed that insanely high bet on me to win!?”

“Oh” — she snickered — “so that’s what you and that guy were talking about before the fight…”

David held his tongue, for he had let it slipped right then and there…

“Let me guess” — the errant lass stepped away from the door — “he wanted you to throw?”

Brocksteel hissed at her words.

“Hope you didn’t hurt that head of yours figuring that one out…!”

With a huff, he strapped his blade to his waist and rose from his seat.

“Then why didn’t you” — inquired the rogue — “because that’s a lot of money you ultimately turned down…”

“It’s pleasure that I’m after, not wealth—”

“—and beating the ever living crap out of folks brings me just that…”

The lass giggled again and it sent an even deeper frown to his face…

Damn bitch chuckled every time he spoke and it really started to get under his skin!

“What’s so damn funny” — he exclaimed — “you think I’m some sort of joke!?”

She shook her head and grinned at his outburst.

“I see and forget a thousand things every day—”

Her steel blue eyes found the emerald of his.

“—but you’ll be dwelling rent free in my head for quite sometime…”

With an insufferable smirk, the roguish woman retrieved a gold coin from beneath her collar and flung it his way.

“And believe you me” — David caught it with ease — “I’m a difficult gal to impress…”

“Just who are you, exactly…?”

The blond queried despite her attitude, for it wasn’t everyday someone this bold confronted him with such confidence.

“Name’s Gabriella Winterglen and my associates could use someone of your particular; Skills…”

He glanced at the coin, then back at her.

“I ain’t for hire, if that’s what your getting at…”

“Well ain’t that a shame” — she sighed — “here I thought my charms would perhaps sway you—”

“—but if you change your mind…”

Winterglen approached him with slow, yet deliberate strides…

She pressed herself against him, the softness of her cleavage squishing against his frame as her fingertips crept their way down his arm towards his sealed hand.

At the corner of his eyes, Brocksteel spotted her other hand near the handle of her shortsword.

David tensed up at the sight and abstained from pushing her away…

She’d undoubtedly cut him down if he even dared.

Gabriella puckered her lips to his ear as she loosened his fingers and flipped the coin within his hand.

“Come find me, Derick Rockfeild—”

She faintly whispered, her words a chilling tenderness.

“—and I’ll see to it that you relish in the pleasure in which you seek.”

Retracting her grasp from her weapon, she pulled away and stepped towards the door, and upon opening it, she dared him one last gleam and smirked.

She winked and puffed him a kiss, before finally taking her leave and closing the door behind her.

A long, disbelieving sigh left David’s lips as he stood there, tense and alone in the middle of the chamber.

He brought the coin closer to his face to inspect it and noticed something strange…

A set of numbers laid engraved on the head side and they formed an address upon closer examination.

Curious, he brought it to the closest torchlight and saw that a scarlet leaf replaced the Verdantvale crest which would generally be on the tail side.

Brocksteel pocketed the coin and took his leave soon afterwards…

<><><>

Back to the present day.

“I wish I never reconsidered…”

He told Ebonhearth, his remorseful eyes meeting the corner of hers.

“I ran with that bunch for two years as a debt collector—”

“—whenever someone couldn’t pay up their due or a blunt message had to be given, I’d usually be the first they’d choose for the task…”

“But why” — Julia queried — “why would you associate with people like that?”

“Because it helped me forget about the pain—”

The blond averted his gaze…

“—it worked at first but as time went on and I became older, causing pain to others didn’t numb me down anymore…”

Ebonhearth bit her lower lip, uncertain on how to move the conversation forward. Yet Julia braved on regardless of that, and asked another question related to the subject.

“Why are you on bad terms with Gabriella?”

“We—”

A door opened and closed from upstairs…

“—I’ll tell you another time…”

He corrected himself and adjusted his seat.

“Not a word of this to my sister” — the blond told her — “got that?”

Footsteps inched their way down the stairs, to which Elisabeth soon greeted them both.

“Good morning you two—”

Uttered the blonde with a yawn in her voice.

“—hope you both slept well…”

Ebonhearth answered by nodding her head once but to which of the siblings, she wasn’t sure…

David then playfully smirked at his sister.

“The chickens kept me from freezing to death but hey, details…”

Elise offered him a cynical grimace as a response, before sitting with them at the table.

“So which one of you made pancakes?”

“That would be David…”

Said Ebonhearth, to which the blond then crossed his arms.

“Even made an extra batch, if you want some…”

“Thanks” — Elisabeth shot him a cold look — “but I’m not hungry…”

“Suit yourself, sis…”

David shrugged and went back to his breakfast, while something between a smile and a frown took hold of Julia’s face.

She wasn’t sure whether they were playing around or tossing shade at one another.

Perhaps they had gotten into another spat while she slept, or maybe they had buried the hatchet and reconciled without her even knowing about it…

The blonde then veered her attention to Ebonhearth.

“I have a few errands to run in town today” — Elise stated — “and I wanted to know if you’d like to come with me?”

Relief filled her lungs, and Julia sighed while offering her a smile…

“Sure! I’d love to see more of the city!”

“And you” — Elisabeth peered at her brother — “wanna tagalong?”

“Nah” — David shook his head — “don’t feel like going out today…”

The blonde rolled her eyes at his response and Julia felt as if she had seen this scene played out many times before.

“Have it your way” — Elise rose off her chair — “but at least tidy the place up while we’re gone.”

“Sure, whatever…”

Silence ensued, and Ebonhearth broke it with a question…

“So where are we heading?”

“To a small boutique in South-Town.”

Said the blonde as she grabbed her basket off a nearby sideboard.

With a nod, Julia took her satchel and rose from her seat while making sure to wear it around her torso like David suggested.

Ebonhearth followed in her wake as Elisabeth then opened the door and held it for her.

“Have fun” — said David as they set foot outside — “and keep out of trouble!”

With a nod, the girls took their leave and Elise closed the door to the sight of him still seated at the table…

<><><>

Northern district of Fairen, that same time.

Together with the auburn-haired maid, many servants prepared the luxurious table within the dining hall. They moved in fast coordination and made no mistakes in their tasks.

With everything set, they got in formation in front of the window on the right hand side of the room.

The gilded glass ornamenting the entire wall shone sunlight against their backs, their shadows but inches from the table.

Noisy footsteps echoed from beyond the doors and soon, the double flaps swung open.

In stepped his Lordship, Lord Coffergail, master of the house and all servants that resided within.

The red gemstone of his opulent cane sparkled bright in the sunlight and its intricate engravings showed the true brilliance of its masterful craftsmanship.

His left leg, confined to the limitations of a leather prosthetic, moved at a slower pace than his right and it was something that sent a pang to the maid’s heart.

The redhead walked out of formation and went to pull back his chair so that his Lordship may take his seat with ease.

“Thank you, Miss Lowrymen…”

Spoke the nobleman, his gruff voice caressing her ear as he sat down and handed her his cane.

The door to the kitchen opened behind them and in stepped a butler with a silver platter in tow.

He set it on the table and removed the lid, revealing a mouth-watering feast that comprised of; eggs, toast, baked beans and sliced ham.

With great delicacy, the man took the kettle that came with the meal and poured his master a cup of coffee.

“Your brunch and coffee, my Lordship.”

“Spare me the customs, Jeeves” — he sneered — “brown-nosing will get you nowhere.”

He shooed the servant away with a dismissive wave of the hand, not once dignifying him with a glance.

The valet bowed his head with utmost politeness and went to joined the others in their formation.

“You’re all dismissed!”

Said Coffergail to his servants as they all bowed and took their leave in an orderly fashion.

They marched out of the chamber with repeated grace.

Yet the auburn maid was the only one that stayed at his side, for she knew better than to leave her master without his direct permission.

Using his fork, he poked the yellow of his eggs and dipped his golden cooked bread into the splatter they made.

He proceeded to dine in peace when every other servant left and the loud click of the double doors echoed throughout the dining hall.

Only then did the brown of his eyes find the hazelnut of hers and he followed up with a question.

“Anything that should be brought to my attention?”

“Yes my Lord—”

She reached into the single pocket of her apron near her breasts and retrieved a paper scroll.

“—a letter from the mayor of Solseed arrived earlier this morning.”

Quaffing down his mouthful, he sneered and wiped the crumbs from his long beard with a tablecloth.

A few black hairs found themselves within the rag, yet he paid them no mind as he threw it down onto the table.

“Whatever it is Edgar wants, I’ll see to it later, when I have time…!”

“My Lord” — uttered the maid — “the message mentions something about a certain; Derick Rockfeild and knowing his true identity…”

Upon hearing that name, his face morphed into wrath, and his blood began to boil. He laid his utensils down and snatched the paper from her hand.

“Give me that—”

Stated the nobleman with a vicious sneer.

“—and please drop the formalities whenever we’re alone, Margret!”

“As you wish, Lord Adrien.”

“That’s better…”

Adrien unfolded the scroll and his eyes strolled through its content.

“Dear Godfather” — he read it aloud — “I believe to have discovered the identity of the one known as; Derick Rockfeild—”

“—his name is David Brocksteel and he’s traveling with a girl named Julia Ebonhearth…”

He paused, the corner of his eyes meeting hers for but a split-second as he continued with his reading.

“Hope this information proves useful in your search for this traitorous bastard and that you’ll award the bounty once you’ve confirmed the authenticity of this intel—”

“—signed: Edgar Braithway.”

His lordship scoffed beneath gritted teeth as he rolled up the scroll…

“You’ll get the bloody reward when I fucking say so!”

His hand shaking with suppressed anger, he handed the message to his maid.

“Margret!”

“Yes my Lord?”

“Deliver this to our friend at the royal archives—”

“—tell him that I want all relevant info concerning these names: addresses, families, friends, anything that will aid in our search for this rotten bastard!”

“I’ll see to it at once…”

“Good—”

Coffergail then returned to his meal.

“—and while you’re at it, tell our associates in East, South and West-Town, that I want them here by midnight!”

“It shall be done…”

And with a gracious bow, Lowrymen rested his cane against his seat and left to carry out his wishes.

<><><>

Southern district of Fairen, later that afternoon.

Julia and Elise strode through the bustling streets of the commercial district while engaging in friendly chatter.

“Really!?”

Stated Ebonhearth as they navigated their way amongst the crowd.

“Yup! Our old man was in the Royal Guard of Fairen and it’s him who taught David everything he knows about swordsmanship—”

Elise suddenly left pause, like something weighed heavy on both her heart and conscience.

“—the sword my brother brandishes belonged to him, you know…?”

Julia hummed in response.

They spent the next few minutes in complete silence, both watching the many produce on sale as they wandered further into the masses.

“As bitter as I’ve been towards David” — Elisabeth finally broke the silence — “I’m glad he’s back…”

Tears welled in the blonde’s eyes, and Julia could clearly tell that she was fighting with everything she had to keep them at bay…

“My brother and I were very close as children—”

Ebonhearth heed her words closely as they kept strolling amidst the crowd and it took her a little effort to mute out all the passing voices.

“—but ever since our father died, he’s never been the same…”

Elise was clearly airing out a lot of painful memories, and that a little unloading would do her some good.

“He’d return home in the early hours of the morning with this empty look in his eyes and painfully forced smile—”

She glanced upwards and found Julia’s attentive gaze…

“—but the one he gave me when you showed up with him yesterday felt; Genuine—as if I had been reunited with the brother I once knew all those years ago…”

Ebonhearth swallowed the knot that formed itself in her throat.

She didn’t know how to feel, let alone how to respond…

Tears rolled down the blonde’s cheeks as if years of suppressed feelings were just now catching up with her.

“Sorry about that” — she wiped them away — “wasn’t my attention to get all sentimental on you…”

“It’s alright!”

Julia smiled out of empathy.

The blonde reciprocated, and silence befell them once more…

Yet it was short-lived when Elisabeth perked up and pointed ahead.

“The shop we’re heading to is just over there!”

Ebonhearth traced her finger to where she aimed and spotted a sign hanging over the entrance of a boutique.

It read; Davenport’s General Goods And Supplies.

The blonde cleared her throat as they stopped before the doorway…

“Listen—”

She bit her lip while rubbing at the backside of her head.

“—don’t mention anything about my brother while we’re in there… The shopkeeper is like family to both me and David and I don’t know how she’ll take the news about his return…”

Julia frowned at her request…

If the shopkeeper was that close to them—wouldn’t it be preferable if she knew about his homecoming?

Yet regardless of the blonde’s reasoning, she nodded in agreement…

“Thank you…”

Uttered Elisabeth as she then opened the door, a little bell above the frame ringing as they set foot within.

It grasped the attention of a middle-aged brunette that stood behind the front counter, while stocking the shelves.

She veered her attention towards the entrance, and upon seeing the blonde, welcomed her with a smile and open arms.

“Elisabeth! How nice to see you here today, sweetie!”

The storekeeper—or so Ebonhearth figured—abandoned whatever she was doing to approach her.

“Long time no see, Nanny Teresa!”

They held each other in a warm embrace, laughter bubbling off their lips as they savoured the moment.

While Julia perceived the heart warming scene, something suddenly clicked in her head…

This was the very same woman from the photograph within David’s bedroom but with a few extra wrinkles!

Yet she appeared mighty well for someone who was undoubtedly in their forties, and her age lines took not from her beauty.

‘That explains it…!’

Thought Ebonhearth as she put two and two together—this woman wasn’t a stepmother, but rather David and Elise’s guardian!

Teresa finally acknowledged Julia’s presence and let go of Elisabeth.

“And who’s this?”

“This is Julia” — the blonde gestured over to her friend — “and she’s new around these parts.”

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance!”

Said the brunette with a heartfelt smile, to which Ebonhearth reciprocated with her own.

“Likewise!”

She then glanced at all the varied range of products on display, some of which peeking her curiosity almost instantly…

“Mind if I take a gander at your wares?”

“Of course” — answered Teresa — “let me know if you see anything that might interest you!”

She bowed and vanished between the aisles, leaving both women to their heartfelt reunion.

But as she browsed the shelves, she couldn’t help but overhear their hushed discussion.

“So” — Teresa started — “any news about David?”

“Unfortunately no…”

“Can’t believe it’s already been four years since he left—”

Ebonhearth bit her lip at their words.

“—I miss him and truly hope he’s alright…”

“I’m sure he’s okay” — replied Elise — “and trust me I miss him too.”

A faint sob reached her ears, and Julia grid her teeth…

‘This has nothing to do with me…’

With a heavy heart and a frown marring her face, she moved further down the aisle—far enough to spare herself from their discussion…

Shortly afterwards, a lone mannequin caught her eye. It stood in the open within a cubicle between the shelves, a black cloak and leather scabbard fit for a dagger on display.

Shaped like a rose, a ruby pin kept the cape tied around the dummy.

Its elegant esthetic peeked her interest and Ebonhearth approached the small exhibit.

She reached inside her satchel, retrieved her blade and tried sheathing it within the scabbard.

And surely enough, it fit like a glove!

“Perfect!”

Julia grabbed the items from their display, and started back towards the front counter.

Yet halfway there, Elise’s voice reached her ears again.

“Why don’t you come over for a visit tomorrow” — the blonde asked — “there’s someone I’d like you to meet…”

Julia then froze in her tracks and remained out of sight.

“Oh” — replied Teresa — “that elven friend of yours in town again?”

“You mean Ehlan?”

“Yeah, her!”

“No, no—”

Elisabeth giggled.

“—I haven’t seen her ever since she moved out of Fairen, though we do write to one another fairly often.”

She hesitated for a moment…

“The individual I want you to meet is someone that I hold very close to my heart…”

“Is that so—”

The brunette mused as she thought on it a little…

“—why not! It’s been a while since I came for a visit!”

“Splendid” — stated Elise with zeal — “tomorrow afternoon it is!”

Teresa smiled in response, and Julia waited for them to enter a more mundane topic before stepping out of hiding and approaching them.

“How much for these?” She settled the accessories onto the counter.

“Oh, those old things!?”

Ebonhearth offered a silent nod in response.

“Well, no one appears all that interested in those—”

Rubbing the underside of her chin, the brunette pondered…

“—does one gold or five silvers sound like a fair deal?”

‘That’s a steal!’

Thought Julia, her jaw nearly dropping at her proposal.

No way Teresa didn’t grasp the bargain which she offered, and she’d be damned if she let her change her mind!

“You got yourself a deal, Madame!”

Stated Ebonhearth as she reached within her satchel and set a handful of silver upon the counter.

One by one, the brunette checked them for signs of counterfeiting…

And just by the way she assessed them, Julia could tell that this kind-hearted shopkeeper wasn’t born of the last rain.

Teresa then looked at her and smiled. “Thank you for your custom!”

“Pleasure’s all mine—”

Despite having introduced themselves already, Ebonhearth reached out her hand for a shake.

“—my full name is Julia Ebonhearth, by the way!”

Nothing wrong with a little more formality this time around.

“Teresa Davenport!”

The brunette reciprocated and shook hands with her.

“Feel free to peruse some more, if you wish!”

“Thank you but” — Julia looked at Elise — “I’ll go wait outside now.”

“Sure” — said the blonde — “I’m just about done here, anyways!”

Letting go of the shopkeeper’s hand, Ebonhearth grabbed her newly acquired things from the counter and exited through the front door.

Outside, Julia took a moment to try on her new equipment.

She began with the sheath—something that required more struggle than she’d ever admit—yet she attached it behind her waist and tied it to her belt.

Unfolding the cloak was the easiest part, but she nearly hit a random bloke with her garment when she tossed it over her shoulders.

“Watch it there!”

“Sorry about that…”

Spoke Ebonhearth as she awkwardly waved with a maladroit smile.

She then tied the entire thing together with the rose shaped clip and made sure to avoid any poor fellow that wandered by in the process.

And finally, she gave her newest look its final touch as she recovered her dagger from her satchel and sheathed it in the scabbard.

‘Do I look good in this’ — thought Julia — ‘or is this ridiculous…?’

She peered around for a decent reflective surface but even the store windows distorted their reflections too much for her to evaluate her new appearance.

The bell of Teresa’s shop rung, and Julia almost leapt out of her skin.

“You look good in that!”

Said Elisabeth as she strode out of the shop with a basket full of groceries in hand.

“Y-you” — Ebonhearth cleared her throat — “you think so…?”

As faint as it might have been, the insecurity in her own voice grated on her nerves regardless…

“When I give someone a compliment, I usually mean it.”

With a grateful yet timid nod, Julia averted her gaze…

“Anyways, shall we get going?” The blonde queried.

“O-of course! Where to?”

“Mid-Town, towards the royal castle.”

Ebonhearth didn’t need a mirror to know that her eyes sparkled, for the royal castle of Fairen was one of several places she had read and dreamed of seeing.

“Lead the way, then!”

She stated with utter thrill in her tone, to which Elise then smiled at her enthusiastic effect as they started northwards.

<><><>

Later that day, when the crowd condensed and more folks gathered at the market, both lasses still browsed through the various booths.

They had to dodge people and sometimes give way to a few ill-mannered individuals.

Yet despite it all, they enjoyed themselves while perusing all the different wares up for sale.

Suddenly, a sound invaded Julia’s eardrums, as if a cicada serenaded on a hot summer afternoon.

Yet something about it simply felt; Wrong…

She stopped in her tracks.

“You hear that?” Ebonhearth queried her friend, who also stopped…

“Hear what?”

“That weird cicada?”

Elise frowned but still listened, her face morphing into a wide range of expressions and she even cupped her ear to sharpen her hearing.

Little by little, the noise grew louder in her ears and Julia battled the urge to wince.

“I don’t hear any cicada…”

Her frown grew wider as she peered to Ebonhearth with concern in her eyes…

“We’ve been walking in the sun all day” — uttered the blonde — “so if you need to sit down for a bit, just say so…”

Ebonhearth blinked.

“I’m fine” — answered Julia with forced bluster — “gonna take more than heatstroke to wear me down!”

The blonde chuckled in response but it quickly twisted into an awkward giggle.

“If you say so…”

Without further comment, Elisabeth shrugged it all off and returned to her business.

A fair amount of time later, they found themselves strolling the main road leading to Mid-Town, the surrounding masses shrinking in size the closer they drew to the castle.

But the serenading within Julia’s ears didn’t subside and although it wasn’t particularly painful, it still grated on her nerves.

“Wanna stop somewhere to eat?”

Queried the blonde, her voice just loud enough to drown out the bug only she could hear.

“Sure!” Replied Ebonhearth with a tense smile, the sound in her ears growing louder with every step she took and every breath she drew.

“Alright! I know a place in the main plaza that’s—”

An auburn-haired girl walked past them, and the noise in Julia’s ears halted so suddenly she nearly lost her balance.

Wearing a maid’s uniform, the stranger stopped a few feet away and turned around to meet the blue of her eyes with a tense, unwavering stare.

Julia’s skin crawled, like something had just slithered up her spine…

She felt it in her veins—her blood even—an abrupt feeling of danger which caused her to reach behind her waist for the blade that rested in its scabbard.

The young girl didn’t blink nor did she avert her gaze.

Instead, she drew her hand down her left thigh where her own knife laid within its sheath.

She didn’t need to lift her skirt for Ebonhearth to see it, a telling sign that there was more to this maid that met the eye…

With sweat soaked palms, her heart drummed inside her ears as she swallowed the bulge that lingered in her throat.

Her eyes swept the streets for a way out—anything she could use to her advantage to avoid a commotion…

But she knew better than to let this girl out of her sights for a second too long.

She could attack at any moment!

“Hello! Earth to Julia!”

Elise snapped her back to reality.

There was an ounce of desperation in her high-pitch voice, and Julia darted her eyes away from the maid at once.

Just how long had she been in a stand off with her…?

She looked to her friend and bit her lip.

“Is something wrong?” Queried the blonde.

“Y-yeah… I just thought—”

She glanced back to where the maid stood but found a barren street.

“Thought what…?”

“N-nothing” — Ebonhearth shook her head — “let’s keep moving…”

Elisabeth arched an eyebrow but continued on with her regardless.

<><><>

Eventually, both girls finally reached the heart of Fairen, a vast plaza where all the wealthy businesses and homes resided.

But the true core of the city was the royal palace, who’s majesty outshone all other buildings within the area.

A ring of water surrounded the citadel and it broke off into four separate canals—north, east, south and westwards.

Its only entry point laid at the end of a stone bridge, which remained under heavy watch and protection.

Yet even that did nothing to take away from its beauty.

Another way was by swimming but the risk of drowning was far too great for anyone in their right mind to even dare attempt.

But the chateau wasn’t the only thing that peeked Julia’s attention…

Several luxurious restaurants and storefronts laid at the boundaries of the outer ring.

They embellished the streets and made everything seem even more magical in the daylight.

“Wow!” She exclaimed with wonderous awe.

“I keep forgetting that you aren’t from around here—”

Said Elise while giggling at her over the top reaction.

“—this your first time seeing the royal palace?”

At a loss for words, Ebonhearth replied with a mere nod of the head. Never in her life did she ever imagine she’d get to see the palace this close up.

It almost felt like a dream and she pinched herself to make sure that it wasn’t…

“Quite the sight” — uttered Elisabeth — “isn’t it?”

“Indeed—”

Julia leaned against the ledge between the waterway and the plaza…

“—I’ve read many books describing its magnificence, but even those don’t do the real thing any justice!”

Elise settled her basket upon the barrier and also leaned against it…

“It must be peaceful living in Valmeri…”

Said the blonde, to which Ebonhearth then arched her an eyebrow…

“How do you know about that…?”

“David told me” — she snickered — “said it’s where you first met.”

“I see…”

With a tiny beam, Julia let her eyes return to the view and for a short moment, so did Elisabeth.

They enjoyed the scenery while a warm gale blew through their hair and tickled their faces.

Elise then grabbed her basket and stepped away from the barricade.

“We can chat more while we eat!”

With a thumb, she pointed behind her shoulder at a diner just across the street.

<><><>

Seated at a table inside the restaurant, the girls grazed through their menus as a waiter—quill and notepad in hand—waited to take their orders.

“I’ll have the stake!” Stated Elisabeth.

“Excellent choice, Madame!”

The waiter took back her menu and looked to Julia.

“And you, Miss?”

“The plate of ribs sounds good!”

“Are you certain” — he frowned — “our ribs are quite the big order.”

“That’s perfect, then—”

Ebonhearth handed him back the menu.

“—because I’m starving like a wolf right now!”

“If you say so…”

About twenty minutes later, the waiter returned with a plate in each arm and he settled them on their table from smallest to largest with delicate grace.

The luscious aroma of cooked meat caressed Julia’s nostrils and her stomach almost growled at the mouth-watering sight.

“Bonne appétit!”

Stated the waiter with a courteous bow, and they both smiled at him as he took his leave.

And like a famished beast, Julia tore a chunk off her ribs and gnawed at their meat.

Her eyes watered at the taste and she sealed them as the warmth of her food slithered down her throat.

And before Ebonhearth knew it, only bones remained in her grasp…

She stayed her piece back on her plate and reached for a second one.

But just as she was about to grab it, Julia spotted Elise’s grossed-out expression.

“S-sorry” — she stated — “I’m not used to eating out in public…”

“I can tell—”

The blonde drew her awareness to the crowd around them with her fingertip.

“—just try being more mindful of those around you…”

Against her better judgement, she peered around and spotted many patrons eyeing her with disgust.

Cheeks burning, Ebonhearth glanced back at her plate and frowned.

“My apologies…”

They ate in silence for a short moment but managed to reignite their conversation as laughter soon followed.

Nobody seemed to mind, as most patrons tuned out their discussion with their own.

“Seriously” — exclaimed Elise — “you’ve known him for that long!?”

“Yup—”

Julia giggled at her surprised reaction.

“—I met David when I was seventeen and him eighteen!”

“And that’s when my brother got lost in the woods, wasn’t it?”

“Guessing he told you about that as well…?”

The blonde offered her a nod in response.

“Is it true that you threw a rock at him during your first encounter?”

“Good question—”

Ebonhearth frowned and pondered for a moment.

“—it’s been so long and I’m astonished he’d even remember that…!”

Yet before Elise could properly reply, the waiter came back and took both their vacant plates.

They both thanked him with a nod and he left them without a word.

Silence soon followed as Julia sipped her water…

“So—”

The blonde drew rings with her index around the edge of her glass…

“—are you two dating?”

The question caught her fully off guard and Ebonhearth sprayed her mouthful all over the floor, as an unrelenting slew of coughs ensued.

But thankfully, her friend remained dry…

“The hell” — she coughed again — “did that come from!?”

At the corner of her eyes, she saw the other patrons peering to them once more…

“I’m guessing that’s a no…” The blonde winced out of awkwardness.

“Of course it’s a; No—”

She exclaimed beneath flustered cheeks and a face red like an apple.

“—we’re just friends and nothing more!”

Julia could feel the gazes return and her heart climbed up her throat.

But before she could somehow degrade herself further, her stomach began to churn.

Her tongue grew heavier by the second and her eyes widened at the sudden bout of dizziness.

“Where’s the restroom!?”

“Over there…”

Elise pointed to a corridor on the righthand side of the counter, that linked the kitchen to the dining hall.

Hands over her mouth, Julia rose off her seat and made a beeline for the washrooms.

She had eaten too much—too fast—and was just now realizing that perhaps, she should have taken the waiter’s warnings about the ribs a little more seriously…

<><><>

Trotting his black stallion through the streets of Mid-Town, his face shrouded beneath his hood and his greatsword dangling against his back with clangs and clicks, Greymare sought out his target amongst the dense crowd.

The glowing red eyes of his mount drew many stares but he ignored them in favour of his hunt…

He looked inside every window and alleyway in search of his prey—one he knew was around here somewhere.

And finally, at the corner of his eyes, he saw a woman of yellow locks seated alone within a restaurant.

With a tug at the horse’s reins, he retrieved the locket the old geezer from Solseed had given him from his pockets.

He pried it open, glanced at the picture, then back to the blonde…

‘Found you…’

Vergil then dismounted off his steed, hitched it to a nearby post, and entered the establishment.

The sharp aroma of food hit his nostrils as soon as he set foot inside.

It made him snarl—for as pleasing as they were—they mingled with that of his prey, a burden to his hunt were she not in plain sight.

A few of the patrons suddenly locked eyes onto his form…

They sought answers below his hood, and immediately looked away upon finding them.

Unaware of his presence, he approached her from behind with slow, deliberate strides…

He honed his nose, and the same scent from the locket filled his nostrils.

This was in fact his target and he halted his steps once close enough.

“Elisabeth Brocksteel…?”

The blonde jumped at his voice, and turned around to meet him…

“Who’s asking?”

From the twisted dark of his hood, he let his glare burn into her soul.

Vergil then half-circled around the table, her eyes never leaving him as he adjusted his stance…

Fear—unhidden and exposed—welled within the glaze of her orbs.

It prickled her eyelids and sent a frown to her face.

His sharpened eyesight saw the barely visible hairs on her neck rise, a clear indication of her nervousness…

The Glaive strained the silence for a tad longer until he finally spoke.

“Vergil Greymare” — he removed his hood — “here on behalf of the House of Grasses to ask about your brother…”

Elise swallowed and wetted her lips.

“Come with me…” He uttered and stepped away from the table.

The blonde then eyed the other patrons, who all feigned ignorance…

“Can’t we just talk here?”

“Miss Brocksteel—”

In a flash, Greymare swerved himself back around and slammed the locket on the table.

“—that wasn’t a request!”

Greymare then exited through the side door without looking back…

The sound of a chair grazing against the wooden floor, and footsteps trailing his, was proof enough of her compliance.

A narrow alleyway greeted him outside, and the stench of disposed garbage assaulted his sense of smell.

There was no one in sight, but the walls did nothing to mute the loud voices gossiping within the establishment.

Greymare distanced himself from the filth on the ground, and surely enough, the blonde finally caught up with him and joined him within the alley…

A scowl marred her face and Elise approached him with quick, powerful steps. She was no doubt trying to conceal her real feelings from his trained eyes.

“So” — she hissed — “what do you want with my brother?”

He spared her the details and got straight to the point.

“Your brother is traveling with a witch.”

Her eyes widened and like a broken clock ticking away, Vergil heard her heart race faster and faster within her chest.

“This witch summoned a monster back in Solseed—”

She winced at the name of the location.

“—and it killed a considerable amount of people…”

“W-what…?” Unfiltered disbelief laced her tongue.

But rather than voicing his thoughts, he left her to drown in her own silence and broadened his hearing.

Though Elise managed to recompose herself, perhaps even a tad too fast for someone with nothing to hide.

“Those are some pretty damming allegations…”

“When was the last time you saw your brother, Miss Brocksteel?”

“It’s been” — her breath hitched but her voice didn’t crack — “about four years…”

Crossing his arms, he faintly nod his head and hummed in response.

“I advise vigilance—”

He shrugged his head to the locket she held within her hand.

“—witches don’t grow attached to those they bewitch…”

“B-bewitch…?”

“The minute your brother stops being useful to her, is when he stops breathing, just so you know…”

The blonde bit her lip and lowered her head, her hair shadowing her eyes as she tightened her fists.

“Even if you’re telling me the truth” — Elise uttered — “I don’t think I’ll ever see him again…”

Greymare uncrossed his arms and readjusted his posture.

“And what makes you say that?”

“I don’t believe the brother I once knew is even alive anymore—”

She held the locket close to her heart, its golden chain dangling from her firmly sealed grip…

“—you’re the first to bring news about him to me in years…”

“Is that so…?”

And that’s when he heard it, her heartrate accelerating as she broke eye contact with him!

“Am I free to go now?”

“Yeah” — he marched past her — “got what I needed from you…”

Her heartrate gradually began returning to normal, as he neared the alley’s end, leading back to the main plaza.

“One last thing—”

The wild thuds in her chest continued when he stopped mere inches from the corridor’s edge…

“—send a message to the House of Grasses, if he tries to reach out…”

“And who should I address it to?”

“Alden Whitefang” — he resumed his march — “head of the order…”

<><><>

Western district of Fairen, a few hours later.

The sun had already begun to set on the horizon when Elise reached her porch, basket in arm.

The looming night cast shadows across the length of her front lawn, and the sight sent shivers down her spine.

Sweating and out of breath, she pressed herself against the door and reached within her basket.

She moved the textile covering her groceries aside, and drew a knife hidden amongst them.

And with a cold sweat, Elise then hid the blade behind her waist and turned the handle.

Yet for a moment there, she felt as if the whole house had shuddered with apprehension—that its very foundations stirred at her hitched breath, only to realize that her own trembling hands were to blame.

Dry-mouthed, Elisabeth steadied her grasp, breathed in and opened the door…

And when she finally entered, she noticed her brother—broomstick in hand as he swept the floor.

“Heya sis! Welcome ba—”

Yet before he could finish his sentence, she shut the door behind her and pressed her back against it.

“What’s gotten into you” — he queried — “and where’s lass?”

She turned the lock so that he wouldn’t escape and with a growl, she abandoned the basket on the nearest surface…

Filled with bitterness, the blonde pulled the locket from the pockets of her apron, tramped towards him and shoved her tightfisted hand against his chest.

David dropped the broom and flinched back a little, as he caught her sealed grip with his own.

And when she dropped the locket within his palms, Elise pulled herself away from him.

His eyes widened when he noticed what it was he held in his grasp…

“How did you—”

“Who and what exactly is Julia” — she glared him down — “the truth this time…”

Yet rather than being honest and telling her the truth, David cracked a crooked smile, the very same she had grew to hate throughout her teens…

“What are you talking about, sis…?”

Unbridled fury coursed through her veins and Elise mustered all her frustration into a single slap.

“Stop lying to me!!!” She smacked him across the face.

It almost sent him crashing onto the floor, yet David managed to regain his balance at the last second.

“A freak from the House of Grasses told me everything—”

She hound him as he rubbed at his swollen cheek.

“—that your girlfriend’s a witch and that she killed countless people in Solseed!!!”

“Wait a minute” — David gasped — “the Glaives are looking for us!?”

“Stop avoiding my damn—”

A loud pounding suddenly blasted off the front door…

It rumbled throughout the house and Elise almost jumped out of her skin upon hearing it.

“Open up Elise—”

It was Julia that hammered at the door, a deep feeling of resentment and frustration in her voice.

“—I had to clean so many plates to pay off your tab, because you left me hanging out to dry!”

Brocksteel hurried to let her in, only to have his sister block his path.

“What are you doing, sis!?”

The blonde glared daggers into his eyes. “Don’t even think about it!”

“Come on” — David tried sidestepping past her — “get out the—”

Without hesitation, Elise drew the knife hidden behind her back and pointed it at his throat.

“Back the hell away!”

“Sis” — the blond raised his hands and did as she said — “there’s no need for that…”

“I won’t have you let that wretch into our home” — she steered him further back — “you hear me!”

“Just put the knife down and let’s—”

Elise shook her head and signaled him back with the tip of her blade.

“Tell me the damn truth…!”

She stated as the pounding against the door grew louder and louder.

“You wanna know why I left four years ago and never came back…?”

Her stance slacked upon hearing him say that…

“I’ll tell you everything” — he uttered — “but you must let Julia in…”

Elise’s hands trembled as she held him at knifepoint, and soon, tears began welling in her eyes…

His proposal was really endearing, but could she actually trust him?

How could she be sure that this wretch outside wasn’t manipulating his every word…

“Elise” — Julia shouted with three, rapid knocks — “open the door!”

“Please, sis…”

Their eyes locked, and she found no malice in his stare, just anxious, frightened desperation.

“Fine—”

She finally caved in, as David then hurried towards the door, only to be stopped by her blade yet again…

“—but we’re doing this my way…!”

Knife pointed at him, the blonde backed away towards the door, her eyes never once leaving her brother.

“Don’t try anything dumb!”

She warned and turned towards the entrance…

And with her hand tightly coiled around the handle, Elisabeth heard her heart drumming within her ears…

She took a deep breath and opened the door to Ebonhearth’s furious expression filled with scorn.

Yet before the wretch could open her mouth, Elise placed her knife’s edge to her gullet…

“What the—”

“Don’t move!” — she pressed her blade harder against Julia’s throat, and drew blood — “I know what you are, witch—”

Her panic riddled eyes sought something behind her shoulder, most likely her brother’s gaze…

“—any funny business and you’re dead!”

“Do as she says” — uttered David — “and no harm will come to you.”

“We’ll see about that…”

She grabbed her wrist, dragged her inside the house and twirled her towards the blond.

And without any struggle, Elise held her hostage with both arms behind her back and knife held to her throat.

“Start talking” — Elisabeth kicked the door shut — “dear brother…!”

David winced, yet kept his word as promised…

“Alright” — he prepared to recite his story — “the truth and nothing but the truth…”

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