Mimi

When I came to, I was rather surprised to find that I was bound tightly in my own room. Richard was outside my room, and did not seem too upset. Which meant that I didn't do anything terrible while I fell to the silence. The first things that came to my mind was the wave of connections crashing against me once more. It was a wonderful and familiar sensation that helped me regain the clarity I needed. The important bits of information came rushing in after that. The hive divided like I ordered, and went out in search of the three places I wanted them to set up.

The first swarm went to the church, with a note that had been written with the blood of termites. The second went to check the area where I first met Cynthia properly. To check on the spiders and if they did eat those assassins. Wyatt had mentioned this in passing during our time outside the walls. If the assassins escaped, then the area where they had been would be free to move into. Finally the third swarm moved into the sewers to start mapping such out. I felt they were the most likely to die, but having any information on what was down there was a boon.

I reconnected with them while testing the strength of my bindings. I managed to sense how the Aether flowed into them, and through the chains. The ropes were also enchanted, but they were no different from the ones at the church. Which made the chains themselves the problem. After flexing a bit, I realized my muscles had changed a bit more. Specifically the ones around the joints were more springy. I moved my tongue a bit to find it had not changed. Which was both a relief and a tad bit disappointing. Then I took a breath, closing my eyes. My ears had adapted to allow me to finally 'see' as the whispering wolves did. A sort of advanced echolocation, where the sounds of my hive painted a clear picture of everything around me.

I had a brief exchange with Richard, before sending him away so I could properly clean myself a little. I quickly found out that I could deafen myself when I needed to, or even lower my hearing now. Which was actually nice, and was probably a mixture of the previous evolutions. Something like the new muscles I felt on my joints. Though more like I had elastic chitin that could properly cover and protect those same eardrums. I touched my antenna to the shadow the wall was casting, and found that I could move into it. Though that likely meant I was still going to be bound. Properly flexing my muscles this time allowed me to realize I could break out of these bindings. Though if I did, it probably meant trouble. Then there was the very high probability that they would put me in something much harder to break out of next time.

Thus I waited, while going through what was left of the Banshee known as Edna's memories. Most of them were lost while in the silence, her single voice unable to help me focus myself. Still what memories she left me with were rather valuable. I knew an uncomfortable amount about a gang leader named "The Raven." I now knew the other gangs underground. As well as how to properly use the shadows. I couldn't sense souls like she could, but I might be able to if I ate another of her kind. Though, I couldn't say I truly wanted to, going through her memories and breaking it apart through the hive hurt me on some level. She wasn't a beast acting on instincts, that I could then learn and put my own reasoning behind. She had been a person at one point, that was turned into a monster. Most of her past was forgotten, but her recent memories showed a mind that was still capable of learning, and feeling emotion.

I saw the parts of her that should never have been seen. The ideals she followed, the key events that defined her morals. I knew more about her, than the Raven himself probably understood. Which was just awful, since she truly did love him. It was likely that I wasn't going to see him for a while, but when I did, I would have to apologize properly. She was stalking to protect us, under his orders. While she wasn't a good person, she had her reasons. If my mind were weak, I could see myself losing to her ideals and adopting her persona. Which is why it probably hurt me more, that I ultimately destroyed her reasoning. That I completely absorbed everything useful, and essentially spat out the rest. I knew now, that I could probably gain magic, and the understanding the wielder once had. Though the idea repelled me, to my very core.

The workers finished cleaning my teeth, face, and everything else. Apparently my ears now had three different of ear drums, which was a welcomed distraction from the previous line of thought. I was able to confirm elastic chitin was moving over the eardrums themselves to protect them, while deafening me. That the three worked together to allow echolocation to work. After a bit of testing, I was able to figure out the proper way of adjusting it to hear how I wanted. I quickly set the workers back to work in the hive, so that I could have a proper cleaning after I was freed.

I heard someone coming up the stairs, and flicking my ears for more tests. I was able to figure out it was Richard carrying a small plate of freshly cooked food. I smiled at him, as he entered. "That was surprisingly quick."

He smirked back, "I practiced while you were gone. Do you want me to feed you, or will you have your hive do it?"

I made myself a little more comfortable against the wall. "I haven't seen you in a while. I would prefer you do such." If someone else came, then it would look a lot better if my 'tamer' was feeding me. Versus being covered by my hive or just eating like a feral beast. I needed to be mindful of how others perceived me going forward. Especially since I now realized how dangerous this city was for a monster without protection or a Tamer.

Richard was happy enough to feed me small bites while we waited for Oswald, or anyone to come. He was likely bored himself, and this gave us both something to do.

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Oswald Manfred

The teleporter finally showed up, and we were arrived at the area around the hole within mere moments. The hole itself was joined by multiple warehouses in the area underground. This was the place the guards kept their stores of weapons, rations, and anything else that was owned by the crown. Mostly things reserved for recruits, and nothing too valuable. The hole itself was usually guarded by groups of veterans about to retire, with a Herald watching from the shadows. Which surprised me, when they weren't present and waiting. Initially I thought perhaps it was a sort of trap meant to pin the gang down and ruin them. Though as I ordered what recruits teleported along with me. I realized that the wrong people were stationed here. I ordered the men to fan out between the warehouses, to search for the guards stationed here and treat them if needed.

There were no complaints as I ordered everyone to stay out of the hole for now. There was something off here, and while I didn't know what was going on. I knew that recruits would only get in the way when I decided to fill an entire floor with poison. I still had my cloak of gas swirling around me, as I marched through the nearest entrance and down the tunnel towards the hole proper. There was no building above ground for it, since the building itself was a pillar meant to support the above ground itself.

I continued walking as the flames on the torches changed colors. Then they started to slowly flicker and snuff out before lighting back up in a sort of strobe light effect. The tunnel ahead of me filled with spiders crawling on the ceiling and floor, all moving in perfect unison. The kind of mind trick that made one wonder if the ceiling turned into a mirror. I just frowned, waiting for Mal to finish her entrance. Crossing my arms, I stood as the spiders divided and moved past me. Still remaining in perfect unison as Mal herself came riding on her blue sapphire scarab. Those fake fairy wings still strapped to her back, as she wore the patch worked clothing of whatever clothes were gifted to her.

"Oswald darling, it has been too long since mine self had the grace of your presence." Her golden eyes seemed to flicker here and there as the fire continued to change colors. "Fret not, for the king has graced us both with foresight into this matter." She gentle pat her scarab on the head, as it clicked it's mandibles happily. "You see, the Raven himself came to disturb the Queen's slumber. We gave him gifts, before the princess decided to kill him. The audacity of that common thug, to think no one would notice a horde coming to our fair city."

I let out a small laugh, "Blast and damn him indeed. I'm glad you have it under control. I have some freshly acquired samples that I really need to go work on." I turned around, but a few spiders were raising their legs in a manner to stop me. I really didn't want to get caught up in this woman's eccentric games.

"Oswald darling, are you perhaps still mad at mine self? I realize that mine self is not the king's friend yet. I do not even call him by name. I dare not even think mine self might be friend by association with another friend of his. Could you perhaps join mine self for tea? It is quite lonely without company that can understand half of my questions, let alone anyone that dares contemplate the answers."

I turned back towards the mad elf, frowning a little under my gas. "What is so important that you want to talk about it?"

"I..." She shuddered as she said the word, "Mine self is using those accursed words that others use to identify one's self. Do you not see how far I am going for you? Surely you might take pity on mine self?" She puffed out her chest a little, holding a hand to it. Then my question seemed to hit her, "Oh! How wonderful! You seek to hear me out. How splended! There are a number of topics to discuss. Some of which involve your apprentice. Fret not, for mine self dares not smear honey upon your exposed neck. There shall be no pranks of such caliber or whimsy. You may even claim my body if you seek it."

I turned and walked away, the spiders moving out of my way as well. "Don't joke around like that, it's not healthy for you. I'll see you at your shop later. I need to give the recruits outside a report to file, so it will take a while. Don't let anyone see you as always."

"Darling, I am the utmost definition of professionalism. Not even a shadow might catch me, once I set about a task." She rambled on, even after I no longer heard a thing she was saying.

It took half the hour to get everyone organized and back into the motions that needed to be done. The recruits guarding the walls were naturally upset, since this was supposed to be easy. Thankfully no one was hurt beyond a few scrapes and bruises. Save for a couple of dumb asses that likely provoked their attackers. They had broken ribs, or arms, but nothing life threatening. I was about to leave, when I saw Vivian being escorted by three well trained guards. I gave her a quick wave, as she returned it. Then she came towards me with a small frown.

"Oswald, I apologize sincerely for what happened here today. It was through my orders, that we moved the guards around. I expected anything else, but this." She lowered her head, looking at my feet." Clearly Mal didn't let her in on the plan, or probably anyone else.

"You did fine lass, I bet Mal was moving their spiders around, and the Minotaur probably had some brawls breaking out." I waited until she looked at me properly, "The Raven has escaped the city, and there is no point in chasing after him. It's better that he's taking his gang with him, since that means there is less to worry about. He didn't escape with anything too important. As far as I'm concerned, this never happened. The Raven was forced to flee due to the diligence of the guards."

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Vivian swallowed hard, she seemed to struggle a little. Then she nodded, as if understanding what it meant, "Of course sir, it's a shame the captain couldn't chase the Raven out himself. How is he? If I may be so bold."

I crossed my arms, "He's doing fine lass. Was hurt, but the healers helped him. Ask him for the report, and the healers themselves for how bad it really was. The boy does his best work when his back is pressed to a wall. He probably doesn't know that the one he was escorting is still alive honestly."

Vivian seemed surprised, but recovered quickly with a small smile. "That's wonderful news, I was prepared for the worst."

I watched her reaction frowning a little myself, the smoke going back into it's liquid state inside my satchel. "It was a risk sending him out with a monster. I'm surprised he didn't kill her honestly, but that means he's becoming more trustworthy. You should hear what he thinks about the escort in question. I fear we lost most of our Tamers, who died trying to prevent the Raven's escape." Naturally Vivian wouldn't tell the people most of them just ran away with the Raven.

Vivian nodded, "I shall, especially if it means potentially gaining someone reliable to make up some of our losses. Is there anything else I should consider, sir?"

I stroked my beard a little, "Yes, I want you to personally interview the escort. Find out their goals, motives, and so on. They are a valuable specimen for study, and I want them finding ways inside our city if you deem that safe."

Vivian frowned slightly, but nodded. "I shall, but the earliest I can do such is tomorrow morning. I still have a lot to do here."

I waved my hand a little, "Of course lass, we're all busy. Do your job first and foremost, then do my request when you can spare the time. The escort is nocturnal normally, so you might need to wake them up. They should be restrained currently, have some guards carry them to a holding cell. Do make certain my apprentice knows the escort is not in trouble. That they will not be harmed and so on. This is to allow them the ability to walk around instead of being restrained. Do keep a couple shadow callers on standby, they may have those abilities."

I glanced at the guards, who seemed to be listening. Though we were keeping it vague enough, that they probably have yet to realize who or what Mimi is. Vivian smiled, "Of course sir, this is my thanks for defending the outermost walls. Please have a pleasant day sir."

I nodded, "Dismissed, and you as well. I'll probably be gone all night, maybe mention that to my apprentice as well." We both went our separate ways, as the sun continued to set. Night had come by the time I finally made it to the flower shop Mal was set up in. It was surprisingly smart, since no one would expect her to be so close to her apprentice at all times. She was using him as a cover, as well as keeping him protected from anything too dangerous. Though they also had a contract with the king to take over one of the prisoners in the Hole, if anything happened to their bodies.

I didn't bother knocking, as I just walked into the shop itself. Spiders closed the door behind me, as curtains were pulled apart to reveal Mal sitting behind the table completely bare. The scars on her chest exposed, as I just sighed. "This is a terrible habit, that you really need to stop doing."

She tilted her head, "Mine self supposes you will not bare yourself as well? You are a dear friend Oswald, unless you do not consider mine self as such." She put a hand between her chest, as she pretended to be wounded. "We try so hard to make you and others happy Oswald dearest. Mine self in particular has nothing to hide from you. This place is safe, as fine crystals keep others from listening proper. Please have a seat. We prepared fine tea for you, mine dearest friend."

I grumbled a little, before sitting opposite of her. She placed some sugar and honey next to my cup, to let me flavor and test the drink for poison. Which it wasn't poisoned, we were well past that stage. "How is the princess these days?"

Mal crossed her arms in a huff, "You never ask how mine self is doing. It is always straight to work and the topics that interest you. A habit, I find more terrible than baring everything for a close friend."

I sipped the tea given to me, letting out a small groan. "Fine, how are you Mal? You called me here, to talk about important things and I have things I need to get back to myself."

She pouted a little, "Hardly, you coop yourself up in a smelly room with your young apprentice. Mine self once held half a mind to spread rumors about the two of you. Then the rumors started anyway, and we squashed them."

I leaned back in the chair nodding, "Thank you for that. I'm too old to go for those activities these days. He's a good lad, but he's typical in those desires." It was better to indulge her musings, since it got us through this faster than fighting.

She poured herself a cup, and started to sip as well. "Quite, as for the Princess, she is doing well. A tad bored, but with the Raven leaving mine self has a few playmates in mind to keep her occupied. Mine self believes you have already have plans for your boorish family?"

I looked up towards the ceiling, before looking back at Mal. "Yeah, going to join the Beard Cutter family and take the caravan back with them. Expect some actual ticks to bleed them dry, and leave them on the streets."

She smiled warmly, "You only need to say the word, and we'll take care of them."

I sat the half empty cup back onto the table, "No, it is a family matter. One that should be dealt with personally. Besides, it will show just how much they want or need me. Do you know why by chance?"

Mal looked at her reflection in the tea, "A few ideas. Perhaps their heir is an alchemist, and want a proper teacher. Another comes from the rumors we hear. They might have dug too deep, too greedy. To awaken something that slumbered. Perhaps they need alchemy to help with their food shortage, to be less reliant on our breadbasket of a kingdom. They keep such cards close, so that the others cannot peek. Mine self does not know how difficult it shall be for you."

I nodded, before filling my cup a little more. "Then do you know what exactly was on the Caravan? It's not coming tonight?"

I stirred some more sugar and honey into it, checking once more for poison. Naturally there was none, but the motions seemed to make Mal happy enough. "Magic gems, unlike our crystals. Pelts of fine quality, precious metals, and even some of those spores you wanted. Naturally the spores are hidden, until you accept the proposal. It shall arrive tomorrow morning."

"Quite generous, which means they are just short of kidnapping me at this point. When will the first snow fall?" I took a sip from the cup once more.

"The king has requested that it be put off for three days after the caravan arrives. To allow you the chance to settle affairs. He shall miss you, as will mine self and others." Mal teared up, and wiped it away in a lady like fashion.

I looked at my tea, "I might die before coming back, but I still have my pride as a dwarf. I will not agree to a new contract and a new body. It will hurt my friend, but that is life." We spent the rest of the night talking about this and that, even though I truly wanted to leave. I ended up staying the night, and negotiated how everything would be handled after my 'passing.' All I had to do, was die in an over the top fashion, and be pronounced dead by the Count himself. Then there was the fact that the King actually wanted to invite a certain escort to the Ball, for who knows what reason.

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Captain of the Guard, Lindell

I woke up with a slight start, looking around the bare stone walls. It would be easy enough to mistake the golden circle's recovery rooms as dungeons. Which they often did turn into, especially if some asshole was experimenting on people with black blood. The room itself was empty, save for a single wooden door that could be locked from the outside. I still felt a bit weak myself, but checking on my wounds showed that I made a good enough recovery to get back into the action tomorrow. I started to get up, and fell back from the pain in my side. A few runes started to glow on the walls.

Then everything came rushing back to me, my ears going low as I closed my eyes. I passed out in the tent with the Healer, after Oswald said he had everything under control. They probably transported me here after seeing my wounds. Then a knock came at the door. I wiped my face, before looking at the door itself. It opened slowly, an older man poking his head through the door. He gave me a small smile, before opening it wider. He walked into the room with black robes over white ones. A long red stripe going down the middle. He wore a tight fitting cap with no brim, but had a single golden strip running around it.

"You're very lucky to be alive, Captain. Any body else probably would have succumbed to blood loss after all that activity." A priestess quickly followed behind with a chair and set it behind the man as he sat. The same girl quickly left the room, while softly closing the door.

I let out a soft sigh, "Somehow I doubt you're here to tell me I'm one tough bastard. Give it to me straight, how long do I have to live?"

The man laughed, "As long as your occupation allows, you will find blood in your urine for the next week or two however. All things considered, I'm surprised you managed to make it in that condition. Though what surprised me more, was the scar tissue in the wound itself. How did you manage that?"

I narrowed my eyes at the man, "Why do you want to know exactly?" I was actually bluffing, since I had no idea what he was talking about. Then it hit me, that I remembered Mimi trying to sting me before tossing me away. I scowled a little, which made the man pull back a touch.

"No need to be hostile Captain, we are both in the business of saving lives. Some of our body guards can use wind magic. Very few are capable of actually healing others or themselves with such." He kept his eyes locked with my own.

"You're scouting me?" I tilted my head towards him, "Hate to say this, but I have a job that I'm rather fond of."

The man himself laughed, "By the gods no. I just wanted to offer an agreement or exchange. If you can heal with your wind, then we would like to study such. Perhaps it might hold a few answers which would save many more lives."

It didn't feel as if the man was lying, so I looked away. "Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was a monster that saved me. She tried to heal me, but only a few drops probably made it to my wound. There will be a ceremony for her, and you are welcomed to come as with others. Though I don't know if there is anything left of her."

The man cocked his head a little, "A monster you say? A few drops? She's already dead? How unfortunate. It seems there is nothing more for us to discuss here then. I'll pay a visit to the ceremony after it's held. The body might hold some answers then."

"I'll tell you if we find any of it left, if we meet during it. Sorry to waste your time." I looked back at the man, who was already out of his chair and walking away.

"No need, you have been most helpful." The man left the room. I laid back on the pillow closing my eyes once more.

I was unsure if I dozed off, or if something else happened. When I opened my eyes, I saw Vivian sitting in the chair where the man had been. My gut told me not to trust that man if I saw him again. Judging by the headache, he used mind magic to subtly nudge me towards telling him the truth. I ended up gritting my teeth as Vivian crossed her arms. "I've been waiting over an hour for you to wake up. Why are you waking up pissed this time?"

I looked at her, and sighed. "It's you right? The man in the dark robes probably used mind magic on me. Say something, that only you would say."

Her eyes glowed a little, before she frowned, "Did you get a name Wyatt? What did you tell him?"

"Just that Mimi was dead, and that I think she was how I managed to make it back. Now say something else, while showing me your chest like you always do." I smiled at her, doing an eyebrow waggle.

I was promptly punched in the face with her fake arm, but laughed anyway. "Good, are you convinced it's me now?"

I rubbed my cheek, that was going to swell up, and bruise the next few days. "Yeah, thanks for helping me make sure."

Vivian crossed her arms again, with a huff. "Better ways to do that, than pain. Though it's good you are well enough to make jokes. Before you give me your report, I have to say that I have an interview to tend to tomorrow."

"Oh? With who? Thought you would have told me if some recruit was promising enough for that." I started to relax a little.

"I'll tell you after I'm done, for now give me your report and focus on resting. We'll have someone give you some blood when you come back tomorrow afternoon." I only nodded at my slave driver. She was pleased with my report, and thankfully left me with the rest of the day off. Some new recruit must have really impressed her or something. Ah well, that's future Wyatt's problem. I started to roll on my side, before thinking better about it. The flesh was stitched back together, but it was still fresh. Tossing and turning might reopen it, so I just had to rest on my back tonight. At least Vivian wasn't going to make me do paperwork from the sounds of it. If I was extra lucky, she might let me go off to find the body myself.

The pang of guilt hit me like a brick to the back of the head. There wasn't any more I could do about it now. That night we talked still lingered with me. I wasn't a good leader, not yet. I needed to learn how to listen more, to understand what was going on around me better. I was going to become the best damn leader there was. Even if I had to start from scratch to do it. I doubt that would happen, but Vivian was too nice just now. I took a deep breath to steady myself, closing my eyes to finally sleep. I had to think a lot tomorrow, so tonight it was okay to just let it go. I passed out once more.