Oswald Manfred

We walked through the portal onto the balcony. There were others that were here, talking about whatever they wanted. Every word was a garbled mess, and it was impossible to join a conversation unless invited. Here is where the alliances were made, truths were revealed, and more. The sun was slowly creeping it's way towards noon, as magic dimmed it enough to look at without hurting one's eyes. The railing had a thick layer of snow on it, to remind everyone this was the first snow ball. There were tables that could be sat at, with a bell to ring if one desired beverages.

As I asked Raul to lead, I followed him to the edge. He stood in front of the snow covered railings before lowering his head. "You are an accomplished man, Oswald. Surely you have answers for my burning questions."

I stepped into the shadow of the railing. A move that displayed trust to the man. I looked towards the sun, "Many say that, but flattery goes no where with me. Depending on the question, I may have the answer you want. Are you familiar with the basics of the hilt?"

Raul smiled slightly, "You must show what you desire, before any agreement is to be made. You are aware of the other Heralds?"

I laughed a little, "I do not understand why humans might think for a moment I do not know. I helped to found this kingdom, and built it from the ground up with our King. There are not many secrets about how it all works, that I do not know. Were you a dagger then?" He was a man that used shadow magic. He even held a title because of it, this was all formality.

Raul lowered his head, "Yes, and it cost me. My wife and daughter have both passed. I seek to find out who, and why. Tell me old one, what are your goals."

I stroked my beard, as he addressed me in the proper way to talk to an old dwarf. He displayed that he has been to the Northern Kingdom before, and worked with them. "Speaking of my goals to anyone besides myself will be a breach of contract in relation to the king." Raul's eyes went wide, as he seemed to feel the power of the king looming over him.

He finally nodded, "I shall keep what we say here, until the grave and beyond. I shall also comply and not let others know you are able to affect the contracts as well."

I smiled a little, "He has given me special privileges, and though I cannot feel it I do know it goes into effect. My goal is to die and disappear before the ball is over."

"I see, that explains the rumors going about." He looked towards the sun with me.

"Yes, I started them for this moment to come. I will aid you in this, on the condition that you protect my apprentice. You are free to decline if you wish." There was no point, unless he willingly accepted.

Raul lowered his head again, "Which one is your apprentice? I would not mind guiding them to protect themselves."

I looked at him for a moment, "The lad named Richard. What is your relationship with Mimi? I know your talent, and so I will say she did not utter a word about you."

Raul shook his head softly, "It seems that I have fallen for your trap. The one you call Mimi saved my daughter from death. I wondered briefly if you ordered her to help me, or if she was acting on the King's orders. Have I truly been discarded?"

"You have to work on your tells Raul. You have grown sloppy, but to answer your question neither I, nor the King told her to help you. What she did was her own choice, and I am happy that she is helping people. You may have been discarded if you abandoned your job to return to your wife. He does not take care of people that will not give him trust when their families are at risk. Though he will not punish you for acting out in regards to your family either."

Raul blinked at the sun, "I see, had I completed my job I would have come home to both my wife and daughter?"

I nodded slowly, "Yes, it is the true final test our king gives. You are faced with the option to do what is better for your kingdom, or your family. It is impressive that you made it far enough at such a young age to be considered for becoming a tip. No one can fault you for choosing your family first."

Raul balled his fists, "He knew then, what was happening to my family. He could have stopped it, but he chose not to, to test me?" Raul's voice was low with anger.

I did not look at him, but only nodded, "Yes. He knew, and allowed it to happen. He could have prevented it, but you chose your family over the other families you could have saved. You chose your humanity, over becoming a tool to be used. If anything, your wife may be in a cell sleeping until you are no longer useful. Everyone associated with the Heralds past the hilt will have their families safe guarded. Because you almost stood at the top, you are no different. The King is waiting for you to correct your past mistake, by doing another job when you are ready."

Raul slammed his fist into the snow pile on the railing, causing a good chunk of it to cascade down. "All this grief and regret, all this suffering I have endured. All of it was for nothing?" The magic of the balcony kept him from yelling, as he clenched his teeth.

I pushed some more snow off the railing, just to rest my hands on it. "No, it was to teach you that you cannot expect to be trusted, if you cannot trust the ones supporting you." Something didn't add up, he should have known his wife would be fine even if she died.

Raul ran his hands through his hair, "Do you know if she's alive or not? Have you seen her?"

I narrowed my eyes, as I recalled a few memories from the past decade. The Count talked about a dagger fitting this man's description before, how he supposedly married one of his targets. I looked back at the sun, "Tell me, did you do anything strange? Something you shouldn't have? You have your doubts don't you?"

Raul composed himself, wiping his face with a bit of snow. "Yes... I married one of my targets, back when I was a hilt." So it was him. That certainly complicated things, and would explain why he wasn't told about such. He was seen as a potential problem from the start, but rose through the ranks because of his strength and talent.

The picture became clear, as I turned back to look at the others that may have joined the balcony. "She may be alive, but it will be up to you to protect your family going forward. You made your choice, and you cannot take that back. I will spill punch on the one responsible, or someone related to them. You will need to figure out what to do from there. In exchange you will protect Richard, and keep any prior agreements with Mimi."

Raul cleaned some more snow off the railing, "Agreed, thank you for what you have told me. I still have more to learn, but I shall use what I do know as I see fit."

I walked back into the ball, realizing that this had Charles' name written all over it. Something so needlessly elaborate and patient. Raul didn't need to know that he was dancing within the king's palm still. For whatever reason, this was as clear a sign as any, that he had more plans for Mimi down the road. Which meant he was going to keep Richard safe for as long as he was next to her and useful. Even I was starting to get a headache trying to guess at what the end goal of all this could be.

At least the afternoon was fast approaching, and more nobles were filtering in. Including those parasites related to me by blood. Judging by how happy they looked, they either didn't know about the fire, or they did know and were hoping to use it as a reason to have me move into their mansion. All because they feel they are starting to feel threatened by Richard. I cannot forgive them for making any attempt on the life of my apprentice.

I smiled, and welcomed them with the same manners I always did. Of course they asked how I was feeling, pretending to care given they no doubt heard the rumors. I dismissed it all readily, promising to live for another two decades. We had a good laugh, but it was all so hollow. The kind of fake laugh they gave whenever a noble in a better position told a joke. The kind that told me, they couldn't wait for me to drop dead, so they could sell everything with my name on it.

We could laugh and celebrate tonight, as much as they wanted. They did not understand, just how much my ghost would haunt them.

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Richard Adams

Today was going well, my mind felt much clearer than it did a weak ago. I understood that I came close to death during my exile, and that would change me. I couldn't be afraid of that, because the two family members I had, had been through so much more. Death was a part of life, and it would come whether we wanted it to or not. I am alive and here today because of Oswald and Mimi both.

Still, I felt uneasy and nervous because of what Oswald had close to his chest. After all my years of picking pockets, I knew how to spot what people were carrying and when something was precious or important to them. Even after feeding Mimi another bite of the food kept magically fresh and warm, I was trying to show her the trick to it. She fed me the last bite, as I told her for the third time that I was fully and utterly stuffed.

To stop her from making another attempt to feed me, I pointed to one of the butlers that took a longer stride with his right leg. "See Mimi?" She looked at the man in question. "See how his pants tightens unevenly, and he takes longer strides?" I whispered to her. She wiped my face again, clearly enjoying the mutual feeding more than anything.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"Yes, I see. I do not think that's a knife hidden however. Perhaps a rod?" She tilted her head, before opening her mouth for the next bite. Thankfully my plate was empty, and she wasn't trying to shove any more food down my gullet.

I smiled a little, "That's the thing, they have butlers and maids armed with weapons at these events. Every time, to buy the fancy people time to escape. See that maid over there? The one with the Harper on her shoulder?" Mimi nodded, looking her over. "The hips for the dress is like an inch too high. I'll put coin down that she has some kind of weapon hidden right on her back."

Mimi smiled a little, "Why do you know how to see these things?"

I fed her another bite, as she opened her mouth. "I grew up in the Underground, before getting kicked out because my dad died. I had to make a living somehow, and knowing who had a weapon on them was important. Sure I haven't done it in a couple years, but I can work a knife because of the practice I had."

Mimi focused on me a little more, "Will you tell me more about the Underground, and what it is like down there?"

I let out a small sigh, giving her another bite. "It's not a good place for anyone really. A lot of gangs, without any guards. It's also not something I'm proud about. It really isn't anything special compared to being up here."

Mimi nodded, gently rubbing my shoulder. I could never get over how even though she was on her knees, she was still taller than me. She smiled a little, "Do you at least know how to fight?"

I let out a small sigh, "I'd rather not fight anyone honestly. I've seen too many people get a cut or scrape in a fight, only to get super sick a week later. Some of them even died, and even though that isn't too bad up here. It's just better not to."

"That's not a no~" She teased me by poking my hip.

"Hey, don't do that here. People might start staring." She looked a little disappointed, but I smiled back at her. "It's not your fault they get jealous easily though. I'll let you poke me later okay?"

She smiled at that, and opened her mouth again as I gave her another bite. Her ears flicked, before she turned to look at Oswald's cousin, Mikey. I didn't really like the guy, given that he was an asshole through and through. He was sauntering right towards us, and I gave him a wave because he'd just be more of an ass if he wasn't given attention.

The four foot even (1.22 meters) dwarf stopped before me. His hair shaved on the sides to make it grow in a triangle that rolled back into his short beard. The man was sixty years old, making him an adult dwarf that still acted like a kid. He wore his beard in dreads that had rings of different qualities tied within it. He literally jingled while he walked from them hitting each other. Each ring a reminder of a marriage he ruined. No body dared to touch him, because he was related to Oswald. I could tell by how neat his dreads were, that he had someone else braid them for him. Mikey wore a pitch fur jacket, made from the whispering wolves he hunted with his body guards.

Mikey smiled at me, his hands studded with more rings, and a couple teeth were made of gold. "My Richard, I didn't think I'd see you here again. It's a damn shame I lost that bet." He laughed a little, while still wearing his sunglasses. His black hair catching the light around us.

I shrugged, before giving Mimi another bite. "You always did call me a rat, not sure why you wouldn't bet on otherwise." I grinned back at him.

Mimi was watching Mikey's every move, before quickly losing interest in him and focusing on me again. Mikey just tilted his head back, to look down at us both. "You're right, ah well the guy I made a bet with won't get paid anyway. Haven't seen him in a long while. Guess I should ask someone else to take care of you."

I fed Mimi another bite. I would have fallen for his prodding before, but it didn't even matter. He was Oswald's family, and I wanted them to get along in the future. By the Hells, I wanted to think Mikey might actually be redeemable in some way. We were both alchemists after all. "You shouldn't joke like that. We might be family one day man."

Mikey laughed hard at that, slapping his knee. "Finally bending over for the old man huh? Regardless of what he says, I won't acknowledge you as family. Might take pity on you, and let you feed the pets. You seem pretty good at that."

I let out a small sigh, fighting him wouldn't do any good. It's better to just ignore him, besides he's supposed to be family soon enough. Mimi said nothing, but let me give her another bite. She let me feel that she didn't like him either. "Sure, sure Mikey. I'm good at a lot of things." I kept my voice light and dismissive, which made him clench his jaw. He was used to getting under my skin, that was strike one though.

Mikey laughed, "Right, you should be commended for taking it up the ass. You probably enjoy it though, wouldn't surprise me if he bought this thing for you as a present." He gestured at Mimi. I balled my fist, strike two.

I clenched my jaw a little, as the asshole smirked. "See? You can pretend your better, but you're still the same arrogant slum dweller you've always been."

I took a deep breath, and smiled. I felt the weight of the plate, how it still had some of the food still on it. "Stop smiling, that's fucking creepy."

I shrugged, "Yeah, whatever numb nuts. You can make all the jokes you want, but deep down you're insecure about your position. You're worried Oswald will kick your limp dick to the curve. Now walk away, before I make you lose a few more teeth."

Mikey clenched his jaw, turning red as he balled his fists. "Think you can take me? I'll duel your dick sucking ass any time any place. Fuck, bet you even train your monster how to suck dick."

I tilted my head, "Huh." Strike three. I slammed the plate hard enough into his face that the glass went into his mouth. The plate itself shattering and embedding glass into my palms, but more into the asshole's face. So much for getting along as a family. I used my good hand to punch him in the jaw as he lunged forward trying to strangle me.

Mimi grabbed Mikey by the throat, squeezing him hard. Butlers and maids instantly looked at us. A few no doubt preparing magic to attack Mimi. She stood up, as I tapped her side, "Mimi, you need to calm down." I felt terrible because she was trying to keep me from getting hurt. Then she brought Mikey closer to her face, and started licking the food off his.

I quickly turned towards the crowd, "She's not trying to eat him! She's just trying to clean him! Please calm down!" I waved my hands in front of me, the adrenaline keeping the gashes on my hands from really hurting. I quickly turned back to Mimi "Mimi drop him please! You don't need to clean him up, the maids will handle it!"

She thankfully did as she was told, dropping Mikey as he scrambled back to his feet and started running the other direction. She looked down letting out a sad chirp. "Mimi did a bad, she tried to grab the plate and it broke." Mimi covered her face, slumping a little.

"N-no... that's not what..." I looked her over, but someone stopped me from saying more.

A butler spoke up, "I saw the whole thing, it was as she says. Just an accident everyone."

Oswald laughed in the distance, "Aye, I knew she wasn't quite ready. She gets very uppity when someone doesn't feed her quickly enough. Just like a child."

I swallowed hard, "That's not..." Then the crowd started laughing. They began laughing because Oswald was laughing. I had to be missing something here, because he wouldn't do that to her. Yeah... this had to be a way of protecting her from the others that might restrain her, or kick her out. I shook my head looking down. "Come on Mimi, I need to get healed. No more food for you until dinner. If you're a good girl." I hurt me that she was acting so much like a child. I didn't understand why, but maybe the snow was messing with her. Maybe she was too cold, and hadn't warmed up yet or something. I knew she was smarter than this.

I looked over the buffet one last time, and saw it. There was some coffee next to the punch. A little might have gotten spilled into it, or maybe she took a sip by accident. Either way, it was better to keep her away from the stuff until she worked it out of her system. I took Mimi by the good hand, and guided her towards the corner where a few maids were waiting to fix my hand. It only took a few minutes, but I still winced because it hurt to have the shard pulled out. At least they were able to stitch my hand back perfectly fine without any scarring.

I just barely noticed Mimi wiping her eyes now and then, the whole affair probably scared her. I smiled at her, "Hey, it's going to be alright. Usually it ends up a lot worse when Mikey comes around. I'm usually exiled, because he works me up enough to even cuss out the King, or we fight and I get exiled for striking a noble. You don't need to cry."

Mimi smiled a little nodding her head. "Thank you Richard."

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Mimi

Everything really was going fine, until this Mikey character showed his face. I was disappointed that Richard didn't strike on the first verbal assault, but realized quickly there was a reason he couldn't. The man smelled faintly of Oswald, and appeared to be related to him somehow. It was one of those times where it was better to merely bite one's tongue. I listened to the exchange, attempting to focus on more important discussions that were taking place outside our own little area.

It was likely because of Oswald, that we were left alone, considering that I could still hear him talking about Richard's negatives. It was likely he didn't want Richard to come back to this place, and given how aggressive his family was towards Richard, I could understand. Still it made no sense as to why this was the case. I located others that spoke the name, and could see the similarities. They spoke in hushed tones, talking about Oswald's latest pet, and how he had the 'dreadful' habit of picking up strays.

The more I listened, the more I felt disdain for this family of Oswald's. The false sense of superiority, the overwhelming narcissism. Then I heard that they moved to have Richard assassinated. That they lamented the slum dwelling leech wasn't removed properly. I kept track of the insults hurled towards Richard and myself by the man in front of us. Then I made another tally as they moved about Oswald, reasserting that Richard wasn't worth his time.

Oswald's voice was hollow, as he talked to them. A sort of strain, gained from having given up trying to reason with them. He clearly didn't like them, no I could detect some seething anger in his voice. A family that only held their position because of one member, and he didn't even like them. Their days were numbered after this ball. Then it happened, on the third insult hurled towards me. Richard twitched his arm in rage, shattering glass into Mikey's face. Shards embedding themselves in the man's nose cheek and brow. The glasses he wore, sparing him from eye damage.

The man lunged forward, and I grabbed him on impulse. Richard was a part of my Hive, and I would protect him from those that would do him harm. Just as he would protect me where he could. I grabbed the man by the throat, squeezing to the point he could barely breath. I lifted him off the ground, standing at full height. To my surprise, not one bit of magic was aimed at me during this. Instead it appeared that everyone else in the room, was perfectly content with the sacrifice of this boar. The ramifications would harm me far more, than the satisfaction was worth giving into.

To play up the facade, I pulled him close, licking his face. Richard moved to try and explain the situation away. I moved to the other side, where no one could see me whisper. "I've tasted your blood, and I have your scent. Your days are numbered, your death will not be painless." The pathetic man struggled so much, that he tore his nails on my armor. I held his feet in place with my under arms, where no one could see. Then as Richard asked, I dropped him before playing up the act a bit more.

To my surprise, I found myself tearing up. I tried to search for the reason why this was happening, and found it was purely a subconscious response. Richard reacted in my defense twice tonight, likely unable to bear the insults directed towards me. He risked his ties with Oswald, and his family to protect myself. Edna's memories on this subject were dead, so it was wholly the deepest parts of me reacting without filter. I had to constantly wipe my eyes at the soothing elation that washed over me.

Someone in this city would chose to defend me, over their own well being. Never had I known I needed something so much, until it was given to me. I altered the elastic chitin around my eyes to cover them and allow the tears to fall where they could not be seen by others. I had no idea how long this unwanted reaction would last, but it calmed both my Hive, and myself. It gave me hope, that I may have made the right choice in coming here for the first time.