Walking up to the bank teller and depositing my cut for the day. Total balance eighteen thousand four hundred and thirty two silver. Thank you for banking with us. Magpie depositing hers. Total balance twelve thousand two hundred twenty two silver. Thank you for banking with us. Riley depositing hers. Total balance fourteen thousand three hundred forty two silver. Thank you for banking with us.

Wolfe walking up to the bank teller. “I'd like to deposit this,” she says.

“Certainly, Ms. Wolfe.” The teller glancing off to the side. “Your deposit of two thousand two hundred fourteen silver leaves you with a balance of twenty three thousand eight hundred fifty two silver. However, there is the matter of your current outstanding fine. One count of aggravated assault against one of your compatriots, at House Stormhawk. Ms. Wolfe, to be frank, I'm surprised.” Glancing in our direction. “I think you may be hanging around the wrong crowd.”

“I suggest you keep your editorializing to yourself or I may end up showing you what I did earlier today.”

“Kate, thank you, again. I owe you.”

“You're welcome.” Her response measured and even. Returning her attention back to the teller.

“In that case,” the teller says, somewhat taken aback, “your current balance is twenty three thousand three hundred fifty two silver. Thank you for banking with us.”

Leaving the bank and saying our goodbyes.

“I'm sorry for putting all my problems on you, I'm sorry for everything, but I was wondering if we could all meet at House Wyrmsblood next day four instead of the West Gate. I'm going to see if I can get Ink to make an appeal on my behalf before I go.”

The three of them splitting up and heading in their respective directions – Magpie, north and east toward Ishtar, Riley, west and north, and Wolfe, east and south – leaving me with the temporary fifth member of our party. The one that didn't talk much - he doesn't talk at all - but his mood still clearly down in the dumps since the events of the morning. Most worryingly, lunch had only briefly cheered him up and he'd gone right back to being depressed, right after. Running my fingers through the fur on his head and scratching his ears. The wolf sitting down and leaning heavily against my leg.

Lunch. He'd heard everything but it hadn't particularly seemed to phase him. Goes to show that my problems and his problems are different altogether. Mine may be noteworthy, but they may not measure up to canine consideration. Now, with lunch over, the time had come for two of us to confront our shared problem, each in our own way.

“How do you think I should fix things with Nico?”

Vesper pushing more of his weight against me. Why's he doing that? Oh, that's what he's doing. He thinks everything's done and he's saying goodbye. That's why he's been clinging so close all day. Appreciate your concern, but that's not going to happen. Not without a fight. Giving him an aggressive series of pets. But how should-

The feeling of wolf's hair, the residue left on my fingers, the accumulated dirt and debris and dander, sparking an idea. What'd Nico say he wanted if he won? A wardrobe change so he could show me off in public. That's the answer, then. This morning he'd been beaten - barely, but still beaten - and Stormhawk hated the dirty, rotten cheater who'd showed up one of theirs in their own House. But they don't know my true appearance, now do they? This is the perfect opportunity to make a better impression.

“You need a bath.”

Vesper giving me a wary look. Four thirty. Not all that much time. Running to the clothing store.

“I need something that looks good.”

The proprietress bringing a hand up to politely cover her mouth. “I'm sorry,” comes her reply, after a moment, and after removing her hand, “that doesn't narrow it down much. Everything I sell looks good.”

“You know what I mean. I've got a date tonight but it's last minute and whatever you've got in stock that's my size'll be fine. Something with brighter colors. And I need a brush. For him.” Vesper's tongue lolling out from the jog over. “I'll be back in like a half hour to pick it up.”

Entering the salon. Fortunately not very busy, only three of the chairs in use. Where's that girl? Ah, there. You're not getting away.

“Ms. Macarthy-” The woman filling in names by the entrance saying my name. Blowing by and walking over to the girl who'd done my hair last time, and who currently seems to be looking for an escape route.

“You.” The girl stopping short. Unmistakable terror. The rest of the patrons and stylists in the salon looking at me. In a much softer tone of voice, “You did such a good job last time, that I'd really appreciate it if you could help me out again. I don't have a lot of time but, if you could, clean it up some. Quick as you can.” Holding out a gold coin. “I'm sure you'll do just as good this time.”

Back at the clothing store and picking up my dress, a warm yellow. Not my color. Holding the dress in one hand and looking in the mirror. Well, maybe it could be my color.

“Is there anything else you need?”

“Not for today, but maybe a bathing suit soon. I'm probably going on vacation in a couple cycles.”

“Oh,” the woman running off for a moment and returning with some. Skimpy. “These are the ones currently in style.”

“Those are...” More revealing than my underwear. Hmm. Maybe it's time for a little housekeeping. “I guess I'll deal with the bathing suit issue later, but do you have a small pair of scissors I could buy?

***

“Get in the tub. And take it easy, don't get me-”

Vesper's mood had solidly rebounded from earlier in the day, much too far in the other direction. The wolf jumping in and splashing water everywhere. The remainder in the tub immediately turning brown from all the dirt.

“Stop, stop. You're filthy. Sit. Good. I only have this bar soap so don't be difficult. Lay down. I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. Turn this way. Okay, stand up, I need to drain this and rinse you. Don't- did you really have to shake? Real funny. Let me rinse you. Don't you dare- Yeah, ha ha. You run around outside and dry off. I need to take a shower in the meantime, and then I still need to brush you. If you come back dirty, so help me, I'll make you regret it. If you have to roll around on something out there find some clean grass. You have fifteen minutes. Get yourself dry. Go.”

Heading across the city in my yellow dress, sensible black shoes with my loose, unbraided hair all the way down my back. Vesper, beside me, looking like a new wolf - at least looking like he'd gotten a new lease on life. Had brushed off a mountain of fur. Getting back to Stormhawk at quarter after seven. Two guards out front, different than the ones from this morning and not familiar. Why's it always a different set? If it were the same ones every time it'd be easy to develop a rapport, but instead it's a neverending merry-go-round of self important bullshit. Maybe start killing them. Probably do that a few times and eventually the rest'll take the hint. Hold on, settle down. Maybe if things go wrong. New outfit, new introductions. Time for my debut. That person who came by this morning is a completely different person than the one here right now.

“Hi guys,” giving them a little smile and a cutesy little wave. “I've got to get inside to see my boyfriend. Can you guys let me in?”

The two of them giving me a once over. Here it comes.

“Sure, go on in.” One of them standing up and opening the door. “You're looking good tonight.”

Standing speechless for a moment. How in the hell did that work?

“Thanks.”

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Walking in the open door and, at my entrance, the statue across the way letting out a small bit of anger. Staying away from you. Looking around, his room is either up the stairs on the second floor, or down this hallway, over here, somewhere. Here comes someone, no harm in asking. Better than going door to door.

“Hi, excuse me, I heard Nico wasn't feeling good and I wanted to stop by. Where's his room?”

“Nico? He's down on the first floor, one fifty, one sixty something. Somewhere around there.”

“Thanks a lot.”

Following the edge of the wall, staying away from the statue, and heading down that hallway. One ten, one twenty, one thirty, hitting the edge of the building, turning, passing by a Stormhawk member or two and getting looks, but nothing hostile, and continuing on. One forty. Then a door opening down the hall and a girl coming out. Tight shirt, cutoff shorts and a ponytail. Pretty.

“Okay, Nico,” giving a cheerful giggle, “hope you feel better.”

An instant stab of anger and jealousy clutching my gut. Calm down. He died today. She's probably only being nice.

The girl walking in my direction. She seems happy. Yep, fuck you, not going to let it go.

“Hey, how's Nico doing?”

The girl giving me a curious look. “Who're you?”

“I'm here visiting my boyfriend and I was wondering if he's doing okay. Did you see what happened today?”

“Yeah, I was there.”

“You were? What happened?

“He had a,” pausing, gesturing with her hands, “fight to the death today.”

“Is that right? Omigosh.”

“Yeah, it's crazy.” The ponytail bouncing back and forth. “Nico's on some assignment and the person he's dealing with is some psychopath. I'm worried about him, you know? The fact that a great guy like him got stuck dealing with someone like that. It's just, like, unfair, you know?”

“It's a real shame.”

“Yeah.” The girl agreeing with me agreeing with her. Pausing. Nothing else to add, looks like.

“What do you think they're going to do about it?”

“Oh, I dunno. Some of the guys were talking about getting even right after, but then they had a big meeting and it sounds like they've already gotten over it.”

A hig meeting, huh? “What's Nico want to do about it?”

“Nico.” Huffing in exasperation. “He told me not to worry. He said it's under control, but you know how these guys are.”

“At least it sounds like he's not taking it badly.”

“I guess. Anyway, I've got to get going. Tell your boyfriend-” Noticing something down and to my right. “Is that's Nico's wolf? Hey, Charlie, how're you?” The girl reaching her hand out. “You're all nice and clean.” Vesper sensing my look. Charlie? This is not funny, you mutt, stop laughing. The girl lips turning, making a confused pout. “Where did he come from? I swear, I thought he went with...” There's the realization. Her hand yanking away and the girl shrinking against the wall. Giving me a rather familiar look. Fear and distrust. That's right, you're currently talking with the psychopath, and now it's time you learn a lesson, you worthless, empty-headed-

Hold on, reel it back. A new outfit, and a new me. There's no need to threaten her.

“I appreciate you're concerned about Nico, so I'm not going to take what you just said now personal. Vesper, let's go.”

The girl sliding by and quickly putting some distance between us. Doesn't sound like she knows much about anything. Walking down the hall to the door she exited from and not bothering to knock. Trying the knob and the door opening. The room dark. Taking a whiff. Doesn't smell like sex, just him, for the most part, and the wolf. Relax. Probably overreacting.

“Who-” Squinting. “Lucy, is that you?” Vesper, tail wagging like mad, rushing into the room and giving him an over-the-top friendly greeting. Licking his face. “Hey! Hey. Down boy. Down. It's good to see you, too.”

“I've come to rescue you from your boredom.” Striking a pose. “We're going out tonight.”

“Did you wash him?” Wilde managing to disengage himself from the overexcited wolf and getting to his feet. “You look great.”

Moving closer. He seems like he's doing okay. Don't be sorry, don't be apologetic. There's nothing more damaging to a man's ego than pity.

“I'm glad you like it. How're you doing? How'd they take it?”

“They weren't happy. I think that getup of yours today was a good decision. I take it that's why you did it.”

“That was part of it. If I won it was so they didn't know what I looked like, but if you won then they'd all get to witness the spectacle of the hero vanquishing the villain.”

“So the villain won, huh?”

“Unfortunately. Now we have to suffer through a thousand years of darkness.” Wilde cracking a smirk. “I dunno if I want to have any more victories like that. Way, way too close for comfort. What'd Lane say, are we still going out together?”

Putting his forehead against mine and breathing out. “He's fine with it.” Leaning down and giving me a light kiss. “That Empath friend of yours, how's she taking it?”

“She wasn't happy - at all - but she said Lane already apologized to her.”

“He wants me to say something the next time I see her. Do you know where she lives?”

“If you just show up at her door she may take it the wrong way, but I'll let her know. I'm sure she'll appreciate the thought.”

“That's why he wants me to say something.”

***

Getting back to town, about eleven in the evening, day five. Had spent the day at the Misty Falls. The antlers from the White Mist Deer sticking out of both of our packs, and my pouch filled with the mostly purple stones, but also five pure white ones.

“Sorry we ended up getting back so late,” says Wilde.

“It's getting chillier out but your detour wasn't so bad. It was a great view of the bay from those cliffs. I'm starving.”

“I know a good place. It may be a little more convenient for me, but the food's good and the rooms are nice.”

“Lead the way.”

Following Wilde in the direction of Stormhawk. Arriving at The Red Lion and a touch of nostalgia hitting while walking through the door and into the common room. About a half full, no visible Stormhawk emblems in sight. A group of men playing cards looking over as we pass, but then back to their game. Taking two adjacent seats at the bar.

“Can I get you anything?” Nightfall walking over while cleaning a mug with a rag.

Glancing around, the special is some kind of stew from the looks of it. “I'll have the special and a pint. A lager.”

“That sounds good,” says Wilde, “I'll get the same, but I'll get a white.”

Nightfall filling up two mugs and handing them out, mine amber, the other lighter, and then heading to the kitchen. Coming back after a bit with two bowls filled with stew and some bread. Putting it down in front of us. Vesper putting his nose against my hand. Tossing him some bread and shooing him off. Starting to dig in. Bit of an odd flavor. The wolf bumping into me again.

Nightfall about to turn away but then turning back, giving me an inscrutable look. “Out of curiosity, did you ever end up going to Ishtar?”

“Yeah, but I don't know what you were thinking sending me over there. Went out with their caravan and that was definitely a trip, in every sense of the word.” Holding back a yawn. “Ishtar gets a lot more shit than they deserve. Their reputation is definitely exaggerated.”

“And then you didn't end up joining?”

“Nah, it,” not able to hold back this yawn, “fell through. Hey, Nico, I think I'm going to call it. Had a busy day. Getting hit by a ton of bricks.”

“What happened to make it fall through?” Nightfall not letting it go. Don't like that look he's giving me. Bad taste in my mouth. Vesper bumping into me again, more urgent. Looking down at the bowl. Ah, that's how it is.

“I guess they didn't like me.” Giving Nightfall a grin.

“Who wouldn't like you?” Smiling right back.

“Nico, I need my pack.” Trying to reach down for it myself.

“You doing okay?” Wilde grabbing it for me.

“Pouch. Herbs.”

Wilde starting to open the pack. Nightfall still smiling.

Guess Widow's still angry with me, that bitch needs to learn how to take a joke. Trying to say it, but nothing coming out. Trying to use the shield to grab the pack and the flash of sound and light momentarily wiping the grin off Nightfall's face, but weak, unsteady, blipping out. No sound building in my chest to form the words of defiance, and no strength to speak. His smile returning.

My head hitting the bar, struggling not to immediately lose consciousness.

This is an abject reminder. A happy ending doesn't come about thanks to wishful thinking, or by asking politely - and it certainly doesn't come neatly delivered on a tray. There's not much happiness in how it's made, and then afterward it needs to be jealously watched and guarded. If it isn't, if it's taken taken for granted, something is going to come along and steal it away.