“And perfect,” Servilia said softly to herself as she pinned the final request to the board. Work had slowed down somewhat during the Dance, but since it had ended a few days ago the requests had abruptly come back with renewed vigor, so much so that even Servilia had a hard time keeping up.

But work was money so Servilia didn’t grumble too much, even as she suffered through a handful of late nights and early mornings.

Today was one of those days and with her work done, Servilia finally crashed into her chair and rested her hand along her eyes. The sun was only just beginning to rise in the sky and doubtless there would be even more work to come, but for the moment Servilia was at peace.

Or almost at peace.

“That just leaves you.” Servilia dropped her hand to her side and glanced at the young woman who was currently standing outside of the guild, peaking in through the window.

Servilia wasn’t sure how many days she had been repeating this behavior, but it had at least gone on for the last three days. Day in and day out the girl would appear at the window, looking inside but never entering. Under normal circumstances, Servilia would have gone out of her way to speak to her, but with work being as busy as it was, and the girl seemingly lacking any sort of pressing motivation, she had seen fit to let the matter resolve itself. Now, however, with no excuse to push the issue aside, Servilia knew she really ought to take the time to solve this little riddle.

With a small sigh she pushed back out of her chair and approached the guild doors. The young woman watched her closely through the window. Servilia gave her a smile and a small wave, but received nothing in return. Still smiling, Servilia opened the door and stuck her head out.

“Is there something I can do for you, Miss… Varz, was it?”

Varz remined silent, staring at Servilia with a blank expression before her blue eyes glanced back to the interior of the guild. Finally, she nodded.

“Why don’t you come inside and get out of the cold.” Servilia pushed open the door fully, shivering slightly as the frozen morning air washed over her body. Varz hesitate. Just like during the Dance, she showed no aversion to cold, despite her outfit consisting of nothing more than straps of leather and fur that left a considerable amount of her body exposed to the elements. After a moment of indecision, she nodded again and followed Servilia into the guild, her bare feet barely making a sound as she passed over the threshold.

Servilia led her back to her desk and gestured to a chair. Varz took it, though she sat in an awkward, ridged position. A shout from outside drew her attention and her hand dropped to the dagger strapped to her hip, though she didn’t draw it. After a moment, when no more sound could be heard, she removed her hand, but her body remained taunt.

‘Verla must be a rather dangerous place.’ Servilia mused to herself as she sank into her chair. “Now then, how can I assist you today?”

“…H…Har…” Varz spoke softly.

“Har?” Servilia tilted her head. “I am afraid I don’t understand.”

“Har…Dan” Varz frowned, chewing on her bottom lip. She spoke a few words in her native tongue, but as Verlan was one of the few languages Servilia did not speak, it was completely useless. “Sword. Dan. Sword Dan…Har.”

“Sword. Dan.” Servilia laced her fingers together. “Could you mean Blade? The Dance of Blades?”

“Dance!” Varz nodded rapidly. “Dance of Blades. Har. Hard?”

“Hard…” Servilia narrowed her eyes. “Hart?”

“Hart!” Varz’s stony features cracked and a smile spread across her face. She spoke hastily, the Verlan words tumbling one after another excitedly. A moment later she froze, her head bowing slightly and she gave a curt nod. “Hart. Yes.”

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“I see. Well then, if you would please wait here.” Servilia held up a hand, miming her words. “I will go and fetch her. Her name is Alexis. Alexis Shadowhart.”

“Alexis…Shadow…Hart…”

“Yes. Now, please wait. She should be up by now.” Servilia waited until Varz nodded, indicating that she understood before she stood up from her desk and made her way upstairs.

Like Servilia, Lexi was an early riser. After only a single knock, motion could be heard inside of Lexi’s room, and the door opened ever so slight, exposing a single dark eye.

“Yes? Oh, Servilia.” Lexi opened the door fully. She was still wearing the clothes she had slept in the night before; a brush was held loosely in her left hand.

“Good Morning, Alexis.” Servilia gave a small dip of her head. “I apologize for the early hour, but you have a visitor.”

Lexi began to idly brush her hair. “A visitor?”

“Yes. They have requested you personally.”

“Is it a hunt?” Lexi said as she finished brushing her hair and began to work her hair into a braid.

“No, I don’t believe so. They do seem quite eager to speak to you, however.”

Lexi peered at Servilia’s face. “You’re being unusually vague, you know.”

“Am I?" Servilia held a hand to her chin. “Well, in all honesty, your visitor is not very forthcoming with information. If you’d like, I’ll send them away.”

Lexi waved her hand. “No, I’ll be down in a moment.”

“Very well. I will let them know.” Servilia gave her head another dip before stepping back, shutting Lexi’s door behind her. Making her way back downstairs, she found Varz exactly where she had left her, still sitting in that same, unnatural position. Clearing her throat, she gained the girl’s attention. “Alexis will be down in a moment.”

Varz nodded, though Servilia wasn’t sure exactly how much she understood. Still, she made no effort to leave so Servilia considered that good enough.

Taking a moment, Servilia stepped into the kitchen and returned with a trio of steaming mugs. She gently placed one in front of Varz. The Verlan considered it for a long time before reaching out and lifting the cup to her nose.

“Coffee.” Servilia said. “I believe there are some trade routes that pass through Verla, though I am unsure of the region of Verla you are from. I hope it’s not too bitter for you.”

Servile spoke politely, even though she knew full well that Varz could not understand her.

“Coffee.” Varz repeated. She took a tentative sip and instantly made a face.

“It can be a bit strong.” Servilia reached into her desk and produced a bowl of sugar. She spooned an amount into Varz’s cup. “Try now.”

Varz gave her a dubious look, but gave in to Servilia’s encouraging nod. She sipped the drink again, and though she still made a small face, she still took another sip after.

“Ah, right on time.” Servilia said, leaning back as Lexi descended the stairs, fully dressed and with an amber scarf wrapped around her neck.

Following Servilia’s gaze, Varz spotted Lexi. She was on her feet in an instant. With no preamble, she stalked over to Lexi and stopped only a step away from the shadow mage.

“You’re the girl from the Dance.” Lexi said, her eyes narrowing as Varz continued to stare at her. “Varz?”

“Hart.” Varz replied with a nod.

Lexi glanced towards Servilia, but only received a shrug. She turned her eyes back on Varz. “How can I help you?”

Varz remained silent, staring deep into Lexi’s eyes before finally she lifted up her right hand. Lexi’s body tensed, her eyes flicking down to the knife Varz had strapped to her hip, but the Verlan made no move for the weapon. Instead, her hand gripped one of the fur-lined leather belts that crossed her chest. With a deft move, she undid the lacing and pulled it free from her body.

She thrust out the strapping towards Lexi, holding it aloft before her face. Lexi stared at it, confusion passing across her face. Varz shook the lacing slightly, pushing it even close to Lexi.

“Oh…” Lexi reached out and grasped the strapping. “Are you giving this to me?”

“Good… War.” Varz said slowly. “Good. War.”

A smile broke across Lexi’s face. “Yes, it was. You are a wonderful swordswoman. It was an honor to fight you.”

Varz returned the smile, releasing the strapping and taking a small step back.

“Alexis.” Servilia called out softly. “I believe this is a custom of the Southern Tribes of Verla. Warriors will exchange vestments in recognition of each other’s skill in combat. A sign of respect among warriors.”

“I see…” Lexi thought for a moment before reaching up and unraveling the scarf from her neck. Following Varz’s previous movements, she held it out towards the girl. “Good War.”

Varz accepted the scarf with both hands, running the soft fabric through her fingers before carefully placing the scarf around her own neck. She looked up at Lex with shining eyes and held out her hand. Lexi accepted, grasping the Verlan firmly by the arm. She was fully unprepared for Varz to roughly pull her forward until they were only inches apart.

Her eyes went wide as Varz’s other hand came to cup her cheek, before the Verlan leaned forward and pressed her lips to Lexi’s.

Lexi let out a squeak of surprise as Varz’s tongue entered her mouth, smoothly maneuvering between her teeth. The hand cupping her cheek nimbly moved to the back of head as Varz pulled their bodies together tight.

And suddenly she was free and Varz took a step back. The Verlan’s cheeks were stained crimson, and she gave Lexi a shy smile before quickly saying something in Verlan and giving her head one sharp nod. With swift movements, she exited the guild, leaving behind a completely stunned Lexi.

“W-was that part of the custom as well?” Lexi asked after a long moment, her hand coming up to her chest.

“Hmm, that I cannot say for certain. Perhaps it was,” Servilia lied smoothly. She took the strapping from Lexi’s numb fingers. “This is quite fine material. Deth Bear, I believe. Give this to Tabitha and I’m sure she could make you something quite nice. Alexis? Alexis?”

“Sorry, what?” Lexi flinched, her hand still pressed against her chest.

Servilia only smiled. “Why don’t you go wake the others. The day is young and I’m sure there is much to do. I might even have your next mission soon.”

Those words seemed to wake Lexi up and she finally shook off her shock. Though her steps were slightly less graceful than usual, she eventually made her way back up the stairs.

Servilia watched her go with an amused smile before turning to her desk.

“Still so much left to learn.” Servilia laughed softly to herself.