The clamor and din of the tavern overwhelmed the senses as I weaved between the tables bearing a family sized bowl of a fruit-curry with gourmet crackers. It was a messy dish, and the fruit left a distasteful scent that reminded me slightly of durian. Personally, the dish left me wanting to gag. It was the third such questionable dish the table of well-to-do children had ordered. I thought it was a mistake on their part, but they had explicitly ordered it.

Mothersworn idiots, I thought.

With a flourish and something close to a bow, I delivered the platter between George and Elly. I still was uncertain if they were romantically involved or not, but given the way George’s eyes wandered, I thought not. There were five of these overgrown and spoiled children at the table. Two girls, and three boys. They all had the normal dark tan skin that was common in Southbridge, along with the brown eyes and dark hair. Utterly unremarkable, if not for the wealth on display and their smooth complexions. Not a blemish on their cheeks or foreheads, and their noses lacked any of the blackheads someone their age ought to have had. Utterly unfair, at least from what I could remember of my own youth. At least their teeth were imperfect and slightly yellowed, though even then, they were leagues above the common riff-raff.

The boy, George, seemed to be their leader, at least judging by the deferral the others granted him. Even Elly, who harped on his choice of over-indulging, failed to truly criticize the boy. Thus, he was the one I focused my attention on when delivering the platter.

As I set down the plate, Elly’s nose wrinkled, and she glanced cautiously towards George, as though awaiting his reaction.

George seemed somewhat cautious of the dish.

“This is it?” he asked, prodding one of the crackers cautiously. “I thought it would be… different.”

“I could return it for another dish, should it be desired?” I offered.

The second girl, a handsome one, smirked and teased, “Is the flavor strong for you, George?”

George scoffed and said, “As if. I merely thought it would appear more presentable. How should one eat this?” he asked me.

“Allow me,” I offered once again, using a serving spoon to cautiously ladle the curry onto a porcelain bowl, and then using a linen to deposit several of the crackers to the side.

“I just… dip them?” he asked.

Truly, I wished I could have afforded to roll my eyes. It was obvious enough that I suspected he already knew that.

“Just so,” I answered instead.

He acted as though the crackers would bite him. As though the crisped and thinly sliced bread was a threat. Disgusting.

Elly snorted, almost too softly to hear.

George gingerly selected a cracker between two fingers, as daintily as possible, and dipped the end into the yellow sauce.

“Come on, George!” the boyish girl encouraged. “The rest of us want to try some as well!”

George almost winced as the foul concoction came under his nose. All the table was watching in anticipation, and I realized belatedly that I was as well. He opened his mouth. The cracker went in.

“Gah!” he said, spitting it out the moment it touched his tongue. A dollop of curry fell from the cracker and onto his velvet doublet. “What garbage is this!” he nearly shouted, his face reddening.

The tomboy cackled and slapped another boy on the back.

“His face!” she cried, giggling.

“Stop,” Elly warned.

George stood abruptly, sending his chair clattering backwards and making something of a scene.

“What foolishness was this?” he asked crossly. “Was this a prank? Or do you normally serve manure.” He glanced down at the plate, and saw the stain on his clothes. He scowled. “I demand recompense at once!”

I stood befuddled by his antics, utterly stunned. What did he mean, recompense, when he was the one that both ordered and spat the food? Was I to take it that the dish was not to his liking? Because that much was obvious. When I took just a second too long to respond, George snapped, “At once! And take this filth away. The very sight nauseates me.”

That much, I could do.

I nodded, bowing forward and collecting the platter and the porcelain bowl. “At once,” I said with as much respect as I could fake while still sounding believable. I hastened back to the entrance to the kitchen, where Marianne awaited with concern writ across her face.

“Jackie!” Marianne hissed when I neared. “What–what happened?!”

I rolled my eyes, releasing some of the pent up emotion, finally. “The rich brat spilled–”

“Shh!” Marianne hushed me in a low voice. “Their hearing might pick that up.”

I raised an eyebrow and glanced around at the incredibly noisy tavern. Marianne scowled and crossed her arms. “Wealthy people can afford incredible Marks,” she explained. “Who knows what they can or can’t do.”

She had a point.

“Fair,” I said. “But he disliked the dish, spat it out, and stained his clothes. What do I even do in this situation? He’s demanding recompense.”

She winced, glanced between me and the table of pampered children, her wince growing even further. “Right, that’s a tricky one…” she said. “Want me to… step in?” she asked, grimacing.

Sensing salvation, even if it was at Marianne’s expense, I took it. “If you wouldn’t mind? Of course, you can keep the tip.”

“If they tip,” Marianne grumbled, before shaking herself. “But if I do that, then I need you to do something for me.

“Yeah, of course…” I trailed off, wondering briefly if I had been played, before deciding against it. “What do you need?”

“A woman at the corner table was asking about you. I’m not sure who she is, but she’s important, I’m sure. She wanted to talk to you, if you got the chance.”

I glanced towards the table in question. The lamp had been turned low, plunging that table into shadows, and two women sat there, both with finely woven hoods drawn, one purple, the other gray. I licked my lips and thought of reneging.

“They seem… sketchy,” I said.

Marianne huffed, “you already agreed. Besides, I’m taking that table for you. Least you can do is head over and chat with them. They probably just like your hair.”

I narrowed my eyes and nodded slowly. Marianne was already off with a smile plastered on her face and a silk napkin in hand, heading towards the rich brats.

While Marianne salvaged that table, I headed over to the table with the two mysterious women, much trepidation in my stride. The one wearing gray saw me approach, and nodded slightly with her head. The purple hooded woman glanced towards me, though all I could see was a shadow and two nearly flaming lilac eyes.

I faltered in my step, but I was too near to abort my plans now, no matter how much I wished to beneath the woman’s hungry gaze. I felt a sense of deja vu.

“Why act coy and afraid?” the woman in purple, one who could not possibly be who I thought it was, smirked. “It is not as though I bite… Not unless you’re a little morsel?” she asked.

Now that I was closer, standing before their corner table, I could better see their faces. WIth her pale skin, purple eyes, black hair, and that possessive tone, I could not help but recognize her. But why was she here of all places? I almost said her name, but I caught myself in time. In my Guise, I should have never met her. It would be best if I had failed to recognize her altogether.

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

“I–I’m sorry,” I said, bowing my head. “T-the other girl directed me here?” I feigned some weakness, enough to keep from being memorable, if that was possible at all. I also refrained from mentioning Marianne’s name, in case these women lacked that knowledge. The less attention from them, the better. “I confess I am uncertain as to what I can do for you… perhaps, should I bring you drinks? Food?”

“Another time, the other girl might have captivated my interest. But not with such an interesting… specimen here. Now, girl, tell me your name. And avoid fainting from fear. Doing so would be bothersome.”

I resisted the temptation to work my jaw. Holding a placid reaction was difficult, especially when the woman said such ridiculous statements. Did her conversational partners often faint? I hoped to avoid learning the answer to that.

“Your name,” the gray clad woman said, snapping her fingers at me.

I figured I might as well answer. I doubted either of these women had ever bothered learning my name prior to my Guise. I hoped so, at least. It was too late to change my name now. Though I could still flee. Or I could hope to deceive them, except many Marks offered some version of truth-detection, especially among the nobility.

Without being allowed more time to plan my way out from this confrontation, I had no choice but to answer, “Jackie,” with my head still bowed.

“Indeed?” the lilac eyed woman asked in her sultry voice. “Then tell me, Jackie, how long have you worked here?”

“Not too long,” I answered vaguely.

“Less than a season?”

I nodded, cringing only slightly. Did she recognize me? I wondered in panic.

“What brings such a delightful waif to Southbridge?”

She assumed I was fresh to Southbridge. That implied unfortunate things, and I was unsure if I could use that to my advantage.

“M-my m-my…” I trailed off, realizing I was doomed to lie, which would undoubtedly be detected. Perhaps it would not be so terrible, to flee now rather than later?

“Mmm yes? Go on…”

I needed to see if I could stretch the truth to fit first. I could say I was passing through, except there was too little mobility among young women in this realm for that excuse to be readily plausible. I was also in Southbridge on Emboru’s behalf. I could not say I was here for the wyrkwik or mucary, depending on which term one used. But my false-arm was in a way related to Emboru, and the false-arm was very much a part of me, which could almost make Emboru related? It would have to do on such short notice.

Self justifications in place, I managed to answer, “f-for my folks.”

“Ah,” the lilac eyed woman responded, as though she was reading more into my answer than I would have liked. “And are your folks in the area?”

I shook my head. “N-no, not yet.”

“Do they plan on it?”

I grimaced, “M-maybe?”

“Hm.” she tapped her chin. “Assuming that your folks never arrive, what are your plans?”

I shrugged uncomfortably.

“No answer?” she asked. “Uncertain? Or you plan on working the rest of your days in a brothel…”

I winced.

At that point, I heard Marianne yelp from behind me. Distracted, I glanced towards her, where I saw her squirming to get off of the handsome girl’s lap, though she was being held down while several of the rich children laughed. I was unable to catch much of what was being said there from where I was, but I heard someone call Marianne a ‘rowdy one.’

My blood started to boil and I turned with the attention to stomp towards them, but before I departed, the lilac eyed woman snapped her fingers imperiously.

Lucky Break: 5/9 (+1)

“Trigg. Contain the students. I have not yet finished my conversation and I will tolerate no obstruction.”

Trigg. Lady Trigg. If I needed confirmation, then this was it.

I froze where I was and swallowed. Hard.

“Jackie, turn back around. Our discussion is not over.”

Without much of a choice, except a perilous retreat, I once more faced the lilac eyed woman. I still dared not to use her name. It was clear she was operating incognito.

“I should really go and help with the other tables–” I started to make an excuse to leave, but the woman would have none of it.

“Enough,” she said firmly, silencing me at once. “If you are set to work in a tavern and brothel, then I would save you the time and take you for my own stables.”

From what little I knew of her, consent would not be required. Fortunately, I had a ready reason to avoid joining her harem of concubines. Though I could barely speak it through my dry throat and tongue.

“A-academy,” I managed to say. “I will be attending the Academy.”

“Ah,” she said, leaning back and smirking, as though she had caught me. “But who is your sponsor?”

“Ma’Ritz,” I was able to speak more confidently now, though I still cringed whenever her eyes rested upon me.

“And they cover your tuition with such meager wages?”

I winced. “M-maybe?” I said. That part I was still unsure of myself.

“Likely at a price, and one which will debase you before the eyes of lessers…” she seemed to be pondering. In the background, I could hear Lady Trigg scolding the students. From the corner of my eye, I saw Marianne busying herself about the other tables. “A proposal then. I will sponsor and pay for your tuition…” she licked her upper lip slowly, sensuously.

From how she spoke, and from what little I knew of her, I doubted there would be no cost. So I asked, “the price?”

She smiled, her lips far redder than they ought to be, glossy in the dim tavern light. “I think you know already…”

I winced and shook my head. “I’d prefer not to.”

“Would you decline my generous offer?” she asked, as though amused with her prey’s frollicking.

“If I am allowed to,” I said.

She smirked. “Perhaps you are, Jackie.”

Lady Trigg slid back into the booth, opposite Princess Marissa.

“Think on it, Jackie. Sleep on it, even. Know this, that I am not oft denied. Would you not rather gain some benefit prior to paying the price, regardless?”

I bowed and stumbled away, while the princess laughed.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of the night, and I was forced to remain working in the tavern until the rush ended. Marianne asked me what was wrong, and why I looked like I had seen a ghost, but I chose not to reply. I wanted nothing better than to curl up in bed and hide under the covers, but of course I was unable to.

The hours dragged on. Eventually, the princess and Lady Trigg departed, along with the bulk of the students. The tavern wound down, and I was able to attend my night duty. No matter what I did, though, I could not shake the way the princess had watched me. The way she questioned me. The way she assumed she could own me, even though I had my Guise active and should have appeared a human.

Did the princess know who I was? I suspected she did. But why had she refrained from acting on that knowledge tonight, instead of leaving vague warnings and threats? Was this simply how she flirted? Or was this a power trip? I could not fail but see similarities between Princess Marissa and Mother, and that comparison was in no way complimentary. In fact, it was horrifying.

Which was why, when Marianne poked her head out from our shared window later that night, I welcomed the distraction. I hung from the wall, keeping watch while brooding, though it was difficult to brood with Marianne’s cheerful demeanor.

“Quite a night,” Marianne said, leaning upon the sill with both arms. She gazed out on both the oil and the artifice-lit lanterns of the city. “It has not been so crowded in a while.”

“Those are all Academy brats? Our to be peers?”

Marianne’s lips quirked up to the side. “If all goes well, I would answer yes. But ‘peer’ is a strong term for them. They are miles above either of us, Jackie.”

I scoffed. “Perhaps. Assuming we can even pay tuition.”

“Esmerelda is working double the hours to help us with that,” Marianne said with only a hint of doubt.

“She is?”

“Yes! She’s like the amazing big sister I never had!”

“But… why would she go out of the way like that for us, or for me?”

Marianne shrugged. “That’s just the way she is… but she might not be able to earn enough. We have a backup plan though, if she’s not able to.”

“And that backup plan is?”

“...not exactly legal, so let’s not talk about it?”

I sighed, “Fair.”

For a moment, I thought of mentioning the princess and her offer, but it would either worry Marianne or leave her jealous, and I was uncertain which. So I chose to enjoy the night, side by side Marianne, at least until she finally retired and went to bed.

When I was finally on my lonesome, keeping watch, my thoughts kept coming back to the princess.

Why was she such a possessive psychopath, and would I need to go to ground to avoid her?

When my shift ended, I still was uncertain on what to do.

Blessings: Rank (1/9)

* Body: 65

* Mind: 75

* Spirit: 49

Talents:

* Athleticism I (1/9):

* Climbing I (4/9)

* Featherlight I (3/9)

* Inversion (2/9)

* Gymnastics (2/9)

* Stealth I (7/9)

* Trackless Tracks I (3/9)

* Area Coverage (5/9)

* Alchemical Immunity (ineligible for growth)

* Eschiver I (1/9)

* Evasion I (1/9)

* Impending Sense (2/9)

* Lucky Break (5/9) (+1)

Spells:

* Illusion I (5/9)

* Touch (8/9)

* Guise of the Kitsune (5/9)

* Closed

Gifts:

* Obsession (3/9)

* Closed (0/9)

* Closed (0/9)