Day ~25~

It had been a while since Rea felt like this. She hadn't realized until he was gone but, Nathaniel Ainsworth, in their short time together had become someone very dear to her.  The sorrow of watching someone you care about die, Rea vividly remembered it.  Casting her gaze towards the wildwoods floor and clutching a fist, Rea bites her lip and desperately tries to forget a past sin.  When her daughter was murdered Rea had been driven insane by this emotion.  Blood red memories of a cruel vengeance haunt her now.  The smell of gunpowder and steel seemed to linger in her senses, within moments she sees flashes of that day.  Going out of her way to spare him the mercy of a bullet, gazing into his eyes and ripping a still beating heart from his chest.  Blood flows liberally from her now gashed lip as Rea decides to take a break and clear her mind, fatigue and distraction may get her killed at this rate.

Day ~26~

Last night had been equally as rough as yesterday's journey.  Trying to forget everything she had done before only made her remember.  The first days she'd held a gun, basic close quarters combat training, punching a bag until your fists bleed.  Her life as a cruel, merciless vigilante hadn't been easy, but she never regretted it, not until meeting Airi...  Losing Elisabeth, her daughter, had turned Rea on a road that led her straight into rage, vengeance, and damnation.  More men and women than she could remember had begged for their lives as she slowly took them apart, piece by piece.  When the pain had gone on without end they even begged her for death, in her past life as Noel she had been without mercy.  The worse she judged a person to be, the longer they suffered.  From common killers to warmongers and tyrants.  No one had been too big, or small, a villain for her to use them as some small attempt to sate the fury that had taken over her heart.  Today Rea had stopped heading east, today she really wasn't sure if it was ok to seek redemption.

Day ~27~

While using her divination to locate a fresh source of water this morning Rea recalled the night she'd spent with a goddess.  Chuckling ruefully, she also remembered the bad nurse that had caused her to seek human warmth once more, to seek comfort in the arms of another.  Thanks to that nurse she had spent her last few months on earth in a drunken haze fumbling from one man or woman's bed to the next.  She also remembered the injury that had been killing her, the one that caused her stay in a hospital...  Rea absently massaged her once shattered knees and let out a sigh of relief while feeling her previously scarred chest.  The memories of pain, physical and emotional, were still too much.  The only difference now was that Rea had begun to remember, it wasn't all bad.  There were moments, and people that had helped her survive without feeling constant agony.  Rea almost fell over when she realized missus bad nurse had given her the books, the proofreading job...  Now Rea was thinking about the many nights she'd spent with a goddess pretending to be a nurse.

Day ~28~

After happening upon the red leather armor and remembering Nathan's final words she began to walk again.  Reminiscing about every moment she spent with the surprisingly innocent hunter warmed her heart.  That sensation made Rea think of Elisabeth, of their few short years together.  Every moment of happiness had saved her tortured soul.  Pausing for a moment, Rea looked towards the eastern sky and watched a setting sun.  Rea knew, no matter what, she'd do anything to be with Elisabeth again.  Helping a lot of people, doing good deeds, that was just a bonus.  Knowing that she'd never feel clean, that her soul would always be damned, didn't matter at all.  Rea's renewed resolve caused her to, without rest, continue forward through this night.

Ability [Powerful Resolve] learned.

As she trekked on listlessly Rea went over the conversation with Airi one more time.  The goddess had told her pretty clearly what her best chance at redemption was.  If Rea was right then acting like her old self, the roguish person she'd been as a mother, would be for the best.  She already knew she could do it, the hope of seeing her daughter again had made it possible to act like her old self, she'd proven that with Nathan.  As Rea buried the vigilante deep beneath her former persona she tried to think up some clearer meaning to Airi's words.  The goddess had mentioned that she should do the right thing while being entertaining and promiscuous.  So from this day forward she resolved herself to be a jovial person, cause minor chaos, help people out, and hop from one woman's bed to another... she wouldn't be with a man again until it was time to have her daughter.  Rea didn't like pretending to be someone she isn't, living like someone she isn't, but it couldn't be helped.  She didn't need to be the monster she had become, Rea needed to be the person she once was, the person her daughter had saved... the person that died the day she lost her daughter.

Day ~29~

Rea's line of thought this morning, after somewhat recovering from her grief, was damn I'm tired.  The closer she got to Vestlei, the more people Rea happened across.  One particular wagon, with a middle-aged pair, probably husband and wife, looked too inviting to pass up.  Deciding that it was about time to sleep Rea put away her spear, walked out of the woods and began to jog.  "Good morning!" she called out.

The poor man nearly jumped out of his skin, "Morning stranger,"  while scratching his beard and taking in her attire he added, "you look like you've been in the wildwoods for a month lass."

Absently scratching her head as he slowed the wagon down Rea replied, "Not quite a month, but I am very tired, and bound for Vestlei... are you heading the same way?"

Seeing to the heart of the matter the man called out, "Lucas, open up the rear, we've got a passenger joining us."

Happy to have received a friendly greeting, Rea offered her thanks and boarded the wagon.  After staring down this young Lucas, who seemed to be a few years younger than herself in appearance, she judged that from his slightly overweight frame he would make an excellent pillow.  Without bothering to ask, and ignoring a gasping girl, Rea proceeded to catch up on some much needed sleep.  The last thing she'd heard was the man who'd let her aboard laughing heartily at his son's predicament.

The journey to Vestlei had gone smoothly, Lucas woke Rea up as they gained entrance to the city.  Hastily peeking outside she marveled at the gigantic medieval looking stone walls surrounding Vestlei.  As soon as they'd entered the city a scent of freshly baked bread, and spring flowers had assaulted her nostrils.  Rea was happy to see that the level of civilization here was just as Nathan had described.  Brick houses lined stone streets in a single uniform color.  Markets and shops surround the inner residences, farms and gardens that could be seen further in.  For the first time in forever Rea could hear the hustle and bustle of a city, people bartering and advertising, carts and horses barreling down streets.

"Do you live in Vestlei?" she asked the wagon master.

"We're moving in today actually."

"I see," Rea was a bit miffed that these kind people couldn't be drilled for further information about Ainsworth or Wyrmwind, "thank you for the ride, I'll trouble you no further sir."

"No trouble at all lass, I look forward to meeting again."

Rea smiled absently and moved towards the rear of the cart, unfortunately a glaring girl was still angry about her actions with the pillow.  Stepping over an extended leg and feeling a bit vindictive Rea fixed her gaze on the pillow... on Lucas, "...and thank you very, very much!"  Before he could say anything in return Rea locked lips with the boy.  As she proceeded to exit the wagon Rea ignored the ensuing chaos on board, and happily rejoiced at her [Charm Rank Up].

Feeling slightly revived by her most recent antics, but not quite peppy, Rea decided to hold off on the sightseeing.  Getting her priorities straight Rea headed for the nearest merchant.  After being mistaken for a homeless beggar and shooed at by a rather rude woman she proceeded to juggle three gold coins and walk away from the now gaping woman.  The man she approached next was much more accommodating, after giving her information on the whereabouts of two separate Ainsworth homes and one Ella Wyrmwind, she bought a single rabbit skewer and let him keep the change.  Taking much more satisfaction in the now mortified woman's expression than she should, Rea departed.

Two more skewers, one random groper who found out about [Sadism] the hard way, and three wrong alleyways later... Rea had arrived at the first Ainsworth mansion... and bust.

One skewer, two ribs, seven tempura style sweet potato bites, two liters of water, five smitten men, two angry wives, one smitten wife, one angry husband, two [Masochist]s (don't ask) and four wrong turns later... Rea had arrived at the second Ainsworth mansion.

Having now cultivated a proper love hate affinity for Vestlei, Rea steeled herself for what was coming.  Not being very good at dealing with highly emotional situations Rea was finding it difficult to take another step forward, instead she took three back and plopped down on a fountain's edge.  In front of her, this home... or rather mansion was very likely where Nathan had lived.  She took a moment to marvel at the cookie cutter craftsmanship of this city, by now Rea had decided to blame the fact that most buildings here look alike for her getting lost so often.  The only thing that set this massive stone mansion apart from the others she'd seen on her way here was an oddly shaped gate... then again they all had unique gates.  This one reminded Rea of a bear.

All of the shenanigans she'd gotten into after entering the city had been, for the most part, an attempt to take her mind off of this moment.  Being here she couldn't help but think of Nathan, she really wasn't sure how to say it.  I guess there really is no right way to tell someone a loved one  is dead.  How much could she tell?  If someone tried to keep information about a loved one's demise from her, Rea would string them up and get it out of them.  Feeling a bit guilty for even considering hiding anything from Nathan's family Rea began to pout.  It was at that moment she'd remembered "Yoga".  It really only took moments after thinking of the way she'd teased him that morning for Rea to start laughing... it was an odd sensation, laughing and crying at the same time.

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Lark Ainsworth and his daughter, Meril, had been sharing a pot of late afternoon tea in the garden when they'd seen an oddly dressed woman approach.  The woman hadn't seemed to notice them and instead of walking away or towards the mansion, stepped backwards and plopped down on their fountain.  Both found this woman rather entertaining as she expressed a multitude of gestures and poses.  Just as Lark had gotten out of his seat to approach the young lady she had begun to laugh.  At first he was happy that she seemed to have recovered from her bout of indecision, but the expression on her face... the way her voice cracked nearly broke his heart and stopped him in his tracks.  Meril had gotten up to follow her father and also been shocked to see the entertaining fellow now showing such a pained expression.  What happened next... made them both understand what she was doing here, and why she looked so damn sad.  Rea had gone silent, taken out a piece of Nathan's armor, and clutched it tightly to her chest.

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It was taking everything she had to refrain from fleeing at this very moment.  In an attempt to stop herself, and bolster her resolve Rea removed Nathans armor from her pack.  The gasp she'd heard nearly sent her overboard and into the water.  When Rea looked towards the direction of the noise she saw two people, one on her knees covering her mouth with both hands, the other showed an expression not unlike her own.  A scribe and hunter pair... she was certain who they were.  The man, nearly as tall as Nathan with almost matching features, just a little less fit and a lighter shade of blonde.  The girl, just under Rea's height at around five feet, wore what Rea could only describe as a risque white suit, and had long flowing hair.  Its color was the same dirty blonde as Nathan's, from the thin look of her Rea would have to assume she hadn't been trained physically.  It would seem that the hazel eyes were a family trait.  After seeing that the cat was pretty much out of the damn bag before she could break the ice Rea proceeded to stand, walk over, and ask, "Are you Nathaniel Ainsworth's family?"

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After hesitating for a few long moments that seemed to last forever, "I'm his father, this is his sister."

After hearing that Rea turned and knelt down in front of Meril, "He told me to give this to you."

Still a bit out of it she replied, "Told you to?"

Rea had decided by now that she wouldn't hide a damn thing.  "The exact words were, you need to burn the bodies, take my armor to sis. Okay?"

Meril fell silent as Lark placed a hand on her shoulder, "I'd like to know exactly what happened to my son, but first, I'd like to know if those were his final words."

Rea already felt a bit conflicted, "They weren't, but his final words... they were for me.  They were personal, I know it isn't right but I'd like to keep them as mine alone."

Meril nearly shouted at Rea, but when she looked up and saw that the woman was also suffering she couldn't.  Lark spoke once more, "Please, they were my son's final moments."

Understanding his need she answered truthfully, "Rea Ainsworth, you will become a hero, you'll live a thousand years and save a thousand lives.  Never give in, no matter what."

A slight smile graced Lark's haggard features, "Aye, that sounds like him."  After turning that over in his head Lark gave Rea a more inquisitive look, "Why did he call you that?"

Rea looked down, still choking back tears as the moment played back in her mind again.  "I... where should I start?"

Meril had recovered a little by now, and was just as curious as her father about her brother's last words... if they really were his last words.  Being a writer(of erotica) herself she knew exactly where to start such an important story, "From the beginning please."

Lark looked up at the darkening sky, "Let's change location, it'll be dark soon and this isn't a conversation for the neighborhood."

After following the pair inside Rea politely removed her mortal enemies... I mean her fluffy sandals.  After being led through the main foyer area that sported a classic large staircase splitting off into two separate directions, Rea was seated in a large room that she could only assume was meant for entertaining guests.  Long earthen sofas surrounded a low white, ornate table and the leathery smell made Rea feel right at home.  Hearing it screech as she plopped down was a bit disconcerting though.  With a new pot of tea and three cups the interrogation began.

"So the beginning right, as in how we met?"

Lark looked to his daughter, "Introductions first, I'm Lark Ainsworth."

"Meril Ainsworth, a pleasure to meet you... Rea?"

Rea smiled slightly at the pair before continuing, "Yes, Rea was the only name I had... I'm sorry to say it but, regardless of your decision after this is over I intend to use the Ainsworth name."

"You must have been quite taken with my son," the older man was now grinning at Rea.

After a slight chuckle Rea decided to start, "Well it all began with a wolf, my spear, a cold spring, and one bare naked man."

Both of their eyes widened as Rea began, they hadn't been expecting that at all.

Three hours, countless laughs, several moments of silence, and many tears later Rea had finished recounting just about all she could remember of what had happened with Nathan.  There had been a few interruptions from her listeners, such as when she claimed to be a monster.  That was quickly resolved with a show of [Fangs].  Hearing that his son had died in such a heroic way seemed to put Lark at ease, as at ease a man who'd just lost his son could be.  Meril was absolutely delighted that her brother had recounted one of her books at such an inappropriate time, her father could only sigh.  All in all, they believed her, and the fact that Rea had enough money to pay for her own education meant she wasn't a grifter.  When Rea said that she'd probably just go seduce and marry someone to gain citizenship Lark nearly had a fit.  If his son's final words meant that he saw Rea as a daughter already, then as far as Lark was concerned Rea is his granddaughter.  Meril was a bit perplexed about that, but offered no argument.

"You can meet Ella tomorrow, I'll ask her to stop by for breakfast.  For now get some rest, I believe you could use a safe, sound sleep for once," Rea nodded in agreement, "If you wouldn't mind Meril, show her to the bath and get her something to wear."

"I'd be glad to, she's a mess!" Meril looked down at Rea for a split second before dragging the girl off.  After they'd made it up the stairs and cut right she spoke again, "This area of the mansion is women only... about my book, you liked it?"

Rea grinned roguishly, "I loved it, especially the icy mountain chapter."

Meril blushed a bit, "I write anonymously so I haven't really heard much direct feedback before, and being a twenty-four year old unwed woman leaves me lacking in real experience.  So I was worried that I may be a bit... off.  I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed it... wait how old are you?"

Rea scratched her head absently as Meril led her into a large changing room with sliding doors, "That's a bit difficult to answer, suffice to say I'm actually older than you despite looks and I have a rather large array of knowledge in your particular subject."

At this point Meril had already decided to join Rea in her bath and continue their conversation, "Oh, so you've been with a few men already?"

Rea really couldn't resist the urge at this point so she ran a finger up the small of Meril's back and whispered into her ear, "Women too..." She could not have produced a more profound effect, within all of ten seconds Meril was dressed and fleeing the room.  Rea offered Nathan, who she hoped was with Airi and Elizabeth by now, a thankful prayer.  Getting back to business Rea took off all of her armor/clothing and got to bathing.  Once she had managed to remove all of the muck from days of travel with little rest, Rea returned to the changing room.  Not wanting to put on her dirty equipment Rea was at a bit of a loss. Meril had forgotten to get her a change of clothing.  Not really giving a flying squirrel either way, Rea and her lack of modesty marched right out of the room.

After a few minutes of checking empty rooms she had located Meril's room, the scribe was so focused on her work at the moment that she didn't even notice Rea enter the room.  Curious as to what she was so intent on writing Rea used her [Stealth] to approach silently.  As soon as she saw the title,  [Book] "Misadventures Vol.6 "The Misadventures of a shameless Ophidian.", Rea fell over and burst out laughing.  Meril quickly turned to face Rea, then turned right back around.  She had been immensely confused by the very explicit view.

"I take it something inspired you to write a new book?" she asked with an impish grin.

Without turning towards Rea, Meril answered, "I hope you don't mind."

"Please, I'd be honored... not that I'm opposed to sleeping in the nude or anything but do you have something I could wear, it's a bit chilly here... what the?" Rea was feeling a bit confused for a moment until her psychometry kicked in and told her that she had started using [Thermoregulation] to adjust her own body temperature and speed up metabolism.  "Well that's handy," giving it some improper thought while gazing at her fingers Rea added, "oooooh, that's handy."

Meril was still glued to the desk, slightly afraid to face Rea, "My wardrobe is along the wall behind you next to the bed, nightgowns are on the left."

After convincing herself that it was for the sake of giving her favorite author more material to write with Rea pressed the attack.  Waltzing up behind of Meril, Rea draped her arms around the woman and pressed in close, "You know, I'd be more than willing to thank you for pretty much turning me into a human Meril."

At first Meril was, once again, blushing and shaking her head no.  However, when she noticed Rea's left forearm Meril took hold of it with her own left hand.  Rea was at a bit of a loss as the girl ran her right hand fingertips along the fresh scars that wolfy had left her with. "This is, how bad was it?"

Rea sighed, her attack had been evaded, "Not as bad as the wolf's, haha."

Meril gave her a slight glare, "You know what I mean."

Feeling a bit admonished Rea gave an honest answer, "It was bad, real bad, I honestly thought I was dead for a while out there after it happened.  I was still pretty weak and had a slight fever when I first met Nathan... I don't even want to think what would've happened to me out there if I hadn't met him."

Meril smiled fondly at Rea now, "I'm glad you found him to."

Rea was still a bit uneasy around the subject of Nathan so she turned and began to walk towards the bed.  Meril cocked her head sideways and stared at Rea's unusual back, her spine lined with glistening black scales, the woman began to blush profusely again as she realized what she was doing.  Rea smiled knowingly when her [Charm] ranked up, "I'm really, really beat Meril, goodnight."

"Goodnight..."  About an hour later Meril was happy with her progress and decided it was time to get some sleep as well.  As usual she blew out the lantern's flame, stretched a bit, drank a sip of water, and dove into bed without a second thought...  Her bed felt off, pulling the covers down slightly Meril was now face to face with a rudely awakened Rea. "Sorry, I didn't realize you were using my bed..."

"That's alright, I didn't ask... you know I don't like to sleep alone."

Meril sighed inwardly, "... I know."

Rea could see the worry on her face, "I promise I won't attack you... I just really need someone to hold onto right now... I..."

Meril had been trying to put painful feelings about the death of her brother, which still didn't feel quite real, out of her mind right now by preoccupying herself.  Realizing that Rea had probably been doing the same by teasing her, Meril climbed under the covers and became a pillow... "Rea"

"Yeah Meril?"

"Go put on a nightgown."

Rea squeezed tighter, "Why?"

"Please..."

"Fine..."

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