Red Cap Garrison.

It was getting late when the Colonel slumped into his chair within his quarters at the garrison. Four, four times did the trogs run amok chasing after whatever shiny scrap or mangy cat and four times did it take a whole squad of grunts and Red Caps just to keep damages to a minimum.

His 2nd in command slumped into his own chair opposite of the Colonel. The Lieutenant spoke in a tired voice.

"Perhaps blinders might be best, Colonel?"

"As if they weren't a menace already you want to make them blind as well as dumb?" The Colonel asked just as tiredly.

"Might help them stay on track and focus if they couldn't be distracted by anything shiny or furry nearby." The Lieutenant pressed.

"Perhaps. Test it on a couple tomorrow and report back to me the results. And the damages that are likely to occur." The Colonel commanded.

"Yes, Colonel." The Lieutenant replied with a worn salute.

The Colonel looked around his office. It was much too spartan for his liking. A military officer he may be, but he had grown used to the fine things back at the estate and was missing them sorely since being given jurisdiction over the town and it's safety. Mainly he missed the fine liquor and fresh food. While he still received supplies of rations from the estate he's noticed that they weren't as fresh as it used to be.

Probably those damn "noble" goblins, the Colonel thought bitterly. It was no secret that the two factions loathed and hated one another. In no small part because they both thought they were better than the other. The noble goblins believed they were better suited to be lording over them because of their more "refined" and "educated" minds, but the Red Caps put more stock into their own military teachings and more rigid structure. After all, when words failed, as they inevitably did, where would these so called "noble goblins" be?

No, it would be the Red Caps and the rest of the hobgoblins there to hold the line while they bicker and scheme. Something inherent in goblins no matter how "refined" they may be, the Colonel thought. But one could expect little better from goblins. They were obviously lesser than them, no matter their claims otherwise or prettied lies and honied words.

He was glad that he and the rest of the Red Caps had evolved to something better. It made him ashamed to even think that he used to be the same as them! Goblins were only ever fit to serve their betters. That's how it was during their rule under the orc, that's how it was before, and that is how it will ever be.

He sighed as he stared out the window at the comings and goings of town. Goblin scheming, trog troubles, and he still had yet to meet with Miss Molly to continue their courtship. It was unfitting for a gentleman to keep a lady waiting for so long after their last rendezvous.

Yet it seemed as if duty continuously hampered such a meeting from happening, the Colonel thought as he could see an altercation happening down the road through one of the windows to the diner from his office. He sighed and grunted as he stood before fixing his attire and leaving matters of the garrison, and the attempts of focusing the trogs, to the Lieutenant. He walked out the front of the fixed entrance to the garrison and was immediately followed by no less than twelve grunts, ready to follow his every command as was their duty and even nature to do so.

"If only those bookish schemers were so dutiful." The Colonel muttered under his breath as he left to see to the altercation.

The way was clear for him and his men. None dared incur the wrath of a Red Cap let alone the Colonel himself. He strode forwards as the masses of people, newcomers from Daele and Somewhere local both, parted before him. Fear was in their eyes as he marched by with his head straight, his posture stiff, uniform crisp and tidy, stride true and steady, and his eyes on his current goal.

The march of his men echoed like bells across the town itself. All knew when the Red Cap marched that there were few among them that would dare impede it. As evidenced by the rotting corpses that hung on light posts nearby of those that thought that he and the Red Caps were just regular goblins that needed to be dealt with.

The Colonel marched into the diner as four of his men waited outside and stood watch. He snapped his head in the direction of the disturbance. Two older humans were arguing over something, by both their clothes they were locals he noted. The diner turned deathly quiet as his boots snapped and clicked as he marched across the yellowed linoleum.

"What is this disturbance about?"

The two quickly went silent at his approach and the steel in his voice and neither one would meet his piercing eyes as they bore into them. Eventually the older gentleman spoke up and pointed towards the woman at the counter.

"She won't let me pay for my lunch and says they don't accept American no more!"

The older woman gave a tired sigh.

"It's not ME! It's company policy now! I told you that Frank!"

"Since when?! I've been comin' here for damn near sixty years and last I checked we were still in the USA and still used the Goddamn dollar!"

Their voices began to rise as they practically forgot the Colonel was even there as they went back to bickering. The Colonel stomped his boot down like a thunder clap to get their attention back to him and to keep their bickering from continuing.

"Enough! You will accept the official currency and that will be that! This is-"

"An establishment belongin' ta Clan Ulrin." A rough voice called out from the other side of the diner.

The Colonel glared in the direction of the one who dared interrupt him and his ruling! A fair-haired dwarf dressed in fine robes shadowed by two others dressed in dwarven plate and holding modern rifles approached. The door to the managers office swinging from where they appeared from.

The Colonel stared down the dwarves even as his grunts snarled and glared behind him.

"Says who?"

The dwarf waved his thick hand and an older man came from the office shortly after.

"Says me."

"And you are?"

"I'm the owner that's who! And last I checked I can do what I want with my business!" The older man snapped.

The man from before looked dumbfounded at the aging gentleman.

"Willard? But why?"

The man looked ashamed.

"What choice did I have? Mine went under and it damn near looked like the town was about to follow! Even thought about just closin' down and leavin'! Then these folk show up and offer me bags of gold for this dump. So I took it Frank. Them's the way of things now."

"So what?! I'm supposed to pay for my $23 meal with nickels and dimes from now on? Is that it?!" Frank asked as he waved his paper money in the air.

"Aye. It is." The dwarf stated as he marched towards Frank while still glaring at the Colonel.

He snatched the wad of bills from his hand and before everyone ripped them up and threw them to the ground before following up with a thick glob of spit.

"We only accept hard coin from now on! No more promissory notes!"

"You can't do that! That's American currency and you can't refuse to accept it!" Frank said in alarm and anger.

"We can 'nd we will! We've read what's happened when you put yer faith in human bankin'! This is how we dwarves do business 'nd run thin's now! If you, OR ANYONE ELSE, don't like it then you can take yer business elsewhere!"

Frank just looked shocked, as did many of the other diners. He just stared up at the old man.

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"Willard?"

"Sorry Frank. But that's how things are now." The old man seemed to look like he aged just within the span of a couple minutes.

The dwarf cleared his throat and turned to address the diners.

"But we are not without thought or care! Yer meals fer today are provided fer curtesy o' Clan Ulrin as a token o' good faith durin' this change in management! I would, however, recommend that tha next time you come ta one o' OUR establishments that you provide tha ACCEPTED currency! Or provide company bars if you are in our employ!"

"Bars?" Frank asked confused.

The dwarf pulled from his pocket a bag and produced some small metal tablets no bigger than domino pieces stamped with the rune of the mercantile clan. He held them up for everyone to see.

"These will be yer credit with our clan! If you provide worthwhile service than you will be able to acquire sworn quality product from OUR stores 'nd business!"

He then placed a single, and apparently weighty, metal domino on the counter.

"Allow me ta get yer meal, sir. Fer tha misunderstandin'."

The older woman looked at Frank before taking out a small hammer and some type of chisel from below the counter before turning it over and stamping a single notch on the back with a resounding tink! before sliding it back towards the dwarf. Who continued to glare at the Colonel and the goblins even as the dwarven guards flexed their grips on their rifles.

The Colonel snarled as he placed a hand on the butt of his sabre. But the dwarf raised a meaty finger towards a sign nearby that read WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE SERVICE TO ANYONE!

"That means you, gob. You 'nd yer ilk get out."

The Colonel growled, as did the rest of his men. But he raised a hand to silence his men before staring down at the dwarf.

"Enjoy it while you can, dwarf! But this wont be the end! Mark my words!"

The dwarf had a smug smile as he gestured with his arms wide.

"Take yer best shot when yer ready, gob!"

The Colonel turned on his heel and marched past his men as he left the now dwarven owned establishment. A few diners actually following after him as they too soon departed. Their meals, despite being taken care of, no longer enjoyed.

The Colonel marched away and found himself unconsciously going towards the pawnshop. He paused in the middle of the street when he remembered his men were still following him. He waved his hand in a gesture of dismissal.

"Return to your regular duties."

He heard the crisp sounds of arms giving him salutes and boots snapping together before his men departed to whatever their duties were. He gave a tired sigh as he made his way to the pawnshop. Now he had to deal with dwarves, the Colonel thought as he neared the guard that was stationed at the bottom of the stairs to Molly's apartment above the pawnshop.

The guard snapped to attention and spoke.

"She is-"

"Gone. I know. I just wanted to-"

"Colonel?" A female voice called from above.

The Colonel stared up as she finished closing her door and stepped down the stairs with a basket in her arm. The Colonel cleared his throat and took his hat off and held it in his as he shuffled nervously.

"Miss Molly. I apologize for disturbing you at this hour, I can see you are on your way elsewhere and while I will not keep you. I would ask, at least, to accompany you there."

"Nonsense! You're no bother! I'm the one that should be apologizin'! I've been so busy takin' care of my friend at the hospital that I never got around to invitin' you over!"

"With respect, it is my fault! It is unfitting for a proper gentleman to leave a lovely lady such as yourself waiting for so long! I should have made time to see you and it is on me for not doing so!" The Colonel declared as he held out a hand and helped Molly down the last couple steps.

Molly laughed a light laugh.

"Lovely lady? Still a charmer I see."

The Colonel extended his arm, which she took with a smile. Her voice warm and soothing to his ears.

"I take it this to mean you are goin' to escort me to my destination?"

The Colonel went red in the cheeks.

"If it is not a bother-"

"Oh shush! It's not a bother! Especially with a dashin' gentleman at my side to see me safely there." She teased and laughed as the Colonel went redder.

He missed this, the Colonel thought as he relaxed and smiled as Molly held his arm and even leaned her head on his shoulder as they walked down the street as it began to get dark. Most of the crowds of people have since returned to their lodgings. Those that had any at any rate. Many still huddled together around fires to keep the increasing cold at bay, and the Colonel could hear coughs and sneezes from those that were sick from exposure to the elements.

While he could tell that housing was being set up by the humans in black suits as well as even by the dwarves at the trainyard if his reports were accurate. It wouldn't surprise him if many didn't make it past winter, if they made it to winter at all, he thought as he heard some particularly bad coughing from a couple groups that had little more than the clothes on their back to provide them with some measure of warmth and protection.

Molly looked at them with a measure of sadness.

"What a shame."

"We can't provide for everyone." The Colonel stated.

"I know. But the government should be takin' them somewhere else! At least somewhere warmer so that they weren't freezin' here on the streets! Don't they know what will happen when the snow will get here?! Most of them will be half frozen before New Year! If even that!"

The Colonel wished he could say something to put her at ease. But the best he could offer would be to see if the manor needed some people. At least they can get food and some shelter, the Colonel thought. Then again, being housed with goblins and those stuffy nobles, goblin or otherwise. It might be better if they toughed it out here. But he could at least check in with the General when he went back to the manor again.

He doubt many of them, even in their current condition, would accept such a offer. Taking orders from, let alone working beside, goblins or even the Red Caps was something they were unlikely to stomach. Even the guards he received from the manor were just as much a burden as a boon. They helped ease tensions between them and the other races. But it also seemed like they started fights just as often as they broke them.

The two walked steadily along the sidewalk, none nearby daring to interrupt such a display even with the Colonel no longer being shadowed by his men. That was how much they feared the Red Caps. His very presence even alone was enough to deter all but the most desperate or inebriated.

Fortunately for all, no such people were around as they arrived at the hospital. The Colonel noted a large tent just beside it that had a regular flow of the newcomers going in and out at all times. A image that was mirrored not far at the hospital that saw people coming and going as well.

"It's been busier lately. No doubt from the weather." Molly stated as the two walked closer to the entrance.

The two barely got a glance from anyone as they entered. Doctors and nurses walked back and forth as they tried to treat people as best they could. Most were being given simple cold medicine when they could. Others were being rushed back as colds worsened into pneumonia.

Molly slipped from the Colonel's arm and made for the counter where a haggard and tired looking nurse sat and directed or warded off people as quickly as she could.

"Miss Renolds here to see Sylvia."

The nurse barely registered and just nodded and directed her down a hallway. Molly thanked her and got out of the way as fast as she could, her spot being taken by a gnomish man trying to push his way to the front and waving for the nurses attention.

She returned to the Colonel who bowed his head.

"If that is all, then I won't take up anymore of your time."

"Oh will you stop that! You aren't a bother and I am glad for the company and time you take up! Besides, I think it only fair you get to meet the one that has taken so much of MY time!" Molly chided the Colonel before grabbing his arm and dragging him down one of the halls.

The place was just as packed as the waiting area. He saw people in the rooms they passed. All races weren't spared from injury or sickness it seemed, the Colonel noted as he saw gnomes, elves, and dwarves mixed among the multitude of human faces, local or new.

Eventually they came to a room on the left. Molly turned to the Colonel.

"Wait here so I can get her ready."

The Colonel nodded and waited as Molly entered the room. He looked around while he waited and his eyes landed on what looked to be a gnomish child. The pig-tailed gnomeling stared up at him with wide bespectacled eyes. She spoke in a annoyingly high-pitched and nasally voice that all gnomes seemed to share.

"What kind of human are you?"

The Colonel turned around and looked at the door and then around at perhaps the person she meant to speak to. Seeing no-one and now finding himself in an awkward situation he turned back around and spoke.

"I'm not a human."

"Then what are you?"

"I'm a Red Cap! They call me the Colonel!" He declared with pride.

"What's a Red Cap?"

"Well, a Red Cap is a officer. Someone who serves with distinction and pride in their duty!" The Colonel stated with his head held high and his chest puffed out.

"Oh! Are there children Red Caps? Is that what that she's doing?" The gnomeling asked as she pointed towards the door.

The Colonel went to speak but was stopped when Molly spoke instead.

"Yup! That's what I was in there doin'! Makin' more Red Caps to patrol the streets and protect us from criminals and evil creatures!"

The gnomeling's eyes went wider in wonder, before she started to tear up and she began to sniffle.

"Could you protect us from the orcs?"

The Colonel's mouth opened and closed as his eyes went from the crying gnome child and Molly. Unsure exactly what to do. Until Molly gave him a little push in the gnome's direction with a look that hinted that he should say something. He cleared his throat and kneeled down.

"Of course I will. As long as me and the other Red Caps are here, we won't let any scary orcs get you."

The gnomeling smiled up at him, a smile he returned. But their moment was interrupted by the gnomeling's mother quickly coming up and dragging her away as she quickly said in a fearful voice.

"I am so sorry sir! She won't bother you again! Please show mercy!"

"She wasn't-" But he didn't finish before the gnome dragged the child into a nearby room and quickly closed the door.

But even through the door he could hear the voice of the mother. Especially the words "Red Cap", "Goblin", and "Monster". He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Molly giving him a sad, but hopeful smile.

"It's fine. At least there's a chance the kid will see you better than the mom will."

I'm not so sure, the Colonel thought as he looked at the door with a sad look before standing up and turning to Molly.

"Perhaps it's best if I just leave."

"Please don't! My friend is actually lookin' forward to meetin' you!" Molly pleaded.

"Really?"

"Of course! What will she think when I tell her about this handsome gentleman that bravely escorted me here and he leaves before she can see him?! She'll think I'm makin' you up! Do you wanna make me into a liar?"

"Well, no. But-" The Colonel started but quickly went silent by the glare Molly leveled towards him before entering the room.

He sighed and made to follow. Pausing with his hand on the handle as he turned towards the door where the gnomes were. He let out a sad sigh before turning it and entering the room. Not noticing the door cracking open and a wide-eyed gnomeling watching the brave and strong looking Red Cap that swore to protect her and her family.

The Colonel heard the sounds of a heart monitor as he entered the room and closed the door behind him, stopping suddenly when he saw an elvish woman laying in the bed dressed in only a hospital gown. Her fine sylvan features were marred by fading bruises and deep cuts and gashes that were still nasty despite the obvious signs of healing. Her left eye was covered with a thick piece of gauze so she watched him with her right striking blue eye.

Molly sat beside her and moved a strand of silver hair out of her bruised face.

"This is the gentleman I was tellin' you about Sylvie!"

The Colonel held his hat in his hands as thoughts turned to the gnomes just moments ago.

"I'm sorry to trouble you miss. If my appearance frightens you than I shall take my leave. I wouldn't want to cause undue harm."

The elf laughed, a laugh that turned into a cough. Molly held up a cup of water and positioned the straw so she could get a drink before speaking in a hoarse voice that still flowed with a smoothness that came naturally to elves.

"Thank you Molly. As for you Colonel. Believe me, your appearance doesn't frighten me."

"It doesn't? I would not be surprised if you found me repulsive given my similarity to the goblins."

"Hush you! You're handsome and not at all like those beady-eyed shits!" Molly chided him.

"I agree with Molly, Colonel. Believe me. Monsters come in all forms. You don't repulse or frighten me in the slightest." The elf declared with a hint of bitterness and gestured weakly to a chair beside Molly.

The Colonel hesitated for a moment. But a look of encouragement was enough to get him to sit down beside them. The elf shifted slightly with a grunt of pain so that she could see him better.

"So you're the famous Colonel that Molly here won't stop gushing about."

"Oh stop!" Molly said as she blushed.

"I don't think I will! You sat here and told me none-stop of this handsome gentleman in a uniform that saved you from feral goblins and swept you off your feet!"

The Colonel joined Molly in blushing as the two stole glances at one another. The Colonel wrinkling his hat nervously as Molly played with a bit of hair as she smiled. The elf chuckled for a moment before devolving into a cough.

Molly held up the water again and the elf eagerly took a sip.

"So, what's your name?"

Molly scoffed.

"I'll be mad if he tells you but not me!"

The Colonel coughed awkwardly but still spoke with pride.

"I am the Colonel. It is my name as much as it is my rank and position!"

The elf looked at the Colonel with understanding in her eye.

"I know something about that. I went by a role for so long I almost forgot what my real name was! I even had pride in it like you do yours!"

"If it wouldn't be too much trouble, I haven't gotten your name miss?" The Colonel asked nervously.

"Not at all. My name is Silv-" She stopped herself midway and seemed to take great effort in doing so.

"Sylvia. My name is Sylvia." She said with a firm tone.