The crowd before Valére was one of the usual sort; a few drifters here, the odd one who'd come in to avoid the ever-cooling weather there, and of course the few regulars who'd no doubt fallen prey to alcoholism at one time or another. They were always easy; whether it was to spot, read, or perhaps most important of all: to rob. He'd made a little game of it by this point in time. A patron or two would walk in and he'd guess at what brought them in, weighing their worth. Waiting and watching to see which method best suited his approach given that they amounted to as much, and so far, no one of the like had, at least until now.

The two were shivering as they each entered the tavern. A man and woman alike him with the distinctive markings of a Half-Elf and her with that of a Tiefling’s. Each sporting within their stride a given rhythm and mannerism that perhaps implied that they'd known each other for quite some time. He was tall, but not uncomfortably so, while she instead stood to be slightly shorter than Valére who himself wasn't particularly tall. Their clothing while mostly suited to the weather was clearly foreign made and of a superior quality to the common tapestry that the bar's usual rift-raft rattled about within. They were wealthy, at least more so than anyone he'd seen thus far throughout the town and given as much he'd be sure to make his move tonight and be far upon his way by the time that either of them had realized that anything was amiss.

Standing, Valére made his way towards that of the bar taking a seat beside the quickly warming couple as they engaged each other in what he was sure was an argument that they'd surely had more than a few times along their various travels.

"I'm telling you Maz, we're not even remotely near Elowen."

"Sure we are, just have a little faith. I'm sure it's just another few miles east of here. We'll get a room for the night, relax by the fire, and tomorrow we'll be there before you know it. Now what'd you say we get some drinks?"

The woman rolled her eyes a clear annoyance taking hold of her already stiff disposition. Allowing for just the chance that Valére had been awaiting.

"I'm sorry to intrude, but I couldn't help but overhear. Did you say Elowen?"

"I did. " The man began a slight air of suspicion invading his before friendly tone.

"Yes I thought so, my cousin is from there, and I'm afraid that your lady friend here is right. You seem to have veered slightly off course unless you are taking the scenic route."

"I told you." She remarked with an air of triumph.

"Of course, you aren't so far off that it'd take you more than a day’s trip to correct. I could of course show you the way, oh and where are my manners. I’m Valére Boniface." He smiled extending a hand to each of them.

"Mazin, but I prefer to go by Maz." The man remarked accepting his extended hand before his companion did much the same.

"Avani," she replied.

“A pleasure to make both of your acquaintance. May I join you? I believe that I have a map on my person that may in fact be of some interest to each of you."

The two glanced at one another, "Why of course," Maz answered "Hell, let's get a table then."

Valére nodded following as the two led him to a booth far closer to that of the fire. Taking his seat and palming throughout his bag he managed to produce the before mentioned map making note of their current location as he did so. "If I'm not being too forward, why exactly are you two choosing to travel during such a bitterly cold part of the year?"

The two glanced at one another seeming to share something unspoken before Maz began to answer. "It's... kind of complicated. Let's just say that our move wasn't one of our own choice, and that we'd rather not speak of it for the time being."

Valére raised an eyebrow. "That's fine, I understand completely. Now onto the matter of your travels." He said gesturing back towards the map and laying forth the few corrective steps for which the pair would need take in hopes of reaching their desired location. Before long, the two had an intimate understanding of not only the area's layout but so to the likes of its wildlife, various paths, and areas for which were best avoided whether it be from natural or manmade danger. When all was said and done and Valére seemed pleased enough with his work he stood rolling up the map and set about in departing turning very clearly toward the door as he did so.

"Valére, are you not staying in this inn?" Maz asked, a note of concern seeping its way into his tone.

Valére suppressed a smile before turning back towards his most gracious hosts. "No, this is a bit embarrassing, but I'm afraid I haven't the coin to do so. Things are a bit tight at the moment."

"Well nonsense, you've been of such great help to us. I know, we'll put you up for the night, right Avani?"

"Oh, I couldn't impose."

"You wouldn't be." Avani cut in, "Honestly we insist."

"Well," Valére chuckled "Who am I to disappoint the lady? I accept." He finished sitting back upon his side of the booth as the two smiled in that same polite manner his targets always displayed when such a mark of trust had been implanted within their minds. The three continued on for some time talking within their small group all the while growing ever more endeared to one another until it became late enough that they'd decided to depart on into their own separate rooms all agreeing to reconvene once again for breakfast.

Entering into his new abode Valére struck a match lighting the likes of the dresser's gas lantern only for the flame itself to snuff out as soon as he caught view of the figure before him. His glance was short lived, but he recognized her all the same with her elongated and snow-white hair, dazzling red eyes that seemed to study him as he stood transfixed, and the startling black antlers sprouting from within her head acting within a stark contrast to that of her otherwise pale appearance.

"Beshaba..."

"Valére Boniface, what is that some sort of joke? Is that really what you're going by these days?"

He swallowed, "I like the sound of it."

"I'm sure that you do." She smiled, a cockroach managing to escape from within the holds of her mouth. The small insect scurrying its way across her neck and towards her chest only to be squashed with the loud smack of her hand resonating throughout the room.

"My eyes are up here, Valére."

"What do you want?"

"I can't stop by to see an old friend?"

"We're not friends."

"I suppose you're right. You always were more of a plaything. I'm simply here because I'm bored. So, tell me, what game are you playing with these two? I haven't been watching for a while and I must say you've gotten far better at lying since I last saw you. Maybe I should up the difficulty with a bit of bad luck."

Valére stiffened at the suggestion. A flash of his former life nearly forming itself before he shook the thought away as Beshaba began to laugh, her tone now taking on the tenor of a false pity. "You always did frighten so easily but worry not. I won't interfere. At least not yet. You see in truth I'm back because things are about to get a hell of a lot more interesting for you, and I'd really hate to spoil that bit of fun for myself by being so…over eager. I'll see you soon Valére." She smiled again disappearing as the gas lantern lit once more.

***

Valére hadn't slept well that night; laying restlessly as he thought over all in which the goddess had said. He couldn't help but wonder if he'd for some reason mistaken her meaning for that of another as she'd been purposefully cryptic within her delivery of as much. Sitting up and rubbing his eyes he readied himself for the morning's meeting with the couple forgetting all else for the time being. He'd done much to set up the likes of his con yesterday evening, but today would serve in either making or breaking what little remained within his overall scheme. The two likely wouldn't wish to stay another night within the inn given what information he'd amassed before taking on this job. In addition to that he hadn't the time necessary to have them comfortable with him accompanying them any further along in their expressed travels. No, if he were to make a move, he'd have to do it now if any of his earlier work were set in paying off.

Exiting his room Valére journeyed down the inn's old, wooden stairs spotting the pair as he came into the tavern along the first floor. Catching Avani's eyes he gave her a wink followed by a friendly smile continuing on toward the table by which they'd procured before his arrival only for her to bashfully turn away as a hint of crimson began creeping its way within her cheeks. Smiling again he turned toward Mazin who seemed to have just noticed his arrival and in turn greeted him with a smile of his own.

"Ah Valére, we're so happy that you could join us again."

"Believe me, the pleasure’s all mine, especially if the two of you haven't managed to eat breakfast yet."

"No, just a bit of coffee. Although now that the three of us are all together I see no reason why we can't."

"Excellent."

The three went on from there devouring their soon arrived meal making various amounts of small talk amongst themselves and delving into their continued plans.

Throughout what would be their time spent within the general area. Valére paid enough attention adding in a word here and there while smiling and laughing along at all the moments in which it would've been polite enough to do so, but his mind couldn't help but to wander as to the previous night with Beshaba's worrying words. Would she mess with him as she often used to while he was busy working away at this con? Or would she perhaps be content enough to watch for now as she'd promised, saving up her strength for whatever such event she'd alluded to taking place within his near future? Regardless of the goddesses’ course Valére relaxed knowing that now was not the time for him to fall prey to such forces. He needed this pay day more than ever if he were to continue forth. So, in ridding the idea from within his mind he probed once more hoping beyond all else that he'd played his part well enough thus far. If the following were to succeed he'd have to be indispensable. And with that thought held in bay, he began to speak once more.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

"I imagine you two are quite eager to set off upon the road again now that you have the proper directions."

Maz looked up from his plate. "Why I believe that we are."

Valére nodded starting to saw at a bit of his eggs, "I can understand as much. You know a group of three is far more intimidating than two, and as I said yesterday the paths around here has been known to be occupied by various groups of roaming bandits."

"Are you suggesting coming along Valére?" Avani asked with a teasing smile.

"Well, I was simply being economical is all. Like I said earlier I'm a bit short on funds for the time being, and my cousin lives where you just happen to be heading. Safety in numbers and all that."

"I suppose that there is an advantage in as much." Maz replied, taking a sip from upon his glass as his eyes darted to the side.

"Besides this area's a bit less progressive, so I imagine a group of bandits would think twice before coming after the two of you with a half-orc in tow." Shit, don't over sell it.

"Right..."

Fuck "Not that I was implying that you guys were thinking that or..." Valére trailed off seeing a look of discomfort cross between the two. "Would you excuse me for a moment, I have to use the restroom." Not waiting for a response, Valére shuffled his way across the room and on toward the restroom quickly turning to face himself toward that of the lavatory's mirror. "It's now or never, get your fucking head in the game." He mumbled before refocusing upon his loftily held task and returning toward that of his group's table.

Once reseated Valére began anew hoping beyond any shadow of a doubt that his previous gaff would be seen as nothing more than a normal linguistic misstep on behalf of one who was nervous not for the means of a scheme falling through, but instead for one who wished to make a good impression upon his humbling hosts. And in thinking through as much, he sold himself upon the performance not merely embodying his character of the helpful stranger, but instead allowing for himself to become such a being as well.

“Listen, I know that it’s a big thing to allow someone whom you’ve known for basically a day to tag along upon your journey especially with the state of the world at this, hell, every moment. I just wanted to say that it was wrong for me to spring such a request upon you and expect an immediate answer especially after you’ve been so generous thus far. I’m sorry, and it’s fine if you don’t want me to tag along.”

“Valérie relax,” Avani said practically stifling a giggle, “You don’t have anything to apologize for. It was just an awkward turn of phrase. Honestly, it’s kind of cute how nervous you are.”

“I’m not nervous.”

She laughed, “No, of course you’re not. You can come with us, honestly you’ve been helpful enough as it is and as far as we can tell the more the merrier.”

Valérie nodded suppressing a smile as he did so. “I take it that we’ll be leaving soon?”

“Tomorrow, if you can manage it.” Maz spoke, finishing whatever little bits of his meal remained.

Valérie shrugged, "That seems reasonable enough to me."

"Well that's good, I was worried that the short notice may have disrupted any sort of plans that you may have had. Speaking of as much what exactly were you doing in this inn again? You said that you couldn't afford to stay here after all."

Valérie paused, somewhat taken aback by the other's scrutinizing gaze. "I did in fact say as much, and if you must know I simply came in to avoid the rather harsh nature of the season’s elements."

"See, nothing suspicious." Avani spoke up, a nervous smile painting her otherwise pretty face.

"Suspicious what do you mean?"

"Oh noth-"

"She means that I don't trust you. You see Valérie, I started thinking about your story a bit last night and the nature of coincidence present in you not being a patron of this inn and yet just so happening to be here when we arrived. Especially given that you're clearly not a resident of this town or perhaps even the country given lack of an accent. So, tell me who are you really Valérie, and why are you so intent on coming with us?"

"..."

"Nothing to say? No more lies to tell. Not quite ready to talk your way out of this one? You know, you almost had me, but-"

"Fine, you've got me. I haven't been entirely forth coming with who I am, and that's not fair to either of you. If you want the truth, then you can have it. My name is Kaldir Azenif and I am currently fleeing from the hellish forced labor in which I lived under for most of my life." Maz's smile faded. "I lied to you for the same reason that I've been forced to lie to everyone ever since I escaped, because I am being hunted by my former master Dieter the Conquer. So yes, I was going to rob you once we set out tomorrow, but it was only for that of my own survival.”

“That was…” Maz trailed off. “Listen Val… Kaldir, I didn’t-”

“We obviously didn’t know” Avani cut in, an overall look of sadness and concern seeming to take hold of her before unsure face. “And I suppose that the three of us are perhaps birds of a feather seeing as how we too are on the run from someone.”

“Avani-”

“He opened up to us Mazin, I think that we owe him at least somewhat of an explanation as to who we are.”

“No, you don’t owe me anything. I was going to rob you in case you’ve forgotten.”

“I haven’t, and don’t worry, you’ll make it up to us in due time. But if we’re going to move forward as a group then it’s high time that we stop withholding the truth from one another.”

Valére nodded. “If that’s to be the case, then I suggest we go somewhere with a few less prodding eyes and eager ears.”

“I suppose that is the wisest course of action,” Maz responded as he raised himself from the holds of his chair.”

“I’m assuming your room then?”

The pair glanced across at one another, before nodding at last. “I’ll pay for our breakfast and meet Avani and you up there.”

***

It hadn’t taken long after their departure for Maz to arrive within the room swiftly closing the door behind him as he made his way over onto the end of the bed where he’d apparently felt most comfortable. Valére sat not far from him at the room’s closest imitation of a desk while Avani stood somewhat restlessly gazing back from one end of the now crowded room back onto the other seeming to work up whatever nerve necessary to speak the truth of her story into being.

“Well, now that we’re all here, I guess I can start.”

“Avani you don’t-” Valére began, stopping as she raised her hand to silence him.

“I want to. Mazin and I are political dissidents from the city of Dahlia. And though I wouldn’t by any stretch of the imagination call us major figures in the movement, what we did was more than enough to rifle a few feathers. Because as it turns out people don’t like hearing things that contradict their particular narrative lens. Nevertheless, we had to flee the city with its law enforcement on our tail and we’ve…we’ve…”

“Been running ever since. There have been a few close calls, but by keeping an eye out we’ve been able to stay at least a step ahead of them at every turn.”

“And then you got lost?”

“I guess you could say we’ve been lost for a while in one way or another.”

“May ask what happened in Dahlia.”

“Just a bunch of bullshit with different factions and people being a bit too comfortable for the social change that’s so obviously needed.”

“That’s really vague, but I think I get the gist.”

Maz laughed, “Yeah, I guess that could apply to anything, huh. Well, so now you know.”

“As you do of me, and I believe that we’re the better because of it.”

“I think so too.”

Valére stood beginning to make his way over toward the door, “I guess I’ll see you two bright and early tomorrow to get the hell out of here. The more space between us and them, the better. But, if I may ask, why Elowen?”

Maz shrugged, “Big city with a lot of strange faces. Who’s going to notice two or I guess three more?”

“Fair enough, good night.” Valére turned away from the two only to feel the cool and gentle touch of Avani’s hand stay him for just a moment more.

“You know Valére,” her voice stifled, taking on a much softer tone, “There’s no reason that you have to spend the night within your room all alone.”

“She’s not wrong, I wouldn’t mind a distraction after all this bullshit if you wouldn’t.”

Valére smiled, “No I suppose I wouldn’t so long as you two are up for it.”

***

The rays of the morning’s sun were harsh upon the eyes of Valére as he stirred from the midst of his slumber managing to recall the finer details of last night’s excursion as he spied the two idle bodies lain beside him. Smiling to himself he moved carefully throughout the bed his feet landing along the wooden floor and began to dress once more before leaving the room.

Upon his return he brought with him two steaming plates of the tavern’s finest only to find that within his absence the two had still somehow reframed from rising. Setting the plates along the makeshift desk Valére walked toward their side of the bed before giving them a gentle nudge shocking them back onto the land of the living.

“Hey, sleeping beauty, prince charming, what happened to leaving at the crack of dawn.”

“Mmm, shit. What time is it? And what smells so good?” Maz asked rubbing along his eyes as he seemed to come back into himself.”

“Breakfast in bed, don’t worry I put it on your tab.”

“I can’t tell if that’s sweet or cheap.” Avani remarked reaching for her and Maz’s plate.

“A little bit of both, so I guess that neutralizes it. You should eat quickly. I want to get out of here as soon as possible.”

"Someone’s in a rush.”

“Avani, Val- I mean Kaldir-”

“You can just stick with Valére, I’ve gone by it long enough at this point.”

“Right, Valére isn’t wrong we should probably all be in a rush. We’ve stayed here long enough as it is.”

“I know, I know, but maybe we can just take things a little easier this once.”

“We’re almost to the finish line at this point. We can take it easy in Elowen. And if we need anything for the trip I can go and grab it while you guys enjoy what will probably be the last hot meal for the next few days.”

“You know, that doesn’t sound like a bad idea. There’s a shop down the street isn’t there?”

“Yup, I’ll grab the coin purse and be back before you know it.”

It didn’t take Valére long to acquire the few supplies for which they’d need and to return onto the two who’d already packed and paid what few debts remained with the inn. Seeking to continue within their efficiency the three departed toward the trails making their way onward to the southern city of Elowen and leaving all that had occurred before behind within their wake.

***

“And you got them just like that?”

“Of course. They’re asleep along the other side of the creek as promised, and as I’m sure that you aren’t particularly interested within my methods I’ll take the pay and be on my way.”

The man smiled at Valére before gesturing toward his two subordinates who began walking toward the camp as per his instructions before disappearing over the hill. It wasn’t long after before the distinct and unpleasant sounds of the two’s screaming began to overtake whatever peace the forest had once held within it before that too soon died down into a muffled plea.

Rubbing his neck Valére turned back onto the man speaking once more in what he hoped sounded at least somewhat like a calm tone. “Can I have my payment now.”

“Not until I lay my eyes upon them. Relax it shouldn’t take but a second or so before the boys bring ‘em over.”

Running his hand throughout his hair Valére watched as the two men came over the hill with Maz and Avani in tow the two seeming to be somewhat dazed as they were dragged along only for their eyes to widen when catching site of Valére as well as the man standing by his side.

“You son of a bitch, you sold us out!” Maz shouted attempting to break free from his captor’s hold only to fall in line after having his arm uncomfortably repositioned by the underling.

“Valére, was any of it even true.” Avani asked, her voice barely that of whisper as she made no effort to fight her now free flowing tears.”

Valére averted his gaze looking now toward that of the jailer before him. “You’ve seen them, now my pay.”

“I’m guessing that’s a no then,” Maz spat the hatred clear throughout his tone.

“Relax, I’ve got it right here.” The jailer chimed before pulling a bag from within his pocket and handing it off to Valére. “As promised. And as for you two: Aramis, Daud get ‘em loaded up. We’ve got a long ride back to Dahlia.”

“Yes sir.” One of the men responded before taking the two on toward their carriage.”

“You’re going to pay for this Valére, if it’s the last thing I do.” Maz shouted out before the muffling of a gag began to drown out the likes of his fury.

“Hey uh, Boniface. You do pretty good work. I’ve been trying to catch these two for months, and you have what, three days and they’re yours. You give me a call if you ever need any more work.”

“Yeah… I’ll be sure to do that.” Valére mumbled before walking off throughout what remained of the trail.

***

He hadn’t expected her, though he could hardly count himself as surprised when he saw her reflection throughout the glass curvature of his brandy bottle acting in tandem with that unusual bone deep chill that always seemed to accompany her whenever made such appearances.

“It’s funny, and here I always thought that you didn’t like to drink.” She whispered, her voice seeming to carry within it that insidious amusement for which he was now beginning to detest more so than anything else.

“I don’t,” he half mumbled before taking another swig, the liquid’s putrid taste instantly overcoming all other sensations for which he’d previously known. “Are you here to punish me?”

She laughed, “Valére I don’t punish bad people. I simply came to tell you that I enjoyed the show. You really have become quite the adept liar from that little boy that I used to know.”

“What do you want?”

“I paid you a compliment and that’s your response? Well, I suppose your manners haven’t much improved, but that’s to be expected. I’ll let it slide this time though since I’m in such a good mood. Honestly, I forgot how much fun you could be, and from here on out I’m going to be paying extra special attention and even throwing a challenge in every now and again just for a bit of… I don’t know, extra. Enjoy your drink Valére, I doubt that it will be your last.”