You know the tales of what I’ve done.

You know all the places I have been.

-Note within the hidden journal.

Wandering among them, Vallerian couldn't help but wonder why all the brothels in the Red Curtains district insisted on flower names. From the Yellow Lilly, the outside walls now a dirty stained yellow, to the Silver Chrysanthemum, with what was certainly not silver used to paint it, they all had flower names. For institutions rooted in the ancient art of deflowering, they seemed to like the damn things a lot.

The neighbourhood had changed somewhat since his last visit here. Surprisingly so, considering that was less than a fortnight past. Why did he always seem to end up in Southshore's whoring district these days? Hardly appropriate for a count, he thought.

At least twice as many Silver-Skulls guards now walked the streets. Any would-be abusers wary at the sight of large Fereni and Korek women with cudgels in hand. They wore their pins fastened to poor facsimiles of Fereni nobleman jerkins and Vallerian groaned at the sight. He didn’t mind their adoption of the style, but could they at least use nicer fabrics?

Men also worked the streets, lugging barrels of wine and buckets of water. A nose wrinkling stench alerted Vallerian to the re-dying of faded curtains nearby. The task was done with old beet paste, assigned to a bent-back Khazimi man with more wrinkles than years left. Vallerian even noticed the little Jöln guard he had intimidated the other night at the... No. Don't go there. Don't think. Glancing around, Vallerian realized he had seen quite a few of these men and women the past fortnight. Too many of them.

“I don't know how good of an idea this is Celeste.” Vallerian whispered to the stubborn golden-haired girl next to him. “There are too many ruffians about.”

“I trust these people, Lord Vallerian, they are good souls.” Celeste assured him with a glance and that innocent smile of hers. Damn girl. Apparently multiple attacks on the open street weren’t conclusive enough evidence for her.

“And she's Your Radiance, or Holy Prophetess. Whichever you prefer brother.” Valleresa scolded him. He rolled his eyes at her; she had been difficult of late. What had happened to the irreverent troublemaker he had known as a youth? Whoever this girl was, it wasn't the Valleresa of his childhood.

“This place is safe for us Lord Vallerian, I assure you.” Kriss began. “I know the women here well and...” The young man tried to comfort him, but it left Arabella and Valleresa looking at him questioningly. “It's not like that! I grew up here and I... you see...” the lad blushed profusely, and the handmaidens exploded into giggles. Now it was Celeste's turn to shoot them all questioning glances. Prophetess of the Mother Goddess, and yet still so innocent. She really was still just a child, even at fifteen. Some of the people he'd killed this past week weren't much older than... stop. Don't go there Vallerian. It was necessary.

“You alright milord?” Kriss asked him, leaning in with a whisper. Vallerian pulled back sharply.

“Yes, of course. Just... Tired.” He lied. Kriss slowly nodded, obviously catching the lie but not pushing any further. Good lad.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“There she is.” Celeste announced, pointing across the busy street. Following her motion, Vallerian spotted the garish display of feminine force. A striding mass of large, muscular women, all surrounding a Jöln in a dark-blue velvet jerkin with gold trim. He almost didn't recognize Tabitha with the ridiculous feathered hat she wore. Thankfully Charlotte was off flying somewhere, she had a thing about people with feathers on their clothing.

A Korek woman and a Fereni woman walked along side Tabitha, the Fereni tall and slender in a nice gown, she carried a ledger in one hand and a pen in the other. A scribe of some sort? She really was playing at her 'slum queen' role wasn't she?

Celeste pushed against the crowd towards Tabitha, and in short notice the small slum lord had her eyes locked on Celeste.

“Your Radiance.” Tabitha began as the two groups approached each other. “I wasn't expecting you today.”

“It is always a blessing when friends meet unexpectedly, is it not?” Celeste responded. Arabella snorted at the exchange but received one of Valleresa's sharp elbows to the side for it.

“One could say that, yes.” Tabitha grimaced slightly. “I wasn't expecting you soon though. What brings you into these parts? Hardly suiting for a Prophetess?”

Vallerian eyed Tabitha suspiciously, why was she trying to get rid of Celeste? He knew well how much Tabitha admired the girl, wanted to have her as queen for the Pantheon's sake. Tabitha shot a glance to Vallerian and clicked her tongue.

“The Mother's light is needed everywhere, my dear friend.” Celeste smiled warmly on the slum lord, then grew serious. “Though today we are here for a reason. I am searching for a man, and I hoped you would be able to assist us.”

“There's a lot of men in Southshore, and no small amount come through here.” Tabitha grinned. “You'll have to be more specific Your Radiance.”

“We're looking for a Korek man. A young man. He is the son of their leader.” Celeste explained. She was being rather forthright wasn't she?

Tabitha raised an eyebrow.

“The son of Ga'Se?” The Korek guard-woman spoke up. Tabitha shut her up with a harsh glance, then composed herself and returned her attention to Celeste.

“Perhaps, we might be able to help. I’m sure one of my girls must have seen something.” Tabitha began, a twinkle in her eye revealing that she most certainly had their answer. “But information comes at a cost in Southshore, Prophetess.” It was a distinctly calculating smile she wore.

“Listen here you little...” Arabella snapped, and the Korek woman stepped in front of Tabitha, her hand going to the cudgel on her belt. Vallerian and Kriss reached for their belt knives in turn, stepping between Celeste and the women.

“Arabella, please.” Celeste soothed. “Such things are unnecessary among friends.” At Celeste's admonishment, Arabella shied away with a muttered apology. Then Celeste returned to Tabitha. “I was under the belief that friends assisted one another, Mistress Tabitha.”

“Where did you ever get that idea? Besides, the way I see it we’re more… business partners. Regardless of all that, last time I checked we already agreed on our terms. Seeing as you’re not... in a position to complete your side yet, I wouldn't be asking for more.” Tabitha clicked her tongue in thought. “But perhaps if we could amend our...” Tabitha's eyes met Vallerian’s and he pulled out his small bit of parchment and tapped it on his leg. A reminder of how friends help one another.

“You’ve been doing quite well for yourself haven’t you Tabitha? Lots of new faces around here.” Vallerian urged. Tabitha’s grin turned sour. Puckering her lips for a moment, she readjusted her coat.

“It seems that knowledge of the golden-haired child who walks our streets healing friends of the Silver-Skulls has been beneficial, yes…” Tabitha began, but was cut off by Valleresa.

“Nobody was supposed to know Her Radiance was here.” She snapped. “What are you thinking going around blabbering about her?”

“Calm yourself girl.” Tabitha groaned. “They’re rumours, nothing more. At least, that’s how I like it.” Tabitha sighed loudly, then returned to Celeste. “Perhaps… I forgot myself. Kerana, tell them what you saw.”