Nevi was as bustling as always.

Renn followed behind me closely as we walked through the busy street. This road was too narrow for carts, nor was it a main thoroughfare, but it was still one of the main roads leading to the downtown portion. I brushed up against people as I headed deeper into the city, wading through the crowd. Most of the people we walked amongst were older, dressed casually even though it was lightly raining.

The rain was just barely more than a light mist, and was easy to ignore. But I could hear the far off storm. Coming towards us from the ocean. I heard not just the roars of thunder, but the wind and waves as they crashed together.

A part of me was glad we had made it here in time before it arrived. I had no problem traveling amongst such a storm, but something told me she would have found it uncomfortable.

Plus...

Glancing at the nearby crowds of people, coming and going from the many shops around us... I was thankful for their noise.

It was noisy and busy enough that the woman following behind me had no chance to do anything but follow quietly. Obediently.

I was growing a little tired of her selfish resentment of herself.

Not because it was misplaced or because it was inherently bad... but simply because I was tired of feeling sorry for her.

My people were pitiful enough as it were. I didn’t need a woman like her following me around at all times, making it all feel even worse.

This world was infected with enough pity as it was. I really wasn’t in the mood for it to suddenly get worse.

Which in truth just made me feel selfish myself...

“Just two Renk! All need to go now!” a woman raised a bunny by the ears. It wasn’t moving. Someone in the crowd reached out to grab it, seemingly more than happy to hear that price.

She sold out before we left earshot.

Crossing a street we entered another alley. One small enough that allowed us to walk without bumping into people.

Renn huffed as she entered the alley behind me, sounding glad for it.

“I can’t believe how busy it is,” Renn said from behind me. She sounded annoyed... yet happy all the same.

Walking past the back entrance of a shop, I glanced at the woman behind me. She was still staring at the crowded road we had just left.

“Nevi is the last main port on this coastline. Up north there are a few others, but they’re smaller and only export common goods,” I said.

“So this is the biggest port city?” she asked, excited. She hurried to walk next to me, which only worked thanks to the lack of anything in the alley. Usually there were boxes, or barrels placed out here.

“No. Just the last big one,” I said. Hadn’t I basically said that already?

“How much bigger is this place than Ruvindale? It hadn’t looked that big from the outside,” Renn said.

“It’s not. Just a little bigger. There’re more people here because of the port. Half the people here are travelers. Merchants,” I said.

“Ah... like those apple merchants,” she said.

“Yes.”

“They’re going to get soaked aren’t they?” Renn asked, and I noticed the way she looked up at the sky above us. Or more so at the dark clouds rolling in that covered it.

“Yes, they will.”

“Will it ruin their apples?” she asked.

“Not right away. A little water won’t harm them at all,” I said.

Well, as long as none were bruised or broken open at least.

Coming to a crossroad, I ignored the small bird that chirped at us as we took a left. The thing had made its nest on the little truss of stone above a door.

This alley wasn’t very long. We quickly came up to another busy road. However I waited a moment before venturing out into it.

Renn hid behind me, only sticking her head out to peer at the marching soldiers who passed by.

Their boots weren’t metal, but their greaves were. They clanked loudly as they went by. Most were carrying swords, but a few had spears.

“Knights?” Renn asked quietly as we watched them.

None of them noticed us as they passed; all were focused on their marching. Most looked exhausted.

“No. Just mercenaries or something,” I said.

“Mercenaries?” she asked as the final row left.

Stepping out from the alley, I alongside most of the other occupants of the road turned to study the soldiers. One of the younger men carried a banner, a bland brown flag with a white bird on it.

“Don’t recognize that banner. My bet is on mercenaries,” a man nearby said.

“Been a lot of them showing up,” another local said with a sigh.

Although they didn’t sound too happy for their presence, they weren’t panicking or running away either. Odds were there was just something happening nearby, and the mercenaries were using this town as a hub. A place to rest and resupply.

“Vim?” Renn asked quietly. She looked more worried than the locals did.

“Did you notice most were women?” I asked her.

“Oh. I did. Is that not normal?” she asked.

“Not at all,” I said, and turned to guide her down this road, in the opposite direction the mercenaries were going.

Renn and I continued on our way, and I heard a loud thunder in the distance. One that not only Renn heard, but others nearby did as well. Renn smiled softly at one of the women who had jumped at the sound, startled.

Rounding a large building, a tower came into view. One with familiar spires and symbols.

“Another massive church?” Renn asked.

Glancing at her odd expression, I wondered how much of that upset look was her real opinion on the church and its believers.

“They do have a large one here, yes. But Rapti isn’t there. She lives a few buildings down,” I said.

“Oh?” Renn seemed to like the sound of that.

Another loud thunder rolled in from just beyond the port. It rumbled not just the sky, but the earth and everything on it.

Renn drew closer as we walked, and I noticed the way she stared at the sky.

“Scared?” I asked her. Surely not right? Yes she was a cat... but...

“Huh? No. I like storms,” she said, blinking at me.

Then why did she keep getting closer to me?

Looking away from her, I decided to just let it be. Maybe she just preferred to walk next to people... although sometimes she walked behind me from a distance too.

Turning a corner, I pointed to the two story building. “See the brown building? With the small trees?” I asked.

“Is that hers?” she asked, excited.

“It is,” I said.

The building had a small yard in front of it, with four small trees. They still had their leaves, but I didn’t see any of the orange fruits on them. But it was winter.

Opening the small iron gate, I let Renn enter first. Following in after her, I watched as Renn studied the trees and grass in the yard.

“What’s that smell?” Renn asked quietly.

“Paper,” I said as I went to the front door.

Knocking on the door, I refrained from using the little iron knocker.

Stolen story; please report.

“Smells kind of like the paintings,” Renn whispered to herself.

It did. But not for the same reason.

I stepped back as I heard hurried, but light, footsteps. Glancing to a nearby window, I watched a curtain get pulled back ever so slightly... and then hurriedly get dropped back into place.

Rapti quickly opened the door, smiling at me as she stepped back to let me in. “Vim!” she happily greeted me.

“Rapti,” I greeted her as I stepped into the house.

Renn entered after me, and I studied the look on Rapti’s face. She hesitated for a moment as Renn and I entered, only closing the door after a few moments of staring at Renn.

“Rapti this is Renn. She’s a forest cat,” I introduced her. As I did so, I kept an eye on Renn. Not because I worried she’d do anything strange... but because I noticed her tail beneath her pants go stiff and still.

She was nervous.

“Oh! My... It is a pleasure to meet you Renn,” Rapti quickly calmed herself, and offered both hands in greeting.

Renn hesitated for a slight moment, just enough to make it weird, and then took both of Rapti’s hands in hers. “Pleasure, Rapti,” she greeted her.

Rapti happily smiled as she shook hands, and I took a small moment to smell and examine the house.

We were alone.

“You’re soaked! Come. I have the fireplace going, and I’ll get you a fresh set of clothes,” Rapti hurriedly invited us deeper into her house.

Watching her run off, I noticed the new wimple on her head. The silk was undoubtedly new. Last time I’d been here it had been an older one, and was a little brown in colour. This new one had a silver sheen.

“I’m not too wet, am I?” Renn asked quietly.

“Just go,” I said, and pushed her forward so she’d oblige Rapti.

Renn made a noise but did as I told her. I went to taking my shoes off as she did.

After all, I knew Rapti would give Renn clothes and a blanket... but not I.

We weren’t that soaked anyway. The rain had been more of a light mist than not...

Once I removed my shoes and socks, I also took off my jacket. The sound of the two women talking to one another filtered down the hallway, from what was probably the living room.

Their voices sounded happy.

Heading deeper into the building, I took a small moment to glance at the two front rooms. Opposing each other, they had no doors and both had large windows.

Each had giant bookshelves, full of books.

I nodded as I compared the rooms to my memories. They hadn’t changed much. A new rug maybe, books in somewhat different locations... but otherwise the same. She had the same chairs still.

“Oh! Ruvindale. One of my apprentices just moved there this spring,” Rapti sounded happy, but she was usually happy.

Entering the room, I grimaced at the naked woman holding up a shirt as to study it.

Renn was in front of Rapti, who was holding clothes. What looked to be underwear and a pair of pants.

Only Renn noticed me, since Rapti had gone into a spiel about her recent apprentice. Telling Renn about the young girl who, for some unknown reason, couldn’t eat fish.

Turning away, I left the room and sighed. Renn didn’t say or do anything as I left, and I realized it was my fault.

Rapti had said she was going to get her new clothes. Or rather dry ones. And of course she’d change quickly.

“You’re flushed...! Sit, sit! I’ll get you something warm to drink!” Rapti’s voice sounded worried, but I knew better than to believe that Renn was sick.

Shaking my head, I rested up against the wall near the door. I’d just wait here until it was fine.

Rapti emerged from the living room, passing me with a small nod of the head... but otherwise ignoring me completely.

While Rapti ran deeper into the house to the kitchen, I listened to the hurried dressing of the woman she had left behind.

After some rummaging, Renn huffed. “You can come in now,” she said.

I noted her flat tone as I entered for the second time.

She glared at me, and I did indeed see a light blush on her face. It wasn’t bad though, which told me she had simply been embarrassed. She wasn’t sick.

Renn now wore a pair of older clothes. Worn down, and suddenly looked... very human. If not for her ears, which were visible thanks to her hat being on a rack near the fireplace. It hung there with the rest of her clothes.

Heading for one of the larger couches, I sat down with a sigh.

“Well?” Renn asked.

“Well what?” I asked back. What did she want? An apology?

“Did I look weird?” she then asked.

“Weird?” I asked, and wondered what she was asking.

She wordlessly complained with an odd noise, and then sighed. “Never mind...” she mumbled and then went to sitting in a nearby chair.

Sitting back to relax, I studied the woman who was staring intently at the fireplace nearby. Trying to distract herself, it seemed, since her face looked a little...

“You looked fine. Honestly I had expected you to have a bunch of hair on your rear, thanks to the tail,” I said to her.

She sat up straight, and for the tiniest moment looked shocked... She opened her mouth to say something, but she wasn’t able to collect herself fast enough. Rapti entered the room before she could.

“Here you go Renn,” Rapti happily offered her a drink with a familiar aroma.

Renn was just as happy to take it, and she smelled it for a moment before taking a sip.

“Oh! It’s very tasty!” Renn smiled as she went to take a real drink.

“Ah so it is... Too tasty in fact, seeing as how my brethren wish to ban it,” Rapti said with a sigh.

“Only the good stuff gets banned,” I agreed.

Rapti glared at me but said nothing as she too went to sit in another chair. The couch I sat at had enough space for her, but being the devoted religious type she chose to sit in a chair that was a little farther from the rest.

“What is this? It’s great,” Renn asked as she licked her lips. They were slightly stained red.

“Pomegranate,” Rapti said.

“Hmm...” Renn must have heard of it before based off the way she nodded.

“That’s similar to those drinks you had in Ruvindale. The fruit mixtures,” I said.

Renn nodded. “This is warm though!” she said with a smile.

Rapti also nodded. “Warmth changes a lot of things.”

The fire crackled, and I knew here in a moment I’d have to stand and put another log or two in.

“Anything new Rapti?” I asked her.

“Oplar visited,” Rapti said.

I sighed and nodded. Of course she did.

Renn hid a smirk as she went to taking another drink.

“Was she fine?” I asked.

“Oplar is never anything but,” Rapti said with a happy smile.

“Regrettably...” I groaned.

Rapti lightly giggled and then looked to Renn. “I’ve never met you before, are you from the south?” she asked.

“Ah...” Renn’s ears went still, perking up as she glanced at me.

“Renn’s a new member of our Society. She joined a few months ago,” I said.

Rapti glanced at me, and then hurriedly back at Renn. “Really...?” she asked.

Renn nodded.

“Oh bless the gods!” Rapti quickly clasped her hands, and went to saying a small prayer.

Watching her thank the gods for Renn’s entire existence, I studied Renn who suddenly looked more out of place than she had even when wearing that noble’s silk dress.

Her ears were perked but tilted. Her tail was straight, and the hairs on it were puffed up... and her eyes were wide, with thin pupils. She even held the small cup with both hands in such a way that reminded me of a cat ready to bound away at a moments notice.

“May you continue to bless her and us all,” Rapti finished her small prayer, and then nodded in content satisfaction.

“Uh... thank you,” Renn whispered softly.

“So rare. Especially for us women!” Rapti said.

“That is true,” I agreed with that at least.

Renn softly smiled and glanced at me, as if she found my own comment the strangest thing so far.

“Destruction of a Monarch, and a new member to boot! The Gods are gracious,” Rapti said happily.

Gracious. Sure.

The Monarch being slain was probably worth the lives of Lomi’s family and the Sleepy Artist... But...

Was it?

Sometimes it hurt to compare such losses and gains.

I needed to steer the conversation carefully. Renn had already begun to display a horrible trait of blaming herself for everything. Last thing I needed was for her to start thinking that her emergence into the Society came at the cost of her friends.

Such a mindset would only ruin her as a person. It would only make her worthless to us, and make me upset with her.

She really didn’t deserve that.

Ignoring Renn’s blink of confusion I coughed. “Other than Oplar did anything else happen?” I asked. I had to get any news from her before I told her what had happened. She’d not go irate at learning of her friend’s deaths... but she would become quiet.

“No. Nothing of great importance. I’ve had only a few visitors. Other than Oplar, the twins visited as did Mapple,” she said.

Mapple I understood, but it was a little odd to hear of the twins here. “What were the twins doing?” I asked.

Rapti smiled. “They took up sailing. They were headed back south, they transported furniture from the capital,” Rapti said.

Huh... sailing indeed. That meant they were probably helping out the trading company.

“Anything new in the city?” I asked before she could start asking Renn more questions. She kept looking away from me to her, and I knew it was because she found Renn far more important than me.

“Not really. Typical human issues. The port flooded a few years ago. A new lord was elected. The market is in an uproar right now because of a pirate fleet, supposedly they’re hiring mercenaries right now to try and capture them,” she explained.

I nodded, glad for the information. Other than the pirates everything sounded normal indeed.

“I have some bad news as well, Rapti,” I said.

Rapti glanced at me, as did Renn. Both suddenly looked hurt, as if blaming me for ruining a happy moment. They had just been about to start asking each other about themselves.

“You don’t often bring me bad news Vim,” Rapti said softly.

“I try not to. But this time it’s going to hurt,” I said.

She blinked and tilted her head.

Sitting forward, I clasped my hands before me... not to go into prayer as she had done, but instead to try and keep her as calm as possible.

Rapti was better than most of our members. She wasn’t flighty or timid... but she was the personification of her faith.

Which meant when she heard of bad moments, or evil, she became... rather forlorn.

Renn looked panicked. As if not sure if she should say anything or not. I tried to ignore the horrible pain on her face, coming from her own blame. It was hard to.

Rapti sat apprehensively, her pretty blue eyes seemed to shimmer... she probably knows what I’m about to say is going to hurt her, if even instinctively.

“Your dear friend is missing. Crane and the Sleepy Artist are lost to us, and I do not know where they’ve gone,” I said.

Rapti’s entire world then shattered, as she broke into a sob.

Half a second later, Renn joined her.

Damn.