Opal glanced out the window to see Gudrun gazing into the alley where they had found Dagny. She had no clue how Gudrun had known it was Dagny, besides the general size, the body was unrecognizable.

“Do you think Dagny was trying to warn us about something?” T’hih-me asked as he stepped up to the window.

“I’m not sure,” she sighed. “There are lots of reasons she may have been in Kjemper’s Tooth.”

“I think the kid is right,” Edge stated. “What if the guy in Tyr’s Uproar had figured out she was onto him? What if he set her up, and us in the process?”

Opal sighed, “I think Gudrun’s shop would be destroyed if that was the case.” She glanced at the other two and then back out the window. “I think Dagny may have just been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Gudrun said that she was missing a ring. Maybe it was just some thugs that wanted a pretty piece of jewelry?” Opal felt her necklace cool against her skin. Something was off, but she couldn’t tell what.

“A random hit?” Edge shook her head. “No, that was a planned attack. Someone knows that she was looking into something.”

They were lost in conversation and didn’t hear Gudrun step back into the shop. “We need to go see Eira. She could write us a really nice reference letter to get into that House Lind contract.”

...

Dean smiled as he opened the door for the group. He escorted them back to the dining room where Eira sat at the head of the table reading over the recent newspaper.

“Well,” she glanced up eyeing the group, “to what do I owe this pleasure?”

Gudrun smiled warmly, “We have been trying to get letters of recommendation for a job in town.”

“And what job might that be?” She asked.

“Are you aware of the party being hosted by House Lind?” Gudrun asked, Eira nodded. “Well they are requesting guards and extra hands to help with the party.”

Eira raised a brow, “That would be most beneficial to be that close to so many affluent households. While I did receive an invite, I do not wish to attend myself. Too many people I wish not to associate with.”

“Understandable,” Edge stated.

Eira glanced toward the a smile growing, “What do you all know of House Lind?”

Gudrun shrugged, “Not much. I have heard that Ms. Lind is a fashionista, but that is about it.”

Eira nodded, “You have heard correctly then my dear. Miss Asta Lind is quite the fashionista, often setting the most absurd trends among those in her ward. There is not a lot of other gossip regarding their estate, but I would not be surprised to find that they are involved with something nefarious in the city.”

Eira waved down Dean. “Can you get me a quill and four sheets of parchment? These lovely individuals need references for a job.”

“Thank you,” Gudrun smiled. “We greatly appreciate this. Is there anything that we can do for you?”

“If you hear anything of interest at this party, please let me know.” She smiled as she signed the last of the letters. “Here you are. If you need anything else, you know where to find me.”

Dean escorted the group back out to the foyer. He smiled at them as he opened the front door and ushered them out.

“Well that was easier than I expected,” Edge stated as they stepped onto the street. “Do you think the letter’s from Eira will be enough?”

Opal shrugged, “I mean we also should be receiving the letters from the town guard soon too. I think between the two letters we should be good.”

“The letters from the Town Guard came in this morning with the paper,” Gudrun stated. “With all the commotion this morning I must have forgotten to say anything.” She pulled the letters from her bag and handed them over. “We should stop by House Lind to turn in our applications. Hopefully they are still taking them.”

...

Opal glanced at the job duty that she had been given. There was a list of required dress for the guards and then waitstaff. Opal, T’hih-me, and Edge had been designated as guards while Gudrun was given a job as waitstaff.

“I should probably get back to my shop,” Gudrun sighed. “I have had quite a few days of interrupt time. My customers may be getting concerned.” She glanced at T’hih-me and Opal, “You all are welcome to help me at my shop if you’d like.”

T’hih-me glanced at Opal then back to Gudrun, “Nah, we will go do some sight seeing.”

Gudrun furrowed her brow, “Well alright. If you need anything you know where to find me.” She glanced at Edge. “Do you have other plans for the afternoon?”

“I may go scout out the taverns, see if I can pick up on some town gossip.” She stated. “I’ll meet back up with you guys later tonight. Dinner at Gudrun’s?”

Opal and T’hih-me nodded in agreement. Gudrun glanced at the other three a frown on her face. She then turned and head back towards Kjemper’s Tooth, alone. Edge was gone a moment later leaving T’hih-me and Opal together in an unfamiliar city.

“I don’t think Gudrun likes me very much,” Opal sighed.

“That can’t be true!” T’hih-me stated. “You’re like a guardian angel!” Opal could feel the heat rising to her cheeks. “You’re my guardian angel.”

“Thank you, T’hih-me.” Opal stammered. “I just...I’m not so sure that Gudrun sees me the way you do.”

T’hih-me frowned, “I don’t think she likes me either.”

Opal glanced over, “Maybe we should stay at the inn for a few nights, give Gudrun her space back? Do you think that would help ease the tension?”

“That’s a great idea!” T’thih-me smiled.

They walked through town together and got rooms at the inn up until the night of the party at House Lind. Giving Gudrun a few days of peace in her own home seemed like a wonderful idea. Until they had to tell Gudrun that they were giving her the peace.

“What do you mean you got rooms?” Gudrun asked, her voice rising in pitch. “Did I do something wrong?”

“No, not all...” Opal stammered. “We just thought you might need some space.”

Gudrun took in a deep breath, “You all are welcome in my home, for as long as you need a place to stay.”

“We just don’t think you like us very much...” T’hih-me stated. Opal’s eyes shifted toward him quickly and her face flushed.

Gudrun’s jaw dropped. She stood staring at them for a moment and then turned away muttering in goblin as she went out to Henry’s stall.

“Did I say something?” T’hih-me asked as he caught Opal’s look. “Oops, I said something didn’t I?”

Opal rubbed her temples, “T’hih-me...the thought that we think Gudrun doesn’t like us is an inside thought. Not an outside thought.”

“What’s an inside thought?” He asked. Opal was about to answer when T’hih-me’s brow furrowed and he glanced toward the stall. “Henry is magical?”

Opal frowned, “What do you mean by that?”

“Can you see magic?” He asked.

Opal thought a moment and then closed her eyes, her right hand resting over her necklace as she attempted reached into her well of divine magic to sense others. A soft sea foam green light radiated from her briefly.

“It went away,” T’hih-me frowned. “That’s weird. What did you do to make the magic go away?”

Opal frowned, “I didn’t do anything to make magic go away.”

“What did you two do to Gudrun?” Edge stomped into the room.

“Why do you assume we did something to Gudrun?” Opal asked.

Edge huffed, “She’s mad. That’s why.” Edge eyed the two in the shop her eyes darting between them.

Opal sighed, “We got rooms at the inn...”

“And?” Edge asked. “That can’t be it.”

“I told her that we thought she didn’t like us very much,” T’hih-me stated.

Edge stared at them blankly, “You guys should probably head on over to the inn. Gudrun may need some time to cool down.” Edge walked them over to the front door. “We will meet up tomorrow around lunch time. Meet back here, ok?” They nodded as she closed the door behind them.

...

Spring 43 YR 331

Opal sat in her room at the inn reading through the books on local heroes and Kauhean heroes. She flipped through page after page. Neither book seemed to have anything on her mother. She sighed as she stuffed the books back into her pack and donned her armor. It was time to meet T’hih-me. THey had planned to go on a quick shopping trip to find a peace offering for Gudrun.

They met in the tavern and walked across the street. There were many merchants in this part of town, it reminded Opal of Kauhea. She felt like she could turn a corner and be back standing in front of the Mistguard’s stall.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

By the time lunch rolled around, they had found the clothing attire needed for Gudrun, Opal, and Edge but were struggling to find attire for T’hih-me. They made their way back to Idun’s Garden with their shopping bags in hand.

Gudrun was helping a customer as they walked in. She offered a slight smile and then nodded toward the table in the corner of the room. Edge was already waiting with her feet resting on the opposite chair. Opal set her bags on the table and then took a seat. She noticed a few empty bottles of wine in the trash bin in the corner.

“Don’t ask,” Edge whispered as she caught Opal’s gaze.

Opal nodded in understanding as she began digging through the shopping bags. “We found all the attire that we need for the party...well except for T’hih-me’s.” She sighed, “None of the stores we went to had clothing for his size.”

“I can help with that,” Gudrun smiled as she made her way over from behind the counter. “There are a few stores in the area that sell clothing for smallfolk. I can take T’hih-me to an outfit later this afternoon.”

Opal nodded, “Sounds like a plan.”

“Speaking of plans,” Edge sighed. “I need to head out. I have work that needs to be done.”

Gudrun huffed, “Were you just here to get lunch?”

Edge nodded with a smirk, “Can’t really do anything else until we go to this party, may as well make some money before then.” With that she was out the door.

Gudrun glanced back to Opal and T’hih-me, “You all really didn’t have to get rooms at the inn.”

“We wanted you to have your space back,” Opal tried and Gudrun shook her head. “We got rooms up until the night of the party.”

Gudrun shook her head, “I really am fine with you two staying here. I do not mind in the slightest.”

“We shouldn’t waste the money we spent on the rooms,” T’hih-me offered. “We will come back after the party.”

Gudrun nodded, “Fair enough.” She turned her attention back to the door. “We should probably go get the clothes for T’hih-me.”

...

Spring 45 YR 331

Opal sat in the inn, her feet dangling off the bed as she wrote in her journal. The last few days had been filled with errands and odd jobs around Gudrun’s shop. They were slowly building relationships with both Edge and Gudrun.

A light knock on the door pulled her out of her journal. She quickly shoved it away before opening the door. T’hih-me stood on the other side dressed in his new clothes for the party. He did a quick turn and smiled.

“How do I look?” He asked.

“Like the best hired guard the Linds could ask for!” She smiled as the boy blushed. “I think it is time to head over to Gudrun’s.”

“Weren’t you going to help her with her hair?” T’hih-me asked.

She nodded, “I offered to braid it before the party.” She quickly grabbed her things from the bed and followed T’hih-me out the door. “We should be quick. I’m not sure how long it is going to take me to braid Gudrun’s hair.”

They made their way quickly down to Idun’s Garden in Kjemper’s Tooth. The shop had already been closed for the remainder of the day, but they could see Gudrun through the shop window. She waved them in a smile on her face.

“You guys are cutting it close,” she smirked. “I still need to get my hair done and change.”

“Let me help you with your hair,” Opal smiled.

Gudrun hesitated ever so slightly, “Of course. That will make it go faster won’t it.” She took a seat in a nearby chair and straightened.

Opal quickly began working on the long auburn hair. Memories flooded back to her as she continued to work.

...

“Ouch!”Ingrid cried. “Iskra you are pulling my hair!” The girl had tears streaming down her cheeks.

“You said that you wanted your hair to look like Mama’s,” she sighed. “If you want it to look like Mama’s I have to braid it night and tight.”

The girl huffed and crossed her arms, “Thyra doesn’t pull my hair...”

“Well,” Opal put her arms down, “I’m not Thyra. If you want Thyra to braid your hair you are going to have to wait.”

Ingrid frowned, “I want you to braid my hair...but stop pulling my head back. It hurts.”

Opal chuckled as she continued to braid Ingrid’s hair. Freya came bounding into the room her loose waves flowing behind her. She sat in front of her twin and gazed up at Opal.

“Iskra?” The girl smiled, “Can you braid my hair next?”

“As long as you don’t complain like Ingrid...” she smirked as the girl in her lap squirmed. “Sure, I will braid your hair. Where is Thyra?”

Freya sighed loudly, “She is in the reading room. It’s her quiet time, I’m not supposed to bother her unless its an emergency.”

“Ah,” she smiled. “Well I am almost done with Ingrid’s hair then I can do yours.”

...

Opal smiled at the finished braid. Gudrun’s auburn hair was much longer than her own, or that of her sisters’. It had taken more time than she anticipated. Once she finished Gudrun stood quickly.

“Alright,” she smiled warmly, “we should head out!”

“Don’t you need to change first?” T’hih-me asked.

She glanced down, “Oh...you’re right T’hih-me. I’ll be right back.”

Gudrun was back in a few short moments, ready for the party. She led the way out of her shop and toward House Lind. The walk was quiet and they were accompanied by many other individuals wearing similar uniforms.

“Guards this way!” An attendant called. “Waitstaff enter at the other door.” Gudrun took her leave as the other three followed the guards down to the courtyard.

“Guard posting and assignments are listed on the wall!” The man called.

Opal, T’hih-me, and Edge rushed forward to see their postings. Edge scoffed and walked away, her fur bristling. Opal found Edge’s name on the list and chuckled, bathroom attendant. She continued to search the list for her own name. Finally, she found it. She was stationed in a corner of the reception hall. T’hih-me was listed to be stationed on the opposite corner from her.

“Now,” the guard leader started, “I hope you have all become acquainted to your duty station. It will be necessary for you to remain in your place for the night, until you are dismissed. If you see any funny business you let one of the hire ups in your area know. They will check in with you throughout the night. Let’s make this a great one!”

With that the guards dispersed and headed to their designated locations. Opal noticed quickly that all the “hire ups” just so happened to be Sword’s Brand Mercenaries. She furrowed her brow. She suddenly felt very vulnerable without her typical armor and shield.

Once all the guards were in place, the party began. Opal kept a watchful eye on the area of the hall she could see. She watched as groups of men and women exchanged pleasantries, some began business deals, and others danced the night away. As the night passed she noticed that more and more individuals seemed “underdressed”, but not a single person seemed to care. In fact those that were underdressed seemed to be getting the most attention, but they were looked at in high regard as if their status was better than the others in attendance.

Opal hid her yawn as the music suddenly shifted. The rooms attention was drawn to the marvelous staircase at the front of the room.

“Guests,” a voice boomed, “please welcome our most gracious host, Miss Asta Lind!”

Opal blinked and then blinked again. The woman walking down the steps was naked. All except for a pair of bright red ballet slippers. The woman smiled as she danced out into the room. Her dark loose waves, flowing behind her. The light seemed to follow her as she moved through the room.

Opal glanced away quickly, trying to avert her gaze as much as possible. As she glanced about the room her eyes landed on a dwarven man with mutton chops sauntering over to Miss Lind. His pace was quick, but not hurried. She watched as he held out his hand to her, a beautiful ring of opalescent color with a jagged edge on a silver band.

Her necklace cooled against her skin. “That ring is important.” She thought as her body began to move from her station.

“Opal,” she turned quickly to see Gudrun at her side with a fresh plate of hors d’oeuvres. “Did you see that dwarven man?” She nodded. “I think he was hired by House Lind. Keep an eye on him.”

Opal nodded. She continued to watch from her corner for the rest of the night. She did not notice anything particularly interesting. Her mind kept being pulled back to the ring. She had never seen another piece like hers before. Her mind wandered and soon enough the party was coming to a close.

Once the guards were released she quickly found her friends and began walking back toward Idun’s Garden. As they walked through Kjemper’s Tooth, Gudrun and T’hih-me argued about whether or not Henry the goat was indeed magical.

Before entering the building Opal closed her eyes and let her magic flow through the area. She felt the ping of a celestial being from Henry’s pen.

“Henry is celestial?” Opal questioned as she stepped into the room.

T’hih-me and Gudrun turned quickly, “No, Henry is just a goat.” Gudrun frowned. “Why would you feed into this nonsense?” She glanced at Opal. “Goats are not celestials.”

“T’hih-me,” Opal asked, “can you tell what type of magic Henry is?”

“None, right now.” He sighed. “And I don’t remember what it was last time. I couldn’t get a bead on it because it disappeared too quick.”

Gudrun sighed loudly, “Did anyone see anything interesting at the party?”

“Just a lot of women needing to use the restroom...” Edge sighed.

“But that is the perfect place for gossip!” Gudrun exclaimed. “Did you hear anything while guarding the restroom?”

Edge shrugged, “A lot of ladies wearing limited clothing.” She frowned, “someone mentioned that Miss Lind herself came in wearing nothing at all.” She glanced at her friends, “I’m guessing that was true?”

Gudrun nodded and turned her attention to T’hih-me, “Did you see anything?”

He shrugged, “Just that Miss Lind’s shoes were enchanted.”

“We’ll put a pin in that one,” she stated. “Opal, how about you?”

She nodded, “I saw a dwarven man giving a ring to Miss Lind. It has to be a very important ring.”

“It was Dagny’s ring,” Gudrun stated. “We need to get it back.”

“I agree,” OPal stated. “I have never seen a ring like it before but I have a necklace that...” As she continued she watched as Gudrun’s face paled and her eyes widened in fear. “Gudrun are you ok?”

“I’m fine,” She smiled. “So we should get that ring and then we can go from there.”

“Gudrun,” Opal started, “you do not look fine...”

She sighed her voice catching, “I’m just tired is all. I guess a night as a waitstaff took it out of me.”

Opal glanced at the other two and then pulled Gudrun aside and down the hall. “What is going on Gudrun? Why are you scared? Is it me?”

Gudrun took in a shaky breath, “Have you ever fought a terrifying creature with horns and claws?” She seemed to recoil from Opal and then she fell.

“Gudrun?” Opal knelt over her. “Gudrun, wake up?” She shook the woman’s unconscious frame attempting to let her healing magic flow between them, but nothing seemed to work. “T’hih-me! Edge! Someone, help!”

The other two ran into the hall quickly, “What did you do to her?” Edge snarled.

“Nothing I swear!” She tried to heal her again. “My magic isn’t working!” She was beginning to panic and then an idea washed over her. “T’hih-me, you need to save her. Use whatever magic your father gave you.”

T’hih-me slammed his orb of power over Gudrun’s chest and a shimmery multicolored shield appeared. Gudrun gasped for breath. Opal helped the woman into sitting position and healed her. This time her magic washed over Gudrun and the woman awoke. She shuddered in Opal’s arms. Opal set her against the wall and took a few steps back.

“What just happened?” Opal asked as tears were building in her eyes. “Did I do that?”

Gudrun shook her head, “I don’t think so...” She sighed glancing around the room quickly. “Opal, you have something attached to you. Something dark. The creature has long claws and horns. It seems to want something that you have.” She instinctively reached for her necklace and Gudrun nodded. “If it is not trying to go for your necklace, it is just pacing around you.”

Opal frowned. “So I did do this...”

“Where’s T’hih-me?” Gudrun asked.

“Give me the hotbox,” T’hih-me demanded as tears slipped down his cheeks.

Opal reached up and grabbed the cube from it’s place in the ceiling and handed it to the boy. He disappeared up the steps toward Gudrun’s room. Opal continued toward the break table her heart pounding. She sat in silence for quite some time as she tried to gather her thoughts.

“How did you get the necklace?” Edge asked softly as she took a seat next to Opal.

“My mother gave it to me,” she stated. “A long time ago.”

“Maybe your mother knows about this creature?” Edge offered.

Opal’s chin began to quiver, “Can’t exactly ask her about it now.” Tears began spilling over. “She’s dead.”

Gudrun took the seat across from Opal, “Mother’s don’t give bad gifts.” She reached out a hand toward Opal, but she shied away.

A hurried knock on the door pulled them away from the conversation. Opal rubbed the tears from her cheeks and quickly made her way to the door. She glanced out the window as Edge called, “Who is it?”

A slumped figure greeted her. She opened the door quickly and Dean’s lifeless body fell into the room. Opal knelt down trying to heal him, but nothing seemed to work. He was dead.

“T’hih-me!” Edge called up the stairs. “We got to go!” No answer came. “T’hih-me!” Again no answer.

Opal watched as Edge marched up the stairs. She came back down a few moments later with T’hih-me by the scruff of his neck.

“I can walk on my own,” he huffed as she released him.

“We need to get to Eira’s, now!” She exclaimed. “Dean must have been trying to warn us about something.”

T’hih-me’s eyes widened in horror as he saw the body in the middle of the floor. He nodded towards Edge and they were out the door.

Opal followed the others into the dark night. They made there way to Eira’s home as quickly as they could. The front door was ajar and the house was already cold. They made their way upstairs quickly and found a single room open. Eira lay in her bed her hand clutched and frozen around something. A note sitting on her chest that read:

“Cat got your tongue? Best to stay silent and stay out of this.” -O.R.