Book 7: Chapter 30_The Wandering Inn

Book 7: Chapter 30

 It started with decorations.

 As with every city, the Watch had ces where the [Guards] liked to be posted. ces where you got less trouble, free food, or just a breath of fresh air. In every city, there were the good streets and bad streets. Good positions awarded to a [Guard] in need of an unofficial vacation or a veteran of many years

 And the bad streets. Punishment duty. And again, it varied. Sometimes there were cities where bad meant Gnoll residential districts. And there the Watch made it clear what they thought of the Gnoll minorities.

 In Pass, it wasnt that dichotomy between species. Pass was, after all, home to four species in abundance: Duhans, Garuda, Gnolls, and Drakes. So the bad spots were 1st floor work, 9th floor shenanigans, 3rd and 4th floor troublesand recently, the 8th.

 The others werepletely understandableif you were a resident of Pass. And a [Guard]. Who wanted to police the 1st floors bazaar, with all the iing profits and trade goods? You were on your feet constantly, checking goods, stopping petty theftno thank you.

 9th floor was just as bad. It wasnt asmon to get trouble up there, but there was always at least one [Alchemist] having a bad experiment, or some [Smiths] getting into it. And [cksmiths] were strong and always armed with hammers.

 The 3rd and 4th floors were the poorer, most popted residential districts. You didnt want to deal with that. No, Duhan strife where they just mmed up or noisy Garuda arguments where the perpetrators might just try to fly off? Those were all bad areas.

 Far better to be on the 6th, a wealthy district. Oror a baking area on the 7th, say. That was free food. Tails and Scales especially. If you were lucky and walked slow when Lasica was baking, you might get a snack of one of her new dishes, or one of Rufelts drinks on the house.

 That was the way it had been, with bonus undesirability points for prison-duty, anti-Turnscale duty, or wherever Saliss of Lights was being nude. [Guards] would trade duties, negotiate to not have to take such stressful positions, or curry favor by biting the arrowhead and just suffering through it. However, now a new post had be synonymous with suffering.

 The 8th Floor. Normally the ce of the middle to upper-middle ss, nice, in the sunlightit was a good spot with only a few smaller markets and shopping areas. More in-development since it was the second-newest floor with space to build.

 However, if you were posted on the 8th these days by Captain Venim, Qissa, good old Desdal, or that snot-tailed new Igesti, you had better pray you were in the Watch Captains good books. Or else youd be postedat the door.

 The door. And then youd be under Sergeant Kelsmand. That poor Drake needed more breaks. Hed give you a speech and youdugh and ask if it was really that serious? One Human? And hed look at you like you were being sent to Rhirs hell and say, yes.

 The Crazy Human of Liscor would make your life a living hell.

 

 -

 The Passian [Guards] on duty had to check new visitors into Liscor. They had to receive new lists of people entering Pass, conduct spot checks, and worsetheyd been warned that monsters could, at any moment, attack the checkpoint. That made the portcullis and fortifications less fun for them.

 But all that would have been made okay by the fact that they got to sit about and watch a door all day. You could love that, despite the danger. Bring some snacks and get a good crew and youd talk the entire day away.

 What made it awful was the improvisation. She came by. Not every day, but at least once a week something would happen. And if you didnt improvisea dreaded word among the Watchjust right, and make the exact right call, your tail, or ass, or feathers would be hung out to dry by the Watch Captains, Grand Strategist Chaldion, and the [Senators].

 The door opened. It wasnt the morningmute, so the [Guards] groaned. They reached for their weapons, ready for everything. Ready for her.

 And there she was. A young woman peeked through the door. She eyed the many faces staring at her through the balistrariaarrow slits. She heard the audible sigh, but paid no mind.

 Scuse me. Just gottaIll just be a second!

 That damn Human. That agent of chaos, the daughter of disarray, etc, etc. She edged into the narrow room meant to hold a potential enemy for entering Pass. Likethe Antinium. She was holding a bundle ofscrolls?

 No, rolled up posters. A voice came from the walls.

 Miss Human, no entry is authorized into Pass at this moment! Please return to your inn.

 Issat you, Kel? Hey!

 Erin Solstice turned around and waved. The surly voice paused.

 We have orders not to let anyone into Pass.

 You say that, but Grimalkin and Chaldion get toe through whenever they want. Why cant I? Im not entering Pass. Technically, this is neutral ground.

 A pause. Watch-Sergeant Kel ground his teeth as the rest of the unlucky [Guards] on patrol looked at him.

 I have orders, Miss Solstice. What are you doing?

 The others eyed Erin nervously. She was inspecting the wall.

 Umputting up stuff. Wont be long. Darn, this is stone, isnt it? Cant hammer a nail into that. Or can you? Well, thats why I have this sticky stuffhey, is this head-height, or is it too low for Gnolls?

 The Watch just stared. Erin began to ster one poster-sized piece of parchment on the walls. Sergeant Kels eyes bulged.

 What. Are. You. Doing?

 Making this ce homey. What do you think?

 Erin gave him a mock-outraged look. She stered the first poster on the walls. Then another. She stepped back, eyed her work, and then disappeared into the door. After a second, she dragged a potted nt into the checkpoint. The dark, stone room was illuminated by antern on a table. Erin Solstice put a few chairs along one side. Then a copy of the Liscorian Gazette on the table. She turned around.

 Whatcha think? I like the posters, but

 She stepped back to survey the military-style checkpoint. Which, in a few seconds, she had converted into a waiting room.

 The Watch heard a sound. It was the sound of their sinking hearts, knowing they were going to be chewed out for this. Guardsman Kel spoke slowly.

 Whatis this?

 Decorations. See, I think the first poster is good. It has the rules up like this. Thats the first thing you see. Then, you get into the room and you see the chairs, the copy of the newspaperooh, Id better get at least four copiesand the other stuff.

 Erin Solstice pointed. All of the [Guards], Duhans, Gnolls, a single Garuda, and Drakes, stared. They were equipped with crossbows, magical wands, and had ess to four spells which would turn this room into a deathtrap. Even an army would be choked off if it tried to invade here. Like the Antinium, for example.

 Now, they saw a big, smiling Goblins head, drawn in a crude but cute cartoon style. Above it was written, in big font:

 No Killing Goblins.

 That was the first poster youd see. Another was of a smiling bunch of Gnollswellyou assumed they were. The drawer had been very clumsy, but shed done her best drawing a mountain, a forest, some tentsand what you assumed were either Gnolls, or blobby stick-people with fuzzy heads.

 What are you doing?

 Sergeant Kels head hurt. He looked at Erin. She pointed.

 Just putting up some decorations. Dont worry; Ill get someone to water the flowers.

 She was cing a flower pot full of some lovely red flowers on the waiting table. Kel stared at her.

 You know what I mean. Miss Erin Solstice, kindly remove youryourunauthorized objects from this room. This is a checkpoint.

 Well, it can also be nice. Ive hadints from people waiting. They have to stand around and the door only gets checked every ten minutes. So I decided lets spruce it up.

 Spruce it up? Justjust what is that?

 Erin looked as the Drake pointed at the poster.

 What? The posters? Its just a little thing.

 We have rules. Nothing is allowed in here without the Watch Captains express consent!

 Erin blew out her cheeks.

 Kel, weve been friends for months.

 We arent friends.

 She ignored that. The young woman waved at Kel.

 Cant you make an exception?

 No.

 She scowled as the Drake red back at her through the small speaking slit.

 Why?

 Reasons of security.

 For flowers? You can get them yourself if you want to! And this is just a bit of art! See, Mrsha made this one!

 And that poster?

 The Drake pointed at the smiling Goblin. Erins face lowered into a deep scowl.

 I drew that. See? It says No Killing Goblins. Important rule. No one really reads it.

 The Watch stared at the smiling Goblin. They looked at Erin Solstice. Guardsman Kel had a headache.

 Miss Erin Solstice. We are not allowed to make changes to this room

 Fine, fine. So get Watch Captain Venim to approve it. Or Chaldion. Or Grimalkin.

 The wretched Human female rolled her eyes. As if the Grand Strategist of all of Pass had time to authorize this minutiae. Or as if they wouldnt be chewed to pieces and spat over the walls for bothering him! The Watch on duty shifted.

 Please take it down.

 Sergeant Kels tone was of a man hanging onto a crumbling cliffs edge, begging gravity not to work. Erin Solstice shrugged.

 Hey. I dont make the rules.

 They waited. One of the [Guards] coughed.

 Yes. Exactly. So

 So get someone to tell me to take it down. Until then

 Erin wandered off through the doorway. The Watch looked at each other. Someone would have to tell the Watch Captain on their floor. They wouldnot be happy. Sergeant Kel rubbed at his face.

 And then Erin Solstice came back through the door. She spread four more magazines onto the table, arranging them just so. And then she reached back into the door.

 Thats great, Ishkr. Thanks. Okayhere you go, Kel. Do I put this in front of the portcullis? I can shove it through your arrow-thingies.

 She had a tray of something. One of the Gnolls sniffed the air. The others stared at the hot, roundthingies on her tray. They were practically steaming. Fresh out of the oven. They smelled like sugar and baking.

 The Watch knew what those were. Cookies. Lasica was selling them, but only a few of Pass [Bakers] had mastered the recipe. But the inventor from Liscor had a hot, piping tray of fresh ones.

 These have white chocte on them. I meanits not really chocte. But were rationing the actual stuff, so Lasica and Rose helped me make them. Another third is oatmeal, and thest bunch is just raisin. I meansomeone has to eat raisins. Stands to reason.

 The young woman confessed as she waved the sprinkled cookies at the [Guards]. They stared at the cookies. Then they saw another tray being passed through.

 Ooh, thanks, Ishkr. Put them down there? Hey, Kel. Where do I?

 A second tray of salsa and chips was brought in by Ishkr. The Gnoll blinked around the room, put down the tray on a table, and Erin thanked him. The [Guards] hesitated. This was a new crew. They eyed Kel. The [Sergeant] paused.

 Well collect the food.

 Great! You need drinks?

 Were not allowed to drink on duty, Miss Solstice.

 Right. Blue fruit juice?

 Werefine. Thank you, Miss Solstice. About the posters

 Cant hear you, Kel! Gotta go, bye!

 Erin Solstice shut the door. After a moment, the portcullis slowly rose a few feet. One of the [Guards] stared at the two trays of food. Freshfood.

 Is this safe, Sergeant Kel?

 The Drake sat back in his armchair. Which, the patrol of [Guards] whod been dreading their assignment to the 8th floor now realizedlooked mightyfy. The Drake sighed. And looked around.

 Send a Street Runner to Watch Captain Quissa. About the decorations. Inten minutes.

 Not now?

 One of the Duhans was slow on the uptake. Sergeant Kel nodded to the two trays of cookies and chips and dip.

 We have to take care of this first. Ten minutes gives us twenty for the Watch Captain toe over. Whats that note say?

 It was attached to the chips and salsa. It readExperimenting with my salsa recipe! Let me know if its too spicy or not enough! The first bowl is mild, the second is spicy!

 The [Guards] stared at Kel. He helped himself to a cookie. The Garuda looked at hispanions. He coughed.

 Sergeant Kel. Do youoften get these sort of interruptions?

 Hm? Well, she tends to put stuff through the door when she inconveniences us. Lets get rid of this. Cant allow contraband through the door.

 The squad looked at each other. And then it clicked. A Duhan reached for a white-chocte cookie. A Gnoll sniffed at the salsa. And they realized why so many unhappy [Guards] talked up the 8th floor duty as being the worst. Then subsequently volunteered to take it for a few favors. Kel looked around as he reached for some chips.

 I really hate her. Be sure to file yourints.

 -

 That was their experience. But there was always trouble. Erin Solstice sighed as she closed the door.

 Give it like, twenty minutes, Ishkr. Warn me when an angry Watch Captain wants me?

 Yes, Miss Erin.

 The Gnoll ducked his head as he adjusted the dial and set the magical door to Esthelm. Erin smiled. And she looked at the Gnoll for a second. Ishkr was being extra-respectful today, calling her Miss Erin. He was one of two of her longest current employees and shed heard him call her Erin more than once.

 She encouraged it, really. Lyte was the one who set boundaries. But perhapsit was because he felt awkward or embarrassed or grateful. After all, hed asked for his weeks pay in advance.

 Something to do with family. Which went to show you that even someone like Ishkr had secrets. He had one, Erin was sure. He never talked about it, but he sometimes had to leave early. Or get money forsomething.

 No one ever raised an eyebrow. Not even Lyte; Ishkr was a model employee. He didnt cause trouble, he did his job and got paid. In some ways, he was the dream of any establishmentsomeone whose goal was to earn a living without seeking advancement, needing someone to hold his paw, or anything else.

 Still. He had a secret. One. Thoughtfully, Erin walked down the hallway as Ishkr greeted some day-workers bound for Liscor.

 Good morning, yes? Anyone bound for Liscor? Wait here, pleaseanyone bound for Celum, please wait on the far wall for visitors to enter before exiting

 The new visitors eyed a happy slime on the wall surrounded by friendly Shield Spiders and beaversMrshas work. It wasrgely impressionistic to anyone who hadnt been exined what it was supposed to be. But Erin had introduced paw-painting into Mrshas lessons. And it had been a wild hit.

 Painting wasnt something children did unless they wanted the ss. So Ekirra, Visma, and Mrsha had produced some masterpiecesin their parents opinionsand they had been hung around The Wandering Inn by Erin. She was just a bit proud of that.

 But Ishkr. Erin paused at the doorway and looked at him. He had a secret.

 Ishkr wasnt married; Erin would know. He was also fairly young. Neen? He was very adult, but Krshia had never mentioned it and she would. On the other hand, Erin knew he livedrgely alone. He was from the Silverfang tribe, having been born around the time some came to Liscor. He had one sister he talked aboutgrumbled, reallyand two parents he never talked about. She had the impressionthey had died.

 So, that meant something was up. Erin peeked through one of the hallways spy-holes as the Gnoll opened the door to Liscor and let more people out and let people in. She ignored the crossbow Belgrade had installed in a little holster to quickly fire at any intruders and studied Ishkr.

 He was responsible. You never had to ask him to ount for spills or mistakes; he did it himself. Someone like thatdidnt strike Erin as wasting money. So why did he need the money?

 She didnt know. But she was fairly sure it had to do with his sister. That seemed to coincide with Ishkr having to leave early or asking for an advance. A personusually a Gnoll or Drake in theirte teens or a young adultwould find Ishkr and whisper to him. And hed sigh or growl curses and

 Whats your secret?

 The Gnoll scratched at the back of his neck. Erin studied him for a moment. She could, of course, just ask. Or find out. She had ways. They involved everything from getting Drassi to find out to shadowing Ishkr to manufacturing an incident with cheese and Mrsha.

 But she didnt. Erin Solstice had decided all was going well. She had not caused a massive incident in a while. Notnot hugely important, at any rate. The Wyvern attack was still fresh in Erins memory, even if she hadnt been responsible for it. But Bird? The fallout from that? Grimalkins weights?

 Sometimes, Erin felt like she was walking around a room filled with balloons. She kept popping them. Just by ident sometimes. Butother times, intentionally.

 But Ryoka Griffin hade. The Horns, Griffon Hunt, had gone. Magnolia haddone her thing. And things were peaceful for the moment. The [Innkeeper] wondered if it was alright to not want to rock the boat.

 She was tempted. And when she looked at the way Ishkrs ears were t even as he pretended to smileand the way he was tensed, weighed down by whatever had caused him to ask for an advanceshe wanted to help. The problem was, Erin Solstice felt like she made things worse. Not always, but sometimes. She had to be careful.

 So she let him be. Anyways, even the small things Erin did caused a fuss.

 -

 Miss Solstice. You cannot alter the checkpoint without express permission. It is sovereign Passian territory.

 Yeah. But its my inn, right? Whats the problem with flowers and magazines in the waiting room, anyways?

 Watch Captain Venim was having a bad day. That tended to corrte with his meetings with Erin.

 The issue isnt decorations, Miss Solstice. Its in getting permission first. We have systems for doing things. Id appreciate it if youobeyed the rules.

 But its flowers. Why do I have to wait to put flowers there? Have a cookie. White chocte.

 Its

 The Drake was lost for a second in Erins reasonable insanity. He eyed the cookie Erin proffered. He nearly took it, and then sighed.

 Miss Solstice. I can file the requisite paperwork. But I am here to ask you not to make changes without permission.

 But Im going to get permission because youre filing paperwork, right? So why do I have to? Its all worked out well.

 Erin was lightly pleased with herself. The Watch Captain gave her a narced expression. He rubbed at his forehead tiredly. But Erin knew shed won.

 She hadnt fed Kel and the [Guards] on duty for nothing. She had curried goodwillsometimes with actual curry. Venim nowhe was more like Zevara. He didnt take the cookies she was waving towards him. But theyd had interactions like this before.

 Come on, Venim. Whats the problem? What if Kel just told you about my decoration and you sorted it out without making it

 Erin waved her hands to indicate the hurdles of legality and the process of bureaucracy. It made sense to her. Erin liked thewbut thew sometimes did stupid things.

 Venim looked at Erin. And she, confident she was right, waited for his response. He put her slightly smug mood into a dumpster and set it on fire with one reply:

 The problem, Miss Erin Solstice, is that whenever you cause trouble, Im the one who has to speak with you. I was on my vacation. With my daughter.

 He sat there, arms folded. Erins smile wavered.

 Uh. What?

 The Drake rubbed at his tired face.

 Im your appointed liaison. As is Sergeant Kel. Have you not wondered why Im assigned to the 8th floor every day? And why Sergeant Kel hasnt changed duties, despite multiple requests?

 Inodid you say your daughter? Um. Time off?

 I get two days per week. This would be my one day with my daughter; her mother has the other day. Shes with my sister due to the emergency involving you.

 The Drake stared at Erin. His voice was very polite. But he was telling Erinher face fell.

 Im sorry. I didnt know.

 Well, I will do the paperwork. But I would appreciate notice in advance. All things being equal, Miss Solstice, I would have preferred to get the request tomorrow, through Sergeant Kel. I would have processed it and granted you the rights by the end of the day. Tomorrow. Is that entirely reasonable?

 Yes.

 Erin stared at Venim. She hadnt known he was married. Orpreviously married and divorced. Of course, it made sense. Lots of people were married. Erin just didnt ask.

 She had been focused on Ishkr ofte, puzzling him out. Getting Octavia situatedreuniting with Ryoka. When Erin knew someone, she thought she knew someone. But it disconcerted her to know how little she understood of people she was acquainted with.

 Sorry. Um. Do you want some cookies? For your daughter? On the house?

 Erin offered the cookies weakly to Venim. He hesitated.

 Do these have grapes? My daughters allergic to grapes.

 Let me find you some non-grape ones. But I baked them togetherer

 Erin ended up giving Venim a bag of little white chocte squares instead of possibly tainted cookies. He left, and she sat there.

 Oh.

 That was all she said for a while. Erin bowed her head, as she sometimes had cause to do. The inn, not bustling but lively, moved around her. The yers of Liscor were running through a new y with Galina. Kevin and Joseph were outside, teaching kids and adults to y ser. Leon and Troy? She hoped they werent causing trouble.

 Mrsha was building a dam with the beavers. Lyte was running the inn. Bird was overseeing the construction of his final tower on the newly-built third floor. Palt was flipping burgers for fun.

 It was Numbtongue who wandered by Erin with a fresh hamburger. He saw Erin, head bowed. The [Bard] hesitated, put his hamburger down on a table, and began to chow while he waited.

 So thats why he didnt want a cookie when he heard they were raisin. Just in case.

 The [Innkeeper] muttered to herself. Numbtongue eyed her. He looked at the cooling cookies and took one. After he noshed for a while, Erin looked up.

 Numbtongue?

 Bad day?

 The Hobgoblin offered a cookie. Erin smiled and declined. Numbtongue shrugged. It was a social, Human, or rather, non-Goblin question.

 Bad day? As if days that didnt involve you dying or being shot with arrows werent anything but good days. And yethe hade to understand that there really were bad days. Of course, if youpared it to people trying to kill you, every day was a good day. Butthere was badness besides arrows and monsters. It was a novel thing.

 Someday, hed wander into the new Stitchworks and find Octavia nearly in tears over a failed experiment she could not get right. OrorBird was curled into a ball in his room because hed been punished for doing things like offering Mrsha maggot-infested dead birds. Or Erin would be like this. And these were sad and important moments. Not like someone dyingbut important.

 It scared Numbtongue how much he had begun to care about whether Mrsha hurt her paw. Not that he had been uncaring when he was a Redfang warriorbut it had been different. Then, if, say, Bugear had torn open his arm by ident while skinning an Eater Goat, Numbtongue would have justughed and mocked him with the others.

 If Bugear had dared to cry or whinge about it, hed have been mocked. And even when arade died, like Grunter and the heroes at EsthelmNumbtongue moved for wars. Hehad been a warrior. A soldier under Garen Redfang who would fight and die when the time came.

 But now, the Hobgoblin was a [Bard]. A member of The Wandering Inn. Nowif Mrsha broke her paw, he might cry. That scared him. But it didnt mean he was soft. Ratherhe had something to fight for. And he wished Headscratcher, Shorthilt, Badarrow, Rabbiteaterhad all been able to experience this.

 Worrying about Erins grieved expression. After a moment, Numbtongue poked Erin. She jumped slightly.

 What happened?

 Ohthere was just this thing with Venim. I was putting up posters and making the waiting room in Pass livable, Numbtongue. But I think I made a mistake

 Erin gave Numbtongue an abbreviated version of the events. He didnt see the problem. So one Drake had an issue since he couldnt see his daughter all day. So what?

 And yet, he saw it the other way too. The [Bard] scowled as Erin sighed.

 I feel bad. I should do something nice for Venim.

 You dont have to.

 There was a pause as Erin blinked and then looked over. The [Innkeeper] gave Numbtongue a nk look.

 Of course not. But I should, right?

 Mm.

 He nodded. That was what Numbtongue loved about Erin. Should and must were sometimes the same for her. The Hobgoblin looked around.

 Good cookies. Got any acid-fly ones?

 For you, Numbtongue? I cant believe you eat them!

 Erin smiled, looking amused. The Hobgoblin shook his head.

 For Yellow Stters.

 Oh! NoIm going to make a special batch. Dont worry, therell be plenty of cookies.

 The Hobgoblin nodded, content with that. He sat back, eating a third cookie as Erin looked ahead.

 Well, I guess thats that. Heyare you eating all my cookies?

 Cant I?

 No! Theyre for Lyte! Argh! How many did you eat?

 Eight. Well, five were already in Numbtongues belt pouch forter. Dismayed, Erin stared at her plundered cookie tray. She narrowed her eyes and poked the Goblin back.

 Youre going to get fat, Numbtongue.

 Good.

 That sufficiently stumped Erin enough for Numbtongue to liberate two more cookies. Mrsha-treats. She rescued her cookie tray and returned to themon room in time to see Numbtongue fetching something from behind the bar. He carried it out of themon room and down the hallway. Into one of the private rooms. Erin followed him. She peeked into the open doorway and saw what the Hobgoblin had retrieved.

 Aptop. The Hobgoblin opened the lid, saw theputer was in sleep mode, and casually waited for it to boot up. He entered Kevins password, and began to use the touchpad to click around the screen. Erin stared.

 Numbtongue began ying an FPS gameHalo CE. Theputer began emitting sounds ofbat and battle and he did fairly well for someone ying on a touchpad andputer keys. Erin kept staring.

 Um. Numbtongue.

 Hm?

 The adaptability of Goblins knew no limits. In a few days, Numbtongue had mastered theputer enough to alt-tab out of the game and look at Erin. She pointed weakly at theputer.

 UhuhKevin showed you how to use theputer, huh?

 Mhm. Fun. Want to watch a movie?

 Kevin had only a few more movies left unwatched and movie night was a huge thing. Everyone in the inner group of the inn would drop anything to watch a movieeven if the Earthworlders had seen the movie a thousand times before. But theptop had more value for those not from Earth.

 For instanceNumbtongue was now obsessed with the video game that even Galina and Imani had beaten three times. Each. The electronics Ryoka had brought back to the inn had been used for months by the seven Earthersto the point where Rose could lip-sync every rap song and Leon had beaten Solitaire a hundred times. They had explored the limits of theptop, tablets, and iPhones.

 But the others? Erin had already initiated a one-hour limit for Mrsha to y with the electronics. Numbtongue had no such restrictions. And with Palt, Montressa, and Beza all able to cast [Repair], battery life was only an issue if Numbtongue wanted to recharge theptop after ate-night gaming session.

 You really like this, huh?

 Mhm.

 Numbtongue went back to ying. Erin saw a sh as something exploded. She wasnt a fan of video games. Wellshe yed Minecraft and stuff. But she wasnt into theplex action game stuff.

 Saymind scooting over?

 Erin sat down and watched as Numbtongue yed through a levelmainly by killing a lot of very ugly potato-people. With tendrils and stuff. They lookedwell, dangerous, but sort of tame.

 I bet you could kill that one.

 Maybe. Not with guns.

 Erin eyed the ugly potato attacking Numbtongue as he threw a grenade.

 You like ying fighting games? Isnt it liketoo real? For a warrior like you?

 The Hobgoblin nced at Erin.

 No. Its fun. Games.

 Ah, right, right. Hey, watch out for the one on the left

 Mhm.

 The [Bard] went back to ying. Erin watched until he died. Then she poked him.

 My turn. I want to use theputer.

 One more life?

 You y it all night. Give.

 She poked him again. That was a very Goblin/Gnoll thing, so the Hobgoblin, grumbling, gave theptop over. Erin knew Mrsha was trying to y too and she just worried about the effects of video games on Mrshas psyche. Then againwhen she was ying outside she led crusades against Shield Spiders. So maybe this was okay.

 Okay. Lets see. Wherere theics?

 Here.

 Kevinsptop was a goldmine of data. It didnt look like it, but Kevins attitude towards data had been one of acquisition. Hisptop was filled with movies, games he liked, picturesand most cruciallypiratedics and other media. Erin eagerly clicked on a folder.

 Aha! This is the stuff!

 Numbtongue stared with the kind of detached pain that arose from seeing someone misuse theirputer-time as Erin double-clicked on a picture icon. A bigpicturepopped up on the screen.

 Well, it was really three pictures, each separated by ck bar. Each one held a little character, with some kind of extreme deformity in their body shape emitting balloons with words. Erin stared at the first one, and thenughed.

 Hah! ssic!

 She began to giggle. Not reallyugh, but smile as she stared at the little boxes and figures. Numbtongue peeked over her shoulder. He stared at a round-headed person and pointed.

 Whats that?

 Erin blinked at him and then grinned.

 Ohsorry. Youve never seen aic, right, Numbtongue? Thisthis is Peanuts. Kevins got some of the ssics! See? This is Charlie Brown.

 Erin pointed at a person with anatomical problems. The Hobgoblin narrowed his eyes.

 He has puff-head badness? Going to explode?

 The Human girl looked at him. She opened and closed her mouth a few times.

 No.

 Oh. Why does he look like that?

 Erin tried to exin.

 Its justhow theyre drawn. Its justits like a mini-story. Thats what aic is. Words and pictures. See? Hes going to kick this football and

 Numbtongue stared. He didnt get it. Well, the arbitrary act of cruelty on the part of the young girl made him smile.

 See, he tries to kick the football but he never does. Except that time he was invisible. Its like a metaphor, but its also funny.

 Erin ruminated on the deep levels of Human cruelty and hopeless aspiration for a second. Numbtongue just snorted.

 Silly.

 Isnt it? But its great. I respect Kevin for having this on hisputer. Aside from the you-know-what.

 Erin scowled deeply. She had found the porn that Kevin had faithfully reinstalled onto hisputer. And deleted it. Numbtongue rolled his eyes.

 Yes, yes. Bad sexy Humans.

 He had rather enjoyed it. And Kevin had a backup, but Numbtongue decided this was the stuff that Erin didnt need to know. The young woman went on, pointing obliviously at theic.

 This is great.

 Sure.

 No, really. Its a ssic. Art!

 Mhm. Heads look funny.

 Erin puffed out her cheeks in exasperation.

 Its a caricature, Numbtongue. This is funny! To me! I watched it all the time when I was a kid. And itsoh. Look at that.

 Her face fell as she flipped through the pages of theic. Numbtongue saw Erin grow silent again. After a moment, the [Innkeeper] looked up. And her expression wasthoughtful.

 I just wonder, Numbtongue. If Ima jerk. You know? Or if Ive changed a bit. Here. Shes probably in here. Nononothats Linus. Hes cool. Umnohere.

 Erin pointed to a character on the screen. Numbtongue stared. All Humans looked fairly simr unless you got to know them, and this girl wasnt that distinguished.

 Whos that?

 Peppermint Patty.

 Erin sighed. She looked at Numbtongue.

 I think I might be her.

 Exin?

 The Hobgoblin saw Erin sitting there. After a moment, she smiled.

 The thing isthis is a story, Numbtongue. None of the characters are real. But they were popr. Millions of people loved them. There was even a television show.

 Like the Ogre?

 Numbtongue grew excited. He liked that one. Something about a green-skinned protagonist really spoke to him. He had watched that with the secret Dragon, Ryoka, Mrsha, and Erin. And loved it. The music, the action

 The only person who hadnt liked it upon a repeat viewing was Lyte. Something about a [Princess] being turned into an Ogress spoke to her in negative ways. Eldavin had nearly incinerated the entire hill when the donkey married the Dragon.

 But Erin shook her head.

 No, television, Numbtongue. Not movies. Thats likea mini-movie. Its still good. Peanuts had lots. It also had movies. ActuallyI think a new movie came out. I wish Id seen it before

 She trailed off. And Erin stared for a second at theic on screen. Then she closed her eyes and remembered. The words came more slowly, but with heavy nostalgia.

 The point is that I liked the movies. My parents did too. They still dothey let me watch all the movies. Even the shows. Not many of my friends knew there was a TV show along with the movies. But I watched them all. Even the weird ones.

 She had a point she was going towards. The Hobgoblin waited for it all to make sense. Erin pointed at the peppermint-girl.

 My favorite characters in the shows and movies were Snoopy, Linusand Peppermint Patty and Marcie. Marceline. And those two? I liked them the most in a way. Seethe second episode of the Peanuts specials is actually really interesting. Pattys learning to skate, you see. And shes working really hard. And thats weird because she never really works hard; she sleeps in school and shes really passionate

 Numbtongue decided he needed a drink. Erin followed him, exining the show he had no reference for. But which he understood because she was exining it.

 And shes trying hard. And its a fun episode. Episode 2! The adults even have voices instead of going h, h, h. But the thing isPatty asks Marcie for help. She wants Marcie to make a dress for her skatingpetition. And Marcie cant really sew. So

 Numbtongue took a long drink of ale as Erin exined a basic plotline involving a dog teaching skating, the girl winning the skatingpetition, and failure with garments.

 The point is that Pattys always like that. She always makes Marcie do things that Marcie doesnt want to do. But Marcie tried. She couldnt sew, but she tried. She tried to help her friend. She cared about Patty. And I

 The [Innkeeper] sat there, nostalgic as Numbtongue drank at the bar. Her eyes were far away. But she focused on Numbtongue.

 I always liked them so much. Marcie especially. I wanted to be her, you know. Since I yed chess and she liked books and had ssesI wanted to be a good friend to someone like Patty. But I never met someone like that. It was just me. Which was alright. But I liked them the most. Do you understand?

 The Goblin looked up and met Erins eyes. That?

 Yes.

 The young woman smiled at him. She looked back towards the ce where she and Venim had been sitting and took a deep breath.

 The thing isI think sometimes Im Patty, Numbtongue. Thoughtless. I always get my way, because I can make it happen. But thats not who I used to be. I used to bedifferent. But I had to be like this because Id have died. Still, I wonder

 Shepsed into silence. The Goblin looked at her. And he thought Erin had said something important. But he couldnt decode theyers of understandingperhaps only another Erin could have done that. Yet he knew what to do. He reached over and patted Erin on the shoulder. She looked at him and the [Bard] gave her another pat.

 You did good things. I know that.

 She looked at him, greatly surprised. Then sheughed and hugged him. The [Bard] smiled to himself. He had a way with words. After that, Erin just sighed. And Numbtongue offered to show her how to y Kevins videogames.

 Erin managed to kill herself in the first ten seconds. But the kind, silly [Innkeeper] and the Hobgoblin sat together. Laughing for a while.

 -

 It began with a reprimand.

 The protests were still continuing outside the Watch Barracks. Not that the protestors and cityfolk had any real reason to be upset at the Watch. But those who had lost almost everything to The Golden Triangle had no one to me; after the broadcast, the members of The Golden Triangle had fled, and the inner organization had disappeared.

 But poverty remained. Desperation. Furythey were demonstrating outside of City Hall.

 It wasnt her fault. Part of Watch Captain Zevara resented the idiots whod given all their money to this fraud. Still, if the perpetrators of this scheme had been in front of her, she would have arrested them at once.

 There was no face of this fake scheme. No one to me. Wistram had ended The Golden Triangle and in so doing, wrecked the lives of tens of thousands. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps. Poor people who nowcked gold or silver they needed to live.

 We want our money back!

 Justice for us!

 We did nothing wrong!

 The shouts from outside Zevaras window made the Drakes scales itch. She saw the [Guards] blocking the protestors from entering the Watch House. The Watch Captain stared a moment. And then turned back to her desk. She sat down, heavily.

 This is a disaster, Senior Guardsman Relc.

 Yes, Watch Captain.

 The Drake stood in front of her desk. Zevara looked at the huge, still-healing Drake. She had given him off as much time as she could. But things in the city had reached a peak. She shuffled her papers.

 Senior Guardsman Relc. The city is in uproar over thisGolden Triangle business.

 Yep, Watch Captain. Ive noticed.

 Relcs ws were folded behind his back. He stared over her shoulder, a familiar look. Zevara paused, then went on. She noted his uniform was smirchedpeople had thrown things at him as he came into work this morning.

 I assume youre healed from your ambush, Guardsman Relc?

 Yes, Watch Captain.

 We owe you a debt of gratitude for dispatching the likes of Bearws gang. We had no proofbut Soot is dead. And we will find Bearw. Ive posted a thousand-gold bounty on her head. She will not be safe in any Drake city, I promise you.

 The [Spearmaster]s eyes twitched towards her. He nodded slightly.

 Thanks, Watch Captain.

 Zevara cleared her throat. She was dancing around the real subject, and both of them knew it. Relc waited, at parade-rest, like he was in the military. The Watch Captain cleared her throat a second time, and coughed. But nothing could stop her from doing her duty. Not even her own reluctance.

 About the Golden TriangleI understand you were not aware of the fraud. That is not in question. Senior Guardsman Relc. But you understand that people are rightly upset? You signed over eight hundred people into The Golden Triangle.

 Yes, Watch Captain.

 Relcs eyes glittered as he stared over Zevaras shoulder. Eight hundred people, all of whom were out of goldor silver. Zevara went on.

 I understand you gave back as much gold as you could. I take that into ount. Howeverthe mood is against you. I haveno less than fifty petitions for me to strip you of your Senior Guardsman rank. Some call for your imprisonment.

 I understand that, Watch Captain.

 For a moment, the two Drakes just waited. Zevara, sitting at her desk. How many times had she done this? Called in Relc to yell at him at being an idiot, causing trouble for the Watch?

 This time was different. Both of them felt it. Even Relc waschanged. Normally, he would be offering excuses, dodging the me or pinning it on Klbkch.

 Klbkch was gone. Zevara looked up.

 Senior Guardsman Relc. Do you have anything to say in your defense? That you were unaware of The Golden Triangles fraudulent nature I appreciate. But what do youdo you have a defense?

 The [Spearmaster] looked ahead. Zevara waited, ready totch onto anything. Any excuse. From Relc, it was a surety. But the Drake just stared at her. Then he slowly shook his head.

 Watch Captain. I take full responsibility for my actions. I was a Senior Guardsman. I shouldnt have led people to invest their money. Imade a terrible mistake.

 The Watch Captains mouth opened slightly. She blinked.

 Youdo?

 Relc nodded. Then he stared over her shoulder. Zevara had never heard anything like that from Relc. Even being hit over the head in Bearws ambushrepeatedlydidnt exin it.

 But it made her duties all the more clear. All the harder. The Watch Captain of Liscor stood up.

 Senior Guardsman Relc, I appreciate your candor. MoreoverI do not ept your apology. I am aware you tried to warn as many people as possible and return their coin.

 Relc looked up. Zevara met his gaze. She looked straight into Relcs surprised eyes.

 A Senior Guardsman should do nothing less. Be that as it may, public trust in you has been eroded. Soas is my duty as Watch Captain, I strip you of your Senior Guardsman rank.

 He only flinched a bit at that. But the worst was yet toe. Zevara inhaled.

 Furthermore. I believe it is untenable for you to remain in Liscor for this moment. Too much ill will is set against you. SoGuardsman RelcI have applied for your transfer to another Drake City in need of capable [Guards].

 The Drakes head snapped up. He looked at Zevara.

 Me? ButWatch Captain

 The female Drake silenced Relc.

 This is my decision as Watch Captain, Guardsman Relc. If you disagreeyou have only but to object.

 He didnt. The Drake hesitated, and then bowed his head.

 I get it. Where am I going?

 Cellidel. The city is in need of high-level [Guards]. Iwas negotiating with their Watch Captain for an exchange of [Guards] already in return for material aid. This incident expedites the process. You will serve there for a number of months to be decided. Until this incident is behind you.

 Relcs head lowered further. Zevara went on, in a strained voice.

 You may object, SenGuardsman Relc. It is your right.

 No objections, Watch Captain. Maybe its for the best. Its that or resign, right?

 The Watch Captain was surprised a second time. She looked at Relc. Something about him lookedolder. As he bowed to her and saluted, she was struck. He was older than her. It was just the first time hed acted like it in their entire rtionship.

 Well then, Senior Guardsman Relc. I regret to inform you that your tenure here will be over by the weeks end. You will have a few days to rest and further recuperate; I will put you on unpaid leave. You maytender your resignation if you decide a new posting is inappropriate.

 That was hard to say. And shed had to demote, reprimand, even fire friends. But Relc? His eyes flickered. He hesitated as he held his salute.

 Its just regr Guardsman Relc now, isnt it, Watch Captain?

 Zevara smiled. Wearily. Sadly. She looked at Relc, whom she had relied on for so long without thinking about him. Her annoying, but invincible Senior Guardsman. Like Klbkch. Onlynow both were gone. She shook her head.

 Senior Guardsman Relc. You are no longer a member of Liscors Watch. But as it happensyour rank would make you a Senior Guardsman of Cellidel. If you choose to go. The choice is yours, but Id hate to lose a Senior Guardsman. Especially since youd return as one.

 The Drakes jaw opened. Zevara saluted him as she stood. Then she held out a w.

 Good luck, Senior Guardsman. I hope you will take your new posting. It wont be forever. It wasthe best I could do.

 He hesitated. And the Drake slowly extended his w and shook Zevaras hand.

 Im sorry for the trouble, Watch Captain. Ill let you know tonight.

 Dont be. It wasnt your fault. For once.

 He almost smiled at that. And then the Drake saluted. Zevara saw him turn. And the whisper ran through the Watch House. Through Liscor. The Gecko was leaving, one way or the other. She sat down and put her head in her ws.

 Everything was changing.

 -

 It started with a conversation over breakfast. A lesson, really.

 A blue-scaled Drake munched on some exceptionally crispy bacon. Alsobreadalso toasted with a bit of cheese. Even the cheese seemed burnt.

 But that was a motif. A calling card. And Mavi El wasnt actually that good at cooking. Shed never really bothered to learn. That she was trying now was a sign ofsomething.

 Affection, probably. She was eating the same and the two were crowded around a little table.

 Donkeys.

 Donkeys?

 She nodded. They were going over aplex logistical paper, breaking down expenses. Mavi tapped the paper and her notes.

 In your theory, youve got an army youre marching. You need donkeys. All youve ounted for ispotions, sries, ammunition, equipment upkeepnot donkeys.

 Why do I need to ount for that?

 Olesm stared warily at the parchment. Mavi sighed.

 Donkeys are better forbor. Theyre pack animals. Or do you want to grab a bunch of horses which might not be suited for pulling wagons? Mules are also good.

 IIm sure Id ount for it in the moment.

 The Drake defended himself. He was a [Strategist], Mavi, a [Lady]. But she was lecturing him.

 Well, if you didnt youd be scrambling. Which is why were going over it now. This is the ideal ratio of wagons-to-soldiers. And these are good numbers to hold by for how much you should be willing to spend to buy new supplies on the march.

 She pulled up a second chart, listing everything from the prices of oil to healing potions. Olesms eyes bulged.

 Wait. Our instruction at Manus never ounted for that

 Because Manus expects you to defend a city. Im giving you a fuller education. These are the kind of numbers a [General] or [Strategist] leading an actual army needs to know. Pay attention.

 I am, I am! Hold on. Does that say birth control?

 Mavi rolled her eyes as she speared a bit of burnt bacon. Shed done her best with a skillet, but she had a tendency to overheat the cooking fire.

 Mixed-gender armies always run into the issue. Especially new [Soldiers]. They have sexthey get pregnant. Have at least a few potions to deal withplications.

 I neveris this really a problem Im going to run into? Mavi, please. Im Liscors [Strategist]. Having to deal with a pregnant [Soldier] isnt something Im going to run into.

 The Human [Lady] nodded agreeably.

 True. As Liscors [Strategist] you might not. But are you going to be a [Strategist] forever?

 Well, I

 And if you have a pregnant [Soldier] barging into your tent at midnight, do you want to have a solution for the problem or bepletely blindsided?

 The blue Drake opened and closed his mouth.

 Have a solution?

 There you are, then. Eat your eggs. Here.

 She put the eggs on a fork. Olesm sniffed.

 I can eat them

 Open your mouth.

 He did, to object, and she poked the fork into his mouth. Maviughed at Olesms outraged expression.

 Sorry; force of habit. I had to feed too many annoying little children when I was growing up. Products of people who dont ount for idental babies.

 The Drake chewed and swallowed.

 How many children did you grow up with?

 More than youd be happy to know about. None myself, incidentally. I never had time for it. I regret that.

 Wistfully, Mavi nced out the window. The city was waking up. The protests about The Golden Triangle had woken both of them up in bed. Buthowever alien a Drake city might have been, she was surprised how much at home the little apartment felt.

 Olesm looked at Mavi as he shoveled more burnt breakfast into his mouth. He thoughtfully eyed the young woman. And forbade asking why twenty-something was toote for children.

 Mavi wasdifferent. And even an idiot would have picked up on the little clues she kept dropping. Olesm didnt know the entire thing, but he suspected something.

 Atst, the [Lady] looked at him. And when she smiledthe Drake felt as though she were smiling just for him. Mavi was Lady Firestarter. me and passion. Her powerher appeal was that when she looked at you, you felt like you were the only thing in the world. She was brilliant; she was teaching him any number of new tactics as well as logistics and things even his lessons in Manus had never covered.

 And also, a mystery. Mavi sighed as she looked out the window.

 Nearly two weeks now. Its passed so quickly.

 Im d to have you. I meanIm very grateful for your help. And the rest. I think this has been great. The best time in my life.

 The Drake interjected quickly. Mavi smiled. Her eyes flicked to his face and she shook her head. Her ck-and-orange hair moved in the dawns light.

 Olesm. I told you. I love you, as much as Ive loved anyone. But it wontst. I have to leave soon.

 Dont say that.

 The Drake reached out. Mavi hesitated, but she let him grasp her hand. The Drake held on tight.

 Yourethe best thing thats happened to me all year. In thest decade. Dont say you have to go.

 The truth is the truth.

 Her voice was calm. And when she looked at him againhe felt like a child speaking to an adult. And he hadnt felt like that way in years. But Mavi was old. Her eyes flickered like fire. But old fire, raging onest time before the darkness closed in. Gently, she put her other hand on his, sping his w.

 Olesm. I mean to give you fire. Me meeting you was fate. I want to believe I was sent here to help you learn toburn. You were a faded ember when I found you. All I did was light your fire.

 You did that. First the Council and the newspaperits a huge sess! Drassi actually got scouted to work for Pass! And the moneying in from the newspaper is big. Why thendo you have to go?

 Her eyes were sad.

 Sometimes that is just the way it is. I wish I had met you long ago. I wish I hadnt waited. I wish

 She trailed off. Olesm tightened his grip and Mavi looked at him. The Drake took a shuddering breath. He hadnt nned on it today. But she sounded like

 Listen. It doesnt have to be that way. I dont care how sick you are. ImIm resourceful. I know that doesnt sound like much, but Erins my friend. If we need to get you to the Healer of Tenbault orSaliss of Lights visits Erins inn. However ill you are, we can fight it.

 Mavis eyes widened. Then she put her head back andughed. Olesm paused. He had been so sure he was right. But Mavi justughed until she cried, and wiped the tears from her eyes.

 Youre too beautiful, Olesm Swifttail.

 That was all she said. And she kissed him on the cheek. Then Mavi shook her head and stood.

 I wont go today. Or tomorrow. But soon. Lets just make the most of today, alright?

 Okay. But please dont go.

 The Drake stood up, feeling helpless. He saw the young woman turn her head to the open window. And for a moment, she hesitated. Then fireughed and embraced him.

 I have so much to do. So much I want to do, now. Ill try. But I make no promises.

 She whispered. Then the young [Lady] took Olesms arm and spun him around. Herughter filled the apartment.

 Come on. You have so much left to learn! Combat[Mages]lets study for a few hours. Then you have to go to work.

 And you? Are you going to work with Hexel?

 Olesm looked at Mavi, whom he had hired to help him with his duties. She had been helping manage the [Architect] Lamia, but Mavi shook her head.

 Your CouncilmanElirr?is far better at it than I. He and Hexel get along better, always.

 Really?

 Believe me. I know how people work. I can see it. Today, I think its time I met Erin Solstice. I have something to teach her as well.

 The [Strategist] caught his breath.

 Whats that? I meanErin? Why her?

 Mavi winked.

 She has a lot of potential. Just like you. I see that too.

 And she looked at him like he was the sun. The Drake held onto Mavi. He didnt want to let her go.

 -

 It started with an upset [Lady]. And weak tea.

 Magnolia Reinhart sipped from the weak cup of tea. It was bittecking sugar. She made a polite face. Anyone who knew Magnolia Reinhart knew that she drank tea with more sugar than water. But sugar was in short supply, and even the demands of etiquette hadnt conjured sugar out of the sky.

 But thenthat was also the fault of the mousey-haired [Lady] who was sitting opposite Magnolia. The [Lady] Reinhart coughed.

 Ressa, perhaps a bit of sweetener from the coach?

 Her words were almost preempted by the sugar cubes dumped unceremoniously into her cup. Ressa, the [Maid] waiting attendance on the two was far more polite with Lady Edere Sanitos cup.

 Mdy?

 Oh, yes please.

 The Lady Sanito was all too eager for Ressa toce the sugar cube in her cup with a sugar tongRessa even stirred the cup with a silver spoon. Magnolia did her cup herself. She briskly stirred and sipped the much sweeter liquid with a sigh.

 Thats better.

 ImIm so dreadfully sorry, Ladyum, Magnolia. But sugar has been so dreadfully dear ofte

 Hence the reason Im here. Not to worry, Edere. And let us use first names! Were both [Ladies], after all.

 Magnolia reached out and ced her hand on Sanitos leg. The woman jumped, but flushed with thepliment. It was a cozy setting and Magnolia was being uncharacteristically familiar and intimate. Weing, even.

 The Sanito House was not rich. It wasnt as destitute as House Byres, say, at the mercy of [Merchants], but its funds were limited, unlike Magnolia Reinhart, who had a personal contract with Stormlord Seagrass to get her sugar on time.

 Ofte, it had suffered. House Sanito had sent reinforcements to Lord Tyrion Veltrasnot without costand it had been affected by another economic event.

 A [Trade War]. Even now, Sanitos household was conspicuously devoid of certain number of goods. Iron for the forges wasnting down the trade roads. Good preservatives like salt, oranges from past Walchasndsand sugar were also out of stock.

 Not that it meant thends were starving. But the pinch was widely felt. So widely in factthat Magnolia Reinhart was here, sipping tea in a quiet little conference with Lady Edere without Lord Alman Sanitos knowledge.

 She had received the ck flower of shame from House Sanito a few months ago. An asion that the nobles had had cause to regret.

 Iits good to taste a bit of sweet, Magnolia. And this dreadful [Trade War] hurts both houses, doesnt it?

 Lady Sanito was incapable of conjuring sugar out of the air at a wave of her hand. She had mousey hair. She was not ugly by any means. Far from it; she had charmed Lord Sanito with her beauty and he had married her, amoner, and made her a [Lady].

 Of course, Edere hadnt been exactly a [Farmhand] but a [Merchant]s daughter. And the marriage had been good for House Sanito. But she was just a bit too low-level. Lacking in ambition, say. Magnolia tapped a finger against her teacup.

 She was also less than subtle. All well and good. She smiled.

 The [Trade War] is a bit of a nuisance. But I havent found myself unduly diforted, Lady Edere. Ah, but Invrisil is fed from all roads. Ressa, more sugar.

 She thrust her cup out. The [Maid] gave her a re, but she dutifully put more cubes of sugar in the teacup. Lady Edere stared as the [Lady] happily drank the sugar-slurry. Magnolia was overdoing it, but then againit was working.

 IIquite, Magnolia. But its such a dreadful thingcant we put this unpleasantness behind us?

 Mm. Perhaps. But being called a coward, even if it is in flowernguage, does grate, doesnt it?

 Magnolias eyes sparkled as she drained her cup. Edere paled.

 Alman was advised to do that, Magnolia. It wasnt his idea

 She broke off as Magnolia raised one finger. The [Lady], in her shocking pink dress, smiled with an edge.

 Im sure he was. But that doesnt change the fact that he knew what he was sending me. Edere, Im quite aware you wouldnt have countenanced such an insult. Much less that you hadnt been at the Sacrifice of Roses. But I was there, you see. And Almanexcuse me, Lord Almanwas not. Perfectly understandable; he was far from First Landing so it wasnt an act of cowardice. But it grates, you see?

 I do, Magnolia. But

 But House Sanito is tired of bleeding gold over a petty insult and a political argument we were never too invested in.

 Magnolia read the unspokennguage in the [Lady]s posture and nodded. She nced out the window.

 A tall half-Elf with inhumanindeed, quite inhumanfeatures was grumpily feeding a dog scraps as Reynold stood at attention. Teriarch was bored, but he hade along with her. She had better hurry this up. Magnolia sighed.

 Lets not beat around the bush, Edere. An insult was made. And my [Trade War] affects dozens of noble houses. Sanito has been hard-hit. I am aware. But I will not lift my [Trade War] for another month. The other noble houses may lose countless thousands of gold in profits, but that is the cost of war with me.

 Edere paled. Already the [cksmiths], [Bakers]any number of professions were screaming for salt, sugar, ore, and all the other things Magnolias Skill was making twice or three times as expensive. Another month of that?

 Cant we to some arrangement, Magnolia?

 Wellthat would be eptable.

 Magnolia cast a nce out the window. Teriarch was making the dog stand up on two legs to get a treat. He seemed to be trying to teach it to bow, next. Or genuflect. She rolled her eyes. Dragons. Everyone had to bow to them. It was probably why they didnt get along with cats. She nced up and put a big smile on her face.

 Edere, I think we cane to an arrangement. However, I would have somerequirements.

 The other [Lady] licked her lips.

 Of course. Butwhat?

 She neednt have been worried. Magnolia smiled and steepled her fingers as Ressa took her cup and refilled it with the dreadful tea.

 Oh, just a public renouncement of the insult, Edere. A few strong words made publicallyand of course, maybe a cordial gesture or two. Nothing strenuous.

 Edere almost copsed with relief. Magnolia could have pressed her hard. But all she wanted was a chink in the armor of offended nobles unwilling to renounce their insult. House Sanito was a good weak point. Lord Alman wasnt the most stubborn idiot about; the House didnt have deep coffers. And Edere was no high-level [Lady] with a backbone of steel. Most importantly thoughshe and Lord Alman were genuinely affectionate towards each other. When one spoke, the other listened.

 It was all just levers to Magnolia. She waited as sheid out her very minimal requirements. A public refutation, a gesture of overt good will towards House Reinhart that would pull the other noble houses into refuting their insult for a cessation of the [Trade War].

 And Im sure that within a day, House Sanito will find more than a dozen [Merchants] lined up to sell reasonably-priced goods. They do have a nose for such things.

 And Ill incentivize them to give you good deals. Lady Edere nibbled at her lip as she thought. She was already half-nodding, but she wasnt aplete idiot. The [Lady] nced up at Magnolia with a hint of suspicion.

 II can certainly get Alman to do that, Magnolia. ButI cant help but notice you mentioned a few other cordial favors. Might I ask.what that is?

 Magnolia sighed. Shed forgotten that Edere was a [Coin Lady]. Not exactly a high-level ss, but she had [Merchant] roots. Shed notice a little thing like that in any deal, even verbal ones. She smiled though, with genuine good humor. Because the truth was easy.

 Nothing arduous, Edere. To you or Alman. Id just like you two to attenda little party this summer. Around the solstice? I n to attend myself and Id consider it a personal favor.

 Ressa made a face behind Edere as the [Lady] blinked and then her face lit up.

 Oh, is that all? Of course! If thats all

 Just a little gathering. Im hesitant to say where since the location has yet to be fully decided. But it is a personal favornot my party, you understand? Favors for other friends

 Magnolia looked out the window. Teriarch, who was listening in, nced up at her. She casually stuck out her tongue behind her teacup. The things she did for the old man. But he had asked and since he was out of his cave, she was minded to grant him his odd requests.

 Damn that Ryoka Griffin. Magnolia felt jealous of her, even as she and Edere came to a [Lady]s gentle ord. She smiled, shook Ederes hand, and tried to leave as fast as possible so she could get Teriarch to some entertainment. The ys, perhaps. The longer he stayed awake and out in the suneven as a simcrathe better. But there were little ceremonies to do, the new baby of Ederes to coo over, getting Teriarch to stop teleporting cats into trees

 Magnolia Reinhart was busy. But she was happy.

 -

 Erin was giggling over Numbtongue ying Minesweeper when Mavi El entered the inn. The Hobgoblin took the game like literal life-and-death when the concept ofndmines had been exined to him. He was actually sweating as he eyed a 4 square. The inn waslively.

 That was what the [Firestarter Lady] noticed. She had not lied to Olesm, before she had sent him off to do his job. She could read people.

 There was some saying about having a hammer and seeing the world as a nail. Mavi had never thought it was a bad thing to look at the world through the lens of what you were good at. She was fire. She gained a unique Skill based on fire and in her prime, the entire continent of Izril had known her for her mes.

 So she understood the inn as fire. A collection of souls, each one with a different level of fire. Passion. Some were burnt embers, like the Drake [Veteran]; a wounded soul. She ached for him. But Mavi had seen many of his kind. Her concern was with the brightest glows.

 Olesm Swifttail had been one such, for all he had been muted by shame, his broken ego, self-doubt. Mavi had just unearthed the spark. She had done it to turn the Drake into what she believed he could be. Liscor was a ce that all of Izrilmaybe the worldwould turn on. She felt that. So if she could change the future in a significant way

 But look. This inn was filled with those bright sparks. They were the kind of people that the matriarch of House El had learned to spot. Those who would go on to change the world if only they lived and were brought to life.

 Mavi looked around. And she saw them.

 See. A [Princess] swept the floor with a broom, demonstrating the wless version of sweeping, and then handed it to a new recruit, and a Gnoll girl timidly copied her. Mavi smiled and Lyte turned and lit up.

 Mavi!

 Lyte.

 Are you and Olesm here? I dont see him

 The [Princess] hurried over. Maviughed.

 Just me, today. Am I wee in your ce, Miss Marquin?

 Lyte halted and the two shared a knowing look. Lyte carefully bowed and Mavi inclined her head.

 Always, Mavi. And Id be delighted to sit with you. In a few moments? I have more questionsespecially about, um, inter-House dealings.

 Politics. Mavis eyes twinkled. Lyte knew who she was. Or had guessed. The [Princess] probably saw noble titles and ranks in the same way that Mavi looked at souls.

 Of course. It would be my delight. But perhaps tonight? I have someone else to speak to.

 Thats fine! Can I get you a drink?

 A blue fruit juice?

 Mavi smiled as Lyte served her the drink herself. She liked Lyte. And rting stories from her youth as if they were things shed heard was easy enough. The [Princess] benefitted from her surfeit of knowledge; Mavi liked Lyte as someone like her.

 But she was not here for Lyte. Mavis eyes followed the [Princess]. Yes, there was a spark. She was high-level for her age. Especially as a [Princess]. Mavi El had met many as the leader of House El, mostly from Terandria. And most had been sad creatures, barely above Level 16, even when they were twice as old. But Lyte shone. The [Princess] walked across the floor, passing by a white Gnoll riding a beaver

 Mavi, Lyte, and half the patrons of the inn turned to stare at that. Even Lady Firestarter had to take a moment to admire Mrsha the White Rider as she rode arge Fortress Beaver across the inns floor. She waved her wand and held a stick with an apple in her other paw.

 The Fortress Beaverwho would make most ordinaryrge dogs small byparisonshuffled across the floor, good-naturedly ying Mrshas game. The adults all backed up; the beaver could possibly snap a leg bone if it was so inclined.

 Mrsha! What are you doing? Stop that

 Lyte scolded, but the White Rider saw the pursuing [Princess] and kicked her trusty steed. The Fortress Beaver lumbered forwards towards a wall. The door to the Garden of Sanctuary opened and the two fled through. Lyte hurried after them and smacked into a wall.

 Mrsha

 She chased after them. Mavi nearlyughed herself off her chair. Beavers! When had that happened? She looked around as Lyte cursed and chased the door to the gardenwhich had opened on the far wall. Mrsha was better at using it than Lyteor Erins [Garden of Sanctuary] prioritized her will.

 Now, where is Erin Solstice?

 She looked around, but all she saw wasanother spark? Mavi turned her head and saw a girl on the stage.

 -

 Okay, the plot is of a married woman whos justjust had enough. Its a ssic y, and I really think we shouldnt cast Jasi for it. You understand?

 Galina stood on stage with Emme, the [Manager], Andel, a [Writer] for the yers of Celum, and Temile, the [Producer] of the yers of Liscor.

 Wait, I dont understand. Jasis our best female lead. Why wouldnt we make her the lead?

 Emmes arms were folded. The Dwarf woman, who hade from Invrisil this morning just to hear Galina with Andel (and get the extra-fluffy souffls), looked skeptically at Galina. The young woman sighed.

 But its not always about casting the best actor. Dont you see, Emme? Jasis great. Shes justamazing. But she cant do everything. This is A Dolls Houseits about a married woman unhappy with her life. Whos been married for a while. You look at Jasidoes she look old to you?

 The three troupe members looked at each other. Temile coughed.

 She doesnt look like that, Ill grant you. But she could y the part

 But why does she have to be the only star? Shes already in every big performance; this would give her time off. And you want to treat your [Lead Actors] rightright?

 She has a point. Wesle and Jasi both say theyre suffering from vocal strain, even with potions. We could trial thisbut whos our lead?

 An older woman. Someonesomeone who can really speak to married women who are unhappy. She shouldnt be radiant. She should be a mother. A wife!

 Galina was more excited than shed been sinceing to this world. She looked around as Emme bit her lip.

 We dont have many. Bute to think of it, I heard Yaina was married, didnt you, Andel? Divorcedshes our candidate for mothers. Good, solid acting in Shakespearian roles.

 The young woman from Earth rolled her eyes. As if Shakespeare was the be-all-end-all of the stage!

 Well, can you get her to run through the script? Iveits hard for me to write it out. I dont have Erins memory, so its rough. I was hoping you could help me get it to the professional level

 Andel studied the script hed been given.

 It can definitely be updated. But the core conceit? I like it. Emme, we should put this on.

 But lets trial it in the inn. The yers of Liscor can put it on and if its suitable for Invrisil?

 Temile and Emme put their heads together. Galinas fingers gripped each other behind her back. Emme looked up, still looking dubious, but nodding.

 Erin vouches for you, Miss Galina. So I suppose we had better try it. Im just not sure married life is asas grand as our other ys.

 And that was the problem. The yers of Celum had been given bombastic dramas by Erin. They had wrongly understood what theatre was. Galina was about to jumpstart their education into the stage. If she could get in with them. The young woman held her breath.

 Thenyoull hire me?

 Emme blinked. Andel snorted as he ruffled through the tidy, painstakingly-written links in ink. Temileughed. As Galina looked at them, Emme smiled andughed too.

 Hire you? Miss Galinathat was never in doubt. How many more ys do you know?

 And the stage imed another soul. But thenGalina had been doomed from the beginning. She screamed with delight and hugged the others. She liked her friends from Earthbut they were all different. This was where Galina belonged. They were splitting up. And that wasokay.

 -

 Alright! Whos here for baseball? Kids, over here!

 Rose waved her arms and a bunch of little Gnolls and Drakes queued up with bats and gloves in hand. Outside, Joseph raised his hand.

 Anyone ying football?

 A huge roar answered him. Thergest crowd of kids and adults marched on Joseph and he looked around. Even a Councilmember, Jeiss, wanted his attention.

 Joseph! Joseph! The first intercity game with Pass is in three days! Can our team win? You saw the game

 I did. If we practice, well smoke them.

 Joseph reassured Jeiss. The Drake was a huge fan of the game already. He was grinning.

 Poor shots, right?

 And worse teamwork. Are you in the team?

 I hope so! I uh, took time off from the Council for this. Whore you picking for the final team?

 Ill let you know. One second. Kidsfollow Kevin!

 Hey! Ekirra, my man! High five! Low five!

 Kevin pped Ekirras paws and then moved them over to one of the newly-ttened field areas. It was temporary; the spring rains would y havoc with thendscape, but Hexel had great ns. Kevin grabbed one of the balls and addressed his audience.

 Rows of little Drakes, Gnolls, and even some Humans stared solemnly up at him. They were taking thisseriously. Each one was a [Kicker], ora new ss[Dribbler]. It wasnt as bad as it sounded to the worried parents and Kevin had exined it was actually a good ss.

 Well practice kicking today! And maybe if we have time, well y some real football, yeah?

 He grinned as Joseph turned around to re.

 You mean, rugby.

 Whatever you say, Joseph! Youre Mr. Ser!

 The Spanish young man flipped Kevin off and heughed. Kevin produced the odd, American Football ball and showed it to Ekirra. The Gnoll blinked at it.

 How do you y that, Mister Kevin?

 Some of the other adults were staring curiously too. Kevin winked at the little Gnoll.

 Well see after practice. Its another fun game! Okay, make pairs! Were practicing passingremember, kick with the inside of the foot! Drakes especiallywe dont want any more deted balls

 More excitement and drama. Another sport? Kevin and Joseph hadnt cleared it with Erin; they didnt understand the value of tactically applied sports moments. But all eyes were on Joseph as he kicked the ball.

 -

 Miss Imani, whats that?

 Um. Fufu.

 Palt the Centaur stared at the rounddoughyball that seemed ready for the oven. But it was on a te. And apparently, done?

 Erwhat is it?

 Imani ducked her head. She was nervous, but not in the same way as she usually was. You could reduce Imani to tears if you screamed loudly in her ear at night. Which was due to her understandable fear of monsters. But this was more nerves as one fan of cuisine to another.

 Itsa starch. See? Its cassavawell, it should be. But I found a root thats almost as good. And flour with water

 Well, ntain flour. Which wasnt wheatbut Imani had been experimenting. Octavia had actually helped with that. Palt eyed the food.

 He was making rice. More saffron rice that he was going to add a lovely stir-fry to. Erin didnt know how to cook vegetables and the Centaur liked cooking.

 So, apparently, did Imani. And after a few incidents where shed run screaming away from the Centaur, she could even speak to him.

 So how do you eat it?

 Ohwith this soup. See?

 It was a beefy side dish. Palt stared at the fufu, and the beef in the thick broth. Youd mix the two. He sniffed.

 Peanuts?

 Mhm. Erin asked me to make some. See?

 Imani tore off a small ball of the doughy substance and dipped it in the soup. She popped it into her mouth and ate with apparent relish.

 Mind if I have some?

 Palt waited for the nod and took a helping. He wasnt a meat-person, but he brightened as he ate it.

 Thats rather good! Will you teach me the recipe?

 Sure. I

 Imani saw the furry faces staring at her as she turned, dropped the te of fufu, and screamed. Mrsha, and the beavers fled as the door to the [Garden of Sanctuary] exposed the food-thieves. Palt pointedthe dish and fufu stopped before it couldnd on the floor. He caught his breath and Imani covered her face.

 Im sorry, Im sorry

 Mrsha!

 Palt shouted. He saw Lyte march into the kitchen and Mrsha the Very Much in Trouble fled with her beavers into a damn dam. Which Erin had bought wood for. Imani looked at Palt and he smiled.

 It was just

 Totally understood. Why dont we put this outside? And maybe if Mrshas good she can have a bite. Then again

 The Fortress Beavers were fighting Lyte as she attacked them with a broom, mainly swatting at their behinds. Mrsha the Even More In Trouble barreled into Lyte from behind and the [Princess] went ssh into the pond. Palt closed the door over Lytes outragedughter and shrieking.

 I think she might be getting bread and water today.

 Imani smiled gratefully as Palt took her arm. She never noticed him whispering the [Remove Fear] spell. After all. An [Illusionist] should be able to do that much unnoticed. Or what was the point?

 -

 Andst and perhaps leasttwo young men had neither job nor passion. Nothat wasnt correct. It was just that they hadnt found their passion.

 Sucks that we dont have something. Josephs got football, Galinas in love with those [Actors]. What do we get, Leon?

 I dunno.

 The two were in Invrisil, though. And today, Troy, much discontented, was walking with his hands in pockets. Looking at the shops, the sightsall the things he couldnt buy.

 Ive got five silver. How much do you have?

 Uhtwo silver.

 The two young men looked at each other. Neither oneinedat least not aloud. They were given free room and board and they were being paid by the hour for help. It was just that they were earning an actual paycheck per hour, notfree money. They made as much as Ishkr and Drassi did. A bit less, actually, given their inexperience and if they wanted lots of spending money, they needed to work for hours.

 Everyone else had better jobs. But Leon and Troy had not been blessed withwithanything. Joseph, now, hed gotten lucky. So had Galina. They just happened to have the right talents. But what did Leon and Troy get?

 Nothing. I dont feel like lifting boxes all day. Maybe we should beg, like Kevin.

 Kevins Kevin. Hed survive anywhere. Imani gets special treatment.

 That was truebut both felt guilty for pointing that out. Nevertheless, the two walked on. Leon groused.

 Its not like we dont have skills!

 Yeah!

 If this was a videogame, wed be the best at it. But magic doesnt work like that.

 Think we can get Erin to give us money for a spellbook?

 Uhno.

 Wellwhat are we good at? Joseph and Galina have skills. And you were taking courses in engineering, right Troy?

 The young man from Greece shook his head.

 NonouhI was going to. After high school. I was intoand you were really into tabletop games

 Yeah.

 Miniatures. Leon was a big tabletop fan, which wasnt the biggest of things in Pnd. And Troy was also a gamer. Video games. The two looked at each other.

 What if we made a tabletop game?

 Right! Sohow are we casting and designing the miniatures? I mean, I know what they look like. But how do we put that into an actual figurine?

 Uhwell, maybe cards?

 Can you draw?

 Can you?

 They walked on, talking of ideas. Cards, nowLeon also liked Magic the Gathering. They counted their silver and then paused to duck out of the way as a crowd of people protesting The Golden Triangle marched through Invrisil. The sad, the desperatethe two young man walked past them, heads bowed as the furious, hurt people screamed for someone to do something. But what could you do?

 The money was gone.

 -

 After a while, Numbtongue got bored of minesweeper. He began to listen to music. Erin sat with him for a while. But it was just a distraction. After a whilein between songs, she had to ask.

 Numbtongue. Am I a jerk?

 He looked at her.

 Sometimes.

 He patted her on the shoulder again. Erin stared at him.

 Thank you for your honesty.

 Wee. Be shush.

 The Goblin went back to listening to the song. He was trying toe up with a guitar cover. Erin stood up. Sighing, she went to the door and opened it.

 Dont y on theputer too long.

 She warned him. The Hobgoblin looked back at her.

 Why not?

 Erin opened and closed her mouth.

 I think my mom told me that once. I dunno, maybe your head explodes. Okaygottago!

 She closed the door. And nearly ran into a young woman with fire in her hair.

 Oh! Excuse me!

 Erin smiled. So did the young woman.

 Pardon me. I was actually just looking around.

 For the bathroom? Its outside. Or if you wanted Octavias shopits down the other hallway. Door at the end.

 Erin pointed. Octavia was now part of the inn and she was happy with it. Actuallyshe was more focused on her apprenticeship with Saliss to care. Erin was happy for her, even if Numbtongue grumbled that Octavia was too busy these days to go mining with him.

 Thank you, but I was actually looking for you, Miss Erin Solstice.

 The raven-and-ember-haired girl grinned. Her eyes were vibrant orange, Erin couldnt help but notice. And she felt like shed met her

 Me? Uh. Do I know you? Waitwaitarent you?

 Mavi. Pleased to meet you. Olesm and I have been stopping here regrly.

 Oh. Youre Olesms girlfr

 Erin bit her tongue. Olesms girlfriend? She had heard about it, but she hadnt believed it. She gaped at Mavi.

 Are you?

 Im she. And youre Erin Solstice. Do you have a moment?

 Iuhysurehey! You were the one who threw alcohol all over me! Cerias noble friend! Wait, youre a [Lady]!

 Erin remembered atst. Mavis teeth shed. She bowed slightly, and it was elegant and charming.

 As I am charged, so guilty! I think our meeting has been long overdue, Erin. May I call you that?

 Sure? But waitwhy are we meeting? I mean

 Erin found Mavi tugging her into another of the smaller private rooms. There was something about the young woman that waspelling. Erin found Mavi pulling out a chair. She smiled as she sat down. Erin frowned. Something

 Ive been wanting to talk with you. After allyou and I are simr. Have you noticed?

 That were simr? Nah. I meanyoure taller. And you have cool hair. Uhwere both Humans? Iis somethingare you doing something to me?

 The [Innkeeper] narrowed her eyes. She couldnt look away from Mavi. The fiery girl leaned on the table.

 Of course. The question is: what?

 Erin tried to look away. But her eyes were drawn to Mavi. Much like a moth was to light. Or eyes to afire. She felt it.

 Stop that. Youyoure using your aura-thing!

 I am.

 Stop that. Youyoure a [Lady]!

 Erin finally recognized the signs. It felt like Magnolia, Pryde, and Wuvren. Onlydifferent. She had the impression she was sitting across from a bonfire. Mavis eyes locked on Erins.

 Make me.

 Erin struggled. She hadnt been prepared for a fight, even a mental one. She bit her lip, tried to remember Lytes lessons. Focus. Gather your will likeErin pushed. She felt something pushing back, encircling her. She glowered.

 Stop. Doing. That!

 She shot up and flipped the table on Mavi. Or tried to. The table was too big. But Erin felt the force locking her down break. Mavi slipped back as Erin raised a fist.

 Get out of my inn! You [Ladies] are likerats! Shoo!

 She punched. Mavi dodged backwards.

 Im trying to help you. Dont you see how much you need it? I could have persuaded you to walk out of your inn before you started fighting back.

 Thats a crummy way of helping! I dont want you here. Shoo! Get lost! Get

 Mavi caught Erins punch. Since it wasnt a [Minotaur Punch], it wasnt that strong. She grabbed Erins other wrist.

 Calm down, Erin. Were alike.

 Like heck we are. Let go.

 Make

 Erin head-butted her. Mavi wasnt expecting that. The [Innkeeper] had the satisfaction of watching Mavi sit down hard on the floor. The [Lady] blinked up at her.

 Well. Youre more like Magnolia than I thought.

 The [Innkeeper]s eyes narrowed. Mavi was rapidly getting on her nerves.

 I dont know why you came here. But I dont like you already. Stop bothering me.

 She turned, to get someone to kick Mavi out. But the [Lady] stood up, and grabbed Erins shoulder.

 I saidstop.

 Erin whirled. She raised a fist. And saw fire.

 Mavi burst into mes. Her hair caught fire, her eyes zed. Her hand holding Erins shoulder was wreathed in brilliant, white-red mes.

 With a shout of panic, Erin tore away from her. But the door caught fire. She backed away as Mavi stood there. The fire was spreading! White-hot mes were covering the floor, the doorshe was going to burn everything in the room! She was

 The fire was familiar. Erin stared at it. It lookedgentle.

 White-red fire, yes. So brilliant it hurt the eyes at first. But the longer you looked, the less harsh the mes seemed. They had a gentleness to them. Erin felt it instinctively. It looked like

 Kindness made fire. She stared into Mavis burning eyes and saw

 A woman bending down,ughing at her brothers rueful expression as a toddler crawled out of his arms towards her. She had never been married. But she was delighted. Teasing. She lifted the boy up and heughed and caught at the mes and sparks around her. Mavi looked at her brother, Fulviolo El, leader of the House of El as he

 The mes flickered. They went out. The door stopped burning; the wood untouched. Mavi rubbed at her forehead. Flicked a bit of white fire off her shoulder.

 It had burned nothing. Perhaps it could have. Kindness could be a terribly painful me to those it hurt. But not to Erin. The [Innkeeper] stood there. She had seen the fire. She recognized it.

 Memory fire? But thats.

 Impossible, she almost said. But Erin remembered. [Like Fire, Memory]. It wasnt her Skill. [Immortal Moment] had been different. If Erin had to describe itit had felt greenwhich meant it was unique, as far as she understood it. But [Like Fire, Memory]someone had earned the Skill first.

 That someonesmiled.

 Let me try again. Im too used to getting my way. I thought I could barge in your ce and give you a lesson. Impress you. Oh, well. Im a hothead.

 She chuckled at that. Erin just kept staring. Mavi sat back down.

 Im sorry, Erin Solstice. When I said we were simrI meant it literally. You have the same fire as me. The same Skill. My Skill.

 She touched her breast, lightly. Erin stared. She had seena much older woman.

 Whowho are you?

 The [Lady] sighed. She leaned on her arms and smiled.

 Sit down, please. I can exin. I came here to help. Olesm told me you were full of surprises. But he didnt mention how fast you were.

 I have a quick head. Uhwho was

 Me. I didnt realize you could see the memory in my fire. But Ive never met anyone like you. Sit, please.

 Erin sat. Mavi sighed. They regarded each other a second time. Erin was shaken. Shook. But she was thinking.

 Youre a [Lady].

 I am.

 You have[Like Fire, Memory]. Dont you?

 I was the first.

 Mavis eyes glittered with amusement as Erins jaw dropped.

 No way. But thenwhen you threw alcohol on meand why didnt you say anything?

 It wasnt a good time. I was impressed, to be honest. Youve learned to call at least two different fires, havent you?

 Four. Wellwell, I can do three. Thest one is hardest. Its purple

 Maviughed in delight and pped her hands together.

 Purple? You meanlove?

 Erin jumped and blushed.

 Love? No, its happiness!

 What? Love is purple.

 No its not. Ive never had love fire. I have glory-fire, which is pink

 Thats gold for me.

 The two stared at each other. Lady Firestarter blinked, and then she started giggling.

 So its different colors! Of course! Ive always seen glory as gold. But you must see it aspink! Pink!

 Hey! Pink is a good color!

 Erin defended herself. Mavi was nodding andughing.

 Of course! And hatred is invisiblehow brilliant! I have no invisible fire. Hatred is ck for me. I wonder if I could change the color? Ive never tried.

 But you have the Skill? Whowho are you? I heard you and Olesm were dating

 Were not dating.

 Mavisughter turned into an amused look. Erin blinked.

 But Drassi said

 Were notboyfriend and girlfriend. Weve been intimate. But I dont have much time left.

 The young womannoMavis amused look made the two terms seem juvenile. Erins eyes popped.

 You and Olesm? Butwh

 The woman shook her head.

 Thats something else. Lets talk more about the fire.

 No its not. Go back. Exin. Why

 Erin. Look at me.

 The [Lady] spread her arms. And Erin saw her eyes shimmer. Fire raced up her arm. But this timeit wasnt one color.

 Her hand burned with white me. But further up, green fire, calm and cool, the fire of contentment, burned. Then red, passion, rage.

 ck hatred. Mavi El stared down at the Goblin King as the Flowers of Izril began to sortie. She pointed, and the [Archers]unched a fiery volley that exploded among the ranks of the Goblins. But there were too many

 Sorrowful blue. Fulviolo El was dead. His sony sick in bed, just a boy, as Mavi received the news. She stood there, as everyone turned to her. But she could not believe. Her brother was dead. Deadhe was

 Gold glory.She rode through a forest fire, her army marching through the fire that burned only their enemies. The Drakes were in retreat; even their Oldbloods fled this fire. Lady Firestarter charged

 Purple, deep love. Erin saw Mavi kissing Olesma woman dancing with aughing man

 Like a rainbow of color, the mes raced up Mavis arm. But more colors than even a rainbow held. Each one was beautiful. Deep. Erin felt tears springing to her eyes. She stared at Mavi. And she saw a young woman. But in the memory, she saw Mavi aging. Her memories of her body betraying her. Yet the fire remained. And now

 The two sat there. Erin blinked. And then she looked at the [Lady] sitting across from her. And her objections faded. She saw an old woman smiling gently. Her face lined, bound by a chair. Her form withered. For a moment. But she had always been the young woman who lounged in the chair. Even as time changed her.

 Oh. So thats who you are.

 That was all the [Innkeeper] said. Mavi almostflinched. In a moment, Erin had seen more than perhaps even the [Lady] intended. She shook her head.

 Ive never done that before, you know.

 Really? It was beautiful.

 Yes. But its also intimate. As you well know.

 Erin smiled ruefully.

 Yeah. That was. Wow. Imsorry for head butting you. Uhare you okay?

 The [Lady]s eyes widened. She startedughing again and plucked at her arm.

 What? Ohthis isnt an illusion. Im fine. Ive taken worse blows before.

 Phew. Thank goodness.

 Erin shook her head. She kept staring at Mavi. After a second, Erin opened her mouth.

 Youre a [Lady]. A Lady.

 She meant it in another sense. She had seen Mavi in a ballroom, greeting [Kings], even having royalty treat her like an equal. Leading armies. But she wanted Mavi to say it. The [Lady] inclined her head. She took a breath.

 True enough. Let me say it, then. My name is Mavi El. And I hope you will let me teach you in the time I have left, my sessor of fire.

 Erins breath caught. El. Even she knew the Five Families. But she had known the instant she stared into the fire.

 You mean?

 I wasoncethe matriarch of the House of El. Lady Firestarter, my nickname. Mavi and Fulviolo El. My brother was always the responsible one. But he had to die and I had to take charge. That was over a decade ago. Before that? I was a wild girl. I fought in a few wars. I had quite a fun time. I never managed to find someone to settle down with. But there were enough children in my life. That is me. And you?

 The [Lady] looked at Erin. Her soul bared. The fire had been the most intimate exposure of her past that Erin had seen. By contrast, the words just reaffirmed that truth. Erins hand shook.

 But you look

 A Potion of Youth. Wonderful things. Your [Alchemist] friend made them. Saliss of Lights can restore even someone as old as me into a young body. For a while.

 Maviughed at Erins expression. Erin sat back, holding her head.

 No way. But you were old. I meansorrybut you were!

 Dreadfully old! I was bound in my wheelchair. See?

 Mavi flicked a finger. A dusty, grey me appeared. Erin saw Mavi sitting in her wheelchair. Experienced it. She felt bound, too weary, incapable of rising. Her very bones ached, despite the tinctures and potions. Erin felt the aged frustration even as she jerked her eyes away.

 Nostop it.

 Im sorry.

 Thats awful.

 The womans lips quirked.

 It gets better. Your body betrays you. The worst part is remembering what its like to run about. And half-Elves getting to live far longer. I was so jealous.

 But how

 Magic. Alchemy. Surely youve heard of magical spells?

 But thats

 Erin had seen [Fireballs]. Powerful spells. Even undead. But this seemed grander than the rest. Mavi nodded.

 Thats mundane. Saliss of Lights is one of the worlds greatest [Alchemists]. He stands at the cusp of rediscovering true wonders. The kind that reversed aging. Potions that could allegedly bring back the dead, give the drinker wings. Transform them from one species into another. That is true alchemy.

 Wow.

 The [Innkeeper] sat back. She was taking it all in. But Mavi was looking at her.

 Youre so surprised. But youve seen so much yourself. I saw it, in your fire. Will youshow me?

 Erin jerked. Her heart pounded at the simple request. Still, Mavi had shown her so much. Shyly, Erin raised a hand.

 I cant do it like you.

 Thats quite alright. If you could, I wouldnt be here. What can you do?

 Umhappiness is hardest.

 It is.

 This iseasy. Depression fire. See?

 A blue me appeared in Erins cupped palms. Mavis smile faded. She stared into Erins fire. And saw

 Erin knelt over a pile of dust, searching for Toren. Calling his name. 

 She held Headscratcher, trying to hear hisst words.

 Klbkch was dead.

 Scenes flickered through the fire. Not any one thing. Mavi brushed at her eyes.

 Youve seen too much.

 Maybe. But you

 Im old. I should have sadness enough for a lifetime. But you? Youre a girl. You shouldnt be able to call so many memories out. Thats why Im here.

 Mavi reached out and touched Erins hand. Erin jerked, but it was toote. Mavi touched the fireboth blinked

 

 -

 

 The Worker walked towards Erin. She raised the frying pan and he stopped. The Worker raised all four arms.

 Please. I mean you no harm.

 The words were familiar. The way of speaking was familiar. Erin hesitated. She stared at him. She knew him. But she asked anyways.

 Pawn?

 I am not Pawn.

 The Worker shook his head. But he was not Ksmvr either. He knelt before Erin suddenly, and she nearly tossed the jar of acid. But the Worker made no move. He spoke to her, voice loud in the silence. And she knew his name before he spoke it.

 I am Knight.

 Erin stopped. And walked out of herself. She stared around as time froze.

 Whats happening?

 Her voice was a ghost in the memory as she saw herself staring at [Knight]. Someone else appeared.

 I dont know. This has never happened before. Were in your memory.

 Mavi stared around. She reached for Knight. Touched at the Antinium.

 What is this?

 Erin knew.

 An [Immortal Moment].

 She stared around. The two Skills had merged. Erin would never forget this moment. And in her fire was the memory. Mavi touched at her chest.

 It hurts. I feelyou.

 Erins panic, her confusion and fear. Erin felt it too. But she had lived it. For Maviher eyes glittered. She clenched her teeth.

 Whereis it?

 She looked around. And both of them saw.

 A figure crawling up a hill. Crimson eyes made of ruby. Pure terror. 

 Erins heart clenched, but she refused to retreat. Mavi turned pale and backed away.

 Dead gods. What is that?

 Skinner.

 The past resumed. More Antinium stepped forwards. Naming themselves.

 Milner-Barry. Garry. Bird. Cbrian. So manyand Erin had never forgotten them. Mavi walked among them. Erin was in two ces, recreating the memory and watching as well, a spectator.

 Look at them. They are nothing like the Antinium I know.

 Erin blinked. The Antinium were gone. The fire flickered. In the private room, the fire changed to red. The two womens hands were linked. Erin felt

 Rage. Mavi stood with Fulviolo, Petra and Ulva Tend, Lord Dallien Veltrasonly Wellfar had refused to send aid to House Reinhart.

 And there was Magnolia Reinhart. A girl. But she rode, garbed in armor and protective equipment at the head of an army.

 The Antinium surrounded Liscor. Mavi spat. Erin felt the bile in her mouth.

 What vile things. We were right toe, Fulviolo.

 The Drakes are not our allies.

 Petra snapped. But the other house heads were equally disturbed by the vast horde. The ck Tide was reforming. Fulviolo hesitated. Mavi looked up at her older brother and he, his face lined but no less the brother she had known, nodded.

 Allies or not. This army threatens all of Izril. House Reinhart was right. We cannot allow this gue to continue. Lord Dallien. Will you lead the charge?

 The [Lord] of the Veltras family nodded.

 Ride with me, Fulviolo.

 It would be my honor. Mavi

 Iming with you.

 The [Lady] insisted. Fulviolo pulled her aside.

 Stay with the [Archers]. This isnt the Sedfast war. I wont lose you or let you rush into them. Besidesthe Antinium tunnel. Guard our nks.

 Mavi bit her lip. But she acquiesced. The air burst into fire around her. Erin saw her pointing.

 [Archers], take my fire!

 Prepare to charge! Raise the banners!

 Lord Dallien shouted. Magnolia Reinhart joined the [Lords] preparing to charge, despite the objections of the others. Her face was white with fear. But what a brave girl. 

 Shes a lot younger.

 Erin remarked. The world froze over. Mavi turned her head, stepped out of her body. She blinked.

 We broke the backs of the Antinium this day. The first Antinium war. I thought they were but monsters until I came here. I still didbut your memorycan we go to it?

 Erin raised her hands. Concentrated.

 Flicker. The me turned blue again.

 They looked down at Skinner. Mavi stared about her at the Antinium, fighting the undead.

 Where are you?

 Inside. ying chess.

 Chess?

 It was an [Immortal Moment]. Soso I could get over my fear of Skinner.

 I see. Look at that monster.

 Mavi spat. The spit flickered out of existence. She narrowed her eyes, shook her head.

 They all died.

 Four lived.

 Erin looked at Knight. The dying chess club. She reached out. But she hadnt touched him, so her hand passed through this memory. She shook her head.

 Stop. I want to stop.

 Yes. This istoo much.

 The fire grew dimmer. Mavi let go of Erins hands.

 The memory vanished. The immortal moment ended. Erin sat in the inn, across from Mavi as the woman withdrew her hands. Erin blinked. Her face was wet. With tears?

 She touched her face. Mavi blinked at her, wide-eyed. Whatever the two had expectedit was not this. They looked at each other, having seen through each others eyes. Erin touched the wetness on her cheeks. She stared at Mavi.

 Did you just spit on me?

 Oops.

 -

 Youre not from here. I didnt think you were Izrilian or Terandrian. But that proves it. I saw into your mind, Erin.

 Uh oh. Please dont tell anyone.

 Erin sat with Mavi after a handkerchief and water had been applied. Mavi looked at her.

 Dont worry. I dont have long left.

 Erin had seen that too. She stared as Mavi produced a viridian vial.

 Two more weeks to go.

 Thats terrible. Cant you get more?

 Do you have tens of thousands of gold pieces? And does Saliss have the ability to produce a Potion of Youth each week?

 Mavi smiled at Erin and shrugged.

 Its fine.

 No, its not. You shouldnt die! Youre just going to live for two more weeks and then fall over dead?

 The young woman was horrified. In that wayshe understood Mavis feelings. How not when she had seen her memories? But she was not Mavi and the idea was anathema.

 Mavi was sanguine.

 Its a beautiful ending. Fire should burn out fast, not die as an ember. Ive made my peace with it. And as I saidI have something to do. Teach you.

 She pointed at Erins chest. The [Innkeeper] blinked.

 Teach me what?

 Fire! And offer you bits of advice. Youre like me. A firekeeper. We tend to people. We try to make the world better. Thats the role of the nobility. Or it was. Magnolia, Tyrionall these hotheads are better suited to war. But you? Look what youve made!

 She spread her arms to indicate the entire inn. Erin blushed.

 Nah, it wasnt

 The lie was too hard to utter. Mavi pointed sternly at Erin.

 Dont be modest. I hate false modesty. You know what youve done. All I want to do is give you more power. If I had met you when you were youngeryou could have burned Skinner out of existence yourself. I could have, at any rate.

 She smiled, conjuring a little ball of fire in one hand. Erin stared at it.

 Is that magic? I cant do magic.

 No. The power of my aura. Im fire. I dont know what you are, but we can find out. Erin. Will you let me teach you?

 The [Innkeeper] sat there. Then she stood up. She looked at Mavi. Here she was. Someone with Erins very Skills. Someone who was a master. Erin looked at Mavi.

 Sure. But alsodo you want to go to a party? Can you make it that long? No, you have to.

 Mavi blinked.

 A party?

 The two began to talk. Animatedly. Arms were waved. But Erin found herself sitting across froma friend. Odd, but she knew Mavi better than perhaps the [Lady] had intended.

 [Like Fire, Memory]. But also[Immortal Moments]. A Skill Mavi hadnt ounted for. And that was the thing. The moments might pass. But they were still immortal.

 -

 The fire was wondrous. Golden. It zed like gold in Mavis hands. She stood in the [Garden of Sanctuary] and Erin marveled at it. So did Mrsha. The Gnoll girl sat, staring at the two as they stood on the hill. Lyte and Numbtongue peeked through the door.

 This is my glory. Yours is different. But with timepracticeyou can make it stronger. Each one has vast utility. I cannot believe you gained your Skill barely a month ago!

 Mavis voice was almost indignant. Erin shrugged helplessly.

 Its a great Skill. And I did get it at Level 40.

 Yes, butwith this Skill? What kind of ss do you have? Wait. I know this one. [Magical Innkeeper]. I suppose its a rare ss. StillIm a [Lady]. Your Skills match mine.

 Mavi made an unhappy face. Erin rubbed at her head. Mavis memories were bouncing around in her skull too.

 Its weird. But Im also fromEarth.

 Lyte pped her face. Numbtongue copied her. Mavi just nodded.

 What a strange ce. But I know it. Together, your me and mine is tootoo intimate. I saw too much thanks to your [Immortal Moments]. Just as well I didnt conjure a me with me and Olesm, hm?

 She grinned as Erin turned red. Mrsha rolled down the side of the hill in disgust.

 No thank you. Can you just show me the fire, please?

 Certainly. Watch.

 Mavi concentrated and the golden me turned into a ball of fire. She drew her arm back and threw it.

 Golden mes arced through the air. Erin yelped.

 No! Dont set my garden on fire

 The mesnded, burned. But consumed nothing. Erin stopped. Mavi looked at her.

 Glory burns nothing. Its fleeting.

 Your glory doesnt burn anything. But mine does!

 The [Lady] frowned, crossing her arms in vexation.

 Hm. This is harder than I thought. Our fires are clearly different. But at leastI can show you a few things. You can throw your fire. Alsodo this.

 She set herself on fire. White mes burst from her body and Mrsha scrambled backwards. Then she crawled up the hill and tried to touch Mavi.

 No, Mrsha. Dont. Shoo! Shoo! Go y with the beavers.

 Erin tried to urge Mrsha away. The Gnoll looked up at her. But this was more fun! Mavi smiled.

 Here.

 She offered a bit of the white fire of kindness to Mrsha. The Gnoll gleefully took it and watched as it licked over her paw. Erin protested.

 Hey! Thats

 It wont burn her. See?

 Mrsha tried to wipe the fire onto the grass. It burned very slowly and went out after a few seconds. Mavi looked at Erin.

 Ive never thought to makenterns out of my fire. But youve seen me give [Archers] fire. You can even coat weapons in the fire if you want. Thats due to your Skill. But auras? Theyre a bit different. Watch.

 She pointed. A patch of innocent grass burst into me. Real fire. Erin and Mrsha jumped.

 Stop setting stuff on fire!

 Erin ran over to stomp on it with her shoes. Mavi shrugged.

 Its my aura. You may have noticed a motif with me.

 Yeah! Youre pretty hot stuff!

 Erin stomped and Mrsha waved her wand; the grass regrew. Both red at Mavi. Lady Firestarter smirked.

 My nature is me. I have yet to figure out yours. But you need to work on your aura, Erin. I was able to manipte you for a few moments. Well practice using both me and aura.

 Isure. Ive learned from Lyte, but its just not something I can figure out. Do you think you can teach me?

 Erin scratched her head. Lyte whispered indignantly to Numbtongue.

 I was teaching her!

 The [Lady] cast an amused nce towards the doorway.

 Im sure Lytes done her best. But shes a [Princess]. I doubt she had much training at her age; normally shed be much older by the time she developed her powers. Shes a prodigy.

 Lyte blushed as Mavi waved at her. Numbtongue nudged her. Erin blinked.

 She is?

 Oh yes. Monarchs dont need to hone their auras. This is a Skill ofwell, [Ladies] and [Knights] primarily. Only [Ladies] need to train. And the Flowers of Izril developed their abilities more than anyone else. In antiquity, the Order of Seasons actually learned from our ss.

 Mavi motioned Erin to sit down as Mrsha began to scribble notes on her drawing-paper. She was copying Grimalkin.

 You see[Kings] are rather good at being forceful themselves. Youve seen the King of Destruction?

 That jerk? Yeah, once or twice.

 Erin waved a hand. Maviughed.

 Hes more intimidating in real life. I met him when he was a boybefore the world called him the King of Destruction. Back when people still invited him to gatherings and thought they could use him in political games. He was forceful of will enough then to resist even the most cunning of [Lords] and [Ladies]. And all untrained! Thats what I mean. He has no fine control, but when he says kneel, he can force an army to bend their knees.

 That soundsbad.

 Erin nced at Mrsha. The Gnoll nodded. Definitely sounded bad. Although Rufelt liked Flos. So did Mrsha. He was nice to Gnolls. Even white Gnolls. Mavi shrugged.

 Its an example. Lyte, by her ss, is stronger than both of us naturally. No wonder shes a poor teacher.

 Hey!

 Both ignored that. Mavi gestured.

 Its not just about concentration. Theres elegance in how you use your aura. See? I manifest fire.

 She made a ball of real, hot fire appear in her hands. Mrsha oohed and apuded. Mavi tossed it at her. Mrsha ran away, squealing, but the fire vanished before it touched her.

 Stop bullying Mrsha.

 Erin scowled at Mavi. The grandmother of a [Lady]ughed.

 Children should be careful. I hear this ones unruly. Arent you?

 She stared at Mrsha, peeking around Erins back. Mrsha made a face. Mavi pointed.

 Sit down and be good, child.

 Mrsha hesitated, and then scooted over and sat. Erin narrowed her eyes.

 You used your aura on her.

 Say I did.

 Thats mean.

 The [Lady] sighed.

 Perhaps it is. But you do it too. Or do you think all of those spontaneous parties just happened? Youre using your aura without thinking of it. My goal is to train that.

 How? Lytes taught

 Mavi rolled her eyes.

 Like this.

 She reached out and grabbed Erins hands. The [Innkeeper] started and Mavi closed her eyes.

 Im going to shove you. This is a high-level technique. [Ladies] use with their Skills. [Deft Hand], usually. You should concentrate to stop me.

 Concentrate? Stop wh

 Erin felt a push. She tried to bl

 Mrsha saw Erin backflip off the hill and go flying as if someones invisible hand had swatted her. She and Mavi stared as Erin went flying and rolling down the hill. Mrshas jaw dropped. Mavi winked at her.

 Thats proper training.

 Aaah! You jerk!

 Erin came charging up the hill. Mavi raised a hand.

 [Deft Hand]

 Oh no. St

 Erin went flying again. Mrsha stared as she tumbled back down the hill. She got up and waved at Mavi. Do me, do me! The [Lady]ughed.

 Lyte went stomping up the hill to stop Mrsha-swatting. She looked huffily at Mavi.

 Mavi, I dont know if this is the best way to train Erin

 I think its the way she learns. See?

 Erin went charging up the hill. She pointed.

 Aha! Gravity!

 Mavi and Lyte staggered. The air pushed down on them. Mavi gritted her teeth.

 Cute. But I told you to block

 This time Erin went stumbling backwards. Lyte did too, but less far. Mavi nced at her.

 Youre already more powerful than I, Lyte. At least in station. Dont worry. Im here to help. Truly.

 Its very sudden. Erin shouldnt have told you about herhome. I trust youll keep it secret?

 Lyte pursed her lips. She liked Mavi. But Erin had given away far too much. Lyte knew Mavi was another runaway from her house, but she was a [Lady] of Izril. Mavi smiled deeper.

 To my very grave. Lyte du Marquin.

 The [Princess] hesitated.

 Id like to believe that. But I dont know who you are. Theres only one Mavi and thats from the House of El. But shes old; the Houses matriarch.

 And retired. I stepped down two weeks ago.

 Lyte blinked. Then her eyes went round. She looked at Mavi.

 No. Thats

 The [Lady] swatted with her hand. Lyte and Erin went somersaulting down the hill past Mrsha. The old [Lady] saw Mrsha peeking up at her with more respect as curses echoed from behind her. She winked at Mrsha.

 Behave. Now, whats your little secret, you brave firefly?

 Mrsha scooted closer on her bum and showed Mavi her wand. Eriny on the grass as Lytes head of red hair slowly rose. Both red up at the top of the hill.

 That was lesson one.

 -

 You did well. In time, no [Lady] will be able to force you to bow within twenty levels. They can still shove, but its just a matter of being aware of it. Three-versus-one? Well, Magnolia would still probably have pushed past you even in your inn. But the trick with auras is to force them to break their rules.

 A whileter, Mavi was lecturing the tousle-haired younger women. Both glowered at her, nursing bruises from being tossed down the hill.

 How? Magnolia even bullied Xrn! And Klbkch!

 Only because they werent willing to attack. [Ladies] are unmatched in society. Thats why were [Ladies]. Im suited forbat, but even I cant stand with [Warriors]. If the Antinium had attackedat least one of them would have died. Why do you think Wuvren wasst to retreat? They would have broken the etiquette of the moment and all their little tricks would have ended.

 So if Magnolia tries to influence me

 Kick her. Or head-butt her. That usually works. But watch out for Ressa. She was trained as an [Assassin]. Now, lets move onto more lessons. Im tired. Ill keep teaching you to use your aura for a few more days. Practice makes perfect.

 Mavi yawned delicately, as if she hadnt just flicked both girls off the hill. Theyd managed to avoid being thrown in thest ten minutes of the hour-long practice, but only just. Mrsha was sitting on Mavisp, having her hairbed. The [Lady] enjoyed it so much shed groomed three beavers who were napping around her.

 Erin decided she didnt like Mavi that much. She was sort of pushy! But thenthe woman smiled and Erin was reminded of the life shed lived.

 Okay. What next?

 The [Lady] pped her hands. Mrsha and the beavers started into wakefulness.

 Logistics!

 Say what now?

 Erins face fell. Mavi grabbed her arm.

 Youre a beautifully talented young woman. But Ive noticed youre about as good at tackling numbers and matters of the like as this young Gnoll here. Have you even budgeted your inn? Do you know how much youll owe in taxes?

 Wellwe have a [Tax Collector]. Hes sort of a jerk, but he did them. And Lyte calctes our ie! Why do I have to do it? Delegation, thats important too!

 Erin protested. Mavi stared at her.

 So you didnt double-check the [Tax Collector]s numbers? You have no one overseeing Lytes work? Have you even tried to get better deals on say, food?

 No. We go through Krshia

 Wheres your budget sheets? Your ies and expenses?

 Um. Lyte?

 The [Princess] looked worried as Mavi ushered them into the inn. In short order, she produced sheets of paper. But they were just Lytes notes. They werent dated. They had no organizational system tracking each day of the month in neat rows, like food expensesjust a total sum Lyte roughly calcted. Mavi gave Erin a look.

 In your world, is there no such thing as bookkeeping?

 Erin blushed. Mavi looked at Lyte.

 At least Miss Lyte has the excuse of never having to manage a budget. [Princesses] dont. But youre an [Innkeeper].

 But I never was good at math

 Then learn. Give me a quill. Little Mrsha,e here. You can learn this too. This is how you calcte your ie.

 In short order, Mavi had drawn up a spreadsheet with neat columns and rows. Each date would have an entry and the expenses would go down on this side, and the iesErin and Lyte looked at each other.

 Thats so easy!

 I cant believe you dont know how to do this. Well, I have practice. This way you can track more than just expenses. Do you know how to haggle?

 Uhmaybe?

 Who provides your milk? Have you shopped around for a better deal?

 Theres this [Rancher] Gnollbut look, we have a good rtionship with him! I dont think we need to be mean.

 Mavi rolled her eyes.

 And if hes taking advantage of you?

 Well, I dont think he is. Anyways, a good deal is where everyone wins, right?

 Hah! Wait, are you serious? Okay. How much did you pay for milkst week?

 -

 Lesson two sucked. But it did point out a few things to Erin. Namely that she could save money and that doing basic budgets wasnt hard. It was just entering stuff into a spreadsheet. Even soshe didnt like it.

 Money is important. My House survives on being able to bnce our budget. You may have moneying in, but you can always save more. Its quite clear to me that youre overpaying for any number of vegetables. You buy from Liscors markets.

 Yeah. So?

 Buy from Celum. They haverger farms. Liscor is agriculturally poor, hence the price increase. On the other hand, milk is cheaper than Celums markets. Thank you, Drassi, was it?

 Yes, Miss Mavi.

 The panting Drake had run into Celum to get tallies on the market prices, as well as Esthelm and Invrisils prices. Mavi snapped her fingers.

 Quill.

 Mrsha handed one to her. The [Lady] showed Erin a tally.

 Howeverthese are the prices from Pass. Produce is just as cheap. Thats because of Oteslia. Id encourage you to still buy from Celum because you have [Farmers] like this Want you can make rtionships with. Plus, transport from Pass takes mana from your door. But do that and youll save gold per week.

 Wow.

 Lytes eyes were shining. She was staring at Mavi like a hero of the fiscal report. The woman tapped her fingers on the table.

 Wellyou dont need to worry that much about money. Its refreshing not to see so much debt.

 Does House El have money problems?

 Erin saw both Lyte and Mavi wince. The [Lady] blushed as she twiddled the quill in her fingers.

 Ive done my best. But were historically bad at managing our money. We haverge projects; thest one put us more into debt. Money goes in, money goes out. Im good at saving money, not spending it. Which is why I wont tell you how to spend your gold. But I will tell you that you have enough to spend. Sowhat projects do you have in mind?

 Erin and Lyte looked at each other.

 Projects?

 Mavi looked sternly at them.

 Money is meant to be used. You have to grow it, not keep it locked away under your bed.

 I knew that. Thats why its buried in the garden.

 The [Innkeeper] was pleased to see Mavi close her eyes for a second in actual pain. To be fairshed done that on purpose. Not that she didnt appreciate Mavis help. But she was being bossy. Sort of likeLyte. Or Erin herself.

 Please tell me you have ns for the inn? Renovating it is good! But do you have any other designs?

 Bird wants a ballista.

 Lyte and Mavi looked at Erin. She shrugged.

 Well, he does. But thats not on my list. I guessenchantments? But we never got around to it. It was too expensive and then we couldnt find an [Enchanter]. Uhthis was back before the magic door.

 I see. And you want enchantments?

 Mavi saw Erin and Lyte exchange a nce and then they began speaking over each other.

 Okay, the stone ovens are great, but I hear you can make them magic. Id love not to have to light them each time

 I want a tracking spell on Mrsha

 someone to look at the door

 light spells at night

 something nice instead of the poo smell in the outhouses

 noise-cancelling spells in the bedrooms. Just for privacys sake

 The [Lady] leaned back in the face of the eager voices. She stared at them.

 Then hire an [Enchanter].

 From where?

 Both looked at her. Mavi opened and closed her mouth.

 Invrisil? Pass? Set up an appointment and hire them.

 How?

 Erins mystified look made Mavi snap. She stood up.

 Follow me. Do you just not know how to schedule appointments? Were going to Invrisil. No, not you. Or you. I dont have time for trouble and you two would both bring it.

 She poked Mrsha and Numbtongue as the two followed. Both looked hurt. Lyte stood up, flustered.

 Ill stay with Mrsha, Erin. Are you going to go now?

 It will take fifteen minutes. Come on.

 Wait! ButwhIm not ready!

 Erin found her arm in Mavis. The [Lady] dragged her towards the magic door. Erin fought to get free, but Mavi just linked her arm tighter.

 Come on. You have to learn some basic skills.

 Okay, stop pulling me!

 Blushing, Erin pulled away from Mavi. The [Lady] eyed her.

 Dont be so formal. Incidentally, you need to fall in love sometime. Its a wonderful feeling.

 Excuse me! Thats personal!

 Mavi sighed.

 Youth is wasted on you. Do you not like Drakes or Gnolls? Or perhaps

 Im fine! Geez! Everyones so personal!

 In a huff, Erin stalked past Mavi. And then they were in Invrisil. The [Lady] followed. It took her a bit of will to resist paying the silver tax, but Magnolia wasnt the only [Lady] with authority. Besides, Mavi didnt have that much coin anymore.

 I couldnt help but notice that in your memories, you never seem interested in all the fine fellows around you. Especially that young [Necromancer].

 Pisces? Ew.

 What about the Courier?

 Hawk? He has a fluffy tail, but thats it.

 Hm. The Goblin? No, you werent attached to him either. But I know I recalled

 Stop it! Where are we going?

 The two arguing young women stopped as they left the inn and abruptlyheard a lot of noise. Both halted in the street in time to see the protest.

 People were marching and shouting, angry faces lighting up the street. Erin backed up into Mavi. The [Lady] stared.

 What is this?

 They turned to the [Bouncer] at the door. Redit was standing there; hand on his club, but trying to be unobtrusive as possible.

 The Golden Triangle, Misses. Theyre protesting. Demanding the Mages Guild and [Mayor] give them their money back. Havent you heard of the protests?

 Erin looked at Mavi.

 There was a riot two days ago. Its still going on?

 In Liscor its protests too. How bad was it?

 Mavi had been with Olesm the night the news broke. Several buildings had been half-burned. Redit grimaced.

 Nothing bad happened around here, Misses. We took care of trouble. But the Mages Guild was under siege until the Watch broke it up. Lots of fighting. Theyre still angry.

 Thats terrible. Those poor people. I told Relc he was an idiot

 Erins face fell. Mavi was nodding, but she nced at Erin.

 Relc? Your friend was in The Golden Triangle? Come on, well walk past the protest.

 Thats not wise

 Redit objected, but Mavi walked through the crowd. So did Erin. The crowd was chanting, angry people ready for a fight. Redit tensed to go after thembut to his surprise, he saw people walking around Mavi and Erin as if they werent there.

 [Crowd Control]. Mavi looked at Erin.

 Youre using your aura.

 I know. I just didnt realize it until now.

 Erin frowned. It was both her Skill and her aura. She felt like she could feel theflow of the crowd. It would be hardalmost impossible to make them calm. On the other hand, it would be terrifyingly easy to get them to turn into another riot. Mavi nced at her.

 Lots of smoldering embers here. You feel it too? Thats another use of your aura. Igniting them.

 I have a Skill that does that.

 Well, you can make it stronger. But lets not experiment with this lot. What was the problem with this Relc? Have I met him?

 Maybe? Hes the big Drake with the spear.

 Ah, him. So what did he do?

 As they walked through the streets of Invrisil, leaving the protest behind, Erin exined Relcs objectionable behavior to Mavi. Even now she grew angry thinking about it.

 He didnt even get what he was doing was wrong! Until Ryoka and I exined it.

 Mavi gave her a strange look.

 Of course not. Why would he? No one knew. Only someone from your world would have. Why are you so angry at him for not seeing through a cunning trick?

 Ibut he was wrong.

 But he didnt know.

 Erin bit her lip and fell silent. Mavi shook her head.

 Youre rather stubborn. And opinionated, Erin Solstice. Rather like me. Its a disturbing parallel. I wish you werent so much my clone. Wellwe vary in some ways.

 Im your clone? Waitaminute. Hey! Im not that stubborn! I just have convictions!

 Erin protested and hurried after Mavi. They arrived at their destination after some light bickering. Mavi pushed into the busy guild, which had a double line of Human [Guards], arguing with Erin.

 All Im saying is that giving is part of negotiations. You refuse topromise at times. I saw that.

 Im flexible!

 Yesof course you areexcuse me! A message to Master Hedault, please! Hes still working in Invrisil, isnt he?

 The [Scribe] at the front desk nced up at Mavi. He wasnt having a good day and his tone was rather brusque.

 Yes, Miss. He is. But Id advise you to go to the Runners Guild for any messages.

 But he is a member of the Mages Guild, isnt he? You have a direct way to contact him. Street Runner messages tend to get lumped together or ignored depending on how important the client is, Erin.

 Mavi half-spoke to Erin. The [Scribe] sighed.

 We do not just deliver messages for our members, Miss?

 El. Lady El.

 The [Scribe] dropped his quill. Heads turned across the Mages Guild. Mavi stood there, in her casual clothing as the [Scribe] blinked at her.

 L-Lady El? Of the

 Thats right. Of the House of El. Need you a truth spell or will you take me at my word?

 Mavi drew herself up. Erin narrowed her eyes. A touch of her aura. But it was mostly the way she held herself. The [Lady] looked at the [Scribe] as he stammered.

 Of course not, Lady Elhow can I serve you? Deepest apologies. Did you say Master Hedault?

 Yes. Inform Master Hedault that I would like my friend to use his services. Miss Erin Solstice of The Wandering Inn. She has a connection as well through the Horns of Hammerad, isnt that right, Erin?

 Uh, yes. Hi. Im Erin.

 The young woman waved at the [Scribe]. He wrote frantically.

 Very good, Lady El. I will have it delivered forthwith. Master Hedault may not replyhe is a peculiar personage

 He will for me. House El is acquainted with him and he knows that. Moreover, Miss Solstice owns the magical door. Im sure youve heard of it? Master Hedault will see Miss Solstice soonhave the message sent to Liscors Mages Guild and then to The Wandering Inn. They will know where it is.

 Absolutely, Lady El.

 Good. For your time.

 Mavi put several silvers on the counter. The [Scribe] bowed and she swept out. Erin nearly forgot to follow her.

 Whoa! That was

 That was like her! But Erin didnt say that. Mavi had done it in a different way; Erin would have just dropped names. Mavi nced at Erin.

 You always have to use names to get ahead or youd be waiting forever, Erin. And thats how you schedule an appointment. By the end of the week, youll get to see Master Hedault. Sooner, I should think. Dont worry about the payment; if there is any, it will go to House El. They owe me that much. Althoughdo you have a gold coin?

 Um. Yes. Do I give it to the [Scribe]?

 Erin dug one out. Mavi blinked at her.

 Scribe? No, I tipped him. This is for me. Tuition fee and for the tip I gave.

 She took the gold coin. Erin blinked at it.

 But you gave him five silver.

 Mhm. And?

 The two walked on. The [Scribe] frantically worked away as the others murmured. House El. But they werent surprised to see a [Lady] here. After all, this was Invrisil. That she was without bodyguards? Well, the young nobles did that too.

 But the [Scribe] did notice something as he took the tip and did not charge House El for the minor message. A little note, sent to the Mages Guilds. They were looking forhis head jerked up. He stared at Mavis ck and orange hair. Slowly, his hands froze on the message.

 Setil? Whats wrong? Is she not of House El?

 One of the other [Scribe Mages] whispered to him. Setil jumped. The [Scribe] looked at his co-worker. He shook his head.

 No. Get a City Runner to deliver it to Master Hedault. Mark it as priority from the House of El. II need to send a [Message].

 To whom?

 The House of El. Thats their runaway. They have a bounty for sightings of her.

 -

 Mavi and Erin walked through Invrisil, but they werent the only people moving through the city. Nor even the only important people on business here.

 They wereing. The [Guards] on the gates let the procession of [Riders] through without checking any of them. They stood to attention as nearly three-dozen [Lords] and retainers rode through the city. Each was a local noble. House Terr, House PhiDeran, House Sanito

 Lord Alman Sanito was riding stiffly with the other [Lords]. Lord Ranga of House Owe was riding with his son. The [Lord] snapped as his son checked his sword.

 Sword away, Mel!

 The young [Lordling], seventeen years of age and hot-blooded, flushed.

 But father

 We are not barbarians. Apologies, Lord Alman, you were saying?

 Are you certain this is wise, Ranga? I still have reservations.

 Lord Alman was nervous. He hadnt told his wife about this; he had excused it as a ride to settle his nerves. But the other [Lord] just nodded.

 This intolerable [Trade War] hassted too long, Alman. Well all be out of gold in another two weeks. Reinhart must relent.

 Neither man referenced the fact that this was due to the ck flowers theyd sent her. Theyd had cause to regret that. It had been politically expedient at the time. ButAlman shifted in his saddle.

 Were like to run into her security.

 And will they attack us? I dont think so. Reinhart may bea Reinhartbut even shes not that mad. Well demand an audience.

 Lord Alman nced about at the other [Lords]. Some looked as nervous as him, but a few were more hotheaded than he would have cared to see.

 And if we dont get it?

 We insist.

 Lord Rangas son checked his de again. It was anill-conceived n. Lord Alman reflected on Magnolia Reinhart. She had been tempered by time, but everyone knew how shede to power. Moreover, she might not rule the Assassins Guild at this moment, but in the past her family had been known to make their opponents disappear. Or be found in gruesome ways.

 Stillthey were desperate. And the [Lords] considered this the best option. They were wrong for a few reasons.

 FirstlyMagnolia Reinharts security tended to be varied. Some had quite a lot of restraint and respect for nobility. Othersdid not.

 SecondMagnolia Reinhart was unlikely to be impressed even by this group of nobles.

 And third? She wasnt even at her mansion. She was excusing herself from her meeting with Lady Edere at this moment.

 But none of that mattered because the [Lords] were set. And as they rode through the city, one of them saw the protests. They halted as the crowds of protesters saw the [Lords].

 Justice! Give us back our money!

 One of them screamed at the [Lords]. A son unsheathed his swordbut the retainers looked nervously at the thousands of very upset people.

 I say, whats this all about?

 A tall man shouted uncertainly. One of his retainers muttered in his ear.

 Milord, the Golden Triangle

 Several of the [Lords], including Alman, nched with fury. Theyd lost gold to that too. Another blow they couldnt handle with their depleted treasuries. The [Lords] muttered.

 We have our issues with the Golden Triangle! Make way! The Lords of Izril have aint to settle with Magnolia Reinhart regarding this [Trade War]!

 Lord Ranga bellowed. The angry mob didnt really budge. He hesitated. Then Lord Rangas expression lit up. He turned to Alman.

 I have a better idea to force Magnolias hand. Lord Almanlisten

 Ranga

 The other man began uneasily, but it was toote. Ranga shouted.

 Utter your grievances to Lady Reinhart! She is your [Lady]! She should have protected you! Demand your money from her, people of Invrisil!

 The crowd listened. They began to boil. Some people nodded; the other [Lords] lent their voices and even Skills to Ranga.

 Justice from Reinhart! March with us!

 The crowds energy began to pick up. Lord Alman gulped. Indeed, as Erin had noted

 It just took one spark. Unfortunately, as bad ideas went

 This one wasnt much better.

 -

 Erin and Mavi noticed the shouting as they were headed back to The Wandering Inn but neither took notice of it at first. They were talking.

 Soso what do I do with this Hedault guy?

 You tell him what you want and he tells you how much it costs. Try to be polite. Theres nothing to it, Erin. Have you never hired a contractor? A [Mercenary]?

 Um. No. My parents hired the plumber and painter and stuff.

 Mavi sighed.

 Children. Its very simple. Why are you so reluctant to do these things?

 I dunno. I try not to rock the boat. See, its been peaceful ofte.

 Not everything you do will turn out into some huge event.

 Aha, seeyou dont know me that well. I could make a cup of water explode. Probably.

 So could I. I think youre justzy, Erin.

 Lazy? Hey nowthats fair, but

 The two were enjoying each otherspany. In a way. Erin felt too close to Mavi after staring into her memory mes if that made sense. She barely knew the woman and even Mavi seemed uneasy by the shared memories.

 You saw Fulviolo. My brother.

 Yeah. He died, right?

 To Goblins. And I killed Antinium. To me, they were The ck Tide. You must understandIve looked at them like that all my life. This is new to me.

 You should talk to Numbtongue. Hes a swell guy.

 Mavi half-smiled.

 I may. But I dont know if Ill stay in Liscor much longer. Long enough to teach you and Olesm, Erin. But I want my ending to be bright. I may ride upon the Antinium Hives. To see them.

 Erin halted in the street.

 Dont talk about dying.

 Why not? Ive lived over ny years, Erin. You see me now bright and glowing. But I made my peace. Life isnt meant to be forever. Istill believe that.

 Mavis eyes grew troubled for a second. She shivered. Erin bit her tongue.

 But what about Olesm? Youll break his heart. Why did you like him, anyways?

 There was much to love. He needed me. And in a wayI needed him. Cant I fall in love?

 The [Lady]ughed as she looked at Erin. The [Innkeeper] was troubled.

 Howhow do you do that? Fall in love? Its so hard for me.

 Ah.

 Mavi halted in the street. She looked back at Erin. Sympathetically. The admission hade out of Erin by ident. She blushed.

 I just meant

 You poor burning child. Come here.

 Mavi hugged Erin. It was embarrassing. Erin tried to pull away, but Mavi tried to hug her. People were staring. Erin flushed; it was hard to remember Mavi was so old if you looked at her. Young, radiant, beautifulErin envied her confidence.

 The two jostled on the street, Maviughing, Erin ducking away. And Invrisil was abuzz. A crowd was marching through the streets, now turned against Magnolia Reinhart. At the same time

 Lady Macbeth is being performed tonight! TomorrowElisial featuring Jasi and Wesle of The yers of Celum!

 A boy-[Crier] distracted Erin and Mavi. The [Lady] looked up, sighed.

 Dead gods. But thats something else you made, isnt it?

 The two looked at a huge poster of Jasi, with some of the cast, drawn in noble poses on a wall as the [Crier] sold tickets. To a show three weekster, actually.

 Tickets are sold out for tomorrow, Miss! And three weeks on! Youll want these, though! Theyre going up in price! You can resell em too! Some of the profits to go to rebuilding Celum!

 The [Crier] addressed Erin and Mavi, trying to make another sale. Both were amused and he didnt know why. He watched them trail away as they regarded the posters.

 You know, I have a private booth. Jasi keeps telling me I should go, but I dont want the attention.

 Can I go? Id love to see a y. I saw them perform once. But this is so new.

 Mavis voice was wistful. Erin looked at her.

 Why not? Ill ask em!

 See, they are an asset. And you dont really leverage them? Ask for a cut of their profits? I would argue they owe you some.

 Butbut thats so mean

 Mean? Erin, you have to think about money like

 The two were arguing again. They passed by a bunch of women riding horses. And Mavi heard a voice.

 There, you see? I told you that this was the newest thing. Magnolia told me all about it. I didnt get a chance to watchst time. But we have tickets for tomorrows y.

 Mdy Bethal, why tomorrow?

 A group of women was riding with the [Lady] and her escort of shockingly pink [Knights]. Bethal Walchasughed.

 I hear the Drake is the best [Actor]. Well stay the night. Magnolia might put us up. Do you think so, Thomast?

 The man riding next to her sighed.

 We are dropping in unannounced. Withpany.

 Bah. Its only a few of my friends.

 Bethal turned to the other women riding with them. They were to Bethal what a [King]s court wasjust smaller. Riding friends,moners or the very fringes of nobility. Bethal turned her head.

 Now, onto the [Seamstress]! I want to see what those styles of clothing Magnolia had were. Well take the north by storm!

 The others pped their hands andughed. The Knights of the Petal and Thomast patiently apanied the procession on their outing. And Mavi stared at Bethals back.

 Mavi? Mavi, whats wrong?

 Erin prodded her. Lady Firestarter jumped.

 OhI just thought of something to do. Will you excuse me for a second, Erin?

 For what?

 Just a second

 Mavi strode off. Erin saw her march to the nearest building. A shop. She began speaking with the owner. Erin stared at the [Lady] riding horseback. Did Erin know her?

 No. But she looked rather fun, urging her stoic husband into the conversation,ughingErin smiled. She turned as Mavi reappeared, panting, with a bucket in her hands. Erin sniffed, recoiled.

 What is that?

 Animal waste. That was a [Beast Tamer]s shop. Rather lucky, right?

 Lucky? Hey, what are you doing with

 Erin saw Mavi hurry off, clearing a way with the stench from the liquid bucket alone. Bethal Walchas didnt notice. And Erin realizedtoote that Mavi and her were rather alike.

 Different in some ways. For instanceLady Firestarter had been known in her youth to be rather vindictive. Mavi stopped behind Bethal as one of the Rose Knights blocked her path.

 Excuse me, young woman

 Sir Kerrig began and gagged at the stench. Mavi smiled at him.

 Ignition.

 The air ignited. Ser Kerrig reached for his battleaxe as his horse reared, spooked by the fire Mavi conjured around her. The [Lady] stepped forwards as Bethal and the others turned, rmed by the sudden heat.

 She tossed the bucket.

 Erin saw the bucket and filthy brown contents go flying. She saw a blurThomast, the [Chevalier] blocked Bethal, leaping from his horse. Neverthelesshe was fast, but not fast enough in his surprise. Most of the bucket hit him square in the chest. But a few spatters ofwellstuff hit his wife. Bethal Walchas blinked down at the stinking excrement on her dress. Her escort shouted in horror. Mavi waved at Bethal.

 Thank you, Bethal Walchas!

 She blew a kiss. Bethal stared at Mavi.

 Mavi El?

 The youngdy ran for it. The [Knights] were cursing, hesitating as they looked at their [Lady]. Bethal touched some of the brown filth, recoiled. She looked at her covered husband. Her dress.

 Thomast?

 Yes?

 He wiped filth from his face. Bethal smiled and pointed at Mavis back.

 Kill. Her.

 Erin stared as Mavi ran at her. She was so horrified the [Lady]s shouts didnt register at first. Then she heard

 Run, you idiot!

 Mavi,ughing, raced past Erin as the Rose Knights charged after her, leaping from their saddles. Thomast himself stayed with Bethal despite her shouting bloody murder. Erin ran.

 You maniac! Why did you do that?

 Vengeance!

 Mavi retorted. They scrambled through the street as the [Knights] shouted. Erin ranbut the Rose Knights were fast. Trained warriors, they barreled down the street.

 Stop. By order of Lady Walchas!

 This wasnt my fault this time! It wasnt my fault this time!

 Erin shouted. Mavi was justughing. She raced between two people on horseback, startling the horses. Erin ducked left. She saw Ser Kerrig running at her, turned

 [Minotaur Punch]!

 She threw a punch. Ser Kerrigs eyes widened. He haltedand blocked her punch with a grunt.

 Ow!

 Erins fist hit his gauntlet. Both recoiled at the impact. The [Knight] stared at her. Erin threw up her hands. She turned around and ran screaming.

 Aaaaah! Aaaaaaaah! Mavi, I hate you!

 The [Lady] wasughing. She conjured fire and threw it at the [Knights]. Nothing dangerous; but enough to make them and the onlookers scatter. Erin made it five more steps before someone grabbed her shoulder.

 Miss

 She whirled and booted Ser Kerrig in the groin. All that happened was that Erins foot hurt; his enchanted codpiece refused to budge. Even so, the [Knight] winced from the mere act.

 Excuse me, Miss

 He expertly pulled her arm up and Erin yelped. She tried to stomp on his foot, then backwards head-butt him. The [Knight] ignored all of it, blocking her head with a hand. Erin struggled, but ahead of her she saw Mavi running for the inn.

 She never made it. Lady Bethal herself rode down on Mavi and Erin heard an impact. As she was hauled forwards, she saw Mavi lying on the ground. Bethal had knocked her t. Not hard, but enough to leave the [Lady] breathless.

 I have the other one, Lady Walchas.

 Mavi El. We meet again. Thomast, give me your rapier.

 No, Bethal.

 The furious [Lady of Thorns] stood over Mavi as the [Lady Firestarter] looked up. Mavi gasped after regaining her breath.

 Youdeserved it. You petty [Thief].

 You stole from me first! Thomastgo get more filth. Ill make Mavi eat it. Her and herwhos this?

 Bethal looked nkly at Erin. Ser Kerrig shrugged.

 An aplice, Lady Bethal? I dont believe she participated.

 Im innocent! Hey! That hurts!

 Bethal cast a dismissive nce at Erin.

 Let her go then. Thomastmake it a huge bucket.

 No, Bethal.

 Thomast

 The arguing couple and Mavi being restrained by two [Knights] was interrupted by Erin. Free of Ser Kerrigs hold, she did the only expedient thing: she ran into the yers Retreat, the inn, and disappeared. Bethal nced at Mavi.

 Much loyalty you inspire.

 Shes a friend. Hello, Bethal.

 I have a mind to make you eat the leavings of my horse, Mavi. I was content with pranking you, but thisand poor Thomast? We will have a reckoning.

 Bethals eyes shed as she pointed down at Mavi. Thomast sighed.

 Bethal, leave it alone. Lady El surely deserves her payback. You inconvenienced her for several days.

 Thomast! You should be on my side! Youre covered ininexcrement!

 The [Lady] stomped a foot as she dismounted. One of her attendants was calling for a cleansing charm. Thomast shrugged as someone waved a wand over his clothes and most of the filth justfell away. It still stank, though.

 It washes off, dear.

 Nonsense. I demand

 The door to the inn swung back open. Bethal, the Knights of the Petal, and Thomast turned and sawa small army in the doorway.

 Erin had made Redit drag the magical door so it ovepped with the actual doorway. So what the [Lady] and her attendants saw was about two dozen guests of the inn and staff aiming the emergency crossbows at them. Erin had a frying pan and a knife in the other hand. She pointed the knife at them.

 Stick em up! Let go of Mavi!

 The street froze. The Rose Knights reached for their weapons, putting themselves between the inn and Bethal at once. Thomast drew his rapier so fast Erin didnt see it.

 Mavi began tough. Bethal nced at the inn in shockthen at Mavi. Slowly, she stepped back, and the [Knights] holding Mavi let go. Mavi turned.

 I believe Ill leave it at that, Bethal.

 Smugly, she walked through the doorway. Erin stared at Mavi as the [Lady] winked at her.

 Well done, Erin. Thank you for

 Erin donked her on the head with the pan. Hard. That was roughly the sound the pan made. Mavi staggered. Bethal blinked.

 You jerk!

 That hurt!

 Mavi glowered. Erin put her knife awayand Mavi kicked her back. Erin got up, outraged.

 You threw poo! Youre a maniac!

 That was justice! How dare you

 Leg hook!

 Erin pulled Mavis left leg up. The [Lady]s eyes went wide and she fell over. Erin pointed.

 Mrsha! Get her!

 The Gnoll leapt on Mavi, hirsute, her fur making her look like some miniature white mammoth. Mavi shouted, trying not to hurt Mrsha as she pummeled Erin. The [Innkeeper] folded her armsuntil she heard theughter.

 Lady Bethal Walchas was <emughing. Behind her [Knights], who were watching theedy with eyes on the crossbows, the [Lady] wasughing. She guffawed at Mavi as the [Lady Firestarter] finally tossed Mrsha off her.

 Bethal doubled over and then looked at Thomast as crossbows were lowered and everyone rxed. Lyte looked appalled. Ser Kerrig and the other [Knights] looked extremely wary. Thomast just blinked. Bethal looked at Erin and then at Thomast.

 I like you! I say, do you have anything to wash a dress with?

 Erin looked at Bethal. She nced at Mavi. Then she fell down as Mavi kicked her legs in.

 -

 The [Lady] was in a good mood. After a quick change from her saddlebags, she sat in The Wandering Inn. And all was forgiven.

 Between her and Erin, at least. The [Knights] were not happy. But the crossbows hadnt even been loaded, a fact Thomast had pointed out. Now, they stood around in the inn.

 And Bethal Walchas had met the legendary [Innkeeper] with the magic door. She pped her hands with delight as Mrsha offered her a towel.

 What a wonderful Gnoll-child! Hello! Whats your name?

 Shes Mrsha. She cant talk. Say hi to the nice [Lady], Mrsha.

 Mrsha signaled hi, nice to meet you. Bethals eyes widened at the signnguage.

 Hello? Was that hello? How terrible! Was it an ident?

 No, Mrsha was always like this. She saidhi, nice to meet you. Seeshe makes words with her hands.

 Ingenious. Thomastlook!

 I see her, Bethal. Hello, Miss Mrsha.

 The [Chevalier] bowed slightly. Mrsha sniffed at him. The man looked around.

 We came through the door! During the game of ser. But I had no idea you owned it. Mavi, youre staying here?

 Not here.

 Mavi was glowering at Erin. The two had kept kicking each other until Lyte had separated them. Erin shook a fist around Mrsha. Mavi was crazy! Nothing like her. Who threw poo? Well, Bird. But he didnt count.

 Amazing. And this is actually the origin of the yers of Celum?

 Yup. We actually have another theatre group. See?

 Erin pointed down the [Grand Theatre]. The yers of Liscor were rehearsing A Dolls House,pletely inocted to the madness of the inn. Lady Bethal looked around, eyes shining.

 What a splendid inn. An inn at a crossroads, thanks to the magical door! And were actually at Liscor? Thats hundreds of miles!

 Well, it is a magic door. Its nothing special.

 Erin puffed out her chest, slightly proud of the [Lady]s wonder. Mavi whispered in Erins ear.

 So a magical door that teleports you four hundred miles is nothing special, but Potions of Youth dont exist, hm?

 The [Innkeeper] scowled at Mavis good point. She saw Bethal Walchas staring around.

 Sorry. For the crossbows. They were unloaded. I just wanted to scare you. I thought you were gonna beat Mavi up.

 I probably would have settled for tossing a bunch of excrement over her.

 Bethal muttered. Thomast sighed. He bowed to Erin.

 My name is Thomast Veniral. Lady Bethals husband. I apologize for the misunderstanding, Miss Solstice.

 Oh! Thats alright. Im uh, sorry for kicking and punching that guy.

 Erin pointed at Ser Kerrig. The [Knight] was staring at Numbtongue. He jumped, distracted.

 What? Ah, no damage done, Miss Solstice. Indeed not. Lady Walchas

 I see it, Kerrig. Hm.

 Bethals eyes locked on Numbtongue. She nced at Erin.

 I understand Magnolia came here and made quite a fuss. She warned me to stay away from this inn. Something to do with unpleasantness?

 Oh. Yeah. Shes banned. And so are her jerk friends.

 Erin folded her arms, scowling darkly. Bethal hesitated.

 Would that include me? I count myself as Magnolias great friend. But I dont bear you any ill-will, Miss Solstice.

 The young woman faltered. She looked at Bethals earnest entreaty. And thought of Ryoka.

 Um. Erwell nowMavi did poo you.

 I did what?

 Mavi made an outraged noise. Bethalughed again and stood up.

 Indeed! Wont you let me look around at least? Or even stay the night? Thomast, imagine it! We could visit this Liscor or even Pass and be in Invrisil tomorrow for the y!

 Perhaps, dear. If the inn has room.

 Erin looked at therge group following Bethal, but Lyte pushed forwards.

 We do! And the third floor has therger suites, Lady Walchas! Wed be honored by a stay!

 There we are then. Someone cancel our reservation at the other inn.

 Bethal pped her hands. Erin and Lyte blinked. But Bethal was so spontaneous. She rose, looking at Mavi.

 And are we square, Mavi?

 The two [Ladies] regarded each other challengingly. Erin felt them shingbut invisibly. Mavi inhaled, but sighed.

 I suppose so. Quits, Bethal Walchas?

 Quits.

 They shook hands, smiling with their teeth. But at that moment one of the Fortress Beavers with a bunch of the kits wandered out of the kitchen. And Bethal Walchas nearly fell out of her chairughing again.

 It was one of those days. Erin Solstice was looking at Mavi. And she asked, with very little guile

 So is Walchas likea big family? I mean, I know Magnolia is from the Reinhart House and Mavi

 She was counting two plus one Bethal. That was almost Ryokas goal! And here Erin hadnt been sure if she could help! Wait till Ryoka heard about this! Bethal looked amused and pained. Lyte and Mavi were quietly horrified.

 Im thest of my line, actually. My entire family perished during the Second Antinium Wars.

 Im so sorry. Do you want a cookie?

 Madness. And at that moment, from the street outside, there was a shout. Mavi, Bethal, and Erin all turned to stare a moment before the voice. And the saw the riot.

 Magnolia Reinhart!

 Lord Ranga rode down the street, leading a furious crowd of people. The Wandering Inn saw him pointing as men and womenmostly Humansmarched. The magical door in themon room reflected the street filled with hundreds of people following one [Lord].

 And he was far from the only one. The entire inn went silent. And Mavis adventures with Erin, her existing petty quarrel with Bethll of itwas reced by this.

 Whats happening?

 Lyte looked for Mrsha. The Gnoll was already standing by the [Garden of Sanctuary]s door as loud, angry voices filled the inn. She held a beaver kit in her paws as the others fled through it. Lady Bethal rose.

 What is happening?

 Everyone saw the crowd moving through the street. Grabbing weapons, torches, and beginning to march as one angry unit. Not just a protest, but a single emotion. And Erin felt her stomach sink as Mavi echoed what she already knew:

 Thats a riot.

 Update: Ive cut the ending bit because I really didnt like it. I may add in the scene in a different way or just cut it, but my conclusion was that it was too poor. If youve already read ituhforget? But editing is important! This is why we do these web serial things!

 Authors Note: Hm. I dont know if I like this chapter. I did my best! But first-chapters back are always weird. And bestid ns all that. We went off-script but not necessarily for the world. Im a biased perspective after finishing a chapter. Ill let you tell me how much you enjoyed it. And of course, the second chapter makes it all different!

 Hi! My break did me some good! As you can tell. I wrote more than I nned. Possibly too much. But were back. The story continues.

 This monthly week-off seems to work. I may want to do a longer break every 3 months, though. OrI dunno. The point is that I find myself needing more time off. Ive gotten weaker.

 But I do like writing too. And Erins interaction with Mavi, the changing innits Liscor for now. But what will the next chapters hold? More madness, probably.

 For this chapter, Im featuringrats. Rats by JohnDoe and Brack and Tomeo, all of whom gave the horrible scene from Wistrams chapter life! Youll know what I mean. Warningit is sad!

 Hope you enjoy, and thanks for /johndoe020

 [Witches], Light, Blessings, [Ladies] and more by Tomeo!

 Rats, Ryoka and Fierre, Me?, Rock Crabs, and more by Brack!

 Amerys, Rats, Geneva?, Inky, and more by JohnDoe!

17kNovel

Book 7: Chapter 30