{"id":8271,"date":"2020-05-13T03:07:58","date_gmt":"2020-05-13T03:07:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/wandering-inn\/?p=8271"},"modified":"2025-12-24T01:01:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-24T01:01:01","slug":"7-23-lm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderinginn.com\/2020\/05\/13\/7-23-lm\/","title":{"rendered":"7.23 LM"},"content":{"rendered":"

(The story is now on break until May 23rd<\/sup>! May 26 for Public readers.)<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A new day dawned. And with it, a [Princess] rose from her bed. An [Innkeeper] rolled out of her bed and onto the floor. A Hobgoblin [Bard] yawned, checked the sun, and put the pillow over his head. A white Gnoll sat on the ledge of the windowsill, watching the sun coming up. An Antinium [Hunter] was sitting in his tower, eating a raw egg.<\/p>\n

Mrsha raised her paws as if she were holding the sun up. Bird looked around for birdsong and checked his bow. Erin Solstice said \u2018ow\u2019.<\/p>\n

And Lyonette du Marquin found the bed was as comfortable as she remembered. Although the pillows had changed. And she was no longer lying against Pawn as he sat-slept against the wall. Since he was, in fact, a poor pillow with his non-flesh body, Lyonette had been sleeping against some pillows bunched around him.<\/p>\n

A Fortress of Fluff. The [Princess] looked around and saw the [Priest] was staring through a window. At the sky. Like Mrsha, giggling and watching as she \u2018held\u2019 the fire in the sky, the Antinium still wondered at the sight. The [Princess] smiled and stretched.<\/p>\n

\u201cMorning, Pawn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Antinium looked at her. And smiled with all the pleasure in his being. He had no subterfuge, no reserve. When the Antinium did something, they held nothing back.<\/p>\n

Lyonette rose. And it was a different room\u2014Pawn\u2019s\u2014that she woke up in. The mattress she\u2019d added, but the Antinium had a little cave-fort of blankets and pillows he normally slept in. His censer was lying on a desk, ready to be cleaned. He had two books he\u2019d bought with money from his salary.<\/p>\n

In Erin\u2019s room, the young woman looked up at the little Gnoll.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Hey, Mrsha. I forgot you\u2019re sleeping here. Did I wake you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll shook her head. The [Druid] smiled in the sunlight, as Apista buzzed through the open window.<\/p>\n

Numbtongue rolled over in his bed. He had a hangover.<\/p>\n

A new day. And everything was different. Again. Erin Solstice, bleary in her pajamas\u2014very comfy one-piece nightwear much like ones from her world, but a bit oversized since it had been made for Gnolls\u2014saw Mrsha climb out the window.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Hold on! You can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll scampered up the roof. Erin tumbled out after her. She hurried out onto the roof, calling out.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! I told you\u2014no roof climbing! Or surfing!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll scampered up the roof as Apista buzzed higher. Bird, looking in the distance at a flight of Razorbeaks flying high overhead, saw a white form scuttling up the roof.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a rat? No, that is not a rat. That is Mrsha. Hello, good morning!\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Hunter] sang to the Gnoll. Erin, cursing, saw Mrsha running nimbly past arched windows, each of which led to its own room.<\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn\u2019s second floor was done. And many rooms were now open. And the third floor, where Bird\u2019s tower was set until the renovations were done? It too would hold guests, in lovely rooms. Lyonette wanted the third floor to be more luxurious, which meant larger rooms.<\/p>\n

For now, the second floor could hold far more guests than it ever had. And the inn was still under construction.<\/p>\n

Marching Workers leaving the city covered in detritus looked up and saw the young woman scrambling up the roof. And the Gnoll child, waving happily at Bird as he waved back. They headed up the hill, ready to help build this sacred place. It made the shouting, the trash throwing\u2014everything worth it.<\/p>\n

A sanctuary to them. Something as close to a place of worship as the barracks in their Hive. And they were not the only ones.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice ran after Mrsha as the Gnoll raced down the rooftop.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Get back here!\u201d<\/p>\n

Her voice roused Numbtongue. He raised his head and saw a pajama-wearing Erin run past his window. The Hobgoblin [Bard] paused. He looked for the bottle of gin he\u2019d taken and shook it suspiciously.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, that was real.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Reiss\u2019 ghost commented from his seat. Numbtongue put the pillow over his head as Erin kept yelling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll fall! You\u2019ll slip! You\u2019ll\u2014oh heck\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She wind-milled her arms as she<\/em> nearly slipped off the side of the inn. The incline wasn\u2019t that<\/em> steep, but Erin\u2019s bipedal format was actually much more precarious than the four-legged scamper.<\/p>\n

Mrsha ignored Erin. She raced past Pawn\u2019s window, then stopped and stared<\/em> through. The [Princess] yelped.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! <\/em>Close the windows, Pawn! Erin will see us!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre we ashamed? Erin said that shame was a sign of sin in her story about the Garden of Eden. Not the [Garden of Sanctuary], but it seems to me that Erin will find out eventually\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot when I\u2019m half-naked right now! Shut the windows!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Pawn obediently closed the windows. Mrsha stuck her tongue out at the [Priest]. Pawn turned to Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201cI do not think Mrsha likes me anymore. This is distressing. I would like to rectify her grievances.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette opened her mouth, and then saw Mrsha race off past the curtains. Erin followed, oblivious, still yelling.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Get back here! I\u2019m gonna get mad! I mean, I\u2019m already ticked off!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It didn\u2019t seem to occur to her that chasing<\/em> Mrsha was enabling the little Gnoll\u2019s fun. Lyonette sighed. The real move was to calmly tell Mrsha to come back inside and offer her escalating punishments. Erin could have used her [Inn\u2019s Aura], offered Mrsha a bribe, or done any number of things.<\/p>\n

But Erin wouldn\u2019t be Erin<\/em> if logic was her first reaction after waking up. The [Innkeeper] thundered after the gleeful Mrsha. Actually, Erin was starting to see why Mrsha liked running on the roof. Aside from the drop off the edge where she could see herself breaking an arm\u2014or her neck\u2014this was fun!<\/p>\n

She raced past a window and then blinked. A Lamia, completely naked, stood in front of his window, staring out at the glorious morning. And Erin.<\/p>\n

She froze, mid-step. Hexel Quithail, the [Architect] for Liscor who had arrived yesterday, stared at Erin. She stared back.<\/p>\n

A fun fact was that Lamias had genitalia. Not like regular Lizardfolk, but there you were. Theirs were actually retractable. Like snakes. Hexel recoiled slightly. Then he waved.<\/p>\n

Erin waved back.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Sorry. Just chasing Mrsha\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel spoke through the glass. He slowly slithered forwards, drew the curtains. Erin backed away. Then she heard a scream.<\/p>\n

A pair of Lizardfolk poked their heads out their<\/em> window. They stared at Erin, and then at Mrsha. She was pressed up against another window. And inside, Imani, one of the young people from Earth, was in hysterics. A Gnoll staring<\/em> at you through a window as you blearily looked up was actually scary.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice saw more windows pop open. Joseph nearly fell out. Rose looked around and stared at Erin. Hexel Quithail heard the young woman shouting.<\/p>\n

\u201cHold on! That\u2019s just Mrsha! Mrsha, stop that!<\/em> Get down right now! I\u2019m actually mad! Sorry, nothing to see here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a fascinating inn.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lamia smiled to himself. Lyonette covered her face as she hurried out the door. Pawn called after her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI must go to work, Lyonette! But I will see you tonight! How am I romancing\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShh!<\/em> We\u2019ll read a book! Have a good day! Love you!\u201d<\/p>\n

She clattered down the steps to the inn as Erin grabbed Mrsha. Then slipped and went tumbling down the side of the roof.<\/p>\n

Lyonette found Erin hanging from the edge of the roof as Mrsha tried to haul her up, shouting curses. And that was how another day in The Wandering Inn started.<\/p>\n

Madness, chaos, laughter, and change. <\/em>Breakfast was sausage, eggs, and toast. Grilled tomatoes, unless you hated tomatoes. Mrsha had to eat hers.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The city of Liscor and The Wandering Inn had changed again, overnight. The old dynamic, the old cast and the stakes were rearranged.<\/p>\n

Change, that elusive beast, had struck again. And it had come time and time again to Liscor. So much so that change<\/em>, was, in itself, a kind of normal.<\/p>\n

Invrisil had come to Liscor via the magic door. A group of Earthers had reached The Wandering Inn. The [Architect] was here\u2014<\/p>\n

And Magnolia Reinhart had splendidly thrown the Antinium under a metaphorical carriage and run them over. Everything was different.<\/p>\n

Again.<\/p>\n

How you dealt with such shifts in \u2018normality\u2019 really depended on who you were. Some people resisted it, demanding everything go back to yesterday. Others embraced it, or at least, the change that benefitted them. But only a few really understood how fluid this world was. Tomorrow, the world could be upside down. Metaphorically speaking. Or sometimes\u2026literally.<\/p>\n

One of the people who knew this, but didn\u2019t know<\/em> it was Olesm Swifttail. He woke up in his lovely little apartment, which he\u2019d rented on his [Tactician] salary when he was first hired, in an apartment just off market-street. Not exactly high-end, but nice. He stared out into the street.<\/p>\n

And no [Innkeeper] ran past his window, chasing a white Gnoll. No glorious sun awaited him. But the world was different than he had left it.<\/p>\n

There was chanting.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more Antinium! Get out of our city! No more lies! No more Antinium!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A crowd was marching in the streets. Olesm listened. They had learned this, from the election. As people did, what was new yesterday\u2014elections, social movements\u2014were now old-hat. And those lessons paid dividends now.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been lied to enough! Get rid of the Antinium! No more Ants!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A Gnoll was bellowing through a primitive megaphone\u2014her paws. And the crowd of Drakes and Gnolls were marching, waking up the neighborhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more Ants! Get out of our city!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo more Humans! Give back our jobs! Liscor is not for you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The second chant might not have been intentional, but it was shouted with the same fervor as the first. And some in the crowd might not have agreed. But the city was moving.<\/p>\n

Olesm rested his forehead on the windowsill as he stood, in his undergarments. Facing another morning. How had it come to this?<\/p>\n

Magnolia Reinhart had destroyed the old order. She\u2019d exposed the Antinium\u2019s illegalities en-masse. And\u2014it terrified Olesm.<\/p>\n

They could sack this city.<\/em> Soldiers and Workers combined were nearly ten times that of the current Watch. Yes, Workers weren\u2019t [Fighters], but they could kill your average citizen. Olesm hadn\u2019t seen it. He stood, feeling lost.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Going to be more work. Walled Cities summoning the Council. The army too. And Watch Captain Zevara\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

But not him. He was a failure of a [Strategist]. He didn\u2019t deserve his class. A Human [Lady]<\/em> had done what should have been his job. Olesm\u2014was just a fool. A fool without the magical inn. A fool wasn\u2019t welcome there.<\/p>\n

Slowly, Olesm Swifttail dressed. His magic was gone. He was just a Drake, who\u2019d participated in an adventurer\u2019s raid on a dungeon, once. Nearly died. He\u2019d made a few decisions, run a chess magazine that had achieved worldwide acclaim\u2014<\/p>\n

But all of it had been because of her<\/em>. Erin Solstice. Not him. He was just a fraud who rode her coattails. The Drake knew it. He wasn\u2019t like Erin. He had none of her magic. Without her?<\/p>\n

He checked his cupboards, realized he hadn\u2019t bought any breakfast, and walked out his door. Head hung low. The marching in the streets continued. Antinium, the few of them, hurried about their business. The people hurled detritus at the Workers, jeering. The mood had turned against the Antinium in a day, thanks to the Deadly Flower of the North, Magnolia Reinhart.<\/p>\n

But the Antinium could kill them all. And Olesm\u2026what was his role? The Drake miserably went looking for breakfast. And wished he could ask Erin for help.<\/p>\n

But she. Hated.<\/p>\n

Him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the sun rose higher and The Wandering Inn opened for breakfast, a Level 19 [Princess] clashed<\/em> with a Level 41 [Innkeeper].<\/p>\n

\u201cGet. Out. Of. My. Inn.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice pointed. Her eyes blazed. The room vibrated<\/em>. It was a current in the air, which made Mrsha, eating breakfast with a headachy Numbtongue, look up.<\/p>\n

The [Princess] refused to budge. The air around her\u2014shimmered. With concentrated intensity.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper]\u2019s eyes narrowed. There was a huge <\/em>disparity in their levels, but somehow the [Princess] was holding her ground. But the room began to actually shake.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cI said, get\u2014out.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Her willpower and the power in the air became overwhelming. Lyonette staggered. Her feet began to move towards the door. Numbtongue and Mrsha watched, forks poised, as the [Princess]\u2019 feet began to drag her towards the door.<\/p>\n

But then\u2014Lyonette halted. She fought back, gritting her teeth hard. Her eyes flashed with royal pride. The kind of resolve that had forged nations.<\/p>\n

\u201cNever.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s eyes narrowed. And the pressure became physically crushing<\/em>. Now, Lyonette was assailed not just with the desire to leave<\/em>, but with overpowering weight<\/em>. It hurt! But she drew her aura around herself, concentrating it, forming a layer around her body, forcing Erin back\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cAnother sausage, Mister Ratici? You\u2019re here early. Don\u2019t mind them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi passed by Lyonette holding some of the hot breakfast sausages. A Drake tipped his cap.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re a blessing, miss. What\u2019re we watching?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, just a thing. Don\u2019t worry, it happens all the time. This is normal. Mister Wilovan, can I refill your cup?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bartender] and [Gossip] saw the Gnoll touch the brim of his tall hat.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m well served, Miss Drassi. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Polite as could be, the two watched Erin and Lyonette facing off. Some of the inn\u2019s extra-early guests were filing in. And the [Princess]\u2014despite Erin\u2019s power in her<\/em> place\u2014refused to budge.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet lost or I\u2019ll smack you! I\u2019m gonna! Inn\u2014smack her!\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pointed at Lyonette, her brows drawn together. But the inn failed to manifest a helpful army to hit Lyonette. And as the stalemate drew on\u2014Erin\u2014began\u2014to lose focus.<\/p>\n

The pressure lightened. Erin wiped at her brow. Lyonette felt the pressure on her relax and exhaled. Erin Solstice teetered to a chair and sat down. Mrsha patted Erin\u2019s head with a napkin. Numbtongue pushed over a pitcher of water as Lyonette came over and sat down too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhew! What? How\u2019d you do<\/em> that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Panting, Erin looked at Lyonette. The [Princess] shook her head. She took the glass of water, gulped from it, wiped her mouth, and then took another sip.<\/p>\n

They were training their auras. Or at least, Erin had asked Lyonette to practice after being beaten by Magnolia. The problem was\u2026she was going about it all wrong. Lyonette panted at the [Innkeeper] as more people began coming downstairs, like a dressed Hexel\u2014which meant clothes over his upper half and midriff\u2014nothing around his gleaming tail.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, Erin. That\u2019s not how Auras work.<\/em> You\u2019re using yours like a hammer.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. And I nearly smacked you.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin exhaled a few times before putting a fried egg on toast and biting into it.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you didn\u2019t. And you never would<\/em> have gotten me to budge. Let alone Magnolia. Didn\u2019t you feel what I was doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman frowned. She looked at Lyonette and recalled the feeling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. You bunched up. Like\u2026a rock. I couldn\u2019t shift you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI consolidated my aura. You were using yours like a hammer. It was too wide, Erin. And few auras can make<\/em> someone just\u2014move. You could keep me out a lot easier than force me to leave. One\u2019s a shield, the other is\u2014hard.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked at Erin. The [Innkeeper] was frowning, trying to understand.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026I don\u2019t quite get it. Explain it again?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] exhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cI told you, I never took many aura-lessons. My mother didn\u2019t think it was time yet\u2014I was a Level 5\u2014<\/em>you-know-what. But this is what she taught me. Erin, you\u2019re unskilled. I\u2019m<\/em> better at using my aura. You have high potency\u2014no manifestation or control.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [innkeeper] blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have what the what the what?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] rubbed at her head. She had a headache, despite being able to resist someone twenty levels higher than she was.<\/p>\n

\u201cPotency. The power of your aura in your inn<\/em> is strong. As strong as Magnolia\u2019s maybe. But your control\u2014how you use it\u2014is weak. Magnolia could refine her aura until she could actually push<\/em> you out of the way, or hold everyone down. Erin\u2014is like a giant blanket. She affects everything. She doesn\u2019t focus on one person.\u201d<\/p>\n

She nodded to the room as a whole. Mrsha and Numbtongue nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo wide.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Bard] summarized for Lyonette. Erin\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. \u2018Too wide\u2019. But you could fix that, Erin. You just need to practice. Focus on me; you were doing it near the end.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut why didn\u2019t I move you if I had more power? I shoulda thrown you out, like bam!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin punched her palm. Mrsha copied her, nodding. Lyonette looked at both of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not how auras work, Erin. It\u2019s not\u2014arm wrestling.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Why would it be? Erin, auras mix and match. Some win over others. It\u2019s\u2026complex. And I\u2019m not an expert. What I do<\/em> know is that you have potency, no control, and no manifestation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s the manifestation bit?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can\u2019t make a sword out of your aura and cut someone in half with it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Numbtongue looked up from his food. So did Mrsha, her eyes shining.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou can do<\/em> that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. Lyonette nodded casually.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. But you need a specific aura. [Knights] have more\u2026combat focused ones. Like a Thronebearer [Knight] from Calanfer. They can concentrate their auras, coat<\/em> their blades in magical light to attack Ghosts. But that\u2019s because their auras are tied to light and such. Yours? You have an [Inn\u2019s Aura]. Hard to manifest that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Well\u2014can I try?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you want to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin raised her hand.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Aura Sword]!<\/em> Hiyah!\u201d<\/p>\n

She brought it down. Lyonette recoiled. So did Numbtongue. Mrsha stared hopefully at the table. Erin stared at the uncut butter in front of them.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t do that!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette shouted at Erin. The young woman sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI need more practice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Another morning in The Wandering Inn. Hexel was looking around the inn with his Lizardfolk assistants. They looked markedly less nervous in the inn, but they backed away as Drassi came over.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoops, excuse me. Architect Quithail! I\u2019m so<\/em> sorry for this morning\u2019s incident. Can we get you breakfast? Part of your room and board. We have eggs, toast, sausages, tomatoes\u2014I don\u2019t know what Lizardfolk eat, I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] excused herself and hurried over to tend to the Lamia herself. He smiled at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI found it quite entertaining. I am a Lamia, Miss\u2026Lyon? Yes, Lyon. I enjoyed it. I might have a different opinion if it was at the dead of night, but hatchlings\u2014excuse me\u2014children, are a delight. I have to meet with Liscor\u2019s Council later, or someone about my designs, but please! Breakfast us away!\u201d<\/p>\n

He indicated his Lizardfolk group. Lyonette smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cRight here, sir. Unless you\u2019d like a private room? No? Well, we can add more meat or less meat depending on your dietary preferences\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI like eggs. But we are carnivorous, by and large. Might we have undercooked sausage?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Ours are actually pre-cooked. This entire inn has a [Field of Preservation] on it, Mister Hexel. But we could\u2014Drassi, get one of the uncooked steaks, would you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lamia brightened. Ratici nudged Wilovan. The Gnoll calmly opened one eye and whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cI heard. Pray, allow me to continue my morning\u2019s repast uninterrupted, Ratici.\u201d<\/p>\n

He went back to eating his toast. Hexel meanwhile was chortling.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes. Some of that steak, rare and bloody? And the eggs on toast. We\u2019d be delighted<\/em>, Miss Lyon. An entire inn under\u2026? Of course, that\u2019s an [Innkeeper]\u2019s Skill. How useful!\u201d<\/p>\n

He smiled as a steak was brought out. Lyonette began counting the cost and debating whether she should add it to his tab\u2014but caught herself.<\/p>\n

Hexel Quithail and his company were special guests. <\/em>He paid well, and\u2014despite it being a steak\u2014it wasn\u2019t that<\/em> expensive in the summer. This wasn\u2019t the bad old days where the inn had to count every copper coin. They had money. Lyonette told herself that.<\/p>\n

But she had big plans. Oh, yes. Big plans for the inn. The [Princess] served the guests as Drassi passed her the food, and then returned to Erin\u2019s table.<\/p>\n

There she saw Mrsha was busy picking bits of cut sausage off a neighboring table\u2019s plates.<\/p>\n

The Horns of Hammerad were awake. They sat at the tables, as if nothing had changed. Pisces was eating with good humor, shielding his plate. Yvlon wasn\u2019t eating sausage, so Mrsha had no beef with her\u2014or pork\u2014but Ceria was laughing and swatting at her playfully. Ksmvr had hissed<\/em> at Mrsha when she tried to steal from him, so the half-Elf was the logical target.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that, Mrsha! Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha! Stop that at once!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll swiped another piece of sausage as Lyonette put her hands on her hips, embarrassed. Ceria looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s just playing, Lyon\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe has her breakfast. And that is terribly bad manners. Mrsha! Enough!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette raised a finger warningly. Mrsha looked up. And the young Gnoll hesitated. She eyed Lyonette and gave her a defiant look.<\/p>\n

Mrsha didn\u2019t like it when Lyonette\u2026stayed the night in Pawn\u2019s room. Lyonette had explained, and Mrsha definitely understood\u2014she had grown up in a Plains Gnoll tribe, where everyone<\/em> could hear and smell when a couple got together.<\/p>\n

She just didn\u2019t like it. Mrsha even liked Pawn as\u2026Pawn. She just didn\u2019t like the idea of Pawn being Lyonette\u2019s<\/em>, or vice-versa.<\/p>\n

So she tossed her head defiantly, rather like Lyonette herself and reached for a scrap on Ceria\u2019s plate. Lyonette put her hands on her hips. She lowered her voice so that only those next to her would hear and whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha du Marquin, <\/em>I\u2019m warning you once.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha froze. So did Erin, and Numbtongue, who were close enough to hear the whisper. Mrsha slowly lowered her paw and harrumphed <\/em>her way back over to her table. Lyonette sat down, only mildly exasperated.<\/p>\n

Erin looked at the [Princess]. She lowered her voice too. Only a Gnoll would have been able to hear, and only one close by. Even Wilovan\u2019s ears didn\u2019t twitch\u2014but perhaps that was because listening in was ungentlemanly.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026You call her Mrsha du Marquin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. Why not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette looked challengingly at Erin. The young woman closed her mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Good.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha du Marquin, <\/em>Mrsha the Prim and Proper, glumly took her fork and poked at her toast and egg. But she was a good girl\u2026for all of three minutes.<\/p>\n

Then the Earthers came downstairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa! <\/em>It wasn\u2019t a dream!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin stared about the inn. Joseph blinked around at the bright, painful room and held his head. But he was there, and Rose, Galina, Troydel, Imani, and Leon. The seven young people who had been in Magnolia\u2019s care were\u2026here. In the inn.<\/p>\n

Erin stopped smiling. Mrsha\u2019s head slowly rose. She backed out of her chair as Rose made a sound.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! There she is! Hello! Mrsha! Cutie!\u201d<\/p>\n

She and Galina stared at Mrsha, overly excited to see her. Imani just shivered and hid behind Kevin, who was tallest along with Joseph.<\/p>\n

Seven people from Earth. Strangers. Even to Erin. The young woman slowly rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d nearly forgotten about last night. The revelation that Ryoka had sent these people here was\u2026well, it had been too big for Erin to do anything but react to. She\u2019d given them a room after asking questions\u2014but they\u2019d all been tired and most more than a little bit drunk.<\/p>\n

\u201cWild. That\u2019s a Gnoll, Rose. Not a dog. And those are Drakes and that\u2019s\u2026uh\u2026one of the Antinium. I think. Not Bird? Are you Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin waved at Ksmvr. The [Skirmisher]\u2019s head rose, confused. He looked at Ceria, who was getting her own looks from Troydel\u2014known as \u2018Troy\u2019, and Leon.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am not Bird.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRight, cool.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin nodded a few times. He was distinctly\u2026Kevin. Lyonette remembered him flirting unsuccessfully with Drassi last night.<\/p>\n

The others were harder for her to pin any details on. Joseph was noticeably the most hung over of the group. He\u2019d been drinking hard and subsequently run up a large amount of their\u2014unpaid\u2014tab.<\/p>\n

Rose was one of the group\u2019s leaders. She was also fascinated by Mrsha, who\u2019d slunk off her seat in the face of the stares. Mrsha peeked around Numbtongue and glowered at the group.<\/p>\n

They stared at Numbtongue too. And only a few of them looked at all uneasy. The perpetually-afraid Imani shivered at Numbtongue\u2019s crimson eyes and green skin, but Leon only nudged Troydel.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn Orc.<\/em> I\u2019m telling you\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina was excitedly staring about the inn, at the stage where the [Players] had performed last night. And Troydel and Leon were arguing over whether Numbtongue was an \u2018Orc\u2019, or another Goblin.<\/p>\n

But all seven looked around the inn as if they were, well, tourists, or visitors. Lyonette had the distinct impression that if one of them had owned a \u2018camera\u2019, that thing from Erin\u2019s world they used to take images, they would have been taking pictures now.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2026yeah. Hi.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin just looked at them. She had known them. Or so Lyonette gathered. The others looked at Erin, blinking at her apron. The young woman hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014we have a lot to talk about. Why don\u2019t you take a seat? And have breakfast? We\u2019ve got sausages, eggs on toast, tomatoes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yes! From home!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Instantly, the group lit up ecstatically. They sat next to Lyonette\u2019s table. And the convivial atmosphere of the morning changed for Lyonette.<\/p>\n

She and Drassi served the food. She heard them exclaiming in relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cProper food. Not like what we\u2019ve eaten sometimes. Thank you so much<\/em>\u2014do you have waffles? Or pancakes? I\u2019ve been dying to have some\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina was talking to Erin. The young woman blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI mean, we do, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get bacon?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin practically shouted. Joseph swore and covered his ears. Leon\u2019s head rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait\u2014do you have hamburgers? I saw that on the menu, but someone<\/em> ate mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

He glared at Joseph. Erin hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2026have them. But\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cCan we get them? I mean, it\u2019s from home.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

The others gave Erin a pleading look. Lyonette sighed as Erin turned to her.<\/p>\n

\u201cComing up. Who wants a hamburger?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo lettuce on mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Troydel instantly raised his hand. Lyonette paused\u2014and sighed. She went into the kitchen and came back.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe this.<\/em> You have an inn! How did you get it? Did you find it? I mean\u2014I remember us meeting way back when, but this is incredible! Do you own it? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose was chatting to Erin. The young woman nodded, watching Kevin bite into his cheeseburger and sigh<\/em>. Mrsha\u2019s head poked over the table, narrow-eyed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. I mean\u2014the first inn wasn\u2019t mine. But I fixed it up and I run it. That\u2019s my class. [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa. So you\u2019re in<\/em> this world. Really? And you work here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin looked up. Erin looked at Numbtongue. The Goblin was eying the Earthers who didn\u2019t seem bothered<\/em> by him, just\u2014fascinated. Galina and Rose were staring at him and whispering and so was Leon, muttering about a videogame to Troydel.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026no tusks\u2026but they have Minotaurs, man\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

The lack of fear so much as naked curiosity bothered the Hobgoblin [Bard]. He slowly edged away from his table until he was sitting with the Horns of Hammerad. Ceria realized her eyes were also the focus of much staring.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust insane. Wild. We were at Magnolia\u2019s mansion the entire time. Which sucked<\/em>. Right until the [Assassins] attacked\u2014what\u2019s your level?\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph had recovered with the food enough to join in asking questions. Even Erin<\/em> was wincing and looking around.<\/p>\n

\u201cLower your voice. We can talk about that<\/em> later.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? Oh\u2014<\/em>right. Well, we came all the way here looking for you. Ryoka said<\/em> you had an inn, but we didn\u2019t know you had a magic door! That\u2019s nuts.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin exhaled. Lyonette and Mrsha both looked up sharply.<\/p>\n

Ryoka. <\/em>The [Innkeeper] spoke carefully.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka. Yeah, she sent all of you. She sent me a letter. But I didn\u2019t know you were\u2026uh\u2026coming. Where is she? Is she okay? Why did she send you all?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette nodded. She came over and the others looked at her. Rose hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka? Well\u2014she arrived just before the\u2014[Assassins].<\/em> She took our electronics. All of them. And she told us to come here since Magnolia\u2019s estates were under attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two young women waited, but Rose was done. Erin looked at Lyonette helplessly.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Nothing more?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014she said your inn wasn\u2019t always safe, but you\u2019d take us in. She was really busy. She had this boxer-friend who hated our guts, but she hired some adventurers to escort us south. We weren\u2019t in Reizmelt long.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReizmelt. So Ryoka\u2019s there?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess]\u2019s hands tightened on the tabletop. Mrsha looked at Rose. The young woman, oblivious to the hidden emotion, nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. They call her the Wind Runner of Reizmelt. She can command the wind. Didn\u2019t you know?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked around. The Horns of Hammerad were listening in. Erin\u2019s eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe can? <\/em>Wait\u2014how is she? Tell us all about her!\u201d<\/p>\n

So much emotion. So much history. Rose hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe\u2019s\u2026good. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood how?<\/em> Is she missing any more fingers? Is she okay? How is she commanding the wind?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Earthers leaned back in the face of the intense questions. They looked at each other. But they didn\u2019t know. Ryoka was \u2018good\u2019. They hadn\u2019t asked.<\/p>\n

At this point, Lyonette had to serve some familiar guests. Griffon Hunt had come down the stairs, and Cade was sleepily clinging to his mother.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalrac. <\/em>It is so good to see you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are we, spare thread?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi grumbled, but with a smile as Lyonette served them. And they could order whatever they wanted for breakfast, no questions asked. Because\u2026they were friends.<\/p>\n

Cade got a special egg-and-bacon breakfast in the form of a smile that made him laugh. Briganda, a double serving. Halrac, less sausage and more toast with butter and a bit of honey. Revi, extra the honey.<\/p>\n

Typhenous wanted just the standard breakfast; he wasn\u2019t picky, but he got tea with his meal, hot from a pot. And Lyonette begrudged them none of it.<\/p>\n

Why? Again, because they were friends. Revi eyed the seven Earthers still talking with Erin. And the unusually mystified look on Erin\u2019s face.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho\u2019s that lot? I saw them last night.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cFriends of Ryoka. They\u2019re a bit of a handful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette had no <\/em>idea what they were going to do with them. What did Ryoka expect? Were they to feed and house them forever? It was just like Ryoka…<\/p>\n

Revi\u2019s face more than expressed Lyonette\u2019s mood.<\/p>\n

\u201cRyoka\u2019s friends? A handful? You\u2019re kidding. No, I\u2019m shocked. My condolences, Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t worry about it. Are you all staying?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re going to Hedault\u2019s today. With the Horns of Hammerad. To get our treasure appraised. Hedault told us to wait until mid-morning, though. [Enchanters].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI might stay behind. Cade needs his mother. If that\u2019s alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

Briganda looked up. Cade stared at Halrac. The [Scout] looked up, dour-faced. He tried to look\u2026less-menacing. And failed. Lyonette just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as you like. Of course, we can let you get back to Invrisil, Miss Briganda. Or you can explore Liscor\u2014anything you want.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shield Maiden] brightened up.<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Just like that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette nodded, although she herself had nearly forgotten\u2014The City of Adventurers was open to the public, albeit at a fee. But anyone could visit anytime they wanted. This new dynamic really would<\/em> take some getting used to.<\/p>\n

Speaking of which\u2026Lyonette\u2019s head snapped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi! Did you check the door?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ancestors! I\u2019m so sorry! I\u2019ll do it now! Excuse me, anyone from Liscor? I\u2019m so sorry,<\/em> we\u2019ve had uh, a few delays\u2014come in!\u201d<\/p>\n

Drassi ran for the door. Lyonette heard her voice coming down the hallway. Lyonette finished talking and serving Griffon Hunt and left them smiling.<\/p>\n

The smile faded as she saw Mrsha\u2019s face. The Gnoll was standing at the table on two legs, peeking over the edge as Erin talked with them, asking about Ryoka and what was happening in the north and receiving vague, unhelpful answers.<\/p>\n

Because the Earthers didn\u2019t know. And that was frustrating but\u2014Erin knew how they\u2019d lived, even if she disapproved. She knew Magnolia Reinhart.<\/p>\n

So did Lyonette. She even saw something familiar in the way the others looked so\u2026lost. Even if that was aggravating.<\/p>\n

But Mrsha? Mrsha was just Mrsha. Mrsha all the way. And she only knew Ryoka.<\/p>\n

Her friend. The City Runner who had carried her out of oblivion. Who had been there when her tribe ended.<\/p>\n

Ryoka and Ivolethe, from another time. Ryoka, whom Mrsha had looked to as the only one who remembered, who had taken her to this inn.<\/p>\n

Who had run away after Brunkr had died.<\/p>\n

That Ryoka.<\/em> And the little Gnoll probably still loved the sad, brilliant, wounded, guilty, triumphant Runner. Even if she was so angry at being left behind with no contact. Even if she understood her curse had driven Ryoka away.<\/p>\n

These were the things Mrsha believed. If Ryoka had come in that door, Mrsha might have run to her and hugged her before anything else.<\/p>\n

But this? This was Ryoka\u2019s\u2026gift. What she had decided she needed<\/em> to send to The Wandering Inn. These seven\u2026Humans.<\/p>\n

Mrsha stared. And her little face slowly turned from incomprehension to\u2014dislike. She looked at these people, eating her<\/em> hamburger and being so stupid.<\/p>\n

And she did not like them. Not. One. Bit. Imani was staring at Mrsha. The Gnoll glowered at her and Imani flinched. Then someone put her hand on Mrsha\u2019s head.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo. Cute.\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina tried to pet Mrsha. Instantly, the Gnoll punched <\/em>the hand off her head. Erin saw Galina recoil.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t pet Mrsha, please. She\u2019s not a pet. She\u2019s a Gnoll.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s so\u2014adorable! I didn\u2019t mean to bother you! Mrsha, right? You\u2019re so precious! Hello! Can you say \u2018hi\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina bent over. And innocent as the question was\u2014it was the wrong one to ask. She didn\u2019t know. Ryoka had never told her about Mrsha. The Gnoll\u2019s ears flattened and she backed away.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha can\u2019t speak. She\u2019s a kid. Ryoka rescued her, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s stomach felt upset. She didn\u2019t know<\/em> what Ryoka had intended. What was she supposed to do? Ryoka! She wanted to grab Ryoka, find her, and shake her. The others were just looking at Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re willing to\u2014give us a place to stay, and food, we won\u2019t be a problem. We can help out. This is a great inn, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin looked around. His vague assurances were added to by the others. Erin nodded, helplessly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah. I mean\u2014definitely. You can stay here. I guess we can have you help?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at Lyonette. The [Princess] frowned. Was that her<\/em> job? But then Erin looked to the stairs.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThere they are.<\/em> I told you!\u201d<\/p>\n

Montressa and Beza were staring at the Earthers. Like hawks who\u2019d sighted a bunch of baby rabbits who\u2019d basted themselves in barbeque sauce. Erin sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cStay here. Don\u2019t say anything<\/em> about home. Got it? There are problems\u2014Montressa! I need to speak to you!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] ran for the stairs. Montressa jumped and backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin, listen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare send anything! And you! How many times have I told you\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Palt jumped as he came out of his room. He tried to hide the smoking spliff, but it was too late. Erin began to harangue.<\/p>\n

Problems. Lyonette was split between serving guests and eying the Earthers. Erin would do her best, but what would<\/em> they do? Really? She\u2019d have to think about it.<\/p>\n

For now\u2014this was the inn. Hexel slithered to the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Lyon? A pleasure. Can we enter Liscor from here? I don\u2019t see my [Bodyguards]. Quite a displeasure, but I suppose this Liscor\u2019s Council isn\u2019t that fast on the job. Before I find work, we\u2019ll require it, Yemmi. Don\u2019t worry.\u201d<\/p>\n

He reassured one of the Lizardfolk. Lyonette pointed him to the hallway. Then she saw Rose come up behind her.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me, Miss Barmaid? Where\u2019s the bathroom?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe\u2014outside. The outhouses are over there.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette stared after Rose. Yes, something indeed. But that was her world. Confusion, chaos\u2014<\/p>\n

And change. You got used to thinking on your feet, adapting. Even to\u2014<\/p>\n

Joseph wandered behind the bar of the inn. He hunted around and then pulled out a bottle of gin. Lyonette and Erin both looked<\/em> at him. He cracked it open, and only then noticed the stares.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Oh. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette\u2019s jaw twitched. No, it was fine. Lay down the law. She just had to\u2014she saw Imani, who\u2019d also found the outhouse, unprompted, coming back to the table. She went to sit down and a little white Gnoll crept around her chair. Mrsha yanked<\/em> the chair back as Imani sat and the young woman went sprawling.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll raced off as the others helped Imani up. Lyonette was about to scold when Drassi sidled into the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm, Lyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat, Drassi?\u201d<\/p>\n

Exasperated, the [Princess] turned. Drassi pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have a situation. Should I let everyone in?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

And then Lyonette saw them. In Invrisil, in The Players\u2019 Retreat,<\/em> there was a crowd. Of people. About\u2026oh, four hundred strong. Lined up at the door as Redit the [Bouncer] kept them out.<\/p>\n

All with the six-silver passage fee to Liscor. [Traders], [Merchants], pedestrians who stared at Drassi and murmured\u2014<\/p>\n

Curious Humans. Tourism had come to Liscor. Lyonette stared at the open door. And if she\u2019d been someone else she might have thrown up her hands, panicked, or just frozen. But the [Princess] had been here a while. She just sighed, rolled up her sleeves.<\/p>\n

And got to work.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olesm was hungry as he waited in line for one of the street-stalls. No restaurants; he didn\u2019t have the time for it.<\/p>\n

Or the coin, frankly. Olesm was paid decently well for a [Tactician] in a small city. And he\u2019d had a small pay increase for his new class. But Liscor was not rich.<\/em><\/p>\n

The food on offer was, ironically, a hamburger. Copied from Erin. Only it wasn\u2019t a burger\u2014more like a glazed boneless rib-inna-bun.<\/p>\n

It still smelled delicious. And if the stall-owner was actually a decent cook and not a mad sales-genius who could sell vaguely<\/em> meat-like products solely on the virtues of his sales craft\u2014well, it was good enough.<\/p>\n

There was a line, and Olesm was licking his lips and wondering if he could spring for two<\/em> burgers. His stomach rumbled\u2014<\/p>\n

And at that precise moment, as he was drawing towards the front, a Street Runner raced up.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere you are! Strategist Olesm to City Hall at once! The Council needs you!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? What for?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s face fell. The Gnoll [Runner] shrugged.<\/p>\n

\u201cDidn\u2019t say. They want you right away, though! Something about an [Architect]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, scale cheese\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drakes in line gagged and glared as Olesm ran off. The [Architect]! <\/em>He hadn\u2019t been more than introduced to the Lamia yesterday, but he\u2019d totally forgotten after last night.<\/p>\n

He\u2019d\u2026had a lot to drink in between not<\/em> getting to talk to Erin. It hadn\u2019t been that bad a night, but Olesm felt slower, stupider today.<\/p>\n

And he had forgotten about Hexel. So\u2014apparently\u2014had the Council.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe I requested a group of [Bodyguards]. <\/em>Plural. Non-Drakes. I was quite happy with my residence, my travel notwithstanding. But I will require both. Today. If I am unsatisfied, I will, with great politeness, leave, because security is a pressing issue for my team. And the Guild of Builders in Baleros will hear of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel was cheerfully threatening Liscor\u2019s Council in the morning. They<\/em> were eating. Olesm just stared at fresh meat pies that Krshia had provided to the Council.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs I was saying, Mister Hexel\u2014that\u2019s an addition to the budget we haven\u2019t calculated.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThen calculate it. And I need to begin redesigning the city. Shall we do it now? No? Ah\u2014this must be the [Strategist].\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel slithered backwards as Olesm, panting, raised one claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014needed to see me, Councilmembers?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, ah, Olesm. Our [Strategist]. I think you met him yesterday, Mister Hexel? Olesm, Architect Quithail requires a [Bodyguard] escort. As [Strategist], please appoint one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism didn\u2019t meet the Lamia\u2019s eyes as he shuffled the papers. The Lamia gave Olesm a toothy smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cNon-Drake. I\u2019m sure you understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, sir.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young, blue-scaled Drake shifted uncomfortably. Not just because of Hexel\u2019s obvious distrust of Drakes and the story he\u2019d heard last night. Being attacked by hostile Drake\u2026[Bandits]. Yes, [Bandits]. Criminals. But the frightened Lizardfolk trio hid behind their boss.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm, please hire the [Bodyguards] immediately. Submit them for Architect Hexel\u2019s review, yes? We will begin discussing the plans for the new city.\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia dipped her head at Hexel. Olesm was nodding.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can uh\u2014hire some adventurers? Or Watch Captain Zevara can appoint members of the Watch. The Watch will be cheaper by far\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He realized he was thinking out loud and blushed. Lism looked at his nephew, fond as ever, but impatient.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s do that, then. Save the city coin. Now, we\u2019re rather pressed for time, Architect. We have a number of meetings with the High Command of Walled Cities, <\/em>not to mention our armies over this damned Antinium issue. Which I was right about, incidentally\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia audibly ground her teeth as Lism shot her a glare. The members of the Council rustled. Elirr, Raekea on one side were subdued. Alonna and Jeiss were worried, as were the traditionalist, and largely, useless two members of the Council, Tismel and Zalaiss, who tended to be overridden in most majority-votes.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014so we really can\u2019t devote all the time to your work. But if you\u2019d like to survey the city, we can meet tomorrow at\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism\u2019s little speech was interrupted by Hexel. The [Architect] calmly gestured, and one of his [Apprentices] put down a blueprint of the city. The illustration was in white, with colorful chalk additions on black, thick paper that could be easily adjusted.<\/p>\n

And it was of Liscor. Olesm saw the city laid out perfectly in the blueprints. And then\u2014he saw the new part of the city. What could be. But only for a moment.<\/p>\n

Because the map began to glow. <\/em>Hexel slithered back.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Ambition Visualized]. I do not have time to waste either,<\/em> Councilmember. Allow me to present my view of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

From the table rose the city. Olesm saw buildings and streets, devoid of people but beautifully detailed, as if drawn from above. The Council sat back as the [Architect] briskly pointed and another of his assistants moved around the table.<\/p>\n

\u201cObserve. This is the city you requested, Councilmembers. A third of the city from the expansion point\u2014here\u2014with a focus on high-occupancy residential housing. I have already surveyed the city, or rather, one of my apprentices did last night. I note you\u2019ve leased certain areas, and I can work around that. But this is the Liscor you asked me to design.\u201d<\/p>\n

It was beautiful. The city seamlessly expanded, the original western wall falling away to make Liscor wider. Olesm saw two parks, organized streets to prevent traffic jams from travel, even\u2014as the map rose higher\u2014an expanded network of the sewers!<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alonna was impressed. The rest of the Council, even Tismel and Zalaiss, murmured in clear approval. This Liscor looked like the old one, which was, of course, what you wanted to see. It was just larger.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s exactly what we paid for. New residential districts\u2014which we\u2019ll be making sure<\/em> are affordable. So long as we get the new wall enchanted by Spring, it works! I suppose that will be a priority, er, Mister Hexel?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism jabbed at the map, watching his claw passing through a building with awe. The Lamia smiled as he looked from face to face.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, my previous plans allowed for this design and a completion of the outer walls at least<\/em> by Spring. The city would need to hire a high-level [Enchanter] specializing in architectural enchantments, but I would be happy to stick to the plans I laid out. Or I would be. However, recent events have put more of a focus on\u2014security<\/em>, haven\u2019t they?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked up sharply. So did Olesm, trying to edge around the side and get one of the meat pies Jeiss and the Gnolls were scarfing down. Hexel went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Antinium, I mean. And I will admit\u2014security<\/em> is something I have been thinking on as well, since my own encounter.\u201d<\/p>\n

He touched at the scar running down his face. The Council fell silent. Hexel looked around and smiled again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot that I bear anyone here a grudge. Did I mention the bodyguards? At least four<\/em>, one for each of my assistants. If you\u2019re using the Watch, I insist on Level 20 or higher. But I digress. If you\u2019ll look at this second<\/em> plan, this is what I\u2019ve come up with since last night. A work in progress, but\u2014here we are.\u201d<\/p>\n

A Lizardgirl rolled out a map on top of the first one. The first overlay vanished. And Olesm\u2014gasped.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia half-rose, staring at the new city rising from the map. It was completely different from the old. For one thing\u2014it was a lot taller<\/em>.<\/p>\n

A second level had been added to the city. Olesm saw aerial walkways, entire streets built above the first. Not all-encompassing\u2014they were designed to allow passage from those above without casting too much shadow on the ground level people. But the apartments were twice as high. Hexel slithered around it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis takes lessons from Pallass. Horrible<\/em> issues with shadows from their upper floors. The design is somewhat Balerosian, but I\u2019ve made as many concessions to Drake architecture as possible. Space for Gnollish aesthetics too. Under this design, the city does expand\u2014but upwards as well as horizontally. It will triple your capacity when fully built.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ve expanded in two<\/em> directions?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism stared upwards at the higher, burgeoning skyscrapers, and then to the sides. Olesm saw two walls had been replaced and expanded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. West and south. But that\u2019s because under the new plan\u2014I would hope to remodel the walls. Note the height.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel pointed. Little numbers appeared where he did, and Olesm saw. The walls were now fifty<\/em> feet high. Not sheer vertical drops either, but slanted slopes, still very steep, but to allow for the height.<\/p>\n

\u201cFifty-foot walls, which would put Liscor above most Drake cities in stature. Doubled landmass based on western and southern expansions, and a second layer of the city for increased usage of space. This is partly for efficiency\u2019s sake, but also to make room for the largest of the improvements\u2014here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The city rotated. Olesm craned his neck and heard a sound. He looked down into the center of the new section of the city and saw\u2026blue.<\/p>\n

Water.<\/em> Krshia stared into a huge, inland pool\u2014no, lake. No\u2014a sea. Okay, maybe a lake. But a vast one. And deep!<\/em> The sewer system ran around it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA lake. I\u2019ve studied your spring rains, Councilmember.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel nodded to Jeiss. He gestured, and the view of the city enhanced around the lake. Olesm saw little fish swimming around it, a Gnoll fishing on one of the piers\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cYou want to build a lake in<\/em> our city? What nonsense! Think of the flooding! The insects that would flock to it\u2014the acid flies are already bad in the summer! This is nonsense!\u201d<\/p>\n

Tismel was aghast. Lism glanced up at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cCouncilmember Tismel, kindly shut up. This\u2014is odd. But fascinating. Explain, er, Architect Hexel.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism sat back. The Lamia smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am<\/em> from Baleros, Councilmember\u2026Tismel. I know about insects. This body of water would be exceptionally deep, and the surface area enchanted against pests. Regular ward spells, like the ones on your walls. But rather than considering insects\u2014think of the fish. <\/em>Liscor actually exports a large amount of seafood in the spring. But your people don\u2019t have high-level [Fisher] classes because, of course, it\u2019s only in one season. Imagine that\u2014all year round?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council did. They looked at each other. Alonna murmured.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly<\/em> deep.\u201d<\/p>\n

The proposed lake ran nearly three times as deep as Liscor was tall\u2014and that was the new model. And the surface area was large as well. Hexel nodded, going on.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is, Councilmember. But imagine this: free, fresh water so long as you manage it. A source of food, entertainment so long as you segregate the more dangerous fish populations from your recreational areas\u2014and security.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSecurity? Against what? Oh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism\u2019s eyes widened. Krshia murmured. She looked up sharply.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Hive. You want to flood them?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lamia smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly as a last resort. But you asked for an [Architect], and I take wars<\/em> into account. The Antinium are an interesting foe. Obviously, I\u2019d need enchanted stone to prevent sabotage; in fact, I\u2019ll need to completely redesign your sewer system and ensure everything\u2019s secure. Here, here and here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He began rotating the map, showing highlighted weak points. The Council looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the cost\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Tismel was spluttering. Hexel nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood point. Here is my revised budget\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed, and one of his Lizardfolk assistants held up a sheet of paper with the number written on it. The Council gasped.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cOutrageous! <\/em>We can\u2019t pay for that!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTismel, shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeiss didn\u2019t look at the Drake. He was looking about, gauging opinions.<\/p>\n

\u201cCandidly, we do not have that coin, Architect Hexel. But is that a conservative estimate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Elirr folded his paws together. Hexel grinned.<\/p>\n

\u201cAssuming no other additions? I did<\/em> come up with this in one night. While I was drinking, Councilmember Elirr. I can envision a few more add-ons. But while it would be expensive, I can do it. If you feel able to finance this, I will begin work and only begin the most ambitious aspects once funding is secured. This is\u2014humbly\u2014just in the design<\/em> phase.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked at each other. Krshia\u2019s eyes were bright with interest. So were Olesm\u2019s. He just stared at the lake. Imagine the possibilities! Who would have thought of it?<\/p>\n

The rest of the Council was more reserved, though. Raekea raised a polite paw.<\/p>\n

\u201cHrr. Begging your pardon, [Architect], but I see one flaw immediately. This water\u2014where does it come from?\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at the lake. The others looked at her. Jeiss scratched at his neck.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Rain, Raekea?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll gave him a roll of the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have to rain for months<\/em> as it does in the spring even to fill this a bit. And we would drain it if we relied on it for water, yes, Jeiss? Would we divert a river into this place? I do not see one\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Miss Raekea, you\u2019re thinking like an [Architect]. Happily, we do not<\/em> need a river.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hexel beamed. He pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis lake would, in fact, make use of the Floodplain\u2019s ample groundwater. It might take a few [Hydromancers] to pull it up, but Liscor could be supplied on the water from your spring rains alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur what-water?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism looked blank. Hexel sighed and flicked a claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere are the estimates of how much water Liscor receives? Your Floodplains\u2026flood<\/em>, Councilmember Lism. Every year. And yet\u2014it drains with unnatural speed. Where does the water go? Down. It has to be somewhere. I\u2019d like to find it, and make use of it. As well as where all those fish go every spring. If you could tap into it, you\u2019d have more water than you could ever dream of. And more water than the Antinium could handle.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council fell silent. They looked at each other. The scope of Hexel\u2019s ambition took Olesm away. And yet\u2014he didn\u2019t seem like he was exaggerating his abilities. He had the kind of confidence Olesm had learned to see, rather than bravado. Earned confidence.<\/p>\n

\u201cI only worry that the Antinium will see this as a definite<\/em> sign of aggression.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alonna murmured. Lism snorted and folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey see it that way? They\u2019ve already been lying<\/em> to us, Alonna. They don\u2019t have to know until we start digging. And\u2014so what if they object? If they never attack, everything\u2019s fine.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUnless we decide to flood them, yes, Councilmember Lism? I\u2019m sure they trust your honor<\/em>, but the scenario exists. This is a matter to discuss.\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia smiled toothily at Lism. He glowered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014the budget and this plan. And the Antinium! We\u2019re bringing it up with the army and the Walled Cities. Maybe this will get them to stop panicking. Er\u2014Architect. Can you make sure the Antinium can\u2019t<\/em> cave in our walls?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. And if you\u2019d like to talk about that, or other Antinium safeguards, by all means. That\u2019s what I\u2019m here for. Pass me a meat pasty.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Lamia settled himself at the table. Tismel was still spluttering.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut he\u2019s a Lizardperson<\/em>. Can we really trust him to make sure our walls are\u2014secure?\u201d<\/p>\n

The entire room fell silent. Hexel\u2019s eyes glittered and he watched the others\u2019 faces slowly. Krshia\u2019s brows drew together. But it was Lism\u2019s jaw who twitched. He looked at Hexel, and then around swiftly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlright. A quick vote since this is in debate. All in favor of cancelling<\/em> our agreement with Architect Hexel who has come from Baleros and represents the Builder\u2019s Guild because he\u2019s a Lizardperson?\u201d<\/p>\n

No one moved. Tismel\u2019s claw hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Lism\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up, Tismel. Alright, that\u2019s decided. Now, all in favor of throwing Tismel out of the window?\u201d<\/p>\n

Six hands rose. Olesm saw Tismel blanch.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not an official vote! Don\u2019t you dare! I\u2019m a Councilmember\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone call for Guardsman Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism looked past Tismel, ignoring the Drake\u2019s panic. And Olesm was proud of his uncle. Irascible as he was\u2014Lism looked at Hexel\u2019s vision of Liscor. And that mattered more than a grudge between species. Jeiss coughed and looked at Hexel as Tismel fled the room.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s talk, [Architect]. The Antinium security issue is a large one. Can you point out weak spots? We have a\u2026map of the Antinium tunnel network and dungeon, roughly. And it\u2019s concerning.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm had seen it too. Hexel winced as he saw the secret sketch Magnolia had provided Zevara and the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026may need to check your foundations. But the Antinium are<\/em> good at avoiding collapsing things when they don\u2019t want to. Can I safeguard against that? Give me enough enchanted stone, and I can. But your budget\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, I have some more notes on the city\u2019s defenses. Give me one second and I\u2019ll fetch them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Drake\u2019s voice made everyone turn to look at him. Olesm had nearly been forgotten amid the talk. He had nearly reached a meat pie, one of the last ones left. Krshia blinked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm? But what about Hexel\u2019s bodyguards?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014can send a letter to Watch Captain Zevara. But as Liscor\u2019s [Strategist]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He hesitated. The Council was looking at him. Lism, his uncle, looked kindly at Olesm. But even his eyes flickered to Hexel.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, we have<\/em> Grand Strategist Chaldion meeting with us later today. You should voice your opinions then, Olesm. Yes, but I think making Architect Hexel as comfortable as possible is most important. Tell Watch Captain Zevara to send her best. At least one Senior Guardsman. We\u2019ll call for you if Architect Hexel has any questions. And for that meeting with the other cities.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s heart sank through his stomach and out his tail. He opened his mouth. He was<\/em> the [Strategist], though! The old Council would never<\/em> have sent him packing. But they let him do everything. This one?<\/p>\n

He should stay. The Drake opened his mouth to insist\u2014<\/p>\n

And found himself hurrying towards the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll uh, send the [Bodyguards] here later.\u201d<\/p>\n

He muttered as he closed the door. The Council didn\u2019t take any notice. They were talking to Hexel and the Lamia, in his element, was answering back, making his apprentices run about.<\/p>\n

Olesm stared at the closed doors. But he had run<\/em> this city with Zevara. He had\u2014<\/p>\n

He had lost it, hadn\u2019t he? The Council didn\u2019t need him because they were competent. And Olesm had lost Erin\u2019s friendship. He\u2019d lost\u2026<\/p>\n

The Drake turned and walked down the hallway. He passed Councilmember Tismel. The Drake fled from behind the potted plant.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t you dare throw me out the window<\/em> again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Again? <\/em>Olesm was too, suddenly, woebegone to even notice that. He walked out of the City Hall.<\/p>\n

They\u2019d be talking to Grand Strategist Chaldion later today. And the other leaders of the Walled Cities. The [High Strategist] of Liscor\u2019s army. Of course he wasn\u2019t necessary.<\/p>\n

When had it all gone so wrong? Olesm had become a [Strategist]. Ilvriss had called him a prodigy.<\/em> He had the attention of Niers Astoragon\u2014Olesm still wore the Ring of Sight.<\/p>\n

But what had happened?<\/p>\n

He had sided against Erin, that was what had happened. And the chess magazines had ceased. The Drake had begun hiding from the Mage\u2019s Guild and the City Runners who sent letters demanding to know when the next magazine episode was coming out. Because how could he run it without her?<\/em><\/p>\n

Olesm had found his job was more\u2026mundane. He\u2019d made a mistake. And suddenly, the whirlwind of events that had spun around Erin ceased to include him. Because she had made him.<\/p>\n

And without her?<\/p>\n

A little blue errand-bug scurried out of City Hall. It went to the Watch House and Zevara agreed to assign Beilmark and five other Gnolls and Humans to security. Then the blue insect walked outside.<\/p>\n

And Olesm realized he was hungry. He hadn\u2019t even had breakfast. And since\u2026he wasn\u2019t needed, he walked back towards Market Street to go buy some. Not The Wandering Inn. After all\u2014<\/p>\n

He was just another customer there.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Part of it was depression. Self-hatred. Lack of confidence. A Drake louse scurried into the market.<\/p>\n

Another part of it was anger. Frustration. Uncertainty. A sense of\u2014weakness, coupled with a problem she didn\u2019t want to have. Erin Solstice threw up her hands as she tried to argue with Montressa, tell the other people from Earth to shut up\u2014<\/em>and failed to get the irony in that.<\/p>\n

Different people. Different problems. But that was the thing. Sometimes, the days were glorious without flaw\u2014but seldom. Even the clearest skies usually came only after rain. Usually, the cleanest glass had a bit of microscopic dust or smudge.<\/p>\n

Someone knocked over a neat pyramid of neatly de-cored Amentus Fruits as Olesm entered the market. It was an accident; a bump against the table. It happened. Olesm heard the [Shopkeeper]\u2019s aggrieved shout.<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice dragged Montressa upstairs to negotiate about why all the Earthers were off-limits. The Earthers looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. That was a Minotaur.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMinotauress<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014we\u2019re staying here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuess so. Let\u2019s look around. They call this place the \u2018Floodplains\u2019. Come on. We\u2019ll get out of Erin\u2019s hair. She looks busy.\u201d<\/p>\n

They got up and left the inn, and no one noticed for a good ten minutes in the rush. By the time Erin went to look for them to explain about Wistram\u2014they were gone. Wandering the perfectly safe<\/em> Floodplains. Erin began to curse in a very<\/em> uncharacteristic manner.<\/p>\n

And at that moment the magical door opened, as the [Innkeeper] was preparing to leave. And a woman walked into the inn and put it to a standstill. She wore not the yellow tracksuit of yesterday, but her hair was still styled. Lady Pryde looked around the inn with narrowed eyes.<\/p>\n

The little bug heard a furious voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou! You ruined my stock! You damned\u2014someone call the Watch! Is there a [Guardsman]?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

And everyone looked at him. All the bug-Drake wanted was some food. The inn was unguarded.<\/p>\n

It was times like these, when the deck was stacked against you, a single face, a single card could turn the tides.<\/p>\n

Like a [Lady]. Let alone a [Princess].<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olesm Swifttail heard a young woman arguing with the irate Gnoll. He found the crowd nudging him out of line, as a member of Liscor\u2019s law enforcement, to deal with the problem. He just wanted his sandwich.<\/p>\n

But then he turned and saw her.<\/p>\n

Her hair was mussed, disorderly from sharing a room with Ceria on a floor-mattress. She was in the same clothes as yesterday since her clothing\u2014and her money pouch had been stolen by Thomast.<\/p>\n

Even so, her hair was black and orange. And she burned like fire. The [Lady] was speaking slowly.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. It was an accident.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAccident? Who cares? That\u2019s my stock!<\/em> Now it\u2019s bruised! You Humans think you can just damage someone\u2019s business and walk off? This is why I voted for Lism!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll was haranguing her. The young woman was scooping down to pick up the Amentus Fruits.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet your paws off them! And pay for those!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] was having a bad day. She glared about as her customers called out.<\/p>\n

\u201cLeave off. They\u2019re just dusty, Berri.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShut up.<\/em> Where\u2019s a [Guardsman]? I want recompense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. But I don\u2019t have any money.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El gestured to her missing money pouch. That was actually the wrong thing to say. The crowd instantly turned suspicious.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot one copper penny?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you in Market Street, then?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLooking around. Looking for work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] defended herself. But the memory of the Human [Thief] was working against her. The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] looked furiously around.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhere\u2019s a [Guardsman]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHere\u2019s Olesm!\u201d<\/p>\n

Someone called out and pointed at Olesm. The Drake jumped. He was drooling at the blue fruits. The Gnoll brightened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm! Just the Drake I wanted! Sort this out, please? This Human knocked over my stall! And she\u2019s loitering<\/em> about here without a penny in her pockets, or so she says! Just like the last [Thief]!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2014hello, everyone. What seems to be the problem, Miss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm halted. He blinked at Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm. Do I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola turned. She smiled, relieved. But only a bit relieved; she didn\u2019t seem worried, despite the very angry Gnoll.<\/p>\n

\u201cI daresay you might. Didn\u2019t we drink together? Olesm Swifttail? Maviola.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. You beat me in chess. And\u2014right, you know the Horns.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shopkeeper] hesitated as Olesm nodded to Maviola and she smiled. This was not how the confrontation in her head had played out. She coughed, trying to be polite.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrategist? This Human bumped over my stock.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh\u2014right. Miss Maviola, did you, in fact, intend to steal or knock over Miss Berri\u2019s stock?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm sighed. Maviola shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she could just be saying<\/em> that. The last Human was a thief! Stole from Honored Krshia and blew up the\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Berri protested, and then tried to eat her tongue. But the other customers were somewhat on her side. Olesm sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we test this via truth stone? We\u2019ll have to flag down a Senior Guardsman or go to the barracks. Miss Maviola? If you\u2019ll come with me, we can go back there. It won\u2019t take long. And you\u2019re not under arrest.\u201d<\/p>\n

And maybe I can get some breakfast. <\/em>The Drake thought internally. He tried to hold out a claw to her. But Maviola refused. She pointed at the Amentus Fruits and raised her chin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was an accident. I\u2019ve apologized, but I\u2019ve stolen nothing. Why must I be escorted to the Watch on the merest claim that I \u2018might\u2019 have been doing something? Has anything been stolen in Market Street? Is it a crime to walk around here without money?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist]\u2019s brows knitted.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Why was she being stubborn about this? But the [Lady]\u2019s orange eyes flashed as she looked at Berri.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn accident is<\/em> an accident. It seems to me those fruits would fall over if anyone bumped into that stall. They already looked bruised to me. But it seems because I am Human, I\u2019m being singled out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll woman growled at her. Olesm\u2019s head began to hurt again. Nothing was ever simple.<\/em> He looked helplessly at Miss Berri and decided he was too hungry for this.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know what? That\u2019s true. An accident is an accident. Miss Berri, why don\u2019t we call this a simple misunderstanding. I can pay for Miss Maviola since we know each other. Here\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

He dug out four coppers and winced. He\u2019d only meant to pull out two; he wasn\u2019t even buying<\/em> one. But Berri\u2019s face broke into a smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I appreciate that, Strategist Olesm. A credit to the city, and kind too! Yes, I can forgive\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached out as Olesm proffered the coins. And Maviola slapped down Olesm\u2019s wrist.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNow what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm lost his temper. He rounded on Maviola. But her eyes just glittered as she looked at Berri.<\/p>\n

\u201cI will not let you give her money for an accident and a crime I didn\u2019t commit. I did nothing wrong.<\/em> I demand that you arrest me, Strategist Olesm<\/em>, or resolve this. Because this is not justice.\u201d<\/p>\n

His jaw dropped. So did Berri\u2019s. But the young woman just stood there. And the look in her eyes said that she would rather be arrested than let a single copper coin go to Berri.<\/p>\n

Like contained fire. From her hair to her eyes, Maviola El blazed with passion, even in the early morning. Even in the light. She looked at Olesm and he saw her burning indignation. Because she was right.<\/p>\n

But the fire burned deeper still. And Olesm looked at Maviola. And at that moment\u2014he and perhaps other shoppers in Market Street remembered something.<\/p>\n

Another young woman. An angry Drake, overcharging prices. And to settle it, a chess game.<\/em><\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s eyes brightened. The fog of hunger and depression rose for a second. And for the first time that day, he began to think.<\/em> He turned back to Berri. The Gnoll [Shopkeeper] was spluttering.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe wants to be stubborn? Fine! Summon a [Guard]! Waste of time on everyone\u2019s part if you ask me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Berri. As [Strategist] of Liscor, I am authorized to arrest civilians. Is it your wish to charge Miss Maviola with damage of property?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm snapped. The Gnoll and the crowd fell silent. Berri hesitated. But she was in too far. Her chin rose as she looked at Olesm challengingly.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. My fruits were<\/em> damaged, accidentally or not. Shouldn\u2019t I be recompensed for that?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. That is your right, as is your right to level a charge that the Watch should investigate. Thus\u2014excuse me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned and waved his claws over his head. The people amid the bustling street looked around. Maviola glanced at Olesm. And her eyes lit up as the Drake shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWould everyone who has <\/em>ever bumped into Miss Berri\u2019s stall and knocked over the Amentus Fruits please step forwards? Today or in the past?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The crowd of people on the street looked about. The wise ones didn\u2019t raise their hands or step forwards. But at least fourteen innocent, good citizens of Liscor did. After all, Miss Berri had sold fruits here for years. Olesm beamed at them.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcellent. Well then, I am arresting you all for complaint of damage to property at Miss Berri\u2019s insistence. Please follow me to the Watch House and we will make sure none of you intentionally damaged her goods. After that, we will determine if you must pay a small fine\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

A shout came from the crowd. Berri raised her paws, looking very worried.<\/p>\n

\u201cI never said that! I just said this Human\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

She tried to point at Maviola. Olesm turned to Berri.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Berri, that Human is a pedestrian on the streets. Is there a difference between the accident she caused or the accident a Gnoll shopper might cause? Or a Drake one?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014well\u2014she\u2019s Human\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm looked at Berri as she trailed off.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014if the shopper was a Gnoll, the situation would be different? What about a Drake?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, exactly! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Strategist] hadn\u2019t been prepared for that. His jaw worked as Berri looked relieved. But some of the crowd understood his point.<\/p>\n

\u201cStop blaming Humans for your stupid display, Berri!<\/em> You\u2019re wasting all our time!\u201d<\/p>\n

One of the Drake customers shouted at her. Another Gnoll shouted his agreement. Berri\u2019s ears flattened.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you withdraw the complaint?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm nodded. He looked at the triumphant Maviola, who was not hiding her pleasure. But the Drake looked around the street, speaking to the Gnoll and the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cMiss Berri, if you have<\/em> a complaint, don\u2019t hesitate to register it with a [Guard]. Especially if a Human [Thief] appears in the market. But that goes for any [Thief] of any species. Humans are new to the city. But that is all. The law makes no distinction between them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll didn\u2019t reply. The members of the crowd watched Olesm step back. He gestured to Maviola and they walked away. In the silence, one of the Drakes murmured to his companion.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, Ancestors.<\/em> That was kind of harsh, don\u2019t you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans. Well, he is friends with that crazy one. Say, can I get two Amentus Fruits? Not the bruised ones. Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n

And the crowd shifted to supporting the downtrodden Berri.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat Olesm. Not always the nicest of sorts. He had a point, but did he have <\/em>to embarrass Berri, make a speech?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHis new class has gone to his head, what? I remember that nice young Drake boy\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyone know where the carrots are for sale?\u201d<\/p>\n

Selys groaned as Hawk waved his paw around vaguely. The crowd murmured. After a few seconds, some of them began to shout at Olesm\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

You couldn\u2019t win them all. Olesm heard the people hurling insults at his back and high-tailed it out of Market Street. He<\/em> thought he\u2019d done a good job. But one of the said Amentus Fruits even went soaring after his head.<\/p>\n

He started running and only stopped when he heard the laughter. Maviola was hurrying after him, but she was laughing as she ran.<\/p>\n

The pure amusement in her voice made Olesm stop and grin ruefully. He saw her glance behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo mob. We\u2019re safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

The two caught their breaths. Olesm looked at Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I thought that really worked.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was a good speech. But did you really<\/em> expect them to suddenly stop disliking Humans? You made a huge scene and humiliated that poor Gnoll.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause you told<\/em> me to!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot to do it that way! And if you were<\/em> going to make a scene, you should always have a way out. In case it fails! Otherwise you and I could have been beaten to pulp with\u2014fruits!\u201d<\/p>\n

She laughed merrily at him. Olesm hadn\u2019t considered that. Berri was a Gnoll woman\u2014which meant bigger than Maviola and Olesm. She could probably pluck their heads off like grapes and put them on her counter if she got mad.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014I\u2019ve never done that before! I did my best, alright?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I\u2019m grateful. I didn\u2019t knock over the fruits on purpose, by the way.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGood.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake looked stupidly at her. The [Lady] brushed her dress and glanced about. She opened her mouth as Olesm tried to say something about inclusivity and how Liscor wasn\u2019t used to Humans.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI-\u201d<\/p>\n

Their stomachs both rumbled.<\/em> The Drake and young woman paused. And then they started chuckling.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I haven\u2019t had anything to eat.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe neither. My money pouch got stolen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. In the city? We can report it\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cInvrisil.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola waved it off. She bent down, dusted something off.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnyways, I found breakfast. I was<\/em> looking for work as a [Stall Attendant] or something, but since that\u2019s out\u2014want to share?\u201d<\/p>\n

She offered the cored Amentus Fruit to Olesm. He blinked at it. It was only slightly bruised and Maviola bit into it with clear delight.<\/p>\n

\u201cSweet!<\/em> And so delicious. You know, these sell for gold<\/em> up north? Well, the poison is deadly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s all in the core. And if you\u2019re hungry, want some breakfast? I need to get some. Now.\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman looked at Olesm.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t pay for myself. I was going to have to go back to the inn and ask the Horns. I was actually hoping to look around the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I know it like the back of my tail. Been here all my life. Come on\u2014they\u2019re selling burgers this way. Well\u2014ribs in a bun. I\u2019ll treat you. We do know each other, after all. Don\u2019t worry; they\u2019re really cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola smiled as Olesm pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you. Well, I\u2019ll share my breakfast too.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat b\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She popped the other half of the Amentus Fruit into Olesm\u2019s mouth. He blinked. It was sweet!<\/em> And only a bit gritty. The [Lady] walked past him, looking at the expression on his face with amusement. The Drake stared at her back. And then followed after. There was something about Maviola that made you want to learn about her.<\/p>\n

It was familiar.<\/p>\n

And different.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Lady Pryde Ulta stood in the inn. Erin froze with her hand on the doorknob. The [Lady of Pride] looked around, and her eyes flashed imperiously.<\/p>\n

She was the same as she\u2019d been just yesterday. Erin stared at her. And the inn fell silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet. Out.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] glanced at Erin. The Earthers were gone; Erin had just been about to go after them. Lyonette froze as she edged out of the kitchen with an extra-large pie for Moore; the Halfseekers had come through the door just a moment ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cA curious inn. I don\u2019t see why Magnolia is so obsessed with this place. However\u2014it has some interesting qualities. Innkeeper, how much would you take for this door? Eighty thousand gold pieces? Name your price. If it is within reason, we may come to an arrangement. I have other objects I would like to purchase\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice strode up to Pryde. And the air was suddenly stifling.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re not welcome here. Get out.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This time the [Lady] heard her, or acknowledged she\u2019d heard. Her eyes narrowed slightly.<\/p>\n

\u201cInsolence. I am Lady Pryde Ulta. No one tells me where to go.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

As dialogue went, that last part fell flat. But Pryde was holding still. And Erin\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my inn. You can\u2019t come in here. You\u2019re not buying the door. And you and Magnolia\u2014all of you are on my bad list.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde just ignored that. She turned her head. And then began to walk past Erin, towards one of the doors. Just like that. Erin\u2019s eyes bulged.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, stop.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

This time Lyonette felt<\/em> the aura condensing around Pryde. The [Lady] nearly stumbled. She turned.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo, the [Innkeeper] does have thorns. But you wouldn\u2019t have stopped me, even alone. Girl. I am a [Lady] of Izril. I will excuse your foul manners. Once. Do not test<\/em> me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh yeah?\u201d<\/p>\n

This time the [Lady of Pride]\u2019s eyes narrowed. Lyonette felt the gathering aura against the door. She looked for Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha\u2014<\/em>oh no. Mrsha, get over here!\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll looked up. She scampered over. Lyonette seized her, and then tossed<\/em> her. Mrsha went flying through the [Garden of Sanctuary] with a yelp. Lyonette slammed the door.<\/p>\n

In the inn, Pryde\u2019s aura was gathering around her. Someone had taught<\/em> her. She brushed off Erin\u2019s aura, began to overpower the [Innkeeper]. Erin\u2019s eyes went wide. She pushed back, but the [Lady]\u2019s atmosphere was overpowering. That was pride, manifest.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t make me discipline you. I might admire your spirit. In fact, I rather do. But I require respect first.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde half-smiled as the air began to shake around Erin. Then someone coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. That\u2019s our friend. If she says you\u2019re not welcome, get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

The air turned cold<\/em>. Lyonette saw-felt a third<\/em> aura merging, freezing the air around Pryde. She saw Ceria.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, no, you idiot\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde glanced at the frost growing on her clothing. She tsked<\/em>. The Horns were on their feet. So were the Halfseekers. Griffon Hunt were more indecisive.<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t be an idiot, Moore! That\u2019s a [Lady]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi hissed at the half-Giant. But he was carefully edging around the table. Yvlon walked forwards, her hands raised placatingly as Pisces stealthily moved around Pryde\u2019s back. Ksmvr pulled out a crossbow and Halrac grabbed it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Ulta, please calm down. This is not your land. Miss Solstice is the owner of the inn. Her word is law.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde glanced at Yvlon.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you are?\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon bowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYvlon Byres.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA minor house\u2019s daughter. You have only a scrap of our class. And you have no right to lecture me on my authority. Be silent.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Armsmistress]\u2019s eyes blazed. She took a step forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe will back up Erin\u2019s words. Please reconsider.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria was freezing the air colder and colder. Not dangerously cold yet; but she was warning Pryde. Lyonette hesitated. This was bad. Ceria was like Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not how you fight with auras\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Pryde turned her head, saw Pisces and Ksmvr trying to sneak up on her from behind. Her eyes flashed with anger.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough of this. You want to challenge me, children. Fine. Challenge me.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Yvlon, striding for Pryde, suddenly froze.<\/em> The aura spread out, immobilizing Ksmvr, Pisces, Ceria\u2014it squashed<\/em> Ceria\u2019s elemental aura. And the air around Pryde turned golden, taking on an ethereal tinge.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh no. She\u2019s got control, potency, and manifestation.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette groaned. Erin staggered as everyone in the inn felt an overwhelming, yet invisible weight pushing<\/em> them down. Pryde\u2019s ego was weight. Lyonette herself had to gather her aura and push<\/em> against the intensity.<\/p>\n

But\u2014Erin still moved. She looked around her staggering friends. A copy of yesterday. And she lost her temper.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnough.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed. Lyonette saw the air ripple.<\/em> Both she and Pryde blinked. But the [Lady] went stumbling back a few steps. Pryde caught herself, formed a shield. Erin blinked. She\u2019d just manifested her aura!<\/p>\n

\u201cInteresting. You want to make this a competition? Show me what makes Magnolia so fascinated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Pryde\u2019s aura intensified. But this was Erin\u2019s land. The young woman pushed back. And the two personalities met in the center of the inn.<\/p>\n

It was something Lyonette could sense. To many, it was just an invisible staring contest. But no\u2014you could feel it in the air, like two hostile intentions. And it was actually affecting the air between them. Shimmering where the auras met.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s\u2026happening?\u201d<\/p>\n

Revi whispered. She didn\u2019t quite understand. But Halrac was staring at the two; the [Scout] could see almost as well as Lyonette.<\/p>\n

Everyone could feel an aura. Everyone could use an aura. If you had ever engaged in a hostile staring contest\u2014that was two auras clashing. But this was that natural ability multiplied a thousand times.<\/p>\n

Lyonette saw Erin struggling against Pryde. The [Lady] was locking down everyone around her, but that was more of a side-effect. The two were battling it out and the Horns were frozen. They might have moved. Pisces might have flicked his glowing [Shatterbolt] ring. But that was\u2014too\u2014hostile. This was a [Lady]\u2019s battle.<\/p>\n

And an [Innkeeper] was matching her in her inn. It was close.<\/em> They went back and forth; Pryde had experience, a more powerful class and a more distinguished aura.<\/p>\n

But this was Erin\u2019s inn. And she was mad.<\/em> The two glared at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cRidiculous.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde\u2019s eyes narrowed as she tried to squash Erin and found the young woman pushing at her.<\/em> Erin was biting her lip hard enough to draw blood. The [Innkeeper]\u2019s focus was slipping. But\u2014she balled a hand into a fist.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is my inn. You want to get mean?\u201d<\/p>\n

She began walking forwards. Lyonette saw Erin raising her fist. Pryde saw it, and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Pride is Unbreakable].\u201d<\/p>\n

She began walking forwards too. They were on a collision course. And the clash of auras was about to get physical.<\/em> But Pryde was supremely confident in her defensive Skill. And Lyonette, looking between them, wondered what she could do. If she threw her power behind Erin\u2014but she could barely push Pryde off her!<\/p>\n

Push. Wait a second<\/em>\u2026Lyonette\u2019s eyes widened. Abruptly, the [Princess]\u2019 back straightened. She felt the pressure lift. Of course! <\/em>Erin had no idea, and neither did Pryde! Lyonette saw Erin raising a fist and ran.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She shoved<\/em> Erin aside. The [Innkeeper] went \u2018bwuh\u2019, and sprawled onto the ground. Lyonette saw Pryde blink.<\/p>\n

The pressure on Erin relented\u2014slightly. Erin scrambled up.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette! Get out of the way! I\u2019m gonna punch her\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice. We have bigger issues! Go after the Ear\u2014go after Rose and the others! They\u2019re in the Floodplains, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette snapped at the [Innkeeper]. Erin blinked. She glanced at the door, and then at the confused Pryde.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGo.<\/em> I\u2019ll handle things here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette saw Erin hesitate, weigh the odds of Joseph and the others being in trouble, look at Pryde. Then she cursed and ran. Erin only stopped at the door to point at Pryde.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t over! Dun, dun, d\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She slammed the door. Pryde stared after her, and then at Lyonette. Her aura was still crushing everyone around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cGah! Why can\u2019t I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria was on her knees. She was being completely shut down. Even Yvlon was struggling to stay upright. But Lyonette? Pryde focused on the [Princess]. And Lyonette\u2019s knees didn\u2019t so much as buckle.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd who are you?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette du Marquin stood in front of Lady Pryde Ulta. She took a deep breath. And then she smoothly curtsied.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyon, Lady Pryde! So sorry about that. I\u2019m the inn\u2019s [Manager] and [Head Barmaid], under Miss Solstice. How can I help you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] blinked. The aura\u2026slowly relaxed. She turned her head, eyed Lyonette a few times, and then sniffed.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, someone has politeness and a spine. I\u2019ll conduct my business myself. Tell that impudent [Innkeeper].\u201d<\/p>\n

With that she turned away and walked through one of the side doors. Lyonette exhaled, slowly. She felt everyone begin breathing, talking again.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods damn it, I couldn\u2019t do anything! Again!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria got up, breathing hard. She looked at Lyonette. Then at Pryde.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re just letting her go?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWould you<\/em> like to throw her out? I\u2019ll follow her, make sure nothing else happens. Mrsha! You can come in, but don\u2019t you dare cause trouble!\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha was peeking at Lyonette wide-eyed through the Garden of Sanctuary. The others saw Lyonette clap her hands.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry for the interruption, everyone! Won\u2019t happen again\u2014hopefully. Back to work!\u201d<\/p>\n

They all looked at the [Princess]. Yvlon, panting, eyed Lyonette. She asked the question that Mrsha and the others dearly wanted to know.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just interrupted both Erin and<\/em> Pryde. She tried to squash you, Lyonette. I\u2019m no expert\u2014I\u2019m a Level 4 [Lady]. But how did you do<\/em> that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette just winked.<\/p>\n

\u201cAura battles aren\u2019t pure force, Yvlon. Ceria, you need practice. Just like Erin. As for how\u2014that\u2019s my secret. Come on, Mrsha!\u201d<\/p>\n

She scooped Mrsha up and followed after Pryde. The Gnoll patted Lyonette on the head urgently. She signed with her paws, practically begging.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow did you do that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette saw Mrsha pleading for the answer. So she lowered her voice as she followed Pryde and whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201cEasy, Mrsha. I just know about auras. Pryde is stronger, more skillful than Erin and me. But you know what? I outrank her.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was all about perspective. Once Lyonette shifted her own authority, Pryde was aiming at the wrong target. There was nothing like a secret [Princess] when someone pulled out a [Lady].<\/p>\n

But round two was just beginning. Lyonette wiped sweat from her brow. She hurried down the main hallway. Pryde was going through one of the side doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Pryde! How can I help\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The magic door opened and a Drake strode through. An absolute unit. Grimalkin the Fist Mage made the Gnolls look small and skinny. He was already in an irritable mood. But he was unfailingly\u2026Grimalkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh, Miss Lyonette. Excellent. I must speak to Erin Solstice at once. About the Antinium issue.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGrimalkin! I mean, Magus\u2014now is not a good time. Erin\u2019s outside and\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIs she? I\u2019ll find her. I\u2019d also like to confer with Watch Captain Zevara before I leave. The Walled Cities are debating on the Liscorian issue\u2026excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin turned towards the door. Lyonette\u2019s eyes widened. She could see the future. Grimalkin would find Erin in a moment. And the Earthers. And knowing them\u2014they hadn\u2019t been briefed yet.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Magus Grimalkin, now\u2019s really not a good time\u2014Erin\u2019s in the middle of something.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen is she not? I\u2019ll be brief, but I must insist\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin went for the door. Lyonette took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, no.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake halted in his tracks. He looked over his shoulder. And the [Princess]\u2019s aura caught and held him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young Human woman smiled at him as Mrsha smirked at Grimalkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagus Grimalkin. While I appreciate the severity of your needs, Erin is busy<\/em> with a pressing task. It is somewhat rude to interrupt her. Is your task critical<\/em> or just pressing?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake\u2019s jaw worked a few times. He hesitated. And Lyonette looked at him. Her aura didn\u2019t hold<\/em> him down like Pryde and Erin did. It just pushed one thing onto him.<\/p>\n

He was being rather unmannerly. The [Sinew Magus] coughed, checked himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cI could\u2014wait. Yes. I\u2019ll\u2014see Miss Solstice at her leisure. Once this pressing issue is dealt with. You understand my concern?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOf course. And she will see you directly<\/em> after she is free. I\u2019ll convey that to her myself. Would you like to wait in the inn?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEr\u2026yes. Yes, before the Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sinew Magus] stepped back from the door. Lyonette felt more energy leave her as she released her aura. But Mrsha was giving her Human mother another awed look. Power was more than muscle. Grimalkin was all<\/em> muscle. But he had little experience with noble classes.<\/p>\n

Of course, you could mostly get around that because on the battlefield<\/em>, all these diplomatic tricks didn\u2019t stop an arrow going through your head. Except in Pryde\u2019s case.<\/p>\n

And speaking of her\u2026Lyonette hurried after Pryde. What was<\/em> she up to? Lyonette peeked around the inn, worried. Was she after one of the Antinium? Oh no. Where was Bird? Numbtongue? Was she\u2014<\/p>\n

Pryde was in one of the inn\u2019s newest rooms. The weights room. Grimalkin\u2019s new weights and exercise machines were all set up. And the [Lady] was staring at a poster Grimalkin had worked up showing how to properly do a deadlift. She was holding one of the larger barbells casually in one arm.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you again. These are intriguing. They\u2019re for building muscle, aren\u2019t they? I want them. Where do they come from and how much are they? Never mind. I\u2019ll buy these.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde turned to Lyonette as the young woman entered the room. Mrsha padded in after her, wrinkling her nose. It always smelled vaguely of sweat in here. Lyonette blinked at Pryde.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014want these?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Sell them to me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] looked at the [Princess]. She narrowed her eyes and Lyonette felt an experimental push<\/em>. For a moment she wanted<\/em> to sell the weights. Well\u2014she still did. But the [Princess] had her pride. She took a breath, restrained her vexation, and smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

She rather enjoyed saying that. Pryde blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll buy them for twice of whatever they were sold to you for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Again, the [Princess] fought. Internally, her mercantile side said \u2018yes, absolutely\u2019! But part of her, the [Princess] part, said\u2014<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Lady Pryde. These are the property of The Wandering Inn. They cannot be sold, even to a [Lady] of Izril. I am so sorry.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

It was so funny. Lyonette loved money. But this was her inn. No one walked in and made demands of her. She ignored Pryde\u2019s aura; the [Lady] was still looking at her like a [Barmaid].<\/p>\n

But this was hers, too.<\/em> The [Lady of Pride] concentrated<\/em>, and then looked exasperated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want these. Where do they come from. What are<\/em> they?\u201d<\/p>\n

A little bell rang in Lyonette\u2019s head. The [Princess] smiled widely. She looked over her shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, Lady Pryde\u2014I think I can put you in touch with the creator himself. One moment?\u201d<\/p>\n

She hurried out of the room. Lady Pryde opened her mouth. And then she turned and stared.<\/p>\n

Mrsha was trying to bench press a miniature weights bar. She gave Pryde a challenging look. Even Pryde needed a moment for that. Cuteness could overpower even pride.<\/p>\n

Grimalkin was still pacing back and forth in the hallway, muttering to himself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAuras. Damn formality Skills. Should I go after Miss Solstice? But there is<\/em> such a thing as politeness\u2014which is of course, how the Skills work. If I was a savage-minded person with no manners, I\u2019d be practically immune\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He jumped as Lyonette opened one of the secret side-doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagus Grimalkin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t left. <\/em>Wait, is Miss Solstice back yet?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned on her, expectantly. Lyonette smiled at Grimalkin.<\/p>\n

\u201cActually, <\/em>not that I want to distract you, but I have someone asking about buying some of your weights. She\u2019s very<\/em> intrigued. Could you spare a moment to speak to Lady Pryde Ulta?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Pryde\u2014one of the [Ladies] is here? Show me, yes, absolutely.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin strode into the weights room after Lyonette. Pryde was experimentally loading up her own weights bar. Mrsha was helping her slot some of the heavier lead weights into place.<\/p>\n

Both caught sight of each other at the same time. Pryde straightened and Grimalkin folded his arms.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, you.\u201d<\/p>\n

They practically said the same thing.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Pryde, may I introduce Magus Grimalkin of Pallass? He created the weights you see here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin opened his mouth.<\/p>\n

\u201cMay I ask what a [Lady] is doing in Liscor? Miss Pryde?\u201d<\/p>\n

Pryde\u2019s eyes flashed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cLady Pryde.<\/em> And I came here to investigate this\u2026contraption. I saw it yesterday, but I was occupied with Magnolia\u2019s plan. What is this for? To build muscle?\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin was opening his mouth. Then\u2014he blinked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, of course. This is my revolutionary weights-system. And this is a\u2014gymnasium. To build muscle, in a controlled environment.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? Why haven\u2019t I heard of this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a new invention.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin shot back. He glanced at Pryde\u2019s weight bar dismissively.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe techniques are completely revolutionary. My concept with some help from a\u2026significant source. Each muscular group can be worked on without the need for sparring or general training. This is an\u2026academic<\/em> approach to improving one\u2019s body. But it is in development still. Please don\u2019t try lifting that bar, Miss Pryde.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] saw the Drake glance at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s far too heavy for your muscular mass. The weights are designed to be used incrementally. You\u2019d want to reduce, oh, eighty pounds from that.\u201d<\/p>\n

He gave Pryde a dismissive look up and down. The [Lady] wasn\u2019t wearing the tracksuit, but she was wearing loose, travel or athletic clothes. She didn\u2019t look a tenth as muscular as Grimalkin. However, at Grimalkin\u2019s words, Pryde\u2019s head snapped up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs that a challenge?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, a fact. I warn you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Too late. Pryde bent down. A bit uncertainly\u2014she bent down. And then picked the weights bar up and heaved<\/em> it onto her shoulders to do a squat.<\/p>\n

Lyonette and Grimalkin stared. Mrsha\u2019s jaw dropped. Pryde eyed the poster on the wall, and imitated a squat. The weights bar\u2014which had to have over two hundred pounds on it, balanced on her shoulders as she did one squat. Then two.<\/p>\n

\u201cToo heavy, you said?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] looked at Grimalkin. The weight was clearly heavy on her, but she was managing it. Grimalkin scratched at his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not\u2026are you using magic? An aura?\u201d<\/p>\n

He squinted at her. Pryde just smirked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t need either. I keep myself fit. <\/em>House Ulta\u2019s retainers have strict training and I\u2019ve ensured their regimen is second to none. And gone through it myself.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how\u2014ah.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin saw Pryde carefully hooking the weights bar on the squat rack; then the woman\u2019s clothes moved. Lyonette saw abdominal muscle. Mrsha squinted at Pryde\u2019s arms.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Compressed Muscle]. Of course. A [Lady]\u2019s Skill. I haven\u2019t seen that Skill in\u2014years. It\u2019s not common.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake eyed Pryde. She smirked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cA gift from my mother. House Ulta has always been in high<\/em> physical shape.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBloodline breeding?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot a concept most Drakes know about. I see you have some muscle.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grimalkin harrumphed<\/em>. He and Pryde stared at each other, appraising each other a second time. Lyonette slowly beckoned towards Mrsha; the Gnoll was trying to pump a barbell.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2014I can see I\u2019ve misjudged you, Lady Ulta. But these weights are only being tested in Drake lands. I have yet to perfect the regimen.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? I want them. My [Warriors] could use them. I\u2019ve been looking for ways to improve their strength. Do you have more aids in building muscle? Why have I not heard of these weights before? I don\u2019t keep up on Drake politics.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, they are cutting-edge.<\/em> New. And I haven\u2019t been advertising\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Sinew Magus] hesitated. He blinked a few times.<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you say you wanted to know more about strength building?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid you mishear me? Unless you don\u2019t have anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] looked archly at Grimalkin. Lyonette grinned and closed the door. Now, that wasn\u2019t a [Princess]\u2019s power. That was just misdirection. And she had learned that<\/em> trick from\u2014Erin.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette, what\u2019s up with that [Lady]?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAll sorted, Drassi. Ishkr, they\u2019re in the weights room. Bring in some sliced oranges and water for them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette exhaled as she came back into the common room. Pawn and some of the Antinium were in the common room. She exclaimed as she saw them.<\/p>\n

\u201cPawn! <\/em>What happened to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe were pelted with trash on our way out of the Hive.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Priest] was picking a rag off his antennae. Two of his Workers smelled as though they\u2019d been doused by\u2026chamber pots. Lyonette\u2019s brows drew together.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose\u2014are you hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNot physically. But I am somewhat irritable.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Priest] replied. Lyonette saw Ishkr wrinkling his nose.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi, get the oranges and water for Pryde and Grimalkin. Ishkr\u2014water? Soap?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Miss Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Pawn. We can move the door or\u2014make a new one so that doesn\u2019t happen. What\u2019s it like in Liscor? Hold on, I\u2019ll get you some towels\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette walked past a table. And then abruptly, collapsed onto it.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll blinked as Lyonette caught herself.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoops, slipped. I\u2019m fine, Ishkr.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette smiled at Ishkr\u2014and then abruptly, sat back in her chair. Everything spun. <\/em>Lyonette\u2019s face turned pale.<\/p>\n

\u201cLyonette!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha and Pawn sprinted<\/em> at Lyonette as Ishkr bent over her. The [Princess] felt everything going dark. She panted as Pawn seized her.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Minor Heal\u2014]\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! I\u2019m fine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Urgently, Lyonette knocked away Pawn\u2019s hands. Everyone was watching! She panted as Mrsha grabbed her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just need to\u2014rest. I used up my aura.\u201d<\/p>\n

She\u2019d never done that. Her mother<\/em> hadn\u2019t used her aura as much as that, not in all the years Lyonette had been at court. The [Princess] closed her eyes as the voices murmured around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give me\u2014give me\u2014one moment.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her head lolled back. And she closed her eyes. The [Princess] passed out\u2014just for a moment, before Mrsha shoved a stamina potion in her mouth. But that was all she needed. She heard that wonderful voice she\u2019d been waiting for.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Worldly Princess Level 20!]<\/p>\n

[Skill\u2014<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

At the same time that was happening, a [Lady] was listening to a Drake\u2019s woes. Maviola El savored her bites of the rib-burger as she walked across Liscor with Olesm.<\/p>\n

The Drake was showing her around. Olesm really didn\u2019t have much to do\u2014well, he had to attend the strategy meeting regarding the Antinium situation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what do I do?<\/em> I\u2019m just a low-level [Strategist]. Grand Strategist Chaldion will be there. I mean\u2014I\u2019ve messed it all up.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm was showing Maviola the park. She stopped, watching Ekirra throw Visma off<\/em> the top of the park slide. The screaming Drake child plummeted to the ground before the safety spell caught her. Then she raced up and kicked Ekirra off.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut you\u2019re Liscor\u2019s<\/em> [Strategist]. You\u2019ve done a lot for the city. Before this Council, you practically ran it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n

She smiled at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou told me last night. We played chess, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. I uh\u2014drank too much. Sorry. I\u2019m whining, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. The [Innkeeper] doesn\u2019t like you. That half-Elf doesn\u2019t love<\/em> you. You don\u2019t get paid enough, the city\u2019s undefended against the Antinium\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola began counting Olesm\u2019s woes off on her fingers. He turned bright red under his scales. He\u2019d told her all that yesterday? She grinned at his expression.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m\u2014sorry. I\u2019ll shut up.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake turned away. Idiot!<\/em> But Maviola just pushed at his shoulder.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know what your problem is, Olesm? You told me all<\/em> your problems yesterday. But you don\u2019t do anything about<\/em> them.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] hunched his shoulders.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat? No, I mean, I can\u2019t fix Ceria not\u2026and Erin\u2014I burned the bridge with her.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes. But those two aren\u2019t the biggest problems, are they? The Antinium was what I meant\u2014but let\u2019s start with an easy one. You don\u2019t get paid enough?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026could use a bigger salary. I mean, it\u2019s decent. But I spend money on paper and ink for my personal notes. It\u2019s not that I need <\/em>a lot more, it\u2019d just be helpful. Did I mention that?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm counted his coins. Even treating Maviola to a meal ticked his cash flow at the back of his head. Maviola smiled.<\/p>\n

\u201cBriefly. So if you need more money and you\u2019re working hard\u2014why don\u2019t you ask<\/em> for it? Ask this Council.\u201d<\/p>\n

The blue-scaled Drake hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cI couldn\u2019t do that. They have so many budgetary needs, what with the city\u2019s construction and so forth\u2014I don\u2019t need to add to that.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd is your salary going to impact the entire future of Liscor\u2019s construction?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She spread her arms to indicate the entire city, mockingly. Olesm blushed again.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! But\u2014it\u2019s petty.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou mean, it\u2019s easy<\/em>. Just ask. If they say no, that\u2019s it. But you don\u2019t ask. That\u2019s like your Antinium problem.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOw. What is?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm backed up from the poking. Maviola looked at him, exasperated, but amused. Somehow\u2014knowing.<\/p>\n

\u201cForget about what this Grand Strategist can do. What can you, as the [Strategist] of Liscor, do? You\u2019re making a mistake of command: you think that if you can\u2019t fix everything<\/em>, you should leave it to your superiors. That\u2019s idiotic.\u201d<\/p>\n

She pointed down at the ground they stood on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou do the best job you can in your position<\/em>, and you inform those above you about what you can\u2019t do. You don\u2019t do nothing<\/em> and wait for orders. If that\u2019s how you act, you don\u2019t deserve to even follow.\u201d<\/p>\n

Her words were sharp and cut Olesm to the quick. What was worse\u2014Maviola sounded like she knew exactly what she was talking about from personal experience. Olesm just looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, Ancestors. That makes so much sense.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMhm. Imagine that.\u201d<\/p>\n

She leaned on a sign in front of the public park. It read, \u2018Erin Solstice is banned from entry by order of the community and the Watch\u2019<\/em>. There had been a siege here, once. Children vs grownups. An epic battle.<\/p>\n

Anyways. Olesm just looked at Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014I should be doing what I can that Chaldion can\u2019t do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhich is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n

She shrugged. The young woman gave Olesm a very blank look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have no idea. I\u2019m not Liscor\u2019s [Strategist]. But what are the problems in Liscor that could be fixed?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh, well\u2014so many. The Humans coming into Liscor\u2014that\u2019s an issue you highlighted this morning. I had this chess magazine, and that\u2019s more personal, but it was actually putting Liscor on the map. But I don\u2019t talk to Erin. And there\u2019s the budget\u2014if I could help with that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

For a moment Olesm felt that helplessness set in. How did you fix any of that? He began to feel sorry for himself.<\/p>\n

Then Maviola kicked him. The Drake yelped. He glared at her and then realized. He was doing it again. Here was the problem. Now\u2014where was his solution?<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026don\u2019t know what I should do.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola raised her foot. Olesm hurried on.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet.<\/em> But\u2014well\u2014hm.\u201d<\/p>\n

He rubbed at his chin in thought. Thought<\/em>, for once. And he didn\u2019t see Maviola\u2019s eyes locked on his face. Her smile, as she saw a fire reigniting in his empty gaze.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you show me around? Run your ideas by me. I can listen.\u201d<\/p>\n

She suggested. Olesm looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! Sure. We can\u2014walk by some of Liscor\u2019s attractions. You know, we have great singing performances. Erin\u2019s never bothered to go down Stonesong Boulevard, but it really is a sight. They have this Rock Crab\u2014sorry, Hollowstone Deceiver\u2019s\u2014shell that they painted and people stand on it and sing. Amazing acoustics. Come on, I\u2019ll show you.\u201d<\/p>\n

He pointed and the two began to walk. After a moment, Olesm looked at Maviola, embarrassed. She was smiling, looking around this city with excitement. And at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2014well, it\u2019s incomplete, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cTell me already.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWell, I had this idea just now. You know my magazine? What if\u2014I saw that Pallass has a newspaper, which is this thing\u2014okay, let me start from the beginning. But hear me out\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He began to talk. And Maviola listened. Smiling and walking with him. She grabbed his arm and listened, laughing. As if she had all the time in the world. Or as if this was all that mattered with the time she had left.<\/p>\n

And the flames grew.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Across the Floodplains, a group of seven walked. They were a bit\u2014disconsolate.<\/p>\n

\u201cWow. Erin\u2019s a lot more high-strung than I remember. Not as bad as Ryoka, though.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cShe really runs this inn? Why? Maybe she likes being\u2026an [Innkeeper]?\u201d<\/p>\n

They were debating. Wandering up and down the hills and valleys, marveling at the landscape, the odd rocks scattered here and there, the city in the distance.<\/p>\n

But it wasn\u2019t\u2014necessarily\u2014a place you wanted to stay. Still, where else did they have to go? Rose was shaking her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin\u2019s nice. She let us in after<\/em> we ran up that huge tab.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut how does she have all this? I mean\u2014do you think she actually has a higher level? She\u2019s only been here what, a few months?\u201d<\/p>\n

Leon was skeptical. Kevin scratched his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cI dunno, guys. She\u2019s a pretty big deal. I was chatting up that Drake. Drassi.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHitting on her, you mean. Kevin\u2014that\u2019s so disgusting.\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina wrinkled her nose. Kevin looked at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s like\u2014being one of those people. That dresses up in costumes?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA furry?\u201d<\/p>\n

Troydel looked at her. Kevin frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi\u2019s not that. She\u2019s a person.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut she\u2019s a lizard\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t call them that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGuys! I\u2019m just asking if we want to stay here.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose raised her voice. The others looked at her. Joseph, rubbing his head, muttered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not? We don\u2019t have anywhere else to go. But is it safe? Erin can\u2019t protect us. She\u2019s got that Gnoll\u2014that red-haired girl, a few employees\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat cute<\/em> Gnoll. Did you see her face?\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina sighed. The others were arguing. They were lost. And\u2014under one misconception. Only one, really. They thought of Erin as being like them. Because they didn\u2019t know her.<\/p>\n

Or Liscor. If they had, they might have understood. Crucial facts about the inn, about Erin that made her\u2014not like them. Little details, that was all the seven were missing.<\/p>\n

Like the fact that rocks moved.<\/em> One of them slowly stood up and crept over a hill. It had a lot of little legs.<\/p>\n

Another Rock Crab slowly stood up. And then another. And another. They saw the food moving in a helpful group and began to creep closer. Most Gnoll [Hunters] kept their distance from the telltale rocks. But the Earthers, like other animals not used to the Floodplains, didn\u2019t know.<\/p>\n

And that wasn\u2019t their fault. Rose was poking at the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cAll I\u2019m saying is, we owe Erin.<\/em> Don\u2019t be an idiot and steal her drinks, Joseph! We\u2019re going to go back, help out, and\u2014just be helpful! Got it? Any objections?\u201d<\/p>\n

No one had any. But it was Imani, a [Survivor], who had been clutching Rose\u2019s shirt who quavered.<\/p>\n

\u201cEveryone? I just saw\u2014a rock move.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at her. Joseph glanced around. There were a few rocks. Boulders, really. Big. Kevin scratched his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cLike\u2026roll down a hill?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. It stood up. That one.\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani pointed. Now the Earthers glanced around. Leon frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cThose are a lot of rocks. Were they here\u2026when we started walking?\u201d<\/p>\n

They halted. Six rocks were spaced around the small hills about them. The Earthers paused. They weren\u2019t idiots.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2026we should go back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose breathed slowly. She hunted for the magic wand she had been given. Joseph felt at his belt.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a sword. Anyone else?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026left my wand back at the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at each other. They glanced back the way they came. There was a giant boulder in the way.<\/p>\n

Imani whimpered.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt stood up again.\u201d<\/p>\n

All seven heads turned. They saw a bunch of tiny legs as one of the rocks got up and shuffled<\/em> towards them. They stared. Then Imani began to scream.<\/p>\n

\u201cMonsters!<\/em> Run!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin bellowed. He pointed. The others ran for a gap\u2014and as one, the Rocks Crab stood up and began scuttling at them. Giant pincers appeared under the rocks as the Rock Crabs lifted up their disguises.<\/p>\n

And they began to click.<\/p>\n

Clickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclickclick\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cRun! [Fire Arrow]!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose pointed. An arrow made of fire blasted off a shell as she missed the gap. She paled at the effort; Imani was screaming.<\/p>\n

\u201cImani, run!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph grabbed her. He and Kevin tried to run with her. But one of the Rock Crabs scuttled in front of them. The group tried to swerve. They nearly tumbled down a valley. The Rock Crabs crept over the ledges, encircling them.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh my god. This isn\u2019t happening.\u201d<\/p>\n

Galina looked around. Six Rock Crabs looked down at them. Their antennae-eyes stared at the food. They clicked<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Imani was screaming. The others backed up. Rose raised a finger, but her hand was shaking. Kevin looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cMake a break for it when they come. Just run. <\/em>And maybe some of us will get out.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014let\u2019s duck under the shells. Maybe they have a weak point.\u201d<\/p>\n

Leon whispered. Troydel just looked at the Rock Crabs. He grinned, face white.<\/p>\n

\u201cI guess we find out if this is a game after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

Each to their own. The Rock Crabs paused. Imani\u2019s screaming was bothering them. It was very<\/em> loud. And there was a second sound below it. No\u2014coming from the side? Their antennae turned. And then the screaming grew louder.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeerks! <\/em>Get off my lawn!<\/em>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Erin Solstice raced over a hill. The Earthers looked up. The young woman was alone.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin! Fucking run!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph bellowed. Erin was unarmed. But she was holding a handful of\u2014<\/p>\n

Seed cores. Erin threw the first. It splatted<\/em> on a Rock Crab\u2019s shell. The giant crab recoiled as the deadly poison leaked down towards its antennae. It jerked back and the other Rock Crabs backed up.<\/p>\n

\u201cGet lost!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin threw the other seed cores. The Rock Crabs scurried back as the young Humans looked up, gaping. The [Innkeeper] hurled another core and pointed.<\/p>\n

\u201cRun! This way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They looked at each other. Then they ran. Kevin and Joseph went back and grabbed the petrified Imani. Erin threw more seed cores.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah! Get lost! You stupid crabs! I\u2019ve had it up to here with\u2014uh oh.\u201d<\/p>\n

She realized she was out of seed cores. The Rock Crabs stopped scuttling away. They turned. Erin Solstice hesitated. They began scuttling at the poison-thrower, full of rage.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat do we do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cRun!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin pushed Leon towards the inn. She held her ground. Rose pulled at her. Erin shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cI said, run for it!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She backed up, covering the other\u2019s retreat. You couldn\u2019t outrun Rock Crabs on the hills and valleys. They were too fast. Erin raised a fist. She concentrated.<\/p>\n

Aura.<\/em> The first Rock Crab coming up the hill saw Erin staring down at it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHey. Hey you.<\/em> I\u2019ll eat you. Get outta here.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Innkeeper] pointed at the Rock Crab. The Hollowstone Deceiver hesitated. The aura was making Erin\u2026feel dangerous. But Erin was tired. Outside her inn. Her aura flickered. The Rock Crab clicked<\/em> one claw.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh shit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin backed up. She turned to run. The Rock Crab went up the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cErin!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose saw the [Innkeeper] leap down the hill. The Rock Crab scurried over the top. It raised a pincer to snap her in half. And an arrow shot from The Wandering Inn\u2019s tower.<\/p>\n

It flashed past Erin and hit the ground. The young woman saw it flashing towards the Rock Crab\u2019s feet. A miss?<\/p>\n

No\u2014the arrow bounced<\/em> off the ground as if it was rubber and went straight under the shell. The Rock Crab made a keening sound.<\/p>\n

[Ricochet Arrow]. <\/em>From his tower, Bird took aim. He shot another arrow and it curved<\/em> and went through the Rock Crab\u2019s exposed antennae. Blue blood ran onto the ground as Erin scrambled away. The Rock Crab withdrew into its shell as the other Rock Crabs scuttled past it.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is not good. The crabs will eat Miss Solstice. My arrows are not big enough.\u201d<\/p>\n

Bird spoke to himself as he saw Erin running. He casually shot another antennae out, and then looked at the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cAlarm! Hello? There are Rock Crabs! I am Bird. AND I AM CALLING AN ALARM!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The Workers on the roof of the inn looked up. They saw the distant Humans running. They began to click<\/em> their mandibles. Then scream.<\/p>\n

The piercing wail made the inn\u2019s patrons halt. Grimalkin looked up as he demonstrated a proper deadlift. The Horns of Hammerad stopped arguing about how Ceria\u2019s aura should be used. Halrac cursed.<\/p>\n

The Rock Crabs, all six of them, raced after the Earthers. They were running for the inn. Erin brought up the rear. She hurled her knife through one of the Rock Crab\u2019s antennae.<\/p>\n

\u201cTake that! I\u2019d better get that knife back! Keep running!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

They stared at her. She wasn\u2019t afraid. She was just\u2014intense. The young woman looked up. And then she grinned. The young people from Earth looked up. And then\u2014they figured out the difference between them and Erin.<\/p>\n

The Wandering Inn exploded<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Metaphorically. Halrac opened a window and shot a glowing arrow out of it. A Rock Crab saw the arrow zoom under its shell and then the arrow detonated. The Rock Crab collapsed as blue blood and smoke ran from underneath the shell.<\/p>\n

\u201cAw, hells! Rock Crabs! I\u2019m slowing them!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Ceria Springwalker pointed. Walls of ice rose behind Erin, blocking another Rock Crab who smashed<\/em> into them and failed to break the ice. The other five Rock Crabs saw a blur running at them\u2014then a [Shatterbolt] hit another Rock Crab and the front of its rocky shell shattered. The exposed crab heard a thunk.<\/em> It recoiled; two crossbow bolts were embedded in its shell.<\/p>\n

\u201cSwitching crossbows.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ksmvr announced as Yvlon raced out the door. But she was too slow. Magus Grimalkin leapt, crashed into a third Rock Crab. It swiped at him.<\/p>\n

He punched once.<\/p>\n

The other Rock Crabs heard the crunch<\/em>. They saw a glowing orb that Typhenous threw hit their exposed comrade. There was a thump<\/em>\u2014a flash of light.<\/p>\n

Bits of crab rained down. The remaining three Rock Crabs saw arrows, spells, and little not-snacks running at them. And a horde of very angry<\/em> bug-men. They turned and scuttled away.<\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, that\u2019s right! Run! <\/em>Where\u2019s my knife? Aw, I gotta find it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin Solstice stood on a hill close to her inn, panting. And the seven Earthers saw the young woman wipe at the sweat and blue blood on her face from where she\u2019d thrown her knife through<\/em> an antennae. They saw her turn to them. And they got it.<\/p>\n

\u201cHoly shit.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin breathed. Erin Solstice looked at them, their wide-eyes. The sudden respect or awe or\u2014bewilderment. Imani was crying again. She sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was so easy to be exasperated. Annoyed. Just\u2014furious. At incompetence, incomprehension.<\/p>\n

Youth. Erin Solstice stood in the inn, staring at Rose and the others. Her patience was done.<\/em> Lyonette was letting Erin speak; she and the [Innkeeper] were on the same page. Mrsha was furiously watching from under a table.<\/p>\n

The other adventurers were relaxing after the sudden burst of activity; free drinks and snacks all around. Grimalkin was cleaning blood off his scales as Pryde put in an order for multiple weight sets.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou just thought<\/em> it was a good idea to walk around? And none of you have swords or even knives?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2014didn\u2019t know. Sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n

Rose lamely replied. Imani was hiccupping. She was white in the face. Erin inhaled.<\/p>\n

At the same time, Olesm stopped on Stonesinger Boulevard. He looked at Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think\u2014well, that\u2019s my idea. It\u2019s not great, but\u2014what do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s a good idea.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El replied patiently. The old woman, the young woman, looked at Olesm. And saw his face crumple into a mixture of uncertainty from the excitement that had been there just a moment ago.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014it\u2019s just my idea. I mean\u2014Erin didn\u2019t help me come up with it. It could backfire. What if I land Liscor in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n

It was so easy to want to kick<\/em> him. Which she\u2019d done a few times. But really kick him, try to beat his uncertainty out of him. But that was youth.<\/p>\n

And she had seen this before. Maviola didn\u2019t kick Olesm. She spoke kindly, but directly, sparing no words.<\/p>\n

\u201cIs it better than doing nothing?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, but\u2014I\u2019m not Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake confessed. Maviola cocked her head, listening.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say her name a lot.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI do?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery other sentence. \u2018Erin did this\u2019, or \u2018Erin showed me that\u2019. Do you think she gave you your class?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] stared over the side of the bridge they were standing on.<\/p>\n

\u201cSometimes, yes. I\u2019m not as original as her. Without her\u2014how much of my accomplishments are mine? The magazine\u2014anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n

He was crumpling, even in his genius. Maviola El looked at him. And she had seen this before. You could be so unkind.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014are all\u2014I just don\u2019t know what to do. Don\u2019t<\/em> go outside! Listen, you can\u2019t talk about\u2026home. Do you understand? There are<\/em> monsters here. Rock Crabs. Shield Spiders\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin was berating them. The others listened, flushing. And Imani, gulping, flinched. And then began to scream. Erin jumped as the others crowded around her.<\/p>\n

\u201cImani! <\/em>It\u2019s alright!\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman was in hysterics. Actual hysterics. She refused to calm down, even though the Rock Crabs were gone. She was crying, hitting the others as they tried to grab her.<\/p>\n

Mrsha stared contemptuously. Her ears hurt. And she hated them. They\u2019d nearly gotten killed by crabs?<\/p>\n

Idiots! <\/em>She furiously raced up and kicked Joseph in the leg.<\/p>\n

\u201cOw. What the fuck?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMrsha, stop that!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette snapped. But no one was happy with the Earthers. And Mrsha\u2014looked at Imani as the girl recoiled from her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to go home!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She sobbed. Perhaps only Pisces and a few others knew what that meant; Grimalkin was busy talking with Pryde. Imani howled. And Mrsha couldn\u2019t take it anymore. She bared her teeth. Ryoka had sent them? <\/em>They didn\u2019t deserve to be here!<\/p>\n

Mrsha would take care of them. She\u2019d\u2014she\u2019d make them pay for being so stupid. <\/em>Sticks in their pillows. Throw rocks at them! She balled up her little paws into fists.<\/p>\n

\u201cImani, stop screaming!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Joseph shouted at Imani. But she wouldn\u2019t. Erin clenched her teeth. Lyonette looked around, exasperated. She could shut Imani up with her aura. She looked at Rose.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy is she screaming? They\u2019re gone.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sorry. It\u2019s\u2014she was attacked by Crelers. Her group was\u2014killed. She still has nightmares. Imani, shh. It\u2019s okay. Where\u2019s the calming tonic, Kevin?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ran out\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette blinked. So did Mrsha. She stopped, ready to slash an ankle with her thorn paw. And she looked up.<\/p>\n

\u201cCrelers? Oh. Her entire group was\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin mouthed the word \u2018eaten\u2019 at Lyonette. The [Princess] paled. And the Horns of Hammerad slowly looked up.<\/p>\n

Imani was still terrified. Crying. In hysterics, yes. Which grated on the ears. It was so easy to hate that. Unless you had seen it.<\/p>\n

Lived it. Mrsha looked at Imani\u2019s tears. And it had not been Crelers for her, but Goblins. Yet she knew what it was like to be afraid, even in a safe place. She thought how exasperated she, Erin, Lyonette\u2014everyone was.<\/p>\n

And the Gnoll child realized they were being unkind. She looked up at the frightened girl.<\/p>\n

She was crying. Weeping, babbling about Crelers, as she clung to Kevin. This world\u2019s nightmares. She had survived that.<\/em><\/p>\n

Erin\u2019s arms slowly uncrossed. She looked at Imani, and the other silent young people from Earth. And she saw it in every line of how they stood.<\/p>\n

Fear. Uncertainty. Terror, still. They hadn\u2019t known about the Rock Crabs. Hadn\u2019t imagined they could have been in that much danger five minutes from the inn. Erin Solstice looked at them and remembered a young woman who had run screaming from a Rock Crab the first time she\u2019d gone for a walk.<\/p>\n

And then she saw a little white Gnoll looking up at her. And Erin Solstice felt her anger\u2014fading.<\/p>\n

The little eyes were judging her. Erin was ashamed, because Mrsha looked disappointed. In herself, and the [Innkeeper]. In Erin, who welcomed Goblins. And wouldn\u2019t welcome some people from her world because they weren\u2019t what she wanted.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cImani.\u201d<\/p>\n

The hysterics were fading\u2014at least from screams into sobs. Typhenous cleared his throat.<\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps a [Calm] spell?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. Please.\u201d<\/p>\n

The old mage walked over. He reached out and Imani flinched. But Typhenous smiled kindly at her.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis won\u2019t hurt a bit, Miss Imani.\u201d<\/p>\n

He touched her head, whispered a word. And Imani relaxed. She still clung to the others. But the worst of her fear\u2014vanished. And Erin Solstice took a breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cSorry. I should have warned you all.\u201d<\/p>\n

That was what she said first. She looked at the seven young people.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just\u2014this was so sudden. I wasn\u2019t sure how to\u2014greet you. But I meant what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured around the inn.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have room. Stay as long as you want. But you do have to know things. About Rock Crabs. And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Her eyes darted to Palt, who was muttering about [Calm] spells versus his <\/em>superior [Remove Fear] spells. Montressa, and Beza, watching them like hawks. Erin looked at the others.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2014there are complications. It\u2019s not always easy. But listen. If you want to stay here, you\u2019re welcome.\u201d<\/p>\n

The others looked at each other. And the [Princess] walked forwards. She smiled and nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s right. I don\u2019t know if I\u2019ve done this formally\u2014I\u2019m Lyonette. And this is Mrsha.\u201d<\/p>\n

She gestured at the little white Gnoll. And the [Princess] saw something familiar in the young people from Earth too. Like a [Princess] who refused to even take orders. Exasperating, yes. Infuriating? Beyond so. But they were not all the same.<\/em><\/p>\n

Imani jumped. And then she looked down. A little Gnoll looked up at her apologetically. Not all the same. She nuzzled Imani\u2019s leg. And swatted at Rose\u2019s hand as the young woman tried to pat her on the head.<\/p>\n

Youth was failure. Maviola looked at Olesm as he stood on the bridge, afraid to make a mistake again. And she saw his flame guttering. To her\u2014the world was fire. It was her passion, her class.<\/p>\n

\u201cOlesm Swifttail. You are<\/em> a fool.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at her. And the flames ran lower. But Maviola just drew herself up.<\/p>\n

\u201cBy that, I mean, you think everything you have came from this Erin Solstice. And that\u2019s why you\u2019re a fool. Because just a moment ago you had a brilliant idea! What fire!<\/em> What creativity! Yes, it came from other people. Yes, you use their ideas. But so what?<\/em> No one is entirely original. You just need the daring, the will to try and fail.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached out.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry your idea. Show me your determination.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut what if I can\u2019t?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm looked at her. Flinching. Maviola shook her head and her hair blazed. She burned in the daylight, and her triumph shone even under the sun.<\/p>\n

\u201cListen. I\u2019ve failed and triumphed more times than I can count, in equal quantity! And the failure always<\/em> hurts. But we do not grow, we do not level from never having tried. You have to try. Or you will be the same forever. And\u2014you do not have to do it alone. Few people ever stand alone.\u201d<\/p>\n

She reached for his clawed hand.<\/p>\n

And a little Gnoll\u2019s paw found Imani\u2019s hand. The young woman started. The [Survivor] looked into another [Survivor]\u2019s eyes. And Mrsha tugged Imani, pointing.<\/p>\n

To a magical door. The group of seven started, gasping. Rose looked wide-eyed towards the grass hill. Imani hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is\u2026that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She drew back. But Mrsha tugged at her, smiling. Erin looked at her garden.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat? That\u2019s the [Garden of Sanctuary]. Go on. It\u2019s safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Imani hesitated. She looked down at Mrsha, and felt a kindred spirit. And Lyonette watched. Numbtongue stood with Bird, observing the way the seven children looked at that magical place. Looking at Imani.<\/p>\n

She hadn\u2019t ever been safe. Felt safe. She had come into this world and it had been purely unfair to her. Without reason, or logic. Bad things had happened, and there was no excuse for it.<\/p>\n

They knew that full well. The [Princess], the [Druid], the [Bard], the [Innkeeper], and the [Hunter]. That was one of the things that unified them. Casual cruelty by mocking fate.<\/p>\n

But look.<\/em> The Gnoll girl led the young woman into the garden. A safe, magical place. The little champion led a frightened stranger into a beautiful place. Up a hill. And Imani\u2019s voice caught as she found the hilltop.<\/p>\n

It was empty, for her. But she sat there and felt\u2014safe. She closed her eyes as the big Gnoll girl sat next to her and offered a little yellow flower that shone with gold. And she breathed easier.<\/p>\n

For here was safety. You felt it in the air. Rose gasped as she saw the Sage\u2019s Grass. Kevin blinked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way. What is this?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cA safe place. The safest place I know of.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin answered for him. A [Druid] had been granted entrance to this place despite her Skill, but that was probably his class. But Grimalkin had not, with all his power. So she had to believe it was secure. If you tried to enter with malicious intent, you would have to break this inn first. Erin Solstice had made this garden. And it was safe.<\/em><\/p>\n

She looked from face to face. And then she said it, complete.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m Erin Solstice. This is my inn. This is my place. And you\u2019re welcome to stay here a while.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette smiled. And her eyes lit up. She saw Mrsha, her darling daughter, sitting with Imani on the hilltop. And Lyonette felt something rising in her. A certainty. She walked up the hill, and her new Skill burned in her chest.<\/p>\n

Something to inspire. Maviola looked at Olesm. That was what he needed. And she told him that. Fire was honest.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo one ever gave you your fire. It was always in<\/em> you. They just lit the spark. You let it go out. But it\u2019s still there. I know<\/em> it.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake wanted to believe. But he too was no fool. He ducked his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou say that. But I can\u2019t just\u2014change. I needed Erin. Maybe she didn\u2019t make me. But I needed her.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. You\u2019re like\u2014charcoal.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThanks? In that I\u2019m single-use?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo! Listen, <\/em>you idiot. You\u2019re capable of doing so much. But sometimes you need a push. Sometimes someone is good in a group instead of alone. And that\u2019s fine. You just need a spark.\u201d<\/p>\n

She grabbed him, and turned, laughing. The air shone with dancing magical sparks. Like fireflies. Olesm looked around. Maviola was\u2014igniting. Her black hair began to turn to flame. His eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho are<\/em> you? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] smiled. She drew closer. On the hilltop, Lyonette scooped up Mrsha. Erin smiled, tired, but\u2014willing to try as she saw the young people so like her.<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t perfect. It was flawed. But today, at least\u2014Erin smiled. If she was petty enough to turn away a stranger at the door, she wouldn\u2019t have made it this far.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so proud of you. My little hero.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette du Marquin whispered to the Gnoll. And Maviola drew Olesm closer as the flames engulfed her. But they burned no flesh or scale. Only spirit.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey call me Maviola.<\/em> Lady Firestarter. Look at me, you beautiful ember. Show me how you burn.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bent forwards. And kissed the Drake. She whispered.<\/p>\n

\u201c[A Little Bit of Courage].<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

His eyes widened. And the spark lit.<\/em><\/p>\n

Lyonette kissed Mrsha\u2019s forehead.<\/p>\n

\u201c[Boon of the Princess].\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gnoll\u2019s eyes went round. Lyonette saw something appear. A glowing\u2014sigil.<\/p>\n

It looked like a little halo. A hovering blessing you had to look for to see. The heraldry of The Eternal Throne of Calanfer. Lyonette gasped.<\/em><\/p>\n

The little [Druid] stood taller. And she heard a sound in her head.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Temporary Skill \u2013 Barkfur obtained!]<\/span><\/p>\n

[Temporary Skill \u2013 Lesser Strength obtained!]<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her eyes opened wide.<\/em> Lyonette heard the Skills too. She tumbled backwards. Mrsha looked at herself. She raced about. Then\u2014she looked at Lyonette.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhoa, what\u2019s this place? It\u2019s amazing!\u201d<\/p>\n

Kevin and the others were coming up the hill. Mrsha felt the power racing through her. A blessing. She sat back.<\/p>\n

And then she howled. The sound was joyous, and Ishkr, the other Gnolls looked up. Marveling. Mrsha raced forwards, blazing with life.<\/p>\n

She charged, howling like a beast from legends. Mrsha the Great and Terrible cannonballed into Kevin\u2019s stomach. He went whoof <\/em>and tumbled down the hill.<\/p>\n

\u201cHelp! Get her off! Get her off\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMy blessing.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette saw Mrsha dragging<\/em> Kevin by the foot. And she looked around. And laughed and laughed. And the invincible daughter knocked Erin flat with a flying head-butt. She arm-wrestled Rose and lost\u2014barely. Mrsha crashed around the tables, a cannonball unafraid of the impacts.<\/p>\n

Blessed.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The little Gnoll raced about, blazing with a mother\u2019s love, a royal gift. And she was one of two fires igniting in Liscor. If you thought about things like fire, that was. You could probably get tired of the metaphor. But banana-based metaphors were more difficult.<\/p>\n

The Skill\u2014the [Boon of the Princess] was a Skill<\/em> among Skills. Lyonette knew about royal blessings. But this was hers.<\/p>\n

And it didn\u2019t run out. Mrsha went from becoming a terror in the common room to actually lifting<\/em> weights in the weights-room. She made Numbtongue hit her\u2014which he did very gently\u2014and her two temporary Skills didn\u2019t halt, even six hours later.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a boon.<\/em> I can only give it to one person at a time. And I can\u2019t switch it like that. But it\u2019s still my boon.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] smiled, laughing. She stood in the inn, working, as the Horns and Halfseekers and Griffon Hunt left, cleaning up, as Erin gave the others a crash course on rules of the inn\u2014watching as Grimalkin\u2019s eyes bulged over Pryde\u2019s funding. But she could have predicted that. House Ulta was not poor.<\/p>\n

And then\u2014the door opened. Erin Solstice looked up from a game of chess against Joseph. And her eyes widened.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Olesm.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake paused in the common room. He looked about. And inhaled.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello, Erin. I\u2019m not\u2014bothering you, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

She hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014come in. I was just\u2014sorry, I\u2019m a bit busy. But\u2014Joseph, can you hold on? Bird can play you. We didn\u2019t get to speak, yesterday, Olesm\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake held up a claw. And someone else entered the inn. Lyonette blinked at the familiar [Lady]. And she felt a kinship. She stared at Maviola\u2019s orange in her black hair, and Maviola noted Lyonette\u2019s red hair. They looked at each other as Olesm looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t want to bother you, Erin. Actually\u2014I was hoping I could talk to Drassi. Can I borrow her?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDrassi? Of course.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin blinked. But Olesm smiled and walked past her. Confidently. Pursuing his goals. As he walked past Erin to the intrigued Drassi, Lyonette stopped.<\/p>\n

The [Lady] was looking at her. She looked a bit older than Lyonette. And felt\u2014so different. Lyonette tilted her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014we\u2019ve met, right?\u201d<\/p>\n

The young woman sketched a curtsey.<\/p>\n

\u201cHello. I\u2019m Maviola.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLyon. Lyonette.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Princess] caught herself the first time, and then gave her full name. There was no use hiding. They looked at each other. Lyonette noticed Maviola\u2019s worn clothing.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2014lost your money pouch, right? Ceria wanted to leave some coin for you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Thank you. I\u2019ll pay her back.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola accepted the small pouch of coins. She looked at Lyonette. And the two exchanged an unspoken thought.<\/p>\n

They looked at each other. And gave each other small smiles. Exchanged a nod.<\/p>\n

\u201cCan I get you something to eat?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t had lunch. Thank you. What\u2019s\u2014a \u2018lasagna\u2019?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette brought her some. Maviola sat down as Olesm spoke to Drassi. The female Drake\u2019s tail began wagging with excitement.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo way! I can do that! Just give me one second! Where\u2019s the newspaper? Yeah\u2014and if we get a [Scribe]\u2014sure!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI talked with Beilmark already. Do you know if I can talk to\u2026Bird?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSure. He\u2019s upstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm went up the steps. Maviola watched him out of the corner of her eyes as she was served. She gasped at the lovely square of food.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh! I\u2019ve had this in Terandria. It just wasn\u2019t called that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes\u2014do you want a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cUm\u2014some blue fruit juice. Thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] smiled. And then Erin noticed her. The [Innkeeper] had been glancing up, sensing something familiar.<\/p>\n

\u201cOh. Hey. Don\u2019t I know you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMaviola. I was here yesterday. Thank you for having me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Erin nodded, vaguely. She opened her mouth, but Joseph was blinking at Apista.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is that?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola turned back to her food, smiling as Erin was distracted. They\u2019d speak again. She reached for her fork\u2014and saw a bold little paw reaching for some of her complimentary fries. Maviola frowned and ducked her head under the table.<\/p>\n

Mrsha froze, in the midst of her theft. Maviola\u2019s eyes lit up as the little Gnoll stared boldly at her. The [Lady] laughed. And then fixed a piercing gaze on Mrsha.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat a beautiful little child. Steal from my plate and face the consequences.\u201d<\/p>\n

She bared her teeth. Mrsha stared back at Maviola\u2019s look.<\/em> Which was young in feature, but in expression\u2014reminded her of the really old granny-Gnolls. Mrsha slowly backed away from her plate.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry. Did Mrsha bother you? Mrsha! No desserts!\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette hurried back with the drink. Mrsha fled. The [Princess] hesitated. Then she sat down opposite Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you\u2014staying in Liscor?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cJust for a bit. To get away from things. And you?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI live here.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El glanced up. She looked at Lyonette. The [Princess] saw Maviola laugh, and her eyes lit up.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems fun!\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt really is. Hard at times, but\u2014I do like it. Are you\u2026? What brought you here?\u201d<\/p>\n

Lady Firestarter sipped from her drink.<\/p>\n

\u201cOne last adventure. But I\u2019ve done this kind of thing more than once.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola winked at the [Princess]. Lyonette glanced around. She frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cShoot. Mrsha!<\/em> Enough! I\u2019m sorry, I have to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Mrsha the Invincible was trying to pick a fight with Kevin\u2019s knees. Lyonette sighed; she had to work since Drassi was suddenly very busy with a quill and paper. She looked at Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s\u2026talk. When we have the time. I\u2019m busy today, but I have days off.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat would be nice. I\u2019m actually following that blue Drake around today. Olesm Swifttail. Do you know him?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes. He\u2019s actually\u2014a friend of the inn. Sort of. But\u2014he hasn\u2019t been around a lot. It\u2019s complicated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lyonette gestured awkwardly. Maviola leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know. Can I get another lasagna for him? He\u2019ll want to speak to you as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cMe? What for?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola sat back. When Olesm came down, bursting with excitement, Lyonette sat down at the table. She blinked. But then agreed to his idea.<\/p>\n

And Olesm scarfed down his food. Maviola leapt up. And then raced off to find a [Scribe]. By the time they came back to the inn, all three pieces were done. Olesm was scribbling on a piece of parchment.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2014so\u2014do we put Lyonette\u2019s piece first?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Drassi\u2019s. Put that Bird piece at the back. And you misspelled \u2018serendipidously\u2019. It\u2019s serendipitously.\u201d<\/p>\n

Wilovan and Ratici jumped<\/em> as the two sat at a table. Olesm rearranged the pieces of parchment and paper. He shuffled them, and then showed them to Maviola.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow\u2019s this for a rough draft?\u201d<\/p>\n

She read through it. The little bit of courage was still in him. But it was just a bit<\/em>. It couldn\u2019t turn a [Farmer] into a [General]. But it could give you a little push. And in that sense, it was a powerful Skill.<\/p>\n

She read as Olesm fidgeted. Maviola put down the documents. Then she threw her head back and laughed.<\/p>\n

She laughed and laughed, but merrily. And told him to send it to the [Scribe]. Then Olesm took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, we might have the prototypes by the time the Council meets. Now\u2014I need to figure out what to say. I\u2019m afraid that\u2019s just a bunch of math.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cLet me help. I\u2019m good at balancing budgets.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cReally? You can calculate?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El gave Olesm a mock-glare.<\/p>\n

\u201cTry me. Just don\u2019t ask me to turn a profit. Come on. Where\u2019s your office?\u201d<\/p>\n

She dragged him out of the chair. Olesm\u2019s jaw dropped.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut Erin hates calculations.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo? What does that have to do with me?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

That evening, Strategist Olesm Swifttail stood in front of Liscor Council\u2019s meeting room. And he was not alone. Maviola saw him adjusting the prototype in his hands. Incomplete; you couldn\u2019t work wonders in a single day.<\/p>\n

But it was enough. Olesm consulted his notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cI might be fired after this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you are, that\u2019s too bad.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] looked askance. He hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou wouldn\u2019t happen to have anything really encouraging to say to me?\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola El thought about it. She shook her head.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is your job.<\/em> Go in there and do it proudly. And remember: you\u2019re doing what you think is right.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

She put a hand on his shoulder. The Drake took a deep breath. And then he opened the doors.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,<\/em> Councilmembers.<\/em> A word before our conference with the Walled Cities and High Command?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked up. Hexel was long gone, to redesign the city with all the notes. They were debating the upcoming meeting hotly. None of them looked happy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAh\u2014Olesm. This really isn\u2019t a good time. By all means, make your notes when we have the meeting. But we\u2019re just consulting with Watch Captain Zevara\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism cleared his throat. Zevara was standing in front of the Council, looking unhappy. They were going to be chewed out for a second day in a row. The other Walled Cities would spend most of it going over what everyone had learned from Magnolia and asking what Liscor<\/em> would do about it.<\/p>\n

Then\u2014they\u2019d ask Chaldion and the army\u2019s High Command for a decision on what should be done. Olesm knew this because it was what had happened yesterday.<\/p>\n

And it was wrong. He spoke, politely looking his uncle in the eyes.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Councilmember Lism. I\u2019m aware of the pressing time. Which is why, as [Strategist] of Liscor, I demand your time. I\u2019ll review Architect Hexel\u2019s work as well later and present my opinions to the Council. For now\u2014if I can direct your attention to this?\u201d<\/p>\n

He passed around the copied bundles of parchment. Not papyrus or paper; these were rough-copies the [Scribe] had made. The Council blinked as Olesm briskly went back to the front of the desk.<\/p>\n

\u201cI plan on addressing the Walled Cities first. I\u2019m sure the Council will allow this? Also\u2014this is unrelated, but I\u2019d like the city to fund this new project.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat is this, Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia blinked at the object in front of her. It was\u2026a bundle of words. A colorful image of Liscor and the Floodplains over a title. She read, slowly.<\/p>\n

The Liscorian Gazette.<\/em> Featuring chess commentary, news by Drassi Tewing, perspectives of each species, and stories of your city. Edited by Olesm Swifttail.<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cA newspaper. Like the one Pallass has.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jeiss was the first one to catch on. He grinned, flipping through it. Olesm nodded politely.<\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. I was thinking about the issue of relations between species in the city\u2014and of course, our own changing times. Through this, the Council can speak to the people. I\u2019ll include a little chess section\u2014and other extras. This is just the prototype.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Councilmembers looked at each other. And Lism burst into a huge smile.<\/p>\n

\u201cMagnificent! Well, this is a welcome surprise, Olesm. I knew my neph\u2014er, our [Strategist] would come up with something. So\u2014we\u2019ll send this out to other cities along with your chess magazine!\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm gave Lism a blank look.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, Councilmember Lism.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Shopkeeper] turned [Councilmember] paused.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not?\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm folded his claws behind his back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy would we do so, Councilmember? It\u2019s Liscor\u2019s news. I plan to continue my chess magazine.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut this is our<\/em> news.\u201d<\/p>\n

Alonna tapped the newspaper, proudly, though it hadn\u2019t existed an hour ago. Elirr snorted into his paper.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is only<\/em> our news, I think is what Olesm is trying to say. Pallass has their newspaper too. Why would other cities want to read ours?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked disappointed. Raekea frowned.<\/p>\n

\u201cWait\u2014then, this is copying, no? Is this allowed?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked worried; [Blacksmiths] had their own relationship with stealing designs. Maviola, her ear pressed against the door, grinned. Olesm was ready for this. He bowed to the Gnoll.<\/p>\n

\u201cCertainly, it is, Councilwoman Raekea. But so are most things in life. And while this might only affect our city\u2014I think this newspaper is necessary. If you\u2019ll read the article headlines?\u201d<\/p>\n

He gestured as the Council began to actually read The Liscorian Gazette. Olesm went on.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe newspaper has more of a role than just\u2014announcements. This is a balanced perspective of each species. Miss Lyonette wrote the first article, about being a Human in Liscor. For many people, that might be their insight in what it means to be a Human. Senior Guardswoman Beilmark spoke to Drassi about the challenges she faced entering the Watch, and the differences between Gnolls and Drakes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI see.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Krshia\u2019s eyes sharpened. She looked up at Olesm. A Human perspective? Olesm nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cWho knows what it\u2019s really like, being another species? There is also a short article by an Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism recoiled from the paper. He looked at Olesm in shock. So did the entire Council, Zevara included.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Antinium, Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara frowned. The Drake just nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cTensions between the Antinium and other species in Liscor are at an all-time high. I hope\u2014this will calm those conflicts.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut the Antinium are doubling<\/em> their numbers beneath our city\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism spluttered, looking at Olesm in clear confusion. His views were known. Olesm sighed.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Councilmember Lism. My perspective is that the Antinium are<\/em> a threat. As I will say to the Walled Cities in\u2014thirteen minutes, I believe. But our struggle is for the security of Liscor, not promoting clashes on the streets. To that end\u2014I asked one of the Antinium to write a piece to\u2026individualize them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWho? Which one?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked at each other. Zevara slowly flipped towards the back of the magazine. She read. And despite herself\u2014she chuckled. The others stared at her as Zevara\u2019s stony expression broke for just a moment. Then they read the article too.<\/p>\n

Birds I Eat, by Bird of the The Wandering Inn. <\/em>It was a catalogue of birds that Bird had seen. There were even images.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s incomplete. More illustrations to be added. I hired an [Illustrator] with a passion for nature to draw them. Bird was very happy.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm pointed at the article. There were ratings of each bird, out of five stars, and how delicious they were, how hard to hunt, how beautiful\u2014Bird had obsessive rankings. Despite themselves, the Council chuckled. Even Lism snorted. He looked up at Olesm. And his smile was fond.<\/p>\n

\u201cBrilliant. Well, I can see our way clear to approving this.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBut where do we find the funding\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Tismel ducked as Lism threw<\/em> a cup at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not that<\/em> expensive! Right?\u201d<\/p>\n

He turned to Olesm. The Drake took a deep breath.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think the city will find room in the budget for it. It may even pay for itself depending on its popularity. Incidentally\u2014how well can we fund Architect Hexel\u2019s plans?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council fell silent. Morosely, they looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026We\u2019ll have to request funding from the Walled Cities. In addition to the money agreed upon. It\u2019s one of the topics we\u2019ll be raising. Along with security.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara grimaced. Olesm nodded. He took a seat as the Council glumly prepared for the communication spell. And Maviola\u2019s heart beat faster.<\/p>\n

This was it. A bit of courage. She listened as the Walled Cities and even Liscor\u2019s own High Command were magically connected with the Council. Maviola sat with one ear to the door, chasing off the people who gave her odd looks.<\/p>\n

And she heard a lot of debate. As Olesm had told her, this was Drake chaos. Which sounded a lot like Human nobility infighting with some subtle differences.<\/p>\n

The Walled Cities were not<\/em> happy. And they were taking turns to berate each other and Liscor. Speculating\u2014it was at first just a noise contest, until the confident voices won through.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s clear Liscor was unaware of these issues. I have no time<\/em> for assigning blame among the Walled Cities. The Antinium\u2019s numbers must be addressed. If the Free Hive is this large, we may be woefully in error with our projections of the other Hives\u2019 numbers, even with our estimates.\u201d<\/p>\n

Chaldion snapped through Pallass\u2019 screen. They\u2019d copied Wistram\u2019s system so each representative and the congregated members of each command were squeezed into the scrying orb\u2019s perspective. The viewpoint changed.<\/p>\n

\u201cSalazsar agrees. We motion for increased security against the Antinium. This is a budgetary meeting, not a shouting match. Zeres.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ilvriss\u2019 cool voice broke into the conversation. There was a spluttering sound from Zeres\u2019 feed. But a representative of Pallass\u2014one of the [Senators] spoke off, interrupting Chaldion.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe issue of budget is a concern. But why are we<\/em> funding Liscor? Far better, one imagines, to enact our own projects. Liscor has already demanded money for construction\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre you saying we shouldn\u2019t address the issue of the Antinium threat?\u201d<\/p>\n

One of Oteslia\u2019s [Strategists] snapped. The [Senator], Errif, smiled without really smiling.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot at all. But this is clearly a Liscorian concern. An individual city takes on their own issues. If the gold is not going to be used adequately\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t try to weasel out of this. Liscor is closest to Pallass!\u201d<\/p>\n

A representative to Manus barked. Errif sneered back.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re fully prepared to give an appropriate<\/em> budget to Liscor, Manus. We can afford it.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou little snake\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The other Walled Cities began to bicker. And a sharp voice cut through all the arguments.<\/p>\n

\u201cLiscor\u2019s High Command. We want to know what actions will be taken around the Free Antinium. We support the demand to cut their numbers until the Hive falls in line with the original treaties. Only then will funding be released to Liscor from our forces.\u201d<\/p>\n

Everyone fell silent. Olesm saw the Council look up. He knew that voice. One of Liscor\u2019s [Generals]. High Command.<\/p>\n

So far from home. They had left because of Liscor\u2019s Hive. In many ways\u2014that had caused a schism between the army and the city. But the army had more money than the city. The view switched back to a [Mage Strategist] from Fissival. He nodded warily.<\/p>\n

\u201cFissival supports this measure. The Antinium must<\/em> be curtailed. What pressure will Liscor\u2019s council put on them?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cZeres agrees. Punitive measures. Liscor? Your submission?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council stirred. Lism looked at Krshia, swearing silently. Jeiss was shaking his head. Demand the Antinium Hive halve<\/em> their numbers? But the Walled Cities were all murmuring agreement. Some of their representatives, like Chaldion, Manus\u2019s security council, and Ilvriss were expressing dissent.<\/p>\n

But it fell on Liscor to respond. Krshia was slowly rising, looking at Lism. He jabbed a claw at his chest and the two whispered to each other as the others shifted, impatiently. And before they could come to an agreement\u2014Olesm stood.<\/p>\n

He was shaking. But his voice was clear. His tail was jittering so much Jeiss and Alonna looked alarmed. But Olesm walked forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cCouncilmembers, as [Strategist] of Liscor I believe it is time for me to express my opinion.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism looked at his nephew and shook his head. But it was too late. Dragonspeaker Luciva spoke and every voice went silent.<\/p>\n

\u201cManus agrees. Approach and state Liscor\u2019s measures, Strategist Olesm Swifttail of Liscor.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Strategist] nearly threw up then and there. He did in his mouth, a bit. Some of the most powerful Gnolls and Drakes in the world were looking at him. The view switched to Ilvriss; the Wall Lord smiled slightly, then Chaldion was looking at Olesm with his good eye, impatiently.<\/p>\n

This was it. Maviola closed her eyes. She had seen the fire, the potential. Now, the Drake proved her right or wrong.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm opened his mouth and belched. It came out, nervously, a hiccup. The watchers all recoiled. The Drake frantically waved at his face. He spoke before someone demanded him thrown out a window.<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies. As I was about to say. High Command of Liscor\u2019s army. Representatives of the Walled Cities. In regards to Liscor\u2019s actions against the Antinium\u2026it is my recommendation as [Strategist] of Liscor\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked into the scrying orb. At every eye on him. And his mouth dried.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Sharkcaptain of Zeres growled. Olesm took another breath. He could run away now. And if he ran\u2014Maviola had shown him, he\u2019d keep running. Better to be fired. Olesm closed his eyes as he replied. But he did reply.<\/p>\n

\u201cApologies, Zeres. I misspoke. I should have said\u2014as [Strategist] of Liscor. It is my decision<\/em> that in light of Liscor\u2019s insufficient safeguards against the Antinium, their breach of the treaty was not<\/em> enough to constitute hostile action. As such\u2014I will, with my authority, veto<\/em> any such motions that affect the relationship between my city and the Free Hive of the Antinium.\u201d<\/p>\n

For a second there was silence. Then another second. Olesm\u2019s heart thundered. He cracked one eye open. Then he heard Lism drop<\/em> something with a clatter. Maviola laughed silently out the door.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

The bellow came from the Sharkcaptain\u2014and then High Command. The room burst into a flurry of voices, all demanding\u2014Olesm shouted.<\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me. Excuse me!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSomeone shut that idiot up! Zeres\u2014kick that insane Drake out of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPallass. Silence. <\/em>Let the [Strategist] speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cManus agrees.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSalazsar acknowledges Strategist Olesm. Speak.\u201d<\/p>\n

Three voices cut through the clamor. Three of the six Walled Cities spoke. Someone on Zeres\u2019 side was shouting obscenities\u2014then a cool voice.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Gardener of Oteslia acknowledges. A majority calls upon Liscor\u2019s [Strategist] to speak. Why no action, Strategist Olesm?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Gardener of Oteslia.<\/em> And<\/em> the Dragonspeaker of Manus. Olesm\u2019s mouth was dry. But he\u2019d come this far, and there was a comfort in letting it all go. He shuffled his notes.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo answer your questions, honored guests\u2014I first ask that you consult the documents sent to you via [Message] spell\u2014twenty minutes ago.\u201d<\/p>\n

He listened to the confused babble for a moment, went on as the others demanded the very documents. Ilvriss was reading his. And smiling. Olesm looked into the scrying orb and spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe that the Antinium presence in Liscor is, while in breach of our initial treaties\u2014not<\/em> solvable by direct pressure on the Hive. They will most certainly resist. This would lead to a confrontation between the Free Hive and Liscor. One which will result in warfare.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd are you implying Liscor would lose that confrontation? Or that we should fear Antinium aggression?\u201d<\/p>\n

A [General] of Liscor spoke. Olesm stared at the three [Generals] of Liscor, and the Drake with a burn mark around his face. And he bowed his head.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespectfully, General Sendel? In either event, <\/em>Liscor loses. The Free Antinium are our allies. Liscor has no desire to engage in what will certainly be a destructive war. Nor\u2014at this moment\u2014does Liscor intend to begin the Third Antinium War. Which is what confrontation with the Free Antinium means.\u201d<\/p>\n

He listened to the frozen murmur. Does High Command want that?<\/em> General Sendel was silent. Olesm went on, into his one moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cRespected guests. I understand today\u2019s meeting is about funding for Liscor\u2019s security. I understand the reluctance of the other Walled Cities to support Liscor. However\u2014with respect\u2014 I submit that the Antinium were allowed to grow and take actions that violated the letter and law of our agreement because Liscor was always<\/em> underfunded.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Another murmur. Olesm held up a claw, forestalling Errif and a dozen voices.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt seems to me, High Command, respected members of the Walled Cities\u2014that Liscor\u2019s defenses were always insufficient, beginning from when Liscor agreed to harbor the Antinium. Please recall\u2014the decision to harbor the Free Antinium was meant to end <\/em>the Second Antinium War. And Liscor agreed to it. However, we were granted almost no funds to prepare for the Hive at that time. And subsequently\u2014our army left.\u201d<\/p>\n

He looked at the High Command of Liscor\u2019s army.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur army has returned once since then. In times past, Liscor\u2019s army did move abroad and take on mercenary contracts. But they always protected their home. Not so in recent decades. It seems to me, as [Strategist] of Liscor<\/em> that our lack of funding, the absence of our army\u2026was intentional. Perhaps Liscor was always meant to fail, but do so in an advantageous way to the Walled Cities. If that is the case\u2014the Free Antinium\u2019s actions cannot be faulted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dead silence now. Ilvriss\u2019 eyes glittered. So did Manus\u2019 security council. Chaldion\u2019s good eye never blinked. But no one said a word. Because the ones in the know\u2014knew Olesm was right.<\/p>\n

Maviola smiled. There was nothing unique about Olesm\u2019s conclusion. No grand brilliance in his speech, for all he had practiced it on her to make it eloquent. He had just said it out loud. And that took more than a bit of courage.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a bold accusation, Strategist Olesm. What do the Walled Cities gain from losing a city to the Antinium?\u201d<\/p>\n

A voice; Maviola couldn\u2019t tell which one. Olesm replied steadily.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is no accusation, High Strategist. Just practicality. I submit that if Liscor fell to the Antinium, it would indeed make sense\u2014strategically. Since they would be poised to threaten the north and thus necessitate Human intervention, for fear of incursions at least. A conflict with Liscor would also weaken at least one of the Hives and if a decisive strike were carried out preemptively\u2026there is much to be said for allowing Liscor to fall. If war is the goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

He took a breath. The Walled Cities were silent, waiting. Their connection was secure, unable to be listened to even by Wistram. Magically secure\u2014but for an ear against the door. Olesm spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs [Strategist] of Liscor, honored guests, I have only one demand. Clarity. If Liscor is meant to stand alone, let us stand alone.<\/em> Otherwise, if we are Drakes, the same city that General Sserys called home, that the Tidebreaker fought for\u2014I demand the aid of the other Walled Cities. Because either way, this is our land. And we will not leave it.\u201d<\/p>\n

He raised the second document he\u2019d brought into the room, the ones now in front of Ilvriss, Chaldion, and all the others.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have submitted a budget plan for the renovation and reinforcement of Liscor as a city. I hope each Walled City and the army will see fit to contribute to it. All of it\u2014or nothing. The Free Antinium have been allowed to expand because Liscor was not funded.<\/em> If the Walled Cities and High Command believe this to be acceptable in the future in preparation for Liscor as a sacrifice\u2014give us nothing. Otherwise, this is my requirement.\u201d<\/p>\n

He tapped the report. It was neatly broken down with Maviola and Olesm\u2019s rough estimates, giving some reason for the number underlined at the bottom. But it was really just a number. The other cities paged through the report. After a moment, the Sharkcaptain of Zeres coughed.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2026Is there an extra zero here?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Walled Cities murmured. Ilvriss smiled, and leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it is time for debate. Liscor, we will remove you from this\u2014discussion. Please hold.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sound was muted. The scrying orb flickered from arguing people in silence. Someone threw a chair in one of the scrying orbs. He looked around.<\/p>\n

\u201cDead gods, Olesm\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara stared at him. He nodded.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt won\u2019t fund all your improvements, Watch Captain. I asked only for as much as I thought we needed\u2014Liscor may still need to source more money. But it should fund the construction for Architect Hexel.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Council looked at each other.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if they offer us less?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will refuse it. I meant what I said.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tismel choked on his tongue in a corner. Olesm\u2019s eyes flicked to the orb. The arguing people on the other side\u2014paused for a second. Maviola\u2019s eyes glittered. Smart, Olesm.<\/em> Just because one side couldn\u2019t hear the other, did not mean the reverse was true.<\/p>\n

It was a long eternity, a short wait, until sound resumed. It was a representative from Salazsar who spoke for the others. Wall Lady Calistoca spoke, glaring down at Olesm.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrategist Olesm. The Walled Cities do not take\u2026sides<\/em> in the disputes of lesser\u2014er\u2014other Drake cities. We do fund certain projects at times. But we do not interfere in a city\u2019s business. Drake settlements are sovereign unto themselves. And that is how we prefer it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm bowed his head. The old Wall Lady pursed her lips and then spoke.<\/p>\n

\u201cHowever. We agree the Free Antinium must be curtailed in light of their\u2026advancements. Is your decision to veto any actions against the Free Antinium final?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Wall Lady.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake felt a pang. There was a\u2026rhythm to her words. The Wall Lady\u2019s eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOne moment, Wall Lady. Excuse me.\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism strode forwards. The Wall Lady cut off, looking affronted. Lism put an arm around Olesm\u2019s shoulders. And the [Shopkeeper] politely sneered into the scrying orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cI just felt Liscor\u2019s Council<\/em> should present our opinions. We will also back a veto to go after the Free Antinium. They are\u2014Liscor\u2019s<\/em> assets, after all.\u201d<\/p>\n

It looked like he threw up in his mouth to say that. But he stood with his nephew. Olesm looked up at Lism\u2014then saw Krshia standing next to him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe entire Council\u2019s decision.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd my backing as Watch Captain.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zevara stepped forwards. Calistoca\u2019s eyes bulged. But now Liscor\u2019s entire leadership stood in front of the scrying orb. The High Command of the army looked like they were having heart attacks in the background.<\/p>\n

\u201cGo ahead and fire him now, you scaly lizard\u2014er\u2014idiot.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n

Lism muttered under his breath. He\u2026might have been audible to everyone on the call. Silently, the image flickered. Wall Lord Ilvriss pushed forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think that settles it. Unless we\u2019d like to\u2026? No? Very well. Liscor\u2014we will grant you your proposed budget, in exchange for certain assurances of completion. We may send our representatives to monitor the work. Is that acceptable?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, Wall Lord.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm\u2019s knees shook. Lism kept him upright. Ilvriss smiled into the scrying orb.<\/p>\n

\u201cVery well then. Let\u2019s discuss implementation. Now, for funding\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

The argument began anew. But Maviola didn\u2019t hear. She\u2019d run off, throwing her arms up, laughing until she got behind a closed door and then she screamed triumphantly. She laughed, relieved and delighted.<\/p>\n

The fire burned.<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

—-<\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Olesm Swifttail emerged from the Council\u2019s chambers amid cheering. The Council was celebrating, even Tismel. He was flushed\u2014Lism had stood three rounds with his nephew and it looked like they were going to continue partying.<\/p>\n

But he was looking for someone. Maviola El wasn\u2019t outside the Council\u2019s room; probably wise since they\u2019d been demanding Street Runners bring them libations.<\/p>\n

She was in his office, where they\u2019d planned the audacity. He paused in the door as she napped in the fading light.<\/p>\n

She was still glowing. Or perhaps he was. He felt alive. Triumphant. He paused, as she opened her eyes and woke up from her nap in his chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it.\u201d<\/p>\n

She beamed at him. Olesm hesitated\u2014then went into the office and sat in the guest\u2019s chair in the little, cramped space. He looked around. He\u2019d asked for and doubled his salary. He could have probably quadrupled it, but he really didn\u2019t need it.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did. But it wasn\u2019t really me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOh?\u201d<\/p>\n

She looked at him. The Drake rested his elbows on his knees, letting his claws droop downwards as he clasped them loosely. He looked at Maviola, wondering.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou did it too. I realized it\u2014you made it possible. If not for you, I\u2019d be wallowing in misery this morning. Probably just standing there, letting them give us nothing.\u201d<\/p>\n

He nodded back towards the raucous celebrations. Lism was hugging and kissing everyone\u2014he reached Krshia and caught himself, spat out hairs. Glared at her. She hugged him and raised a cup, roaring with laughter.<\/p>\n

Maviola\u2019s eyes twinkled as she looked at Olesm.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re doing it again. Take some credit for your bravery. I didn\u2019t do more than give you a nudge. And you were amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat up, came around the desk. Olesm was shaking his head. He drew back as she tried to sit on the same chair.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2014Maviola. Listen. Thank you so much. But\u2014I\u2019m afraid it\u2019s\u2014you\u2019re like Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cErin Solstice. Yes, your muse, your inspiration. But I\u2019m not her.<\/em> And she didn\u2019t make you. We established that.\u201d<\/p>\n

Maviola laughed. Olesm drew back.<\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2014she helped. Maybe I don\u2019t need to stand alone. But she\u2014and you\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with needing help?\u201d<\/p>\n

She sat on his lap, facing him. The flimsy chair creaked<\/em> alarmingly with both their weights, light as they were. Olesm tried to lift her off.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. Maviola\u2014listen. You\u2019re too<\/em> much like Erin. I shouldn\u2019t. We shouldn\u2019t. It would just be like how I feel\u2014felt for Erin\u2014you\u2019re too much like her. I shouldn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n

The [Lady] regarded Olesm. In the sunset, she threw back her head and rose. Her eyes flashed.<\/p>\n

\u201cI see. I\u2019m just like Erin, am I?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026can\u2019t unsee the connection.\u201d<\/p>\n

Olesm whispered. He saw Maviola turn. He sighed, bowing his head. Then Maviola, who blazed with fire\u2014did something that was Maviola.<\/p>\n

She lifted a foot, and then stomped<\/em> on the gap between Olesm\u2019s legs. She missed him\u2014barely. But the rickety chair collapsed. Olesm crashed to the ground.<\/p>\n

Maviola straddled his body. She looked down at him, eyes gleaming. And she leaned forwards.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s no one<\/em> exactly like me, you fool. Or did you ever burn for her like this? Did she for you?\u201d<\/p>\n

The Drake [Strategist] gaped up at her. That was not<\/em> an Erin move. He stared up at Maviola. Erin burned like Maviola, sometimes. But she was happiness. She loved the Antinium. But Maviola\u2014agreed they were dangerous.<\/p>\n

Erin was passionate. Maviola prickly. Erin was\u2014Maviola was\u2014<\/p>\n

The superimposed image of Erin over Maviola\u2019s face disappeared. Because she was industriously checking his belt. She looked at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cWell? Are we similar?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cNo. She\u2019s wasn\u2019t ever like this.\u201d<\/p>\n

He whispered. The [Lady] leaned over Olesm and reached behind her back. She laughed, young, vibrant.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen let\u2019s find out how different I am.<\/em> Unless you don\u2019t want to?\u201d<\/p>\n

And of course, they both knew the answer to that. The blue-scaled Drake looked up. And then he nodded.<\/p>\n

Maviola paused. Olesm hesitated.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, wait. I meant the other thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

She started laughing. And then her top was off.<\/p>\n

Olesm gulped. But then he was laughing too.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Strategist Level 33!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Instantaneous Barrage (Phantom Arrows) obtained!]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

[Lady Firestarter Level 49!]<\/p>\n

[Skill \u2013 Conjure Fast Fireball obtained!]<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Author\u2019s Note: <\/strong>The poll decided the two perspectives. Which were\u2026very different. And I am now on break. Do you think they were the two options you wanted? Or deserved? Or do you just not read the author\u2019s note?<\/p>\n

How dare you. Well, I am on break now. Until\u2026the 23rd<\/sup> of May, I believe. Depending on your time zone and stuff. And yes, it\u2019s 2 updates off. But I do need it. This allows me to write hard and relax harder. Or easier. I dunno.<\/p>\n

But I may make this a monthly thing. I have written extremely long chapters even by my standards, and these regular week-breaks may help. We will see.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll leave you with some amazing art. Maviola El, of course, has been drawn by Cortz, while Lady Pryde herself was captured by pkay, who did her and Magnolia and Wuvren, and Plushie, who did Lady Pryde (and Hawk)! Hope you enjoy, and I\u2019ll see you in a bit.<\/p>\n

\u2026And no, I\u2019m not writing the rest of this scene. I mean, should I? Nah. Maybe Mating Rituals Pt. 3.<\/p>\n

I joke. This was a romance. I hope you enjoyed it, and thanks for reading!<\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/boboplushie<\/a><\/p>\n

https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/peekay<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maviola El and Sketches by Cortz<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Sketches <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Maviola <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pryde and Hawk by Plushie<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Pryde <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hawk <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Three Ladies by pkay<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Ladies<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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