[Spearmaster Level 36!]<\/p>\n
[Skill \u2013 Recall Weapon: Spear obtained!]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
[Guardsman Level 17!]<\/p>\n
[Skill \u2013 Eyes In The Back obtained!]<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Drake opened his eyes as the sun hit his head. Sometimes the announcement came in the mornings. If he fell asleep and it didn\u2019t wake him up, it lingered in his mind. Like words seared onto the inside of his brain. He blinked a few times.<\/p>\n
Then made a fist and punched it up in victory.<\/p>\n
\u201cOoh. Noice.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing. Well, actually\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Relc rolled over and Ryoka blinked at him. She was there too of course. And while level-ups had never troubled her, the Drake was only happy to explain.<\/p>\n \u201cI leveled up. Twice,<\/em> actually. In two classes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014congratulations.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks. And uh\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n They stared at each other. Ryoka was in the same bed as Relc. Of course, he had known that. He hadn\u2019t drunk enough to forget last night either. A good thing, despite how his day had gone.<\/p>\n Sunlight was streaming through an unfamiliar window. Relc blinked around at the nice room. It wasn\u2019t his. It was, in fact, Ryoka\u2019s. True to form, he hadn\u2019t woken up in his apartment. This room was better, anyways. The sun was rising and he\u2019d slept through his dawn routine for once.<\/p>\n Probably because he\u2019d been stabbed multiple times. And for other reasons. The Drake was explaining his new level\u2014he already felt like he had a vague sense of what was behind him. Just a wall, and the sunlight. Not like \u2018eyes<\/em>\u2019 but\u2014better than intuition.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, that\u2019s me. I\u2019m going to be even harder to jump. Nice Skill\u2014although Klbkch always had my back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRight. You said.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka sat up. Relc stared at her. She blinked a few times. And blushed. A bit embarrassed by the stare more than anything else.<\/p>\n \u201cSo uh\u2026nice room.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYup. Erin\u2019s giving it to me rent-free.\u201d<\/p>\n Both of them latched onto the trite conversation. But after a second of looking around, Relc decided it was a good topic.<\/p>\n \u201cReally nice. Good bed, more spacious than my apartment\u2014do you know how much she charges?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka paused as she looked around for clothes. She found her bag of holding. There was a skittering<\/em> sound from outside the window.<\/p>\n \u201cEr\u2026ask Lyonette. But ask Erin if you want a deal. I\u2019m sure she\u2019d give it to you cheap.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. Yeah\u2026I might like living here. Y\u2019know, if Erin has room. I\u2019d help out! Kick Rock Crabs and stuff. But it\u2019d be nice. You could swing a spear around in here.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka glanced around. Relc frowned. Instantly, he began to panic.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Where\u2019s my spear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI think your daughter has it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Right. Right.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake relaxed. Normally, he wasn\u2019t out of reach of his spear at any time. He thought about his other new Skill. Should he\u2026?<\/p>\n Nah. It\u2019d probably try to come to him if he wasn\u2019t out of range. And you didn\u2019t want to get in between a recalling spear and the target. He lay back. Then sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cI should go. Really cool and all\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka glanced at him. The Drake stared around vaguely for his clothes. But propriety demanded he soon exit. To his surprise\u2014Ryoka hadn\u2019t suggested it already.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCool, cool. I uh\u2014can jump out the window\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOr walk down the steps. Do you often do this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Sometimes?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake had run the gamut from every kind of morning after. Good, bad\u2014this was already shaping up to be a good one. Bad ones were where the angry lover hit you in the middle of your sleep.<\/p>\n The two looked at each other. Ryoka\u2014who had thought this was all a great idea yesterday\u2014was mostly perturbed by her brain. What did you say?<\/em> She was out of practice\u2014and she actually knew Relc. She was clearing her throat\u2014when the skittering grew louder.<\/p>\n Both heads turned. Ryoka heard something like a squirrel\u2014but the fattest squirrel in the world\u2014creeping around the window outside her room. Then she heard a sniff<\/em>. A growl.<\/p>\n Premonition was a terrible thing. Because it only told you what was going to happen, not how to stop it. Ryoka cursed. She turned to Relc.<\/p>\n \u201cI think\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Like the furry face of wrath, a little Gnoll\u2019s head popped into the window from the outside.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Relc fell out of bed as Mrsha stared through the window. Her eyes locked on Ryoka\u2019s, accusingly. The City Runner winced.<\/p>\n \u201cMrsha\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She raised her finger warningly. The Gnoll was not<\/em> happy. Thunderclouds practically filled her face as she looked at Relc and Ryoka, who she both loved. Both of whom had done bad things.<\/em> Like Pawn and Lyonette! Was that all adults did?<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMrsha, listen to me\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Too late. The Gnoll stuck out her tongue. Then\u2014she disappeared.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, good. That was Mrsha. I thought it was a monster for a second. Good thing I didn\u2019t<\/em> have my spear.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc looked around. He was relaxed\u2014unashamed\u2014which Ryoka wasn\u2019t! Ashamed, that was! But he didn\u2019t seem to register the gravity of Mrsha\u2019s wrath.<\/p>\n Ryoka eyed the empty window. She had another premonition.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we should split.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAha! I was ready for that. Give me one second to find my belt\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, it\u2019s just that Mrsha gets mad. I think\u2014she might\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A sound came from Ryoka\u2019s left. She whirled.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2014and I was just like\u2014y\u2019know, deciding what we could put in the garden. I mean, we can put living things in here. We have fish.<\/em> So\u2014what about crabs?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCrabs live in the sea, Erin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. But can we make a saltwater pond?<\/em> Huh? Huh? Krshia says they\u2019ll make a huge pool in the city. So how deep does the [Garden of Sanctuary] run? Hey, Lyonette. Hand me a shovel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin, you can\u2019t dig\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Lyonette du Marquin paused as she reached for a shovel to hand Erin. The [Innkeeper] paused.<\/p>\n She was standing in her garden. Next to Lyonette, in the early morning. She was marking out a possible spot for creating a saltwater pond\u2014a terrible idea because it would leech salt<\/em> into the soil. Ryoka could have told her that.<\/p>\n In fact, she could.<\/em> Because the magic door to the inn was connected to her room. Someone\u2014and that little someone was a white Gnoll sitting with arms folded and a vicious smile behind Lyonette\u2014had opened the doorway into Ryoka\u2019s room.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Ryoka. Do you know where my belt is\u2014oh.\u201d<\/p>\n Relc paused as he swung around. Erin\u2019s features, which had been one of shock\u2014locked onto his body. Relc was almost nude, but for his underpants. Which was a good thing. But the [Innkeeper], however oblivious, couldn\u2019t deny this. She stared at Ryoka. Ryoka stared at Mrsha.<\/p>\n Lyonette stared up, her cheeks red. Mrsha stuck her tongue out.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka? Relc? <\/em>Why are you two\u2014what is\u2014oh my\u2014what is happening?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin\u2019s scream ran through the entire inn. It almost made the person outside Ryoka\u2019s door hesitate. But she pushed open the door anyways.<\/p>\n \u201cDad? I brought your spear back. We didn\u2019t get Bearclaw, but we found Soot. Are you here? The little Gnoll\u2014Mrsha\u2014pointed me to\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka swung around. Wing Commander Embria stared at Ryoka. She nearly dropped Relc\u2019s spear. The Drake cursed. Both of them looked around\u2014Mrsha was racing off. Ryoka stared as she recalled\u2014now, more clearly than ever\u2014that Relc was a father. Embria looked at Relc. Erin\u2019s eyes bulged.<\/p>\n In that moment\u2014there was a lot of accusation in the air. A lot of shock. Judgment. Ryoka looked over and met Lyonette\u2019s eyes. The [Princess] was trying not to smile as she gave Ryoka a covert nod.<\/p>\n But Erin was shocked. Even outraged. And that went double for Embria. Relc was embarrassed, looking around for pants that were missing when needed most.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Uh\u2014I told you I should have gone out the window. Stuff like this happens all the time.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner looked at him. And then she looked around. At the judgment. Shock, turning to outrage. She thought of the ways she might react. Run away, deny\u2026<\/p>\n Instead, she started laughing. The young Human woman clutched at her bare stomach as she chuckled. And then just laughed. For surely Ivolethe would have been laughing too. The others started as Ryoka laughed. And Relc laughed too. They leaned on each other, laughing, as the shouting started. Let someone else be angry or ashamed.<\/p>\n But it looked like it was going to be an interesting day.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Honestly, it made sense with Mrsha. She regarded Lyonette as her mother. And it was rightfully earned, by love. Ryoka\u2014their relationship was different. But Ryoka was a guardian, if a faulty one.<\/p>\n Her jealousy and sense of betrayal made sense, even if it was a bit childish. Embria\u2014well\u2014Relc had watched her stalk off in a huff. But she was an adult.<\/p>\n What didn\u2019t make sense was Erin. Later, Ryoka sat a table across from the [Innkeeper]. And of all the people with a stake in this, she seemed to be the most\u2026indignant.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy? Why?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey, what can I say? No one can resist the Relc\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka and Erin looked at the Drake. He hesitated, and then shuffled off to another table.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m gonna sit here.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] stared at him, and then at Ryoka, bug-eyed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner did not blush. She met Erin\u2019s eyes. A bit uncomfortably.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLast night.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Unless you think we\u2019ve done this multiple times, yes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHave you?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Erin, why is it a big deal?\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman just kept staring. It was starting to weird Ryoka out.<\/p>\n \u201cYou. And Relc. You two\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Slept together.<\/em> Erin mouthed the words. She didn\u2019t even say it outright, as if it was a curse. Ryoka Griffin did blush then. Mainly because Erin was making it weird.<\/p>\n \u201cYes! Alright! It was one time. What is the problem?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cEverything! How? Why? When\u2014<\/em>no, wait. Don\u2019t answer\u2026Ryoka!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka grabbed at her hair. She had indeed slept with Relc Grasstongue, the burly Drake whistling and ignoring Mrsha, who was punching one leg. His scars were still fresh. And he looked\u2014well, down and up.<\/p>\n Down from the bad hand he\u2019d been dealt yesterday. An ambush, finding out The Golden Triangle was a big scam\u2014and up for one reason alone.<\/p>\n Ryoka had helped with that. Sex, in other words. Bumping uglies, uh\u2026she ran out of metaphors, but there were a lot. Had it been sudden? Yes. Was it a mistake?<\/em> Well, now\u2026a day later she was overthinking it\u2014and Erin wasn\u2019t helping.<\/p>\n \u201cI just\u2014it was spur-of-the-moment, okay? I felt bad for him\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo it was pity<\/em> you-know-what?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake [Guardsman] drooped. But not by much. Ryoka shook her head at once.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! I mean, a bit of it was but\u2014look, Erin! Have you looked<\/em> at Relc? He\u2019s pretty built!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Erin blushed. She stared at Relc, who was preening since he was listening in. Ryoka turned red herself. She looked at Erin.<\/p>\n Yes, it had happened. She hadn\u2019t been expecting to make a big thing out of it, but here they were. Ryoka sat back, feeling at her ears. She was sure her entire face was hot. She took a few breaths as Mrsha began to attack Relc\u2019s tail. She grappled it\u2014and he lifted her off the tail.<\/p>\n Strong muscles. Ryoka knew that. She turned to Erin, and saw the [Innkeeper] was no less embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong with\u2026something casual? I mean, I had this same conversation Erin, with F\u2014well, that\u2019s different. This?\u201d<\/p>\n They didn\u2019t<\/em> know each other as well. That was what Erin objected to, but it was why it had happened, in Ryoka\u2019s opinion. She had felt good about it, actually. It had been\u2026good.<\/p>\n At this point Relc unhelpfully leaned over. Or\u2014helpfully.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah. It\u2019s just s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Erin slapped a hand over his mouth. But really\u2014Mrsha was the only other person privy to this conversation. And the Gnoll knew full<\/em> well the occurrence. She gave Ryoka a betrayed look. Ryoka tried to beckon her over\u2014Mrsha just walked off in a huff.<\/p>\n \u201cBut why?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Innkeeper] repeated. She didn\u2019t seem to get it. Ryoka looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cErin, do I have to have a reason beyond \u2018I want to\u2019? It wasn\u2019t a bad thing. Relc\u2019s not complaining.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at the Drake. He smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean, no one complains afterwards!\u201d<\/p>\n He puffed out his chest, hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Most of the time. Uh\u2014it was good. Yeah.\u201d<\/p>\n He gave Ryoka an awkward grin. She colored as Erin\u2019s jaw dropped. But Ryoka was past the days of never seeing the person she spent a night with. She half-smiled and replied.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not half-bad yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n The two started laughing. Erin looked at them, aghast. Perhaps it was because they were both friends of hers. Ryoka turned to Erin. She lowered her voice as Mrsha came back with a pot and slapped<\/em> it down on Relc\u2019s tail. He yelped and got up to chase her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy wouldn\u2019t you like him? Is he that bad?\u201d<\/p>\n She didn\u2019t know Relc much\u2014well, she knew more after a night in his company, and that included the morning thereafter. Erin hesitated. She looked at Relc, who had scooped Mrsha and was tickling her as she punched and giggled silently.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026No. He\u2019s a good guy. But I just can\u2019t see myself\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHuh. Not ever?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked. There were a lot of people whom she\u2019d never see anything with. But not even imagining it? Maybe Erin just didn\u2019t\u2026like\u2026non-Humans. An odd thought, but they had never discussed this. Erin squirmed uncomfortably.<\/p>\n \u201cNot like that. I just don\u2019t\u2014I mean, look, Ryoka. I\u2019m not judging\u2026<\/em>it\u2019s just not for me.\u201d<\/p>\n Oh, how the lie emerged in that one. Ryoka gave Erin a steady look.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s fine too. But as long as no one hurts each other\u2019s feelings, or there\u2019s no\u2026pregnancy or STI\u2019s or stuff, that\u2019s fine, right?\u201d<\/p>\n She was making a point. Erin hesitated and bit her lip. She was wrestling with the news.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin peered at her. Was Erin Solstice, Erin<\/em> who welcomed Goblins into her inn and Antinium, uncomfortable with sex? Was this like drugs? It was so\u2026odd for someone like her. And yet, it also made sense. Erin was against a lot of things. She hadn\u2019t handled Relc\u2019s being part of the Golden Triangle well yesterday. Maybe\u2026<\/p>\n Something was wrong. <\/em>Erin looked so unhappy about it. Ryoka wanted to ask why. She stared at Erin closely until the [Innkeeper] looked away, turning red.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry. I shouldn\u2019t judge.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Nah. I get it.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner replied softly. Erin looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cIf it was just this\u2014thing. Because Relc was upset\u2026I mean, one time and all\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErin. I don\u2019t do pity-sex. I liked Relc. Look at him.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He was an ugly Drake. Or so people said. Something about the tail? And face? Ryoka couldn\u2019t tell. What she saw was, well\u2026<\/p>\n She liked musculature. Hawk, Calruz\u2014Ryoka had a type<\/em>, aside from immortals. And Relc was close to peak physicality as they went. Grimalkin was a few strides over that line. But Relc? She\u2019d seen narcissistic bodybuilders who looked poor compared to him.<\/p>\n Erin squinted at Relc. She shook her head after a few seconds, looking bothered. Ryoka sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cAnyways, it wasn\u2019t the first<\/em> time I had sex since coming to this world, Erin. More like the third. I think.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Wait, what?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Why was she so shocked about this? <\/em>Ryoka looked as strangely at Erin as the young woman was looking at her. But more of Erin\u2019s history was revealing itself to Ryoka.<\/p>\n Erin was someone who might believe\u2014or have been taught\u2014that sex was only for when you were married. Ryoka winced. Well, that was an opinion<\/em> in the world. Not hers.<\/p>\n \u201cI guess\u2026it\u2019s all okay. But it was just sudden. That\u2019s all.\u201d<\/p>\n That<\/em> Ryoka could understand. It had been sudden. But it had taken a long night, and\u2026extraordinary events. She had been the one to find Relc, lying amid the bodies. She\u2019d called for the Watch. And she\u2019d been the one to get him to come to the inn.<\/p>\n Why had it happened? It was more than just a spur-of-the-moment. The moment wasn\u2019t the moment<\/em> but a long night where she kept Relc company, even when Erin and Embria and the others surrounded him. Talking about\u2026well, running. Shared experiences like how they knew Erin.<\/p>\n He told her about being a [Soldier]. She\u2014she talked about the Goblin Lord because it was personal and he was hurting.<\/em> And it was intimate. He talked about Embria. Endlessly, really. How he\u2019d tried to raise her, how she ran off and was disappointed in him\u2026<\/p>\n It was odd, talking to a regretful father because Ryoka disliked her parents intensely. But then\u2014her parents didn\u2019t care. Relc cared, but he was clumsy. He\u2019d made mistakes. And that was something she completely understood. And after that?<\/p>\n At one point Relc had successfully struck himself out with six different females of different species with his atrocious<\/em> pickup lines\u2014and he had sympathy scars! But Ryoka had laughed herself off her seat and then\u2014<\/p>\n Well, they\u2019d worked on her when she\u2019d encouraged him to keep going. Ryoka had felt a strong connection with Relc over doing the right thing,<\/em> however hard. Rather like her and Lupp, really. But different. Relc laughed a lot more. He was, in his way, rather considerate. Kind.<\/p>\n Kindness was attractive to Ryoka Griffin. She discovered that about herself. She had never realized that.<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014uh\u2014who were the other two?\u201d<\/p>\n At this point Ryoka decided she\u2019d shared enough details. She got up.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you later. Erin, I have to run soon. Let me just talk to Relc\u2014I think he\u2019s going to need to go to the Watch barracks.\u201d<\/p>\n He had been summoned to discuss the Bearclaw incident. But for now, Relc was swinging Mrsha off of one arm and she was laughing hard enough to have forgiven him.<\/p>\n Maybe not Ryoka. Mrsha turned her head, but Relc gently lifted her up.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. I\u2019m cool. She\u2019s cool. What\u2019s the problem?\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll considered this. She grudgingly gave Ryoka a nuzzle. Ryoka held Mrsha and then let her wiggle off to the ground and pad off. She and Relc stood there. After a moment, Relc cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. Just wanted to say thanks. Y\u2019know. For\u2026stuff. And it\u2019s totally cool if it was just this one time. It\u2014helped me out. We don\u2019t need to mention it. We can just wave at each other or something\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n That was the funny thing. Ryoka looked at Relc. He did<\/em> think about these things. Even if he had little tact. She nodded at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re not a bad guy, Relc. Why don\u2019t you wait to see me again and we\u2019ll catch up? No promises.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at her. From the way his jaw dropped, she was fairly certain that wasn\u2019t an offer he got very much. He hesitated, and then blustered.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, sure\u2026open minded. That\u2019s me! That\u2019s Relc-style.\u201d<\/p>\n She gave him a look. <\/em>He dropped the bluster and looked embarrassed. Ryoka couldn\u2019t help it. She laughed and Relc started laughing too. The secret of Relc was that he didn\u2019t take himself that seriously.<\/p>\n The secret was that he was deeper than what you took him for. Like everyone else.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t regret it. Just so you know. And it was my decision, bad lines and all.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka punched Relc in the shoulder. The Drake grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, you know, once you use the best lines on the ladies, they can\u2019t resist\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He caught her expression.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s alright. We\u2019re adults. And this\u2014is fine. We don\u2019t need to defend it.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka said it half for Erin, who turned red at the unspoken reprimand in the City Runner\u2019s voice. And half for Mrsha. The little Gnoll probably should<\/em> be scolded for her prank. She sat under a table, ready for one.<\/p>\n But the City Runner just scooped her up in a hug. She swung Mrsha back and forth.<\/p>\n \u201cYou little prankster. Don\u2019t do it to anyone else, got it?\u201d<\/p>\n She meant Pawn and Lyonette. Mrsha hesitated. Ryoka hugged her.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not a bad thing. It just means two people\u2014like each other, Mrsha. I\u2019d never stop loving you. You understand? I might be a bad person. But I\u2019m not that bad.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The little Gnoll looked up. And then she hugged Ryoka, fiercely. She sniffed<\/em>. Perhaps more of her prank had been part of her emotions.<\/p>\n \u201cHey. It\u2019s totally cool. You can hit me. I\u2019m an idiot, Mrsha. Go ahead. Punch me. I can take it!\u201d<\/p>\n Relc was alarmed by Mrsha\u2019s sudden grief. He came over. Mrsha punched at him, weakly. But that wasn\u2019t it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not you, Relc. I\u2026just have to go. I should have stayed with Mrsha. She knows I have to leave today.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka felt guilty, now. She had focused on Relc, gone after him because she knew how he must have been feeling. But Mrsha clung to Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cDoes it have to be today?\u201d<\/p>\n Erin spoke up. She looked a bit ashamed as well. Ryoka was glad\u2014she hadn\u2019t flared up at Erin. Not today. She met the [Innkeeper]\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure. I have to, Erin. There\u2019s so much to do.<\/em> I have to beg an audience with Magnolia\u2014well, T\u2014Eldavin is going to do that. But I need to find more. Two more, at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo bring back Ivolethe.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTo meet her again.\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman nodded. Erin hesitated. Bit her lip.<\/p>\n \u201cBut it\u2019s just once. Why is it\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n So important?<\/em> Ryoka knew Erin had questions. Doubts. Of course she did. To meet Ivolethe one more time,<\/em> Ryoka had to do the impossible. Create a party to summon the fae, invite three grand nobles of Izril.<\/p>\n Why was it worth it just to see her friend again? Perhaps\u2014because she and Ivolethe were friends. Ryoka couldn\u2019t explain it better any other way. She had so few friends. Erin, Ivolethe, Fierre, Lupp\u2014maybe Alber, Relc, Ceria, Calruz and a few others counted.<\/p>\n But so few in this world. For any one of them, Ryoka would run through the Bloodfields in the summer. To save their lives? She\u2019d risk her life. Ivolethe had died<\/em> for her. Ryoka wanted to see her again. Not just because she missed her friend.<\/p>\n Ivolethe could teach her how to master the wind.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to go, Mrsha. I do. And I\u2019m not going alone. The Horns are going to pick up their gear, and then we\u2019re going to head north. Together. For a bit.\u201d<\/p>\n She\u2019d run as soon as they left Invrisil. The Horns were too slow. <\/em>But Mrsha didn\u2019t have to know that. She hugged Ryoka tight.<\/p>\n \u201cGriffon Hunt too. We\u2019ll be on the road for an hour or two.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner gently cradled Mrsha as she heard a snuffle<\/em>. Erin looked misty-eyed too.<\/p>\n \u201cI know they just got back. But\u2014but\u2014can\u2019t you stay forever? I\u2019ll feed you until you get fat and old. You can even sleep with Relc.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Am I negative or positive, here?\u201d<\/p>\n Relc pretended indignance. But Erin was just as upset as Mrsha. Like before, they were leaving. The adventuring teams had come back for a few glorious days. But they couldn\u2019t stay here.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll be back. Now I know the door is in Invrisil\u2014I\u2019ll visit. Even if I have to take a carriage to visit. Reizmelt isn\u2019t that<\/em> far. It\u2019s not like I\u2019m at First Landing. And I\u2019m a Runner. We go everywhere, Mrsha. You\u2019ll be brave for me, right? I\u2019ll come back. I swear.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka knelt down. Mrsha nodded. Her face was streaming with snot and tears. Ryoka wiped at her face.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m so sorry I didn\u2019t say goodbye. I was just afraid you\u2019d be sad. But I\u2019m a bad person, aren\u2019t I?\u201d<\/p>\n A desperate shake of the head. Again, they hugged. Relc cleared his throat. Ryoka looked up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cHey.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what? I meant what I said. I\u2019ll see you again, Relc Grasstongue.\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled. And looked just a bit pleased about that. Ryoka Griffin took a deep breath, as people began to come down the stairs.<\/p>\n Grumpy Halrac, Revi, asking what Erin had been shouting about so early. Tousle-haired Ceria, yawning as she leaned on Ksmvr. Yvlon, properly attired and dragging Pisces down the stairs. Typhenous, Briganda bouncing Cade who waved at Mrsha. Ryoka Griffin looked up as she lifted Mrsha in her arms.<\/p>\n And she said goodbye. Just for a little while.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n She thought of him more thereafter. Fixated on him, really. She had liked him. Really. An embrace\u2014she yearned for it.<\/p>\n And it scared her to pieces. But she had experience in sex, relationships both carnal and otherwise. To judge from Erin\u2019s shock\u2014the [Innkeeper] had not.<\/p>\n In a way, it fit Erin\u2019s personality. She liked everyone. Loved? Ryoka could see Erin \u2018loving\u2019 Relc, just like she loved Bird and Mrsha and everyone else. But love, <\/em>with that painful emotion that tore bits out of you and made you insensible and\u2026Erin?<\/p>\n No, that was harder to picture.<\/p>\n When Ryoka Griffin fell in love with someone, even for a night, she overthought things. Were they a good fit? What would they look like older? Could the relationship last? What about kids? <\/em><\/p>\n She had those thoughts. Her brain ran ahead of any relationship. Confuscated the issue. That was why hookups with people she didn\u2019t know were so much preferable to her.<\/p>\n It was just strange to Ryoka that Erin was so\u2026withdrawn. Prudish. Maybe it was the way she was raised. But it was\u2014had been\u2014<\/em>2016. Or 2017, now, Ryoka supposed.<\/p>\n Sex was something everyone had. Except the Antinium. Except people who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Ryoka fell in love\u2014or attraction, at the very least. If she had not admired the Drake\u2014felt for him\u2014nothing would have happened.<\/p>\n Erin now\u2014Ryoka was almost certain she had not seen Erin in love. The [Innkeeper] was surprisingly close with her inner feelings. You thought<\/em> she was an open book. But few people had seen Erin in the height of a genuine emotion.<\/p>\n Rage. Hatred. Sorrow\u2014Ryoka had seen Erin angry, once. She had an intensity about her. What did Erin in love, real love<\/em> and attraction look like?<\/p>\n The City Runner almost wanted to know. But she was on the road. She stepped through to Invrisil. And she left The Wandering Inn behind.<\/p>\n Two Gold-rank teams joined her. The Horns of Hammerad waved until the sad Gnoll was gone. Ryoka was afraid to turn around after her goodbye or she\u2019d start crying. Griffon Hunt was more stoic.<\/p>\n \u201cHedault has our gold and the artifacts he promised. We need to pick them up. Meet at the northern gates in\u2026forty minutes? We\u2019ll ride together until we split.\u201d<\/p>\n Halrac looked at Ceria and Ryoka. The City runner nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to check with the Runner\u2019s Guild. I doubt I\u2019ll get a delivery\u2014but don\u2019t wait on me if I do.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll go too. I mean\u2014we\u2019re picking up our stuff from Hedault. We\u2019ll wait for you, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n Ceria sniffed<\/em> and wiped at her eyes. They split up.<\/p>\n It had been a quick goodbye. But no less emotional. Mrsha tugged<\/em> at Pisces\u2019 robes, as if asking to just keep him. Erin had burst into tears\u2014and only the fact that they\u2019d already done these goodbyes had kept them from being overdrawn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Actually\u2014there had been one funny moment. Jelaqua had cried almost as much as Erin and Mrsha\u2014but the Selphid was emotional like that. Green tears had leaked from eyes as, for some reason, she singled Ceria out.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations. Is it serious?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re pretty serious, yeah. I mean\u2014we\u2019re giving it a shot. I\u2019ll let you know how it goes.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elven [Cryomancer] was astonished to see Jelaqua burst into more tears. The Selphid hiccupped<\/em> and turned to her team.<\/p>\n \u201cOh dead gods. They grow up so fast.<\/em> This is huge. I\u2014I\u2014are you sure?<\/em> You just met, but if you know, you know,<\/em> I guess. Maughin and I were like that.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Seborn. The Drowned Man just looked at Ceria.<\/p>\n \u201cEr. Congratulations.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThanks? We won\u2019t be gone long.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI hope not. We will take care of your loved ones for you.\u201d<\/p>\n Moore promised Ceria solemnly. Ulinde shyly offered her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cCongratulations, Miss Ceria. I\u2014I\u2019m sorry for before. Best of luck.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re really going to do it?\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf nodded slowly. Griffon Hunt were going on a request to Riverfarm, wherever that was. But somehow Montressa and Beza\u2014and the Halfseekers\u2014must have heard about the Horn\u2019s plans. They were headed north. To take on more requests\u2014but also because Pisces believed they had an opportunity there.<\/p>\n \u201cI mean\u2026we discussed it. Everyone. And we think it\u2019s for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDead gods. That changes everything. I\u2014um\u2014invite us when it\u2019s time.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Bezale gave Ceria an odd, awkward look. The half-Elf put it down to the way they\u2019d been at odds recently. She smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cI will. We\u2019ll come back too.\u201d<\/p>\n Jelaqua came over, all weepy. She insisted on hugging Ceria again.<\/p>\n \u201cLet us know. And good luck on your adventures! You have something to come back for now, don\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI always did.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh dead gods! It must be true!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid had given Ceria an astonished look. She turned away as the goodbyes were said.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe it. But I guess the rumors are true. Hey\u2014hey Relc! Have you heard\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n That had been\u2026weird. Ryoka suspected something had been off. But she hadn\u2019t asked. The Wandering Inn would continue. And\u2026<\/p>\n She would come back again.<\/em> Ryoka had promised Mrsha. To seal that promise\u2014she had left something behind. Her inspiration. The reason for leaving.<\/p>\n The little statue of Ivolethe wasn\u2019t much compared to Mrsha\u2019s birthday presents. But it was valuable. The Gnoll had put it under her pillow. Ryoka would come back for it.<\/p>\n She would<\/em> come back. The City Runner inhaled as the Gold-rank teams saw the door to The Wandering Inn close. Ryoka nodded to the others.<\/p>\n \u201cForty minutes. I\u2019ll be there.\u201d<\/p>\n She jogged off. It hurt, leaving the inn behind. But Ryoka had to move. <\/em>She\u2019d come back when she had more time, after the Summer Solstice.<\/p>\n There had been one more interesting event. As Ryoka jogged through the city, making for the Runner\u2019s Guild, she reflected on another person she\u2019d left behind. Whom she wished she had more time for.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cRyoka?\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner\u2019s eyes widened as she broke off from hugging Erin. She looked at the Stitch-girl.<\/p>\n \u201cOctavia?\u201d<\/p>\n She embraced the [Alchemist]. They hadn\u2019t had much time to talk. In fact, among all the drama, Octavia had been shoved to the back. And\u2014Ryoka was about to leave in ten minutes.<\/p>\n The [Alchemist] looked at Ryoka.<\/p>\n \u201cI did it. I made the penicillin, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou did? <\/em>Holy\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka was stunned. Unfortunately\u2014she had no idea what to do with that information. She\u2019d settled for putting her hands on Octavia\u2019s shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cSell it. Give it to [Healers]. It can help with bacterial infections. It\u2019s yours, Octavia. It must have been hard. So it\u2019s yours. Just\u2014just do me a favor? Don\u2019t tell anyone how you discovered it. Call it something else. And make it as cheap as possible, please? It will save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. Oh, dead gods. I wish I\u2019d talked to you earlier, Ryoka.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n The City Runner had been ashamed for missing Octavia, but the [Alchemist] had been just as embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to say\u2014thank you for helping me. I wasn\u2019t grateful. And you helped me out more than I can say.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too. I mean\u2014I was a terrible person. I probably still am.\u201d<\/p>\n Octavia gave her a watery smile.<\/p>\n \u201cThat makes two of us. Here\u2014please, take this.\u201d<\/p>\n And she\u2019d pushed all of her new potions she\u2019d learned from Saliss into Ryoka\u2019s arms, refusing to take money for it, much to Ryoka\u2019s astonishment. Octavia had changed.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n So had she. Ryoka Griffin reached the Runner\u2019s Guild of Invrisil. It was a bustling place. Four times as big as Reizmelt\u2019s Guild.<\/p>\n Inside, the place was hopping with Runners going to the multiple stations for [Receptionists], turning in local deliveries, larger ones\u2014there was even a damn horse<\/em> standing next to a remarkably short man.<\/p>\n A Courier. Ryoka vaguely recognized him. The Moonlight Rider. Well\u2014Invrisil\u2019s Runner\u2019s Guild was one of the biggest on the continent.<\/p>\n So Ryoka squared her shoulders and approached the counter.<\/p>\n \u201cStation and purpose?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] was brisk, efficient. Nothing like a smaller city\u2019s [Receptionist] who would happily gossip, ask your name and so on first. Ryoka Griffin spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cCity Runner. Looking for high-risk or reserved deliveries for [Lords], or [Ladies]. Danger\u2019s no problem. Any of the Five Houses is preferred, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] glanced up with a frown. She did a double-take, noting Ryoka\u2019s features, as well as the extraordinary nature of the request.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are<\/em> a few requests for City Runners of that nature. But they\u2019re hotly contested, Miss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGriffin. Ryoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] flipped through a small three-ring binder of the latest requests.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, we get all sorts of requests. I can find\u2026eight for you, Miss Griffin. Two Courier-rank in danger\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019d like to look at them all, if I may?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s heart was pounding. She knew it was a risk. But she had to take big risks to meet with a [Lord] or [Lady] who could satisfy the fae. Laken alone wasn\u2019t enough, as Teriarch had pointed out. Even if Magnolia agreed\u2014that left two. Erin had promised to help, but even her<\/em> luck didn\u2019t mean a member of the Five Families would just up and visit her inn, surely.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Even so, Miss\u2026Griffin\u2026we do not offer dangerous requests to unproven City Runners. We lose enough as it is. I\u2019m afraid you\u2019d have to file your name for the requestees to look into, and they seldom\u2014oh. Ryoka Griffin?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She looked up, and her disinterested expression turned into one of study. Ryoka felt her stomach lurch.<\/p>\n \u201cErm. Yes. That\u2019s right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe City Runner who survived the Bloodfeast Raiders?\u201d<\/p>\n The young woman\u2019s heart fell in her chest. She bowed her head.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Yes. That\u2019s right. I\u2019m sorry\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFor what? That changes things. Let\u2019s see. Miss Ryoka Griffin, the Wind Runner of Reizmelt. Yes\u2026<\/em>that changes a lot. Your name is on record.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt is?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka glanced up. The [Receptionist] actually smiled at her.<\/p>\n \u201cAlime, the [Receptionist] of Reizmelt\u2019s Guild? She\u2019s put a number of comments on your file to\u2014compensate for the other notes, it seems. You have a history, however short you\u2019ve been running, Miss Griffin. I think I can authorize you to apply for some of these requests. I have to run it by the Guildmaster, but I think he will accept. Will you give me one second?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Yes! Thank you!\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka stood straighter. The [Receptionist] gave a nod and left her station, walking into the Guildmaster\u2019s office. Ryoka stood at the counter, noting the eyes on her from the other Runners waiting in line\u2014or now hopping to other lines as it became clear Ryoka was going to take a while.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cRyoka Griffin. Well, well. We\u2019ve all heard your name around here.\u201d<\/p>\n An accented voice drawled behind Ryoka. The City Runner felt her shoulders begin to hunch. But\u2014she was still new to Invrisil, having only visited once before. She turned around, slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have?\u201d<\/p>\n A lot of Runners, both Street and City, were looking at her. But the young man directly behind Ryoka was the most direct about it. He eyed Ryoka up and down, one eyebrow raised, and nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve heard about you. Nothing but trouble. You once caused an avalanche in a guild, you steal other Runner\u2019s contracts, and you\u2019re a violent, slattern of a foreigner.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Each accusation put Ryoka\u2019s shoulders up more and more. That sounded a lot like\u2014<\/p>\n Persua.<\/em> And if there was a name for the pustulent mole on the ass-crack of the Devil himself, it was Persua. Ryoka had heard Persua was being considered for Courier<\/em> status and had gone north from Fals. She hadn\u2019t realized that would mean trouble for her.<\/p>\n The young man regarded Ryoka. He was shorter, but looked tough.<\/em> A crossbow and rapier hung from either side and Ryoka felt her internal warning bells go off. But before she could deny the allegations or do anything\u2014the new City Runner held out his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m delighted to meet you. You must be an upstanding citizen if that\u2019s all I hear. Delanay d\u2019Artien.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka blinked at the gloved hand extended towards her. She took it automatically, and felt a firm handshake. Then she took in the City Runner, Delanay, again.<\/p>\n He was, possibly, among the most stylish <\/em>of dressers that Ryoka Griffin had ever met. And she had met many people.<\/p>\n He wore, from top to bottom, a long, rakish hat that would have fit any debonair [Duelist] in an action movie, bright red like blood, adorned with a sigil of a\u2026crossbow and an oversized arrow? In silver. It was buckled around the brim, rather like a pilgrim\u2019s hat, but meant for style, not utility.<\/p>\n Below his hat lay a silvery scarf, the most vibrant thing on him, wrapped around his neck. It glistened<\/em> in a way that even silk would not; the fabric looked metallic. The young man had on a modernistic, long-flowing trench coat that reached down his body. Red again, over a white button-up shirt that was only changed by the same sigil\u2014again, drawn in silver, not gold.<\/p>\n The jacket, incidentally, was outfitted with a number of compartments, both visible and concealed, and was thus practical and stylish. And stiff; it was dyed leather, not anything else. It looked old, but it was meticulously well-kept.<\/p>\n His pants were of course, loose, for he was a Runner, but even here, he wore red, darker, but noticeably thick as well for all they moved freely. Some composite fabric that gave him closed shoes, the four rings he wore, the amulet like a dagger around his neck, the spectacles on his nose\u2014a look.<\/p>\n Vampire hunter. <\/em>He could have stepped out of the same cloth the [Hunters] from Terandria had been cut with. His insignia was a cross and stake.<\/em> And even his hair had silver strands crossing his duller, brown hair.<\/p>\n \u201cAt your service.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man swept his hat off his head and gave her a courtly bow. Ryoka, taken, bowed back, or tried to.<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka Griffin.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDelanay, again. House Artien. I am delighted to make your acquaintance, Ryoka Griffin. I\u2019ve heard you\u2019d sleep with a horde of Goblins and kick little babies for fun. But since I heard it from the most objectionable rat-girl I\u2019ve ever met, I have to conclude the opposite.\u201d<\/p>\n That little speech was meant for everyone listening. There was a susurration around the room, and Ryoka smiled despite herself. Here was someone who gave no fucks whatsoever<\/em> and she liked him, instantly.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Delanay. I uh\u2014don\u2019t suppose this \u2018rat girl\u2019 has a name?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man grimaced. He adjusted the silver scarf\u2014oh he was definitely<\/em> a Vampire hunter\u2014and glanced about the Guild as he spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cYou might know her as Persua\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He broke off as Ryoka groaned.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cPersua.<\/em> Wait, is she here\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot today. Or I wouldn\u2019t be here. I take it you\u2019ve run afoul of her? She\u2019s wormed her way into the Guild by, as I would put it, sleeping with every Goblin or Runner she could<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man raised his voice and received glares. He didn\u2019t seem to care. He smiled at Ryoka and tipped his hat again.<\/p>\n \u201cMyself, I\u2019m a common City Runner despite my nobility. And both my common side and noble upbringing told me not to associate with that kind of scum. I\u2019ve been waiting to meet you, Wind Runner.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRyoka, please. And Persua and I are enemies. Or rather\u2014when I think of her, I wish she was dead.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka\u2019s earnest comment made Delanay laugh. They stood in front of the counter, talking.<\/p>\n \u201cI hear you work around Reizmelt. Myself, I\u2019m mostly around Invrisil. I heard you asking about dangerous request because I was listening in. Are you in a bad spot?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe other way around. Trying to get to the top.\u201d<\/p>\n The young man gave a knowing nod. He had to be hot<\/em> in all his layers, in the summer, but he gave no sign of it. He tipped his hat as he eyed the Guildmaster\u2019s office.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I can respect that. Us City Runners need to work hard to get to the same rank as that lot.\u201d<\/p>\n He jerked his head at the Moonlight Rider and his horse, who was inspecting the requests he offered her and rejecting them. Ryoka eyed the duo as well.<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re a City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n He smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot fast enough to be a Courier, for all my noble house. I\u2019m not low-ranked, if that\u2019s what you mean. Excuse me, I should introduce myself fully. I am of the Artien family. A minor house as nobility goes. Out of date, out of style.\u201d<\/p>\n He gestured to his clothing and insignia.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re descended from Noelictus, the Kingdom of Shade. Our family\u2019s oh, nine thousand years old? Young. We traveled to Izril a long time ago, practically at our founding. But that\u2019s old news. We\u2019re just relics, tarnishing in the modern era. Like the Byres house, actually.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014do you know House Byres? I\u2019m actually\u2026friends\u2026with one of their descendants.\u201d<\/p>\n Delanay grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd here I go, running my mouth. We\u2019re actually very close with House Byres.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh really? What a coincidence.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course. Ryoka stared at Delanay\u2019s dress. Crossbow. Rapier\u2014a [Vampire Hunter]\u2019s garb. <\/em>She shouldn\u2019t be talking to him. She was very<\/em> conscious of the panacea meant for Fierre. But Delanay was friendly. And\u2014dismissive of his roots.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s old hat. We\u2019re both anti-monster noble families, but the monsters we hunt are long-dead. So we\u2019re poor, but honorable. Myself? I just like how we dress.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He winked at Ryoka. She grinned at him.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is that. Well, thank you for not listening to Persua. I hate her.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, dead gods. Thank you for saying that. She\u2019s endeared herself to half the Runners here with her sob stories of how Celum mistreated her and whoring herself out to everyone else. I\u2019m sick of it.\u201d<\/p>\n Delanay did not mince words. Something about him struck Ryoka as being too<\/em> judgmental. The kind of fellow who would judge you for a smudge on your clothing as a personal sin. But before they could talk longer, the [Receptionist] was back.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Griffin? We can approve you to meet with some of the requestees for Courier-level assignments. They will choose whether to disclose the request, but you are allowed their information.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka turned to the [Receptionist].<\/p>\n \u201cI am? Thank you.<\/em> Can I see\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n The woman had a list ready. Ryoka ran her eyes down the list. She recognized only a few names. But some were in<\/em> Invrisil. Ryoka asked for a copy and the [Receptionist] provided it.<\/p>\n It was up to Ryoka to approach the clients to be allowed the right to deliver the dangerous packages. She wasn\u2019t a Courier, so they risked losing their cargo. She risked losing her life, so fair was fair. Ryoka had only twenty minutes left, though. But some of the nobles\u2014while not of the Five Families\u2014were important.<\/p>\n \u201cThank you. I\u2019m going to approach them at once.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] waved her off. Much to Ryoka\u2019s surprise, Delanay left his place in line. He trotted after her.<\/p>\n \u201cI recognized some of the names on that list because I was reading it. Strikes me that you might be able to meet with two of them if I accompany you.\u201d<\/p>\n He informed Ryoka as they left the Runner\u2019s Guild. The City Runner did a double-take.<\/p>\n \u201cYou will? I mean\u2014if you can get me an introduction, thank you.<\/em> But why?\u201d<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t a complete fool. Delanay smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cAside from wanting an ally? I consider helping Persua\u2019s enemies a reward unto itself. And lastly\u2014I hope you\u2019ll do me a favor as well. That\u2019s how we work, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTrue enough.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka conceded this. Delanay could have other motives, but she\u2019d take anything she could. Hell\u2014she\u2019d invite Yvlon\u2019s entire family to the solstice party if she couldn\u2019t get three great nobles. The two trotted through the city.<\/p>\n \u201cPractical. I knew I liked you. Now, the first member of the list, Lady Imarris, is actually in<\/em> Invrisil. More\u2019s the luck. Let\u2019s ask to meet her. She\u2019ll know my house\u2019s name. And then you can do me a favor when I need it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd the favor is\u2026? Sorry, I know you\u2019re a City Runner. Don\u2019t you have work to do?\u201d<\/p>\n He grinned, and his teeth were very white. Delanay adjusted his scarf.<\/p>\n \u201cActually, I\u2019m a special type of Runner. I\u2019m an Emergency Runner.<\/em> I don\u2019t run normal deliveries. I only run when there\u2019s trouble and they need someone who can fight and deliver potions or antidotes. That\u2019s me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2014!\u201d<\/p>\n He gave her a nod.<\/p>\n \u201cYou run my kind of job, Miss Ryoka Griffin. And you\u2019re no [Mage].<\/em> I\u2019d love to know how you conjure your windstorms.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh\u2026you\u2019re going to be disappointed.\u201d<\/p>\n He laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cWe shall see. Now, do you have a plan or were you going to just stride up to Lady Imarris\u2019 household, assuming you even knew where she was staying?\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka Griffin grinned as she checked the time. About twenty minutes left. Well\u2026she had told the others to leave without her.<\/p>\n \u201cI have my ways too.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lady Ieka Imarris was having a bad day. She stood in her rather large, luxury room rented in one of Invrisil\u2019s best inns. It could have held multiple families and still had space left over.<\/p>\n But it was not her<\/em> estates. This was not her city. And she had not bought properties here, because the owner of Invrisil was not her friend.<\/p>\n Magnolia Reinhart. Oh, how the name galled. How did the woman manage to be so\u2014so repellently evil and petty and still cling to her power? How did she get away with everything?<\/p>\n How was she so lucky? <\/em>Ieka fumed as she threw herself into a couch. Not her stuffed rabbit-hide furniture; this one roughed her skin for all it was high-quality.<\/p>\n \u201cZenna! What\u2019s next on my itinerary, after this waste of a day?\u201d<\/p>\n The [Mage Lady] grumpily called out. A half-Elf [Aide] came forwards, amid Lady Imarris\u2019 bodyguards, her elites. The [Spellarmor Warriors], her escort, guarded her room.<\/p>\n All women. Including Zenna. The half-Elf was old, old enough to have grey hair mixed with auburn. And she looked at Imarris with an exasperation you only got after looking after someone\u2019s every affair for over twenty years.<\/p>\n Lady Ieka Imarris was a practical woman. Ambitious, yes. A member of the Circle of Thorns? Ditto. Interested in lovely members of her own gender? Absolutely\u2014but that was a secret to all. But practical nonetheless.<\/p>\n She\u2014took<\/em>\u2014good ideas that she saw from her peers and implemented them. Having a \u2018specialty\u2019, refusing to innovate\u2014that was how noble houses died. And Ieka Imarris was cutting-edge.<\/p>\n The [Spellarmor Warriors] were a copy of Lady Bethal\u2019s Knights of the Petal. Ieka\u2019s fondness for [Maids] came from Magnolia\u2014and Ressa. And Zenna?<\/p>\n Well, the House of El had half-Elven guides. Why shouldn\u2019t she? Ieka had hired Zenna two decades ago and hadn\u2019t ever had a cause to regret it.<\/p>\n She even had Golems, in the style of Wistram and the Terland family. She\u2019d experimented with taming monsters, but after a few disasters, she\u2019d given up.<\/p>\n The point was that Ieka innovated. Some called her a copycat, and it was true that she didn\u2019t excel\u2014her bodyguards were not as famous as Bethal\u2019s [Knights] for all Ieka tried. But the lady mage had had good success herself.<\/p>\n But she was annoyed today. For one main reason. Part of what Ieka did was\u2026invest in concepts she believed in. All nobles did that, really. But Ieka kept her ear to the ground. Or she kept other people\u2019s ears to the ground and had them report.<\/p>\n She\u2019d heard of the Players of Celum. But Magnolia had been one step ahead of her<\/em>, as usual. Somehow, she\u2019d secured their loyalty.<\/p>\n The [Manager], Emme, had explained it all apologetically to Ieka. And the [Lady] had endured watching a play that Magnolia<\/em> would benefit from\u2014she was sponsoring the Players of Celum to expand their production and take it even further north\u2014with ill-grace. The worst part was that the [Actors] were so charming.<\/p>\n That Drake in the dress\u2014well, Drakes were not Ieka\u2019s style. She admired the Human form. But not everything was romance and lust. She wanted<\/em> the [Actors]. And Magnolia had gotten them first.<\/p>\n Ieka\u2019s bad temper was also a copy of her peers. It wasn\u2019t as infamous as Bethal\u2019s tantrums, or Pryde\u2019s rage. She just got snippy.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have yet to visit The Wandering Inn, Lady Imarris. I know you expressed some interest.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBefore today.<\/em> Before I learned that Pryde has been bogarting the entire place. She\u2019s probably bought everything of worth. I\u2019m not chasing after Magnolia\u2019s leavings, even if there is <\/em>a magic door there, Zenna. Next?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cErm. That would be it. You have no business in Invrisil. This has been a complete waste of your time, Lady Ieka. I shall remove myself now before you throw a snit.\u201d<\/p>\n Zenna bowed. The half-Elf had a rather direct manner of addressing her [Lady] herself; it had reminded Ieka of Ressa, hence the hiring. The [Lady] glowered at nothing and everything.<\/p>\n After a while, she decided she was going north. Nothing to do here? She might as well weigh in on this Ailendamus drama. They had apparently earned the Lord of the Dance\u2019s wrath in some ill-conceived attack on his forces.<\/p>\n She had things<\/em> to do. She was important.<\/em> Ieka stood up.<\/p>\n \u201cZenna! We are leaving. Prepare the carriage north.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, her carriage wasn\u2019t as fast as Magnolia\u2019s, but it was still enchanted. Zenna appeared in the doorway to the antechambers.<\/p>\n \u201cPardon, Lady Ieka. But you do<\/em> have something else to do. It just came up. There is a City Runner hoping to see you\u2026two of them, actually. A Lord Delanay d\u2019Artien offered his name as well. But the City Runner would like to take care of your request<\/em> for the Couriers.\u201d<\/p>\n Ieka sat up.<\/p>\n \u201cReally? A City Runner?\u201d<\/p>\n She wasn\u2019t that<\/em> interested. Her request was meant for a Courier because it was dangerous.<\/em> Covert. But it was always interesting, being sought out. She drummed her fingers on the armrest of the cough.<\/p>\n \u201cThis Runner is\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n Zenna consulted the notes she had.<\/p>\n \u201cA Ryoka Griffin. Wind Runner of Reizmelt is her nickname. Reliable\u2014if you overlook rumors about her. Apparently, commands the winds in some way. Let\u2019s see\u2026she\u2019s run for Lady Bethal, Lady Reinhart\u2026survived a run through the High Passes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n That was<\/em> intriguing. Ieka kept a scowl off her face as she heard the other two [Ladies]. That wasn\u2019t the Runner\u2019s fault.<\/p>\n \u201cDid she say anything?\u201d<\/p>\n City Runners sometimes volunteered for dangerous jobs. Ieka had dangerous assignments in spades, and she had heard them try to pitch themselves. The trouble was that hiring a City Runner meant your request was likely to fail, and your valuable cargo likely to be stolen or your plans unraveled.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, you could sometimes take a risk. Ieka waited as Zenna\u2019s lips quirked. The half-Elf looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cIndeed. Aside from Lord d\u2019Artien\u2019s request for an audience, Miss Griffin\u2019s exact words were\u2014\u2018I hope Lady Imarris will see me. I have successfully run deliveries for no less than Magnolia Reinhart, and survived. With that said, I think Magnolia Reinhart would be gladder if I were dead.\u2019 She is apparently desirous of a reward other than your posted bounty, Lady Ieka.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lady Imarris had been scowling at Magnolia\u2019s name. But that last part made her laugh. And her mood lightened at once. Whether it was true or untrue, Ryoka Griffin had done her homework and delivered the message that Ieka wanted to hear.<\/p>\n \u201cClever. Well, I am not busy as you said, Zenna. Have the carriages prepped while I entertain this\u2014Ryoka Griffin. Send in young Delanay as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Zenna nodded. She went to the doors. Ieka arranged herself on the couch, waiting. But as Zenna opened the doors\u2014an argument floated into her rooms from the antechamber.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cI would like you to say that again,<\/em> Miss.\u201d<\/p>\n Delanay d\u2019Artien was quickly revealing himself to be a hothead just as bad as Ryoka in her prime. He had one hand on his rapier as he studied the [Spellarmor Captain], who was guarding Lady Ieka\u2019s rooms. She had made a few comments about Ryoka after hearing that Ryoka had ties to Lady Magnolia.<\/p>\n After all, Ieka\u2019s bodyguards shared their mistress\u2019 opinions. Ryoka had been willing to let being called a \u2018lapdog\u2019 slide\u2014but Delanay had not. He leaned forwards as the [Warriors] looked at him with contempt. They<\/em> had thick, ensorcelled plate armor on. He had stylish dress and a sword. Nevertheless, the City Runner replied to the [Captain] with an edge to his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you\u2019re going to insult us, say as much to our faces. I am Delanay d\u2019Artien and if you have the guts, Miss,<\/em> I\u2019ll answer your every insult. Assuming you\u2019re not content to hide behind your Mistress\u2019 authority?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDelanay, drop it. We\u2019re here for an audience.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka hissed. The [Captain] looked outraged as she shifted her grip on the mace. Delanay gave Ryoka a glance full of anger.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one looses insults in my presence. Well, Miss [Captain]?<\/em> Or is that mace for show? Let\u2019s not pretend there is a fairer sex if you\u2019re worried of having your features marred. Either you are a [Warrior] and can back up your words or not.\u201d<\/p>\n He strode forwards and prodded the [Captain]. Ryoka covered her face. Was this how Erin had felt around her? She saw the [Captain] purple and was sure they were five seconds from being beaten to a pulp\u2014when the doors opened.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Imarris will see you now.<\/em> Lord Delanay, your restraint. Captain Kelda?\u201d<\/p>\n Everyone straightened as a half-Elven woman opened the doors. Ryoka sighed in relief. Delanay turned and bowed, abashed.<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Zenna. A pleasure.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLord Delanay, your tongue hasn\u2019t improved with age. Perhaps another ten years will do. Pray, enter. And mind your manners. Miss Griffin? Lady Imarris awaits.\u201d<\/p>\n The half-Elf gestured. Ryoka took a deep breath. She had asked Fierre about how to approach Ieka. And her informant and friend had provided the easiest summary of Ieka.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Innovative, magical. Strongly dislikes Magnolia Reinhart and her circle. Fond of pretty faces.<\/em> Try to smile.<\/em><\/p>\n –Fierre<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Fierre.\u201d<\/p>\n Ryoka would bring her medicine soon. And then\u2026well, who knew? The City Runner squared her shoulders and walked into the room. She needed to make friends. So she\u2019d bow and scrape if need be. But she didn\u2019t need to. Because the first thing Lady Ieka Imarris said upon seeing Ryoka was\u2014<\/p>\n <\/p>\n —-<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cOh my.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Ieka\u2019s first impression of Ryoka was tall, somewhat Drathian features\u2014darker skin than the natives of Izril. Tall,<\/em> as tall as she was, or even an inch or two taller. Long, black hair\u2014<\/p>\n