#Rafe Nightshade

[sothera]

Mingle, listen, help, move on...

Mingle, listen, help, move on...

Mingle, listen, help, move on...

Rafe had been doing this for over half a century; not long after.... Janice... when he was still staying away from the prying eyes of the Inductor Board. Janice had met her future... human... husband. Rafe knew it was time to leave; an actual marriage would have been impossible, and even if it wasn't, Janice deserved someone who could share the years with her... experience time with her...

...grow old with her...

Rafe felt the years, at least in his...Soul...but his body remained unchanged...

... Janice deserved more...

Mingle, listen, help, move on... and snap out of it...

So far, Rafe had managed to defuse two in line squabbles, a fight a few moments away from fisticuffs, and quietly get a lunch for a woman about a minute away from passing out. He sent her to the job wagon, wondering if he'd done her a favor or not.

Then, there were the brush ups...

...and he didn't mean the makeup...

...Damn this shirt anyway...

If it had been a proper shirt, with proper sleeves, it wouldn't be a problem...but since it wasn't...

"Woe..."

"Solid..."

"Gods..."

"Wonder how much it would cost to have him..."

"He can plant a pole under my Big Top anytime..."

It wasn't the words; Rafe learned to block them out long ago.

It was the feeling... the intent behind them.

That was impossible to ignore.

Then, he heard it...

"Daddy...? Dad?"

It was a little girl, and she was nearby...and worried. Not scared, not yet, just worried.

Rafe saw her...

Old enough to have a basic conversation, but young enough to not be let out of sight...who in their right mind...

Then, it happened...

What would it be like..to have a little girl..not a boy...you could dress her up in cute dresses...get her little shoes... take her to museums... Rafe thought.

Gods, snap out of it!

"Hi!, I'm Rafe, welcome to the Rainbow Salamander Cirus, did you lose something?" Rafe asked, careful not to lean over her.

The little girl looked up at Rafe...

"My goodness!" She exclaimed.

Rafe gasped and smiled at her, hoping he could keep her calm and not intimidated by his.. size...damn this shirt anyway Rafe thought.

Then, he came up with it...

"You lost your goodness?" "Woe!, that's not good!" "Where were you when you discovered you were no longer good?" Rafe asked.

"No silly, my dad!" She said.

"You lost your dad too?" "Do you think he might be with your goodness?" Rafe asked.

"No, I just lost my dad, he was going to get in line to get a ticket for that Wild Man guy." She said, pointing at one of the many posters on every blank space nearby. The one Rafe disliked most (naturally) with him chained up in the forest.

'Guard Dog' indeed...Rafe thought... The poster was cheap, even by Regina's standards...

Rafe wondered what she'd think when she looked closely enough at it to realize he'd left his ComGem on 😇?

What is it they say...Win Little Victories?...

"Let's go find your pops..." Rafe said, "maybe we can find your goodness on the way."

"I still have my goodness, I just need my dad!" the girl said, looking up at him.

"How about a free dragonback ride while we look?" Rafe asked, hoisting her up to his shoulders.

"Okay..." she answered.

"What's your name?" Rafe asked.

"Lisbeth... Lisbeth Mitchell..." She answered.

"Okay, Lisbeth, let's go!" Rafe said, running just fast enough to make her feel like she was moving fast.

Lisbeth tried not to giggle...

"Do you see your dad or your goodness yet?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah, there's dad, and I still have my goodness." Lizbeth said. She pointed to a man in the crowd.

"There you are!" the man said.

Rafe crouched and put Lizbeth gently on the ground...

"Daddy!" Lizbeth said as she hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Sir, I'm Jeb, Jeb Mitchell." Jeb said.

"Rafe Nightshade: I work here, your daughter was very brave." Rafe said.

"I don't know how I lost her; I was trying to get a ticket to see the Wild Man, you know, The Blue Reaper, and I just...lost her." Jeb said.

"That happens sometimes," Rafe said, "we think we lose something, but we still really have it, or we look down for it and realize it's gone."

Jeb looked at Rafe; an odd thing for someone his age to say...

Rafe smiled, "kinda like goodness; you never really lose it if you had it at one point, you just forget it's there...but...just look in the eyes...if you look hard enough, you'll see it."

Lizbeth smiled at him as he smiled at her...

...with his blue eyes...

...and his blue hair...

She'd noticed it when she was on his shoulders; funny color...

She looked at the poster...and then at Rafe... her eyes widened.

Jeb's eyes followed Lizbeth's....he drew the same conclusion.

Rafe realized they'd put two and two together...

"Well, I'd better get back to work, you know how bosses can be, especially if you don't live up to their expectations." Rafe said.

"Yeah..." Jeb said.

Jeb held out his hand, "Nice to meet you, Mr. Nightshade."

They made contact...

...We won't say a word...be happy...

Rafe smiled..."Maybe we'll see each other again one day: I hope so..."

Jeb and Lizbeth nodded...

"Bye..." Lizbeth said.

"Take care..." Jeb said.

As they drove home in silence, Jeb turned on the newfangled wireless in the car, another Kadiri concoction; nothing like big, wooden monolith that also played records in their house, but a tiny thing with just basic controls. It didn't produce the rich, deep sound their wireless at home did, but it came on instantly, and was good enough.

Best of the nightfall to all our listeners; here is the news in brief. A large upsurge in creature encounters has been reported across the region, continent wide. The problem has come to the attention of the Great Council, which is considering the use of the UKDF as a deterrent. This is the first time in decades the Defense Force has been used in such a manner.Its hoped that the upcoming drop in temperature at year's end will force the monsters back into their caves. More on that later; right now, let's enjoy the music of Squeaky Madison and his orchestra, brought to you in glorious high fidelity sound, courtesy of Kadiri Technology...

Jeb turned the wireless off, "If I hear that name one more time..."

"We're almost home, dad." Lizbeth said.

"Good." Jeb said.

"What do we do?" Lisbeth asked.

"What we always do; we talk to mom, she just joined this Foundation her mom's friend created just before she passed..." Jeb said.

"Yeah, she has a card it's..." Lisbeth suddenly paused.

"It's what?" Jeb asked.

"It's..The Nightshade Foundation..." Lisbeth said.

"Well, come morning, it will have a new member." Jeb said.

A few years later, when she was old enough, Lisbeth also joined; when she had children of her own, so did they, and by that time, The Foundation had grown, and would not be ignored....

[katewibberlystan]

TBOB characters as flowers (AKA I did symbolism research and now I’m gonna make it everyone’s problem)

Kate: Lilies - These flowers symbolize sorrow and majesty.

Michael: Apple Blossoms - These flowers symbolize good fortune and hope.

Emma: Dandelions - These flowers symbolize youth and perseverance.

Gabriel: Gladiolus - These flowers symbolize strength and integrity.

Dr. Pym: Aloe - These flowers symbolize healing and superstition.

Wilamena: Light Pink Roses - These flowers symbolize grace and a passion for life.

Rafe: Nightshade - These flowers symbolize danger and mystery.

[thecameronchronicles]

The Debt~Part Twelve: Finale!

TW: Language. Extreme violence. Extreme Angst. Extreme Domestic Violence. Half fluff, half smut. I do not own any characters but ask that you do not publish this fanfiction without my permission on any other platform. Please and thank you. 

SUMMARY: A game of survival changes you and Rafe’s fate indefinitely…

WORD COUNT: 4700

The Debt: Part Twelve

Ward Cameron was the epitome of a Machiavellian. Polished and sleek with his graying hair and peroxide smile, he was innocuous and even charming upon first introductions. Hell, you thought so yourself when you first met him and even when coming to his office on occasion to see your mother. But behind the overpriced clothes and accompanying cologne of equal vulgar pricing, he was anything but harmless. 

Of course, he hid this well behind his self-made pedigree in eloquence and bribes masked as donations. But you have come to learn him well. Specifically knowledgeable that being alone in a room with him would prove fatal. Deadly nightshade incarnate, a devil waiting to claim dominance over what he believed to be fragile. But of those who had rivaled him in his past, none were quite like you. After all, if you were able to handle Rafe, as even he seemed exasperated to remain a father to his son, what was he but a mere obstacle to your happiness as you had Rafe practically on his knees for you. 

“I was hoping to get a minute alone with you…” Your eyes had already surveyed every possible escape route by the time these words lingered in the air. But from the distance from you to either the side door leading back into the party or the window at your back, the obstacles of locks made you well aware it would result in your swift imprisonment. Instead, you decided to buy time until Pope would return. 

“Oh?” You fought the urge to tell him to go to hell or flip him off as your finger began to inflate in his direction at the thought, but managed to keep it at bay when thinking of not only your safety but that of Rafe and the pogues if your intentions were to be uncovered. Yet as he began to round the desk, fingertips tracing a pristine and well organized counter, you had no choice but to counter him, or risk being too close for comfort. 

“I wanted to apologize…” He now rested before his own laptop, still wearing the hacked files courtesy of you and Pope having worked as a team. As your eyes peripherally scanned the door while also keeping half attention on him, you watched as his conniving smile developed behind his beard. 

“But THEN I recognized a few faces that had no business being here…and realized you are FAR more cunning than I thought-” Well aware any attempt to remain polite or indifferent would only delay the inevitable, you set towards the door with enough speed to blur the space around you in a swiftness that was simply not quick enough. With a hand to your neck to keep you quiet, you were taken just beside the door, teasingly with your fingertips able to brush the knob as you tried it. 

“I truly underestimated you…” His words, slick with a guttural timbre informing you of his inappropriate interest in you, you turned away as he forced you to stare at him. For a moment, you were driven to think of how Rafe must have felt in his most primitive years, looking at this man, as he saw him as an idol, treating him with such hatred. It was the thought of Rafe and the life you wanted to give him away from his father that kept you fighting for your freedom. 

Grunting and squirming in an attempt to break free, he would only laugh at you, well aware your greatest attempts to break free were unrivaled to his effortless strength against you. Much like Rafe, you were powerless, but unlike your husband, you weren’t willing now like you would have been with him. 

“Did you really think a few files would have changed anything?” He scoffed. 

“I paid my debt to you-” His brows rose as if genuinely surprised by your words. 

“Your MOTHER was the one who held the debt to me. HER debt was to get Rafe off my hands by convincing you to marry him. But YOUR debt…” His eyes trailed down your body, enough to understand his most sadistic of intentions via his wandering gaze. 

“YOUR debt is to ME-I own you-” As he managed to let down his guard just enough to be unaware of your lingering fingers, you happened upon a heavy book, using it to hit him beside the head and move towards the door. But just as you pulled it open, managing to squeal for help, muffled by the music and chatter nearby, you were apprehended once again. Now, taken back to the desk by the back of your neck. 

“Son of a bitch! Get off of me! Asshole!” You ridiculed as he drug you through your fight, dodging your kicks and claws, until he had you over the desk. 

“I’ve wanted you since the first moment you stepped into my office looking for your mom…” He bent down over your back, your body chilled into stone to his words. 

“Luckily for me, your mom was a little too greedy and gave me JUST what I needed to keep you close…” His fingers pulled your dress to expose your lack of panties as he growled. 

“I take it my son is responsible?” He chuckled, the sound of his belt sending your fingers in a frenzy over the desk. But with the only things nearby either too heavy to lift or completely useless, you were left at God’s will and his mercy alone. 

“Fuck. You-” You clenched, not wanting to beg or plead as you knew this would only inflate his ego that much more, make his victory that much sweeter. If he intended to take you by force, you weren’t going to make it enjoyable for him. 

The sound of his zipper coming down made your eyes close tightly for just a moment before a miracle happened by a sudden shift made by you and his lust leaving him capturing you with only one hand. A mere inch allowed you to take hold of a small statue on his desk, lighter than how it first appeared, but heavy enough to do damage, as you used quick succession to strike him down. The cling of the metal to his face validated the impact as you didn’t dare to look back and just charged for the door. Yet he was resilient as the cockroach he was synonymous to, grasping at your ankle and sending your head to collide with the table off center of the room, disorienting you enough to keep you from fleeing immediately. Yet the feeling of his body weighing you down charged your adrenaline enough to endorse you once again, but now with him straddling you flat. 

“I WAS going to be gentle…But we both know how you like it rough, don’t we?” He was maniacal, his hands slipping to the top part of your dress, your hands lodged beneath his thighs in the specific way he held you. Lifting your legs as high to his back as you could to try and knee yourself free, he only grinned wider before ripping your dress apart. Exposing you to him, the cold air like ice to your skin. Without the ability to free yourself, you had one last action in your repertoire. 

“Nothing to say?” He teased, the sudden spray of your saliva cast up to him in disgust as he lifted his hand to wipe it, allowing you the space needed to thrust upwards and knock him to the side. But this only made him amused. 

“You’ll never get away with this, Ward. If you do anything to me, Rafe will-”

“My son is too afraid of everything to ACT on it. He’d still be using training wheels if I hadn’t torn him off when he was four…You should be thanking me. I made him who he was…Without me, he’s-”

“He IS the way he is without you! You abandoned him and abused him-”

“I had to correct him! I had to show him it was wrong…” Something dark altered Ward’s amusement into deception. 

“Much like I have to show you…” Suddenly his fingers came around your throat, squeezing hard enough with a steady strength that increased as if enjoying the thrill of watching you strain. Your knees began to flail in desperation, choking on air you desperately needed, as your eyes began to flutter with the tease of life leaving your gaze. The claw marks made, the desperate swallows, the pleading in your eyes did nothing but motivated him to silence you…permanently. 

What you believed to be the fingers of death having taken mercy on your asphyxia, the choking sensation came to a cessation. But once you were able to adjust your gaze to your surroundings, your hands immediately assessing the damage to your neck that was more visible to those nearby than yourself, you realized that it was not divine intervention that kept you alive, but Rafe. He held Ward by the collar of his shirt, using his knuckles as his outlet for years of abuse and neglect brought to this moment. 

“Rafe?” You choked, voice made raspy by Ward’s attempts to claim your life, you found how your pleas, even hushed by the blunt force of your husband’s, continued contact of knuckles to jaw, did nothing but motivate him to continue. 

“You think you can have anything just because you want it?! You think you can touch HER?! You’re fucking dead!” Reving up to project another blow, you would catch onto his arm out of the desperation of needing hsi support. You couldn’t care less if Ward had brain damage or internal bleeding, you just wanted the comfort of the one person you could truly rely on. The irony that this had been Rafe Cameron, a man you hated not even three months ago, was not lost on you. But you damned the red flags to hell. You were too dizzy, too achy, and too emotional to listen to anything but the pulling of your skin yearning for him in a way beyond sex. 

“Rafe…Please…” You began to sob, tears realigning his motivations as he pulled his father closer to him. 

“You so much as look at her again…I’ll fucking kill you.” He released his dad before moving over to you, finding how it was difficult for you to stand. 

“We have to go…” You pleaded, voice remaining weak and consciousness fleeting from the mix of trauma, both physical and mental, from the last handful of minutes that felt like an eternity. But Rafe looked back to his father, who was groaning, but otherwise immobile. 

“Come on, baby…” Rafe swept your arm over his shoulder, using his effortless strength to lead you to the door, where he reached to grant you the peace of an exit, before Ward spoke at your back. 

“You’re dead already. Both of you.” He uttered behind a gurgling sound caused by blood gathered in his mouth. As Rafe moved to retaliate, you trembled within his arms. 

“Please, Rafe…” Your pleas, tears, and shudders convinced him where your words would have otherwise gone ignored. He nodded rather slowly, as if thinking of an alternative, before opening the door to find Sarah on the other side of the threshold. You were half prepared to rev your own punch in her direction if she were to try and stop you. But when she made note of your wounds, Rafe’s knuckles, and the genuine look of fear over her brother’s face-which was a first for her, she seemed to understand. 

“Go…” She surprised you both as you looked to Rafe, finding him matching your bewilderment to his sister. 

“GO!” She said again, urging you to leave, as you were taken out of a side exit. But before you were able to cross from the interior of the house unaffected by Ward’s selfishness, possibly even reveling in what he had to offer, you collapsed from your wounds and your anxieties. Rafe took you within his arms, head against his shoulder and legs collected over his forearm, before taking you to his truck. 

“Oh my God!” Kiara exclaimed. 

“What the hell happened?” John B added as you were taken to the aforementioned rendezvous spot, set within the passenger side of his truck, your eyes fighting to remain pried. But to their continued questions, Rafe only seemed to grow more heated. 

“YOU were supposed to make sure he didn’t touch her! I trusted you because SHE did! Won’t be making that mistake again!” He explained through clenched teeth. 

“Rafe…” You muttered, well aware the true culprit was lying bloody within his office, not before the both of you. 

“Fucking pogues…Good for nothings-” 

“Stop it…” You pleaded, moving back out of the car. 

“It’s WARD not…not th-them…” Suddenly everything became too heavy and your head was a victim to this affected equilibrium. Before you could correct your stance or fight for a remaining consciousness, gravity pulled you to her greedy grasp. The last thing you would hear was your name spoken in a worried unison before feeling a familiar hold capture you just before you would have been one with the grass. 

When you awoke, your eyes took a moment to adjust to the room illuminated solely by the moonlight shone in through gently parted curtains. It was enough to understand you were in one of the more secluded rooms within The Chateau as it was safe away from Ward and his reach-possibly the only place to claim such a title as he wasn’t aware it even existed. At least from what you knew. 

But your thoughts quickly left the pending arrival of your father-in-law as your eyes made out a figure on the side of the bed. You knew the silhouette well.

“Rafe?” But you found that your acknowledgement of him only seemed to anger him as he was on his feet, turned away from you, and now standing before the window. Struggling to stand, you did so slowly, before moving towards him, your fingers running over his shoulders to try and ease what you believed to be guilt of his misplaced anger. 

“Rafe…”

“Don’t!” He charged, revealing through his words that he had been crying due to the sniffle and sudden beads of tears made luminescent by the moonlight. 

“Don’t tell me you’re fine. Don’t tell me it’s okay-because it’s not! It-I just-Fuck!” His hand came to a small collection of unimportant and discarded bottles now forced to the floor by this sudden outlet. 

“But I am-”

“Bullshit! I did this to you!” Your expression lifted into pity at how having you both endured this and he still blamed only himself. The idea pained you in a way you could only feel for someone you loved. And you knew, baggage, pain, anger issues and all, you loved Rafe with a passion that could leave you certifiable. But at least you had him…You just wanted him to see that-to know that. 

“If I would have just left it alone-left YOU alone, you wouldn’t be bleeding-”

“You wouldn’t be either…” You added. But in your attempt to nurse him with your kindness, he pushed you away. 

“Stop-” He shrugged you off. 

“Rafe! I had one night of Ward-you’ve had an entire lifetime of it-”

“And you wouldn’t have HAD to if not for me! He’s right, okay! I can’t do anything for you! I can’t provide for you! I can’t BE anything but a let down to you-” You couldn’t stomach how he spoke of himself and then decided to silence him with a kiss. But once allowing you this momentary connection for just that, a moment, he retreated. 

“Please, Rafe…” You begged. “I need to feel you…” You urged, desperate to replace the memory of Ward’s touch with Rafe’s. You needed the familiarity, the distraction, even the confusing peace it brought to you. 

“Please…” You begged again, fingers running through his hair as he spoke your name behind a troubled exhale. He was hesitant for a time, eyeing you as if trying to understand the truth behind your words. When he didn’t move, you kissed him again. Only this time, he would pull back completely. 

“I won’t fuck you like this…” His words pulled your lips apart in objection. It wasn’t even about the sex for you. It was about the comfort offered by his embrace and his touch alone. You needed to relish in it. But instead, came the softness of his hands to your cheeks, brushing away tears you weren’t aware had even fallen. 

“I’m going to make love to you…” The words, almost vulgar from lips usually cruel, sent him into you until you were against the bed. 

Fingers slowly pulling apart what remained of your dress, he kissed your lips for only a moment before moving that same kiss to your neck. Without the need of words to do so, it was as if he attempted to alter any pain you felt on your skin to that of his lips for his own consumption as he focused only on your wounds. The pressure was soft, but still left your skin on fire from how his care radiated behind this. Possession exchanged for passion as his lips, his tongue, his touch, all rivaled what you previously knew of him. But as always, he knew exactly what you needed without you having to ask, even without you understanding it yourself. 

“Let me love you…yeah?” You nodded slowly as his hands cascaded your curves, leaving you in only your bra as he claimed your panties earlier that day, a time before the trauma and the pain. But as always, he managed to manifest it into a lust that grew more amorous with each exchange. 

“Lay back…” He guided you onto the bed, assisting you until you were comfortable, as he lowered to the foot of the comforter. Taking your legs over his shoulders, he silently kissed the seam of your thigh, the feeling of his tears on your skin somehow intensifying beyond what his tongue or fingers could-but he remained steadfast to try. 

Your eyes erupted in a series of flutters to the stripe made with his tongue, slow in savoring you. He remained this way, tasting you, drawing away your troubles with the perfect unison of tongues and fingertips delving into you until his knuckles extended to that curve to your g-spot. Toes curling behind his back, your body responded quickly to his attempts. 

“Rafe…” You breathed. “Need to feel you inside-” He suddenly withdrew his lips, your eyes finding his usual smirk when he rose from you this way now absent from his face, but now present with a gloss left from you having dripped on him. 

“This is about you tonight, baby girl. All you.” He returned to your center, making your body shudder how he elongated his tongue inside of you, between you, curled his fingers-did everything you didn't know you needed. In what was usually rough, even painful, was now blissful, attentive, and completely selfless. Soft breaths against your thighs, French kisses to your clit, and fingers bringing you to pulsate and writhe, pulling you to that cusp of desperation. 

“Rafe! Fuck!” You squealed. “I need you-” You pleaded, pulling at his hair. Only this time, he would hover over you, shifting the bed behind you to his movements. Dismantling his belt as you pulled apart his dress shirt, still stained with blood, ignoring how the sight dampened you that much more to know the lengths he would go to protect you. 

The once harsh grip on your jaw was present more in guidance than possession as he turned your head to expose your neck to him. One soft kiss sent chills through every nerve recently on fire. 

“Nobody will ever touch you again. I promise you, baby…Only me…” You nodded, finding his lips through the darkness while his fingers pulled your hands above your head. Holding them softly yet firmly in place with one hand, he used his other to continue undressing himself until he could release his quivering erection to you. Just as you had never known kindness like this from Rafe, he had never experienced it with someone else. He had never cared to before you. But you made him want to. You made him want to care. 

“Uhh-Ah!” You winced for a moment, never quite prepared for his girth, as his hand wrapped around your mouth. 

“I don’t want anyone to stop this…Not until you’re satisfied.” Your eyes came into a roll. You managed to get a hint of that cold and possessive man you had come to love as he continued his thrusts, moving slow and deep, wanting to learn your body once again. This time, proving to himself that he could be just this way-just for you. 

“Fuck-” He clenched his jaw, his body tightening to how eagerly you responded to him. His nails lifting your hips to meet him, your breathing only endorsing his motions, your fingers leaving lines of evidence to how thoroughly he moved within you. It was as if he used each thrust as an apology and for this, you wanted him to be eternally sorry. 

“I’m-” You warned, the way he played with your clit having brought you to this edge, tears brimming in your eyes at the feeling. He nodded, your internal spasms having informed him in unison to your confession. 

“Cum-cum for me, baby.” He breathed low into your ear, your body arching beneath him as he followed your high, “Mine…You’re mine-MINE!” He spoke possession in every synonym available as you nodded, mouths parted in a reflection of one another, as he joined your orgasm to you having agreed by mouthing ‘yours’. 

But as you would usually find yourself abandoned in a cold sweat customary for your afterglow of being with Rafe, you were instead pulled into his chest, where he kept you as a promise of his protecting you, returning you against him for every time you attempted to readjust. 

You would awake that next morning to the deafening screech of the front screen door driving you to wrap yourself in Rafe’s dress shirt and witness the origin for such a noise. 

“Sarah?” You quickly eyed the space behind her. “Is Ward with you?”

“Of course not.” Her eyes fell in pity for a moment and then became swallowed in guilt. “Wheezie saw what happened…She…I’m not saying I agree with my brother or even your methods…but my dad can't get away with this. And…I think you’ve been good for Rafe…” To this, your heart lightened. Even more so as she produced a flashdrive between her fingers. 

“This is what you need to take him down.” Rafe suddenly emerged from behind you, having heard the conversation since she arrived as he sensed your abandoning of him. Sarah continued as she saw him. 

“You deserve to have a life. And maybe getting away from dad will be what you need.” She directed this towards Rafe. “But once you do this, you have to be sure…” She extended the drive to you. 

“Are you sure?” You looked up to Rafe, who seemed conflicted, his hand coming around your hips to pull you into him. 

“Absolutely.” He finally answered. 

“Then let’s take the bastard down-” JJ suddenly added, revealing the core pogues made awake by your conversation. 

“P-4-L?” Pope questioned as Kiara rolled her eyes, setting her hand in the infantile joining of hands. 

“To freedom?” Kiara added.

“To answers…” John B scoffed. 

“To second chances…” Sarah’s eyes fell to John B as her words held a double meaning of hope. 

“Of making things right…”” Rafe now looked at you. 

“To us.” You finalized. “Kooks and pogues alike.” 

“I think we should smoke on it-” JJ broke the otherwise awkward silence left by the ascension of hands joining in victory, even if celebrated early. 

“That’s your answer for everything…” Kiara said with an eye roll. 

“And it hasn’t steered me wrong yet-”

The group joined together once more, suddenly made friends by a mutual enemy who would learn just how devoted you were to your task. 

SIX MONTHS LATER

“Rafe?” You questioned, joining him at the fire ablaze in victory of the verdict passed down by the judge earlier that day. 

Ward Cameron found guilty on accounts of murder, embezzlement, attempted murder-the list was endless. But the smoking gun came from Big John’s return to the living, having been hiding due to Ward all of this time. With his difficult to dispute, your and your mother’s testimony, and those he had wronged in the past that couldn’t wait to help lock him away, the jury decided within record time that the once picture perfect patriarch was guilty. But as so many celebrated this victory, you couldn’t help but feel guilty to join in their happiness when seeing how it affected the man you loved. 

“Rafe?” You called his name again as he took his fingers to your waist until you sat over his lap. 

“Drink?” You offered kindly as he accepted it. This was how it had been the last several weeks. He was always quiet, but always in need of you. During the day, he had to have his hands on you, and at night, he proved his love in the soft possession of what it meant to truly belong to one another as lovers. 

“Are you okay?” You asked now as he shrugged. “You know, you can talk to me about it…''You explained, hands traveling down his back and returning upwards to comfort him with this caress. 

“I just…” He let out a sigh. 

“It’s okay…to be sad…” His eyes shot up in confusion. 

“I’m not…I’m not sad, baby…I’m just trying to figure out…how to pay you back…” Now you looked at him in misunderstanding. 

“Pay me back?” You laughed behind the echo of his words. 

“I’m free. YOU made that happen. Baby, I haven’t done a line since we’ve been married-and the one time I tried, you…” You smiled in remembering how that moment had ended. He cocked his jaw for a moment before continuing. 

“You saved me…Your hard head and stubbornness…YOU…” He shook his head, the realization hitting you both of how extraordinary you found how something so pure could come from two hearts once so tainted. His hand rose to your cheek. 

“That’s ALL I need baby…You and me…” He supplied a gentle kiss to your lips. “Now…do YOU want me to get YOU a drink? You’ve been waiting on me for the last hour…” To this, your face illuminated. 

“Actually…I can’t…”

“I forgot…You’ve been feeling sick…I thought it was because of the trial…Do you feel ANY better now that it’s over?”He asked, completely compassionate. 

“No…I mean…Yeah…I think I’ll feel a LOT better in about seven months…” His face pulled back in uncertainty.

“Nine months? What do you-” The realization behind his eyes sent him to his feet. “Are you serious? You’re-” Everyone now looked at you, the news heard due to his reaction. 

“I didn’t want to tell you until I was sure. Sarah and I went to the doctor this morning-” Before you could continue your explanation, you were swept in his arms and spun before being landed back on your soles. His hand then moved to your stomach as he apologized, relief and hope having returned to his eyes. For the first time, a bliss that didn’t come from sex or deviance. This was from love. 

“I for one think that ‘pogue’ is a VERY good name for a baby-” JJ added, pulling a blunt from his lips. 

“OR JJ, I’m not picky-” Kiara took the blunt from his lips, extinguishing it and berating him for even smoking around you.You rolled your eyes to their banter, hoping one day they would swallow their pride and cross that line and know the happiness you had with Rafe. But as the group began to playfully argue over names for your unborn child, Rafe leaned in to you, forehead set against yours. 

“I love you…” Words you once rejected at just the thought once upon a time, now brought peace that you weren’t even aware you needed. But they were spoken in repetition from this day forward, proven every night, and never left to question. Your hearts indebted to each other for having saved one another. Undeniable and passionate-sometimes too intense to handle without going a little crazy. But that was what it was like to love Rafe. And as you loved Rafe, he loved you twice as much…

THE END

Taglist: @hopebaker

[yesshinypizzastudentthings-blog]

Halston Heritage Sleeveless Strappy Satin Cocktail Dress, Black

Details

Halston Heritage cocktail dress in satin with asymmetric metallic piping.

V neckline; strappy racerback.

Spaghetti straps.

Shift silhouette.

Arched hem.

Triacetate/polyester.

Lining: polyester/spandex.

Dry clean.

Imported of Japanese material.

DesignerAbout Halston Heritage:The Halston Heritage label takes the best of 1970s disco glam and merges it with a modern sensibility for chic retro looks that are perfectly in the now. The line, an offshoot of legendary American design house Halston, was introduced in 2009.Halston Heritage Size Guide

Find the low prices on little black dresses black cocktail shift dresses Compare ratings and study reviews on Clothing shops to find best deals and discount offers At: . There are many deals onlittle black dresses black cocktail shift dresses in the Shops online, therefore research before you buy. Whether you are looking for little black dresses black cocktail shift dresses, Can help you save money with online discounts and coupons on affordable selections : find a little black dresses black cocktail shift dresses that is right for you.

Rerate Posts

Little Black Dresses Black Cocktail Shift Dresses

Prom In Evening Wear

Womens Cocktail Dresses

Womens Evening Accessories Red Sole Pumps

Womens Evening Gowns Jersey Sequin

RED Valentino Short-Sleeve Lace-Trim Pleated A-Line Dress, Nero

Halston Heritage Sleeveless Stretch Crepe Cocktail Dress, Blue

Sachin & Babi Noir Balance Sleeveless Crepe & Lace Evening Gown, Jet

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Crystal-Buckle Satin Flat, Pink Floral

Halston Heritage Cape-Back Cocktail Dress, Black/Champagne

Marc Jacobs Sequined Animal-Print Midi Dress, Black

Elie Saab Floral Long-Sleeve Front-Slit Gown, Multi

Self-Portrait Penelope Sleeveless Tiered Lace Gown, White

NICHOLAS Botanical Off-the-Shoulder Lace Cocktail Dress

Carolina Herrera Sleeveless V-Neck Crystal-Waist Gown, Rose Gold

Herve Leger Grommet Off-the-Shoulder Bandage Dress, Black/Combo

Roger Vivier Strass-Buckle Pointed-Toe 65mm Mule, Black

THE ROW Langrova Sleeveless Belted Maxi Dress, White Rose

Elie Saab Floral-Embroidered Long-Sleeve Gown, Blush/Multi

Zac Posen Fitted Floral-Print Cocktail Dress, Red/Multi

NICHOLAS Milano Off-the-Shoulder Bandage Dress

Theia Sleeveless Beaded Cocktail Dress, Black/Gold

Balmain Beaded-Stripe Sleeveless Minidress

Jenny Packham Beaded-Trim Slit-Sleeve V-Neck Gown, Emerald

Carmen Marc Valvo Sleeveless Floral Jacquard Cocktail Dress, Tangerine

Carmen Marc Valvo Off-the-Shoulder Jersey & Satin Jacquard Gown, Black/Gold

Jenny Packham Sequined-Petal Illusion Tulle Gown, White/Gold

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni Enrica One-Shoulder Sheath Dress, Vinaccia

Rebecca Minkoff Leo Saffiano Envelope Clutch Bag, Dragon Fruit

Talbot Runhof Horus Frosted Knotted Mermaid Gown

Naeem Khan Colorblock One-Shoulder Gown, Black/Ivory/Red

BCBGMAXAZRIA Merida Cutout-Back Floral Lace Gown, Bright Poppy

Jill Jill Stuart Sleeveless V-Neck Combo Crepe Gown

Trina Turk Bell-Sleeve Ponte Cocktail Dress, Black

Halston Heritage Sleeveless Textured-Stripe Dress, Foam

Milly Short-Sleeve Mermaid Midi Dress, Black

Rubin Singer Strapless Fitted Mermaid Gown, Emerald

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni Etheline Cap-Sleeve Peplum Column Gown, Vinaccia

Halston Heritage Sleeveless V-Neck Belted Gown, Mandarin

Rachel Gilbert Sequined Sleeveless Halter Gown, Deep Sea

Edie Parker Lara Backlit Acrylic Clutch Bag, Pink

Catherine Deane Cap-Sleeve Embroidered Jersey Cocktail Dress, Black

Christian Louboutin Escarpic Spike 100mm Red Sole Pump, Black

ZAC Zac Posen April Sleeveless Medallion Lace Gown, Blue/Black

Rickie Freeman for Teri Jon Lace Bodice Peplum Column Gown

Nancy Gonzalez Butterfly Crocodile Box Clutch Bag, Black/Multi

Black Halo Strapless Lace Popover Cocktail Dress, White/Black

Raoul Sleeveless Halter Belted Column Gown

Rafe Rayma Cubist Minaudiere, Wood Multi

Jenny Packham Ruffle-Sleeve Tulle-Back Gown, Dark Navy

Carmen Marc Valvo Sleeveless Embellished Cocktail Dress

Prabal Gurung Sleeveless Lace-Yoke Ball Gown, Navy

Self-Portrait Hall Geometric-Lace Mini Dress

Aidan Mattox Sleeveless Boat-Neck Ruffled Gown, Red

Halston Heritage Sleeveless Pleated Structured Faille Cocktail Dress, Red

Dolce & Gabbana Elbow-Sleeve Fit-and-Flare Dress, Black

Shoshanna Sleeveless Lace Cocktail Dress, Jet

Elizabeth and James Ava Sleeveless Ponte Gown

Kobi Halperin Sleeveless Two-Tone Floral Lace Cocktail Dress

Halston Heritage Cape-Sleeve V-Neck Stretch Crepe Gown

Talbot Runhof Montano V-Neck Short-Sleeve Front-Slit Gown, Black

Jimmy Choo Candy Resin Crinkle Clutch Bag, Gold

Diane von Furstenberg Colorblock Short-Sleeve Sheath Dress, Blue

Aquazzura Christy Studded Lace-Up Pump, Nude

Floral-Print Sleeveless Tiered Organza Gown, Citrine

Rachel Gilbert Aria Sleeveless Diamond-Print High-Low Dress, Black/White

Roger Vivier Belle De Nuit Pump w/Swarovski® Crystal Buckle

ph15 Sleeveless Draped Ponte Sheath Dress, Black/White

Zac Posen Ottoman Jersey Fishtail Gown, Blue

Milly Adalyn Sleeveless Mixed-Media Cocktail Dress, Navy

Carolina Herrera Floral-Skirt 3/4-Sleeve Cocktail Dress, Ink Blue

T by Alexander Wang Stretch Cutout-Back Tank Dress, Black

Kay Unger New York Sleeveless Floral Taffeta Cocktail Dress, Pink/Multicolor

Rubin Singer Cap-Sleeve V-Neck Embellished Gown, Black/Silver

Elizabeth and James Catherine Sleeveless Silk Ruffle Gown, Eggshell

Proenza Schouler Small Metallic Leather Lunch Bag, Silver

Akris Sleeveless Embellished-Front Gown, Starling

ZAC Zac Posen Sleeveless Contour Cocktail Dress, Nightshade

La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni 3/4-Sleeve Floral Tie-Dye Cocktail Dress, Winter Blossom Red

Camilla & Marc Off-the-Shoulder Popover Sheath Dress, Red

Self-Portrait Sleeveless Floral-Lace Midi Dress, White

Jovani Sleeveless V-Neck Ruffle Dress, Purple

Milly Adalyn Sleeveless Mixed-Media Cocktail Dress, Navy

Lela Rose Sheer Striped Fringe Sleeveless Gown, White

Badgley Mischka Chain-Trim Strappy-Back Gown, Bordeaux

Valentino Rockstud Slingback 100mm Pump, Black

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Crystal Buckle Flat, Bronze

Carolina Herrera Cap-Sleeve Tuxedo Colorblock Gown, Black/White

Herve Leger Square-Neck Cap-Sleeve Bandage Gown, Silver Combo

Roberto Cavalli Tiered Lace Bell-Sleeve Mini Dress, Gold

Nightcap Clothing Dentelle Lace Off-the-Shoulder Shift Dress, Black

Carmen Marc Valvo Short-Sleeve Beaded Crepe Mini Dress, Black

Michael Kors Lace-Inset Button-Front Gown, Black

Milly Floral-Print Sleeveless Mini Dress, Pink

ZAC Zac Posen Dottie Crepe Ruffle-Trim Shift Dress, Red

Naeem Khan Colorblock Front-Slit Long-Sleeve Dress, Multi Pattern

Milly Off-the-Shoulder Sequined Cocktail Dress, Gunmetal

Theia Sleeveless V-Neck High-Low Cocktail Dress

M Missoni Sleeveless Rib-Stitched Zigzag Knit A-Line Dress, Black

Halston Heritage Sleeveless Floral-Print Belted Dress

Saint Laurent Lace V-Neck Half-Sleeve Dress w/ Bow, Sand/Black

cinq a sept Fira Tiered Silk Dress, Pomegranate

kate spade new york sage glitter peep-toe pump, gold

Saint Laurent Monogram Leather Small Clutch Bag, Royal Blue

Halston Heritage Strapless Geo-Notched Tulip Dress

[sothera]

Hayden... Lucas...

It would be past nightfall at home, but there was always someone awake... Sarah Joe at the shack at least...

Rafe... the blade going in... the resistance..

He had to push...

He'd killed creatures for years; the sword always sliced through, like a hot knife through butter...

Not this time... It was as if the sword abandoned him.

Sensing Rafe's obviously vast strength and endurance, the sword chose him, while still embedded in his shoulder, to be an assassin.

My assassin...

I have to talk to my family...

"Hey... HEY... I need you here..."

Tait...

"Right..." William said.

"Sorry, I don't usually get shaken so easily." William said, as they approached Regina's office.

"You've had quite a day, with more than a few twists to it. Part of the problem might be the armour; what do you have on under it?" Tait asked.

"Soth gave me an outfit; it's practical, but not much else." William answered.

"Everything's covered? The way Regina eyeballs Rafe... it's almost like she wants to make a sandwich outta him." Tait said.

"Top to foot; covered, grimy but covered." William said.

"Here's as good a place as any; let's get that off." Tait said, spying a spot between two houses, he kept a lookout as William got out of the armour.

The moment he did, William felt even better, at least the weight was gone.

Odd he'd never noticed the armour to be that heavy before...

"I'll get this to Rafe; he thought it might be working together with the sword, somehow, a 'time bomb' he called it." Tait said. "Anyway, it's good it's off, you'll have enough to deal with once you get in there."

"Yeah, I've heard..." William said. "If I didn't need to use the Candlestick, I'd leave her be, money and all."

"She's got one; more than one, and doubtless a ComGem, she talks... when it suits her." Tait said.

"Think she'll let me use it?" William asked.

"I don't think she wants to stir up the Royals, no matter how far away they live." Tait said.

"What am I dealing with here?" William finally asked.

"Someone who will do whatever they want, whenever they want, to whoever they want, to get what they..." Tait said.

"Want.." Will finished the sentence "Like a Dictator.."

"Except a Dictator will give up if what they want is too much; and usually a Dictator can have friends, some can even love...our Ice Princess... can't." Tait said.

"But she can wheel and deal..." William said.

"Up to a point; sense will go flying out the window if you have something she really wants." Tait said.

"A token..." William said.

"What?" Tait asked.

"I have a plan...sorta... something to appease her...just in case..." William said.

Tait looked at the entrance to Regina's office, then to the full suit of armour he was carrying, then back to William.

"It's okay; get that to Rafe, I'll be okay." William said.

"Don't take your eyes off her; listen to everything she says, it might come in handy later. I wish I could go in with you, but even if I didn't have this, I would probably make it worse. As soon as I drop this off, I'll come back and wait for you, okay?" Tait said.

"What exactly is Rafe going to do with my armour, and the sword?" William asked.

Tait looked uncomfortable...

"He wasn't always a... performer...a while back, he was... something else... someone else..." Tait said.

"A blacksmith?" William guessed.

Tait nodded, but it made no sense, Rafe was the same age as he was...it took several years to get from apprentice to journeyman, and years more to actual Smithee...

"It's his story to tell, and you have other things to do now." Tait said.

"You're right; sorry, get that to him, I'll be fine, just come back and get me when you're done." William said.

"I'll be back as quick as I can; try to stay on the horn as long as you can. That might help." Tait said.

One last glance, and Tait was off...

William opened the door...

[sothera]

Brann, Joey, and Soth watched as Tait led William out of the cage personally talking to him softly as he escorted him to Regina's office. William looked briefly at them; the makeup made him look brutish and hostile, in reality he was numb.

"Sorry guys, change uh plans.." a voice said.

"I'm Jayce; Rafe wants me to take you to his house. Tait was supposed to do it, but William's a bit shook up, and with the sword and all..." Jayce said.

"It's corrupted, isn't it?" Brann asked.

"Apparently; by someone that knew what they were doing." Jayce answered.

"Rafe suspects some kinda time bomb effect."

"Is Rafe okay? Does he need to Feed? I can get him to a Pit, even grab one for him." Soth volunteered, the Sigil glowing red through his shirt.

Jayce backed away from Soth... slowly... It was the kind of fear Soth was all too familiar with, and had not missed while he was on The Surface. Fortunately, he knew how to deal with it.

Soth looked down at his feet..

"My name is Sothera Vidar, no Beast shall harm you while I draw breath, it is an Honor to Know Your Name, Mr. Jayce." Soth repeated the formal greeting he'd learned as a child.

"Gods, sorry, Rafe told me, but he didn't tell me you looked like him..." Jayce said.

"Like who?" Soth asked.

"Soketh..." Jayce said, "No... you're different... younger... but something else..."

"It's called 'kindness'; Hi, my name's Chopped Liver, nice to meet ya." Joey said, in an attempt to break the ice.

"Actually, his name is..." Soth began.

"I swearda Gawd if you call me 'Mr. Joey' I'll shave your head while you sleep." Joey said.

"Ah my boys; so sweet, so well behaved..." Brann said.

"Joey." Soth finished.

"Uhh.. well... Uhh... Follow me, you guys should try to get on the wireless, you'd make a Mint. As for Soketh...well, that's Rafe's story to tell." Jayce said.

"Here we are..."

"Not bad..." Brann said.

"Comfortable looking..." Soth said.

"I could live here..." Joey said.

"Just up the stairs and in: the doors unlocked." Jayce said.

"I've gotta get to the workshop; it never ends around here, see you around."

The three of them thanked Jayce as he waved back and walked on.

"So...we wait.." Brann said, sitting down on a comfortable looking couch.

"Yeah..." Joey said.

"I hope Rafe is okay; even for one of us, having a large metal blade jammed into a shoulder, and keeping it there... do you think they let him Feed properly?" Soth asked.

"Don't worry; he has his friends, and now he has more." came a familiar voice.

He was sitting at the table, smiling...

"Hi guys! See any good matches lately?" Rafe asked.

"Mythal!" Brann said in Elvish.

"Jesus!" Joey said.

Soth was a little calmer...

"You're okay...no Hunger?

"I'm okay Soth; a quick bath, a visit with Jeff, and a quick change of clothes." Rafe answered.

"Jeff?" Soth asked.

"Yes; a new.. friend.. of mine, and a new acquisition for the circus." Rafe answered.

"He's resting comfortably... I..." Rafe looked ashamed.

"I had to make sure I had a clear head; you all have questions, I might have some for you too, and the two old, drugged up Kobolds I usually use..."

"Your food source is... contaminated?" Brann asked.

"Regina likes me to be... compliant." Rafe answered.

"That's a violation of Contract." Brann said.

"Technically... yes...but..." Rafe said.

"But?" Soth asked.

"There are a lot of lives involved in this.. situation..lives that could be torn apart if Regina isn't..appeased." Rafe said.

"Appeased?" Joey asked, "How?"

"I think it might be a good idea to wait for William to get here; he's with her now, in her office, getting his..reward." Rafe said.

"Plus, I think he'll be wanting a bath when he gets out; I always do when I deal with her."

[sothera]

The time had come...

The three of them, although invited to sit up front, decided on seats a little further back, for discretion's sake.

"You okay?" Joey asked.

Soth looked at both of them; he could see the concern in Brann's eyes, and Joey's too.

"I'm sorry... If I'd thought, I would've asked Rafe for some of his makeup." Soth said, remembering his early days when he had to resort to it to hide his Shaqarava.

It created some awkward moments...

Like now...

"I'm keeping my shirt as far from my chest as I can without being too obvious about it. "

"If you suck in any harder, you're gonna pass out." Joey said.

"Try to focus on the fact that it's staged." Brann suggested.

"I am, still, it's hard to watch, one of them is a Pack Brother, the other one is blood related, if either of them makes the slightest mistake... " Soth said, his hands clenching into fists.

"I'm sure Rafe coached him on every movement; Rafe is very good at what he does." Brann said.

"Which makes me think; why the sword and the armor, what does Rafe think he can do that a craftsman can't?" Joey asked.

Joey looked at Rafe from his vantage point; he looked to be about William's age, once you get past the comic book body and the G.Q. face, normal..all things considered.

Yet... there was something... the worldliness...

Rafe had mentioned a Dwarf... his "first" Handler...

"First?"

Joey's attention was diverted by the loudspeaker...

"Ladies and Gentlemen, The Rainbow Salamander Circus is pleased to announce a worthy opponent for our Wild Man Challenge. An heir to The Blue Eyed Throne; please welcome Sir William Stetman!"

There was applause as William stepped into the cage.

"And of course, our own blue demon, The Wildman..."

Freak!

Monster!

Abomination!

Shouldn't you be out eating your own kind?

Soth looked like he'd been slapped in the face by his best friend...

Luckily, two of his best friends were sitting next to him...

"Do you remember when we watched wrestling on TV?" Joey asked.

"Yes; I still don't understand how people think that's real." Soth answered, shaking his head.

Good, he's calm now Joey thought.

"All the people in the audience that booed the wrestlers?" Joey asked.

"I know there are... people... in the crowd, whose job it is to keep the audience riled up, still, for example, that last one is the man I bumped into earlier before we sat down to eat." Soth said.

"Good memory..." Joey said.

"My fear is that the... more easily lead...in the audience will believe these things, and create and spread fear of us." Soth said, looking at the crowd nervously.

Brann glanced at Joey, "Maybe we should discuss that with Rafe."

"It's starting..." Soth said.

"I see you got the full treatment too." Rafe said quietly as he entered the cage.

"It makes me look thuggish and brutal." William said, displeased with the effect.

"It's what the public wants; at least what Regina thinks the public wants." Rafe said.

A wisp of flame appeared along one of the walls, and fire started peeking out of the floor. William's sword began to glow.

"She's turned the gas on; time to shine, Sir Knight, any last questions?" Rafe asked.

"Do I really have to stab you?" William asked.

"I'm not welcoming it, but yeah, I don't have time to explain it now, but the closer it is to me, the better I will understand it." Rafe said.

"Understand?..." William asked too late...

Begin!!

The command came over the loudspeaker...

Rafe and William moved into the central part of the cage, circling each other. As rehearsed, William unsheathed the sword and passed it from hand to hand, occasionally flipping it in each hand.

Ten minutes William thought we need to get through ten minutes...

Hey, Stetman!, why don't you use that pig sticker and gut the Unholy Bastard!!??

Unconsciously, William turned his head to find the man that said it..

.. and Rafe slapped him .. or so it seemed..

To the crowd, it looked like Rafe had slapped him "silly"; reality was much different. It was almost like a soft caress...

Rafe's reaction, though...

"Do I have to remind you of The First Rule?" Rafe asked.

"Always keep eyes on the opponent.." William answered, eyeing Rafe oddly.

It was almost like he was back working with his old trainer...

Five Minutes!

Halfway there...

"Let's give them the Bloodsport they came here to see." Rafe said.

"Remember; small, shallow cuts, from a distance, they can't tell the difference."

"Rafe..." William said.

"Then The Big One, okay?" Rafe said.

With a sigh, William began swinging...

Rafe was easily as fast as Soth: sometimes, he would be in front of him, sometimes behind. Rafe hit him a few times, not hard, but hard enough to jar him and make loud metal on metal sounds as his fists impacted with the armour.

Several times, William's sword made contact with Rafe's bare torso, leaving long, shallow cuts on his back, chest, and a few on his legs.

Each time, they bled..

Each time, William felt worse.

Soth wanted to run from the room. It was all he could do to stay in his seat. The Flare raged, turning both blue and red, almost like a Yule time celebration.

Thankfully, no one seemed to notice...

Soth focused inward...

Dammit boy, you are.. were.. a Hunter.. you've seen worse.. you've done worse. Quit acting like a child; be a man! They deserve that much!

The Shaqarava dimmed...

Brann smiled at him, quietly grateful to whatever Gods there were.

Joey grabbed his hand...his thoughts came...

They know what they're doing; they rehearsed it. Remember the cage matches on TV? They hit each other with ladders and metal chairs! They were bloody too; this is no different.

Soth looked at him and nodded...

Still...

Those people were unknown to him; these people were not...

Two Minutes!

"Just a little more blood to spill..." Rafe said.

An instant after he said it, he was behind William; Rafe grabbed William by the shoulders and opened his mouth as if to bite through William's jugular vein!

Instead...

Now... NOW, William... Came the voice...

William pivoted, brought the sword up...and...

Rafe grunted as the blade embedded itself in his right shoulder.. the pain was... impressive, but rather than shy away from it, he held it close.

And Time!

We have a winner!

The crowd was cheering...wildly... 😣

Finally met your match freak!

Woo-Hoo!

The missus and I will sleep well tonight!

Soth was at the front of the crowd, watching..

Rafe was.. listening.. he connected with the sword.

"I am your death, now come to life...

Here to end your mortal strife...

Struggle hard, struggle long...

Struggle deep, struggle strong...

Struggle now, with all your might..

Then surrender to eternal night.."

So far, so good, the enchantments are working Rafe thought

Then...

"Or..

Like a thief, with loot stole fresh..

Rip me from your jagged flesh..

Kill the Knight, with Me in hand..

Take from him his promised land..

With your great strength, with Me, alone..

Take from him his Blue Eyed Throne..

No... Rafe thought.. Never..

"Rafe..." came a gentle voice... William

"Let me help, my Gods, I'm sorry..." William said, crouching next to Rafe to pull the sword out.

"No!" Rafe said, wait for the stage hand, Tell him to give you a cloth to wrap around it. The sword is tainted; I don't know how, I don't know by whom, but it has been tampered with." Rafe said, the sword still protruding from his shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll be fine, Tait will come after the stage hand; he'll take Soth and the others to my house." Rafe said.

"You're not going to be that lucky... you'll have to meet with Regina to get your winnings." Rafe said.

[sothera]

As they continued to eat, both Brann and Soth passed the time in relative silence, leaving it to William and Joey to speak.

"Threw him to the ceiling?" William asked.

"Yeah, it was amazing, he's very strong." Joey answered.

"An adult man?" William asked.

"Yeah; you could tell they were talking, if you watched closely enough, but with all the catcalling, it was impossible to hear." Joey answered.

"Cat-Calling?" William asked.

"Insults; and yes, they were speaking to each other. Rafe was telling the other man what he was going to do next, in a way, it was artistic, every move plotted out in advance." Brann said, breaking his silence.

"You could hear them; I thought so!" Joey said.

Brann simply made a gesture towards his ears, "It's amazing how many people don't pick up on the obvious."

"So, it is fakery..." Soth finally broke his silence as well.

"It was 'performance', Soth, carefully crafted, by an artist of a.. different kind." Brann said.

"He's led a life very different from yours, and from the sound of things, had to please many different people, give him a chance." Brann said.

"That bit about avoiding his Handler is worrisome; what kind of person are they, that he actively wants to avoid them?" William wondered.

"I'm hoping it's just an overabundance of caution on their part; Rafe is valuable, all of Soth's people are valuable, but in this situation, he may be even more so." Brann said.

"Actually, she inherited the title..." a voice behind them said.

"Nice to meet you, finally, and for real. Name's Tait, and these are courtesy of.. well.. he has a few new names now.. The Blue Devil is the one that really steams his shirt collar though." Tait said, almost smiling. "VIP tickets for the rare exhibits, which you might find interesting. The scroll Rafe gave you allows front row seating for your friends."

"Thank you, Sir; you mentioned Rafe's Handler inherited that title, could you please explain?" Soth asked.

Tait looked at Soth, a little intimidated and a little fascinated at the same time... "You've the one.. the Pit Fighter.."

"Sothera Vidar, Sir.." Soth said, looking downward, "pleased to meet you."

"Call me 'Tait', Soth, 'Sir' is my dad, may he rest with The Gods." Tait said.

"Rafe's Handler inherited the title? How did that happen, Tait?" Soth asked.

"That was before my time; from what I understand, Regina inherited Rafe's contract when she gained possession of the circus after her dad died. No one stepped up to challenge her, and Rafe was responsible for getting a lot of people hired here, so he couldn't go back to The Board. I have to hand it to her; she kept the circus from going under, she's a wiz at math and finances, but..." Tait said, hesitatingly.

"But...?" Soth asked.

"She's...not right...in the head... Gods know she isn't slow, but, there's something in the eyes, or maybe I should say there's nothing behind the eyes...other than intelligence. People are afraid of what she might do, not because she's intimidating, but she would do it without thinking, no matter how many people it hurts." Tait said.

"So... she's without compassion, no feeling for others, as if other people have no substance other than to be there for her?" Joey asked.

"Yeah... she's a cool Frostnut; you could put an ice cube on her head and it wouldn't melt." Tait said.

"But people don't notice at first..." Joey continued.

Tait looked at the kid; there was as much mystery to him as there was to Soth.

"No; you gotta be around her for a while first." Tait answered.

"A psychopath... Rafe's Handler...is a psychopath...a high-functioning one, but a psychopath. No wonder he won't leave; Rafe is probably terrified of what would happen if he did, and I don't mean just firing everyone he got hired here." Joey's mind raced as he thought of the possibilities.

Noticing Joey's discomfort, Soth attempted to grip his arm, for comfort, unfortunately Soth missed, and his hand brushed against Joey's, which was of course bare skin...

Soth saw what a 'psychopath' was, or could be, through Joey's understanding...and actually gasped, pulling his hand back. He was young, but he'd seen much, felt much, fought against much, and he thought he'd seen, well, much...

Nothing prepared him for the type of person Joey's mind had conjured...was such a thing possible? Was it a disease? The Surface World had a name for it, so it must be real...

Soth looked at Joey now... "Is there a treatment? A drug? Anything?"

"As far as I know, no there isn't, known psychopaths are watched closely, but no amount of therapy can bring empathy to a person that doesn't have the mental ability to understand it." Joey said.

"Isn't there anything here? If anyone could bring empathy to a mind, surely it would be a Cleric or something like one." Joey said.

"We don't even have a word for the problem." Soth said.

"Maybe it's called something else here..." Joey said.

"Vala would be the only person we could ask." Brann said, "and I will have to write to her, she's on hiatus due to The Surge and the need to heal people."

"What?" Soth asked

"What we've been hearing on the wireless; it's worse than it sounds..." Brann answered, "but first things first, we have a circus to see and a battle to attend later." "Let's do that first; Rafe should have input, after we find a safe place, we'll sort it out."

Soth looked at Tait and smiled nervously, "Please give Rafe our thanks and we will see him soon."

"You bet; I'm glad we met, Soth, I hope we can all connect, and that you understand how.. sensitive.. this all is." Tait said.

"Can you come with us?" Soth asked.

"Id better get back to work; Regina has her eyes and ears everywhere." Tait said

"Enjoy the next few hours..." Tait said as he handed them the tickets and left.

Regina watched through her Scryglass; a handy, though expensive trinket. She could see the meeting between Tait and the strangers, but couldn't hear it, the Elf and his obviously Inductor companion were probably why...

Oh well...

I wonder what old Blue Boobs has in mind? Regina thought, as she continued to watch...

[sothera]

"I don't think that would be a good idea; not in here, at least." Brann said.

"I know, I just have this urge to listen, like I'm supposed to hear something, but I'm not." Soth answered.

"He could be trying to call out to you; if you want, you could try to find a quiet place outside, and try there." Brann suggested.

"A good idea; I think I'll try that." Soth said, getting to his feet.

"Want me to come with you?" William asked.

"Or me?" Joey asked.

"No; thank you both, but I would like to meet him alone the first time." Soth answered.

"I'm not sure I like the idea of you being alone with him; I'd like to meet him first. We have no idea what kind of person he is, only that he is one of your kind." William said.

"And all of my kind... are not 'kind'..." Soth said.

William chose his words carefully...

"We have no idea what kind of situation we're actually in here; just that there is a member of your race that works here, and they may be suffering abuse, at least psychological abuse, but nothing else."

"Either way, we have to know, and after his.. communication.. with Joey, I don't think he's hostile, in fact, quite the opposite." Soth said.

"They're in the Eastern Food Area; one of the servers saw them sitting and talking, the kid looked like he wanted to go outside, said something about wanting to be barefoot." Tait said.

"He must have sensed me calling out to him; the flooring there is lacquered wood, and he had shoes on." Rafe said.

Rafe had the note ready; it had been with him since he made contact with the kid with the odd eyeglasses.. Joey?.. and hadn't left him since. He hadn't seen another of his kind in years; this boy.. Soth.. would be a breath of fresh air.

Of course, Soth had questions; some of them doubtless uncomfortable, the Bikrum being among them. Rafe had been through the Bikrum.. five times.. and would go through it many more times..

As would Soth..

Did he know? Had the Elf told him? Is that why the Elf was looking so hard for someone, to relieve him of the burden?

Then, there was Regina, proving that we all have our burdens. Everything that had to do with this place had to revolve around her, one way or another. She would have to be kept out of the loop until Rafe found a way to inform her that she couldn't use for leverage.

Rafe made it to the Food Area, and there they were... time to shine. Rafe put on his best smile as he approached them.

"Fair Day to all of you! Welcome to the Rainbow Salamander Circus! I trust your midday meal was satisfactory? " Rafe asked as he stopped by their table.

"You.." Joey said.

"Yes, young Sir, my name is Rafe, and I'm pleased to meet you." Rafe said, winking at Joey...

Those glasses...

Rafe finally turned his attention to Soth.

"And of course, you need no introduction, young man, Sothera Vidar, I'm honored to shake your hand, Sir..."

Soth stood up, Rafe took his hand.. and made contact..

"Hello Soth; yes, it's me, I'm sorry to meet you like this, but to meet you at all.. it's been so long.. please be patient for a little longer, I will do my best to answer all of your questions, but we have to do it in a way that doesn't attract the attention of my Handler. I have a small home nearby; hopefully, you can meet me there after my shift ends tonight. Please say you will meet me there."

Soth simply nodded...

"And you, Sir Knight, Mr. Stetman, correct?" Rafe asked out loud.

"Yes?" William asked.

"I have a special invitation for you; you've no doubt heard about our Wild Man, I have here a special request for you to meet him, in The Cage this very night, to demonstrate your prowess in battle." Rafe said.

"I'm not sure; I've heard this Wild Man is quite the warrior, despite his wild nature, and very strong." William said.

"Tut!" Rafe said, "I have a very good feeling that you will prevail; brute force can take one far in battle, but finesse will often take one much farther... I strongly hope.. even suggest.. that you try your luck." Rafe said.

"Very well, challenge accepted!" William said.

Finally, Rafe turned his attention to Brann, and said, in perfect Elvish..

"Greetings, friend, yes, it's me, the brute from the cage. I'm pleased you and your friends are here; I will help Soth with any questions he has, and I will be his friend, and all of yours. I know you have your reasons for not telling Soth what he wants to know, and they are your business, but know that I have my reasons for certain choices too. I look forward to seeing you all tonight; I trust you know the place."

Brann responded in Elvish..

"Yes, I recall it well, Rafe, you are quite the performer. I've waited years for someone from Soth's race to befriend him, but that moment never came. I've actively searched as well with no results. Just as I was going to go to the Board to request someone, I heard about you. Hopefully, we can solve each other's problems, or at least lessen them a little."

"Hopefully.." Rafe said, switching back to Common, and handing William an elaborate piece of parchment.

"See you all soon." Rafe said, "enjoy your meal, on The House."

Rafe then looked at Soth, smiled and nodded, and left... for now.

[sothera]

Was it possible to feel hopeful and fearful at the same time?

Rafe wondered this as he got out of bed; not much in the way of sleep went on, but he had time to think, time to get ready.

And there was a lot to get ready for...

He had to cut a deal of some kind with Regina; Jeff's presence made things easier for him personally, and a Hellbeast capable of speaking Common would be quite the attraction. It also meant that he wouldn't have to slip away from the Circus to Hunt, and possibly get caught by the League.

As long as he could keep Jeff healthy and well fed, Rafe could feed from Jeff for years, possibly centuries, without endangering either of them. No more feeding from old, drugged up Kobolds, which supplied Rafe what he needed, but left him fuzzy headed and dizzy.

And also compliant, which is what Regina liked. Yes; diplomacy will be needed here. If I lose Jeff, I lose my only way to Feed without attracting outside attention, and she loses a potential money maker for the circus...

But Jeff gains his freedom, or at least a better existence than he has here, with people that would care for him. She also gets me under control again, or at least too fuzzy to fight with her.

I could offer to do something for her; something else, another character maybe, in exchange for Jeff's transfer to a Preserve. Although what that might be, Rafe didn't know.

He approached Regina's office; Tait of course was already up, working hard, Tait would be... around, he always was if he thought Rafe was going to have a hard time.

No avoiding it... Rafe went in...

"That took long enough..."

Regina sat at her desk, giving him the usual look from the eyes, lingering on the chest, then .. down further .. then back to the eyes.

If he'd been alone with a normal woman, Rafe would either have been flattered, (and red as a fire berry) or embarrassed (and red as a fire berry), but .. Regina wasn't normal. No; Regina and normal had parted ways long ago, if they ever walked together at all. Rafe noticed it when she was still a little girl; she never giggled, never spoke unless she had a question, never played with the other kids, just her and her pops. Rafe enjoyed Nicaris, and had been devastated at his death. Regina's mom, Devanna, had died giving birth to her daughter, and Nic had taken to her like a worshipper to a Goddess, and had never spoken about his daughter, or the .. other things she did .. quietly, out of sight.

Rafe remembered...

Rafe actually slammed the main pole into the ground, causing it to make a loud 'WHUMMM!', vibrating it to the point of shattering...

Looking back, he wished he had...

He ran to his old friend's side...

"I'm sorry, Rafe; you must be Godsdamn tired of hearing that from people..." Nic said on his Last Day.

"It's okay, Nic; you rest now, Dev's waitin' on you, you know how she gets when you're late.." Rafe was in tears now.

For a brief moment, Rafe considered giving Nic The Gift, but...

"No, Rafe, please don't, I'm old; I'm at the point where life itself... hurts... so... please... don't." Nic said.

Rafe felt something in his chest actually crack; just as it did the day they found him near death, gripping Brandol to him... pumping the last of his strength into him...

It had been useless then, it would be useless now.

"It's all hers now... all of it... how could I have been so blind... Gods... Rafe, she's your new Handler now... " Nic said, appalled.

"It's okay..." Rafe said, tears going down both cheeks, "you and Devanna need to talk."

Nicaris looked up at Rafe, "Gods, you're beautiful, outside and in, why didn't I notice that before?"

And those were Nicaris's last words...

There was complete and utter silence...

Except for one voice...

"Wow, he really was delirious, how could he think you are beautiful, you're half naked, you're all sweaty, and you stink!" Regina said.

Complete and utter silence again... for all the wrong reasons...

At last, the Legate spoke up, finally finding her voice, "Perhaps we should discuss transfer of ownership and burial proceedings now, Miss Porter."

Rafe exhaled...

"Sorry, had to make myself beautiful." Rafe said, snapping back to the present.

"Yeah; I can see you put real effort into it." Regina said, noting the outfit.

"I know you like to keep an eye on my... runes." Rafe said.

"That's a good way to say it; and since you brought it up." Regina said, pointing at the tank top and snapping her fingers.

Rafe sighed...and started pulling it off...

"There we go; gotta love that view." Regina said.

"It really is too bad you're half-demon; if you weren't, we could have a great time." Regina said, studying the sigils on Rafe to see how they changed.

Nothing happened: Regina changed her tactic...

She ran her hand across Rafe's chest; he sighed inwardly, wondering if Regina ever bothered to read at least one paragraph about Rafe's kind, Gods know her dad did, somewhere, there was a shelf full of books on Inductors... they disappeared after Nic's death, had the Legate taken them?

Her hand touched his skin...

One word .. at least at first ..

Over and over again...

Mine.. mine.. minemineminemineminemineminemineminemineminemine

Rafe's head started to pound; mostly due to the effort it took to block Regina's possessive thought out.

"You know, Regina...I can be 'yours'...that way, too." Rafe smiled as he caused the muscles in his pectoral area to striate under her hand.

Most people found it impressive, he showed Jayce how to do it once his... experience... with Soketh began to... manifest... Jayce had no shortage of dates afterwards.

"We just have to make a Formal Request for Unapproved Intercourse at the Board of Inductors; you know how it is, we can't have my kind spreading through Humanity willy-nilly, no pun intended. We just have to get the potion and the appropriate Protection, and we can go at it like bunnies in snow time..." Rafe said, as deadpan as possible.

Regina dropped her hand... mission accomplished.

"I think I'll stick to real men..." Regina said with a half smile, half sneer.

"Your buddy Tait for example...nice eyes, he fills out that shirt well, and while he might not be able to hold the main pole one handed, but his own pole..." Regina began...

"I'll let him know you're interested; I'm sure he'll be as thrilled to know as I was." Rafe said, smiling.

Rafe sensed Regina's intense frustration; she wanted to slap him, but knew enough to know that abuse of a Charge (which is what he was under the Contract) was enough to break the Contract, sending him back to the Board and leaving her without a star attraction.

Rafe also knew there were other ways Regina could live in his head, rent-free... best to get submissive before she thought of any.

Rafe took her hand in his; this time putting it on his shoulder. He started striating again; the entire chest this time...

"There are some advantages to... new experiences... monsters like myself can bring a kind of strength and endurance to the game that no Pureblood human could ever hope to.." Rafe began, as he slowly slid Regina's hand back to his chest...then stopped, disgusted.

Janice... 💔🥺

"Enough... No more Dragonpucky, what's it gonna take, Regina, to keep Jeff alive and your busy mitts off my friends? Naked backflips? Shirtless birthday parties? What will it take?" Rafe asked, as he awkwardly pulled away from her.

Regina seemed to come out of some kind of trance...

"I'll let you know; come back later..." she said, walking to her desk and sitting there, as if gathering her thoughts.

Rafe remembered why his kind... the males... had the ability to striate (ripple) their muscles that way.. it was twofold.. to attract a mate, a hopefully forever love.. and..

To attract more intelligent, more humanoid Prey, long, long ago...

Rafe's shame in doing that, even to Regina, was overwhelming. He double quicked it to the door, putting his tank top back on as he left.

Tait was outside, taking an extended look at the ground, waiting for him.

"Yeah... definitely gonna plant some grass here." He said to no one in particular....

He saw Rafe just standing there...

"You okay? How'd it go?" Tait asked.

"Let's call this one a draw..." Rafe said, suddenly reaching out and hugging Tait, lifting him off his feet in the process.

"Sorry, it's just..." Rafe began.

"It's okay; I feel like I need to take a bath in alcohol whenever I talk to her too." Tait said.

"I've got good news; they're here, I saw them!" Tait said, smiling.

"You did? How many?" Rafe was actually shaking...

"Four; the Elf, the skinny kid with the funny specs, a Knight with fire red hair, and the kid... or at least he looks like a kid, through the face. He gives off that vibe .." Tait said.

"What vibe?" Rafe asked.

"Like standing next to an amp before a big blast of sound comes out of it, that 'whummm' noise, too close to the generator, power lines after a rain storm... " Tait said.

"I get it." Rafe said, "was he friendly?"

"Seemed to be; polite at the very least, keeps calling everyone "Sir" and "Ma'am" even the laborers." Tait said.

"Seems like a nice kid, though..."

"Did you get the full name?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah; it was on the Guest Registry, 'Sothera Vidar' as I recall." Tait answered.

"VIDAR?!" Rafe repeated.

"Yeah, I made sure, why?" Tait asked.

"He's a Pit Fighter, he actually..." Rafe said

"Kills them, for a living, in the caverns?" Tait said. "He seems like such a nice kid..."

"He is a nice kid...he's just...young, and has questions, give him a chance, Tait." Rafe said.

"Sure; as long as you're around." Tait said.

"I'm gonna try something." Rafe said, removing his sandals, he planted his feet on the ground and exhaled...

Soth... Sothera Vidar... This is Rafe... Rafe Nightshade... Can you hear me?... You have questions...So do I...I look forward to meeting you... All of you.

Soth and his friends arrived in Umber, and there it was...

"I thought Ringling Brothers™ was big; believe it or not, this place gets bigger up close." Joey said.

"This is where he lives..." Soth said, trying to take it all in.

"Best of the Dawn to you, Sir." Soth continued as a dark haired young workman scooted past him, with some papers.

"Uh... Hiya..." the workman said as he scooted by.

"I guess we should go in; we can get some grub, get to know the place." William said.

"Well see him soon, Soth, I have tickets." Brann promised.

"Good...yes, let's eat, find a place to sit, I have the strangest urge..." Soth said.

"To do what?" Brann asked.

"To go barefoot; like I do in the caves." Soth said.

[sothera]

"You've seen him; spoken to him?" Soth asked.

"Yes; it wasn't so much a conversation, but we did communicate." Joey said.

After helping Varko, Soth and William returned to Brann's new house, and were waiting for them when they returned.

"While he was in the cage, he touched the back of my hand, we sort of... connected. He spoke to me." Joey said.

"In the cage?" Soth asked, "they keep him caged, like an animal?"

"No; not all the time, I think that's an act, I think they have him doing a lot of things behind the scenes." Joey said.

"So he's used like a workhorse?" Soth asked.

"No... I think he works hard, but he looked healthy." Joey said.

"Okay..." Soth said.

"At least he's not in any immediate danger, and he's being treated reasonably, if not ideally." William said.

"He...is expecting us... you... Soth." Joey said. "It was hard to leave him; more than anything else, I think he is desperately lonely."

"We should go... now... tonight..." Soth said.

"No... it's after closing time, we'll go tomorrow, about the same time, you can see him in action then." Brann said. "Let him rest, Soth, so that he can prepare and do what he has to do."

He's coming... here... tomorrow... Rafe thought as he sat on his bed.

He checked on Jeff before going to his quarters, and found him fast asleep. He walked Tait to his own little room; Umber was the main location for the circus, and he was glad to be "home".

"You wanna flop with me tonight? I have the spare bed in the other room." Rafe asked.

Tait turned red, "Nah, I'm okay here, gotta get up early tomorrow anyway... unless..."

"No, it's good, I'd probably keep you up anyway, good night, bud." Rafe said.

"'Night..." Tait said.

One of my own kind... my own people... it's been so long. Rafe thought.

Rafe was as close to happy as he had been in a long time...

How long would it last, with Regina breathing down his neck.

[sothera]

"Ladies and gentlemen, we ask that you remain calm and quiet, make no quick, jerky movements, and please, try to avoid eye contact..." the barker said.

She's laying it on a bit thick, even for her...Rafe thought, knowing immediately who wrote that dialogue...

"you've been selected due to your discretion and your discerning taste..." the barker continued.

"Odd; I thought it was due to the fact that I shelled out ten extra gold..." Brann said.

Joey snorted quietly...

"We found a brave, strong warrior tonight, one that might go the distance with our Wild Man; give him a quick, quiet round of applause." the barker said.

There was a brief quick sound of clapping before the lights came up and showed the man in the cage.

"Uhh...Tait?" came a familiar voice from the back of the cage, keeping his voice low.

"Yeah?" Tait asked, doing the same.

"Did you have your hair done?" the voice asked.

"No...maybe..." Tait admitted.

"Did they trim your eyebrows?" the voice asked.

"Yeah..." Tait admitted.

"You wanna make fun of me some more, or do you want to get this over with?" Tait asked.

They were interrupted by the barker...

"And now, without further diversion...The Wild Man..."

Rafe kept the makeup to a minimum; just some on the cheek and the arms, he tensed up and the lighting did the rest...

Tait started immediately...he managed to land several punches to Rafe's gut in quick succession.

"Regina had a look at 'Jeff'; they even talked to each other...she knows he's been here a while, she knows you feel responsible for him...she knows you care about what happens to him... Gods, hitting you is like hitting the pavement..can we be done now?" Tate said.

"Almost..." Rafe said, "this is the part that kinda hurts, we haven't found a way to pad the bars yet, I'm gonna bounce you off the rails right behind you, ready?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah..." Tait said.

Rafe knocked Tait's hands away and flung him into the bars directly behind him.

"Uhh.." Tait said as he impacted and dropped to his knees.

The crowd was not happy...

"Monster!"

"Freak!"

"Abomination!"

"You okay?" Rafe asked as he grabbed Tait and very gently lifted him up.

"Yeah, just smarts a little." Tait answered.

"Okay, this part is easier, but looks a lot more dramatic, remember to groan when you get up there..." Rafe began...and then, he noticed them...

They'd been quiet when the other people were catcalling him...the Elf was one thing...

The boy...

Those spectacles...

Were they... Bakelite™?

"Uhh...Rafe?... Getting kinda dizzy up here." Tait said.

"Oh, Gods, sorry, yeah, Jayce managed to put an air mattress on that corner under the straw; I'm gonna land you there." Rafe said.

"Ready?" Rafe asked.

"Guess we'll find out..." Tait answered.

"Just remember to lay it on thick when you get there." Rafe said.

"Whoops Da Babyee!" Rafe whispered as he tossed Tait to the cage's top overhang.

"Ahhh!" Tait said as he flew through the air and onto the air mattress.

"Uhh...Uhh.. Argh...I...am... finished..." Tait said dramatically.

Rafe avoided rolling his eyes.

"Oh...just a minute short...too bad. Well, his gold gets added to the prize chest, any takers?" the barker asked.

The crowd was silent...

"Okay, ladies and gents, get your ComGems ready, it's picture time, single file and not too close, okay?" the barker said.

"Not me..."

"Hells no..."

"I'm not going anywhere near that freak!"

The crowd filed out quickly...all but one woman. Getting next to the cage, she took the equivalent of a selfie, and started talking to the barker.

"Hi, my name's Nora, Nora Mitchell..." she said.

Mitchell... Lizbeth's...mom? Rafe wondered.

"Just a few questions...his kind usually fight demons, shouldn't he be out doing that?" Nora asked.

"Not my call, lady..." the barker answered.

Nora looked towards Joey and Brann, then nodded toward Rafe...

"My turn..." Joey said.

The kid's coming; time to ham it up. Rafe thought.

Joey approached the cage; it felt like it had taken forever just to get this close, and there wasn't much time left before he and Brann had to get back...the sigils had changed again...

"Look; I know half of this is just an act, but I can read...I mean, I saw the poster, I know you are not happy here."

Rafe stared at him impassively...

"Sorrow, regret, despair...help... that's what your sigils said in the poster. I'm going to guess you don't want to talk out loud." Joey said, looking at the barker in the distance that...Nora?...was distracting.

"Here's how we'll do this... blink once for yes, twice for no, okay?" Joey asked.

Blink...

"Are you going to hurt yourself?" Joey asked.

Blink...Blink...

"Do you want to leave?" Joey asked.

Blink...

Then a pause...

Blink...Blink...

"I see...some friends of mine will be coming here tomorrow; one of them is... like you...one of your kind. He's young, and he has questions, questions we hope you can answer. Are you willing?" Joey asked.

Blink...

Then... something else...

Rafe touched the back of Joey's hand, very gently...

So soon? Please come back tomorrow, I will do my best for you and your friend, but please come back...🥺

Joey could feel the ache in his own Soul....

"I will...WE will..." Joey said.

He really didn't want to leave, but he had to get the others here...

Joey collected Brann, who was talking with Nora and the barker...and they all left, Joey taking one last look as he did so.

Rafe sighed as he watched them go...

"Uhh, sorry, but, how do I get down from here?" came a voice.

Tait...

"Just jump; I'll catch you." Rafe said.

"That was kinda fun..." Tait said.

"How much did you hear?" Rafe asked.

"Enough..." Tait answered.

"Think you can slip them a note tomorrow?" Rafe asked.

"If you don't write it, I will..." Tait answered.

"It's after dark; Regina can wait." Rafe said.

"For now..." Tait said.

[sothera]

When Tait arrived, Rafe stood up, shakily..

"You have the cloth..." Rafe asked, his voice tired and distant..

"Yeah.. Gods, Rafe, you..." Tait asked.

"Yeah .. you need to.. wrap it around the hilt, and when I say "Now", pull back with everything you've got, can you do that?" Rafe asked.

"Yeah, but.." Tait began.

"Do not touch the sword, only the cloth, no hands on it, understand?" Rafe asked.

"Okay.. on three.." Tait said, grabbing the now wrapped sword..

"One..."

"Two..." Rafe relaxed.. as much as he could.

"Three..." Tait said, trying to stay as detached as he could.

Tait pulled with every bit of strength he had...

The sound...and the resistance...

Tait wanted to retch, but he had a job to do...

Rafe let out a series of grunts as Tait managed to pull the sword completely out.

William finally found his senses...

"Rafe?... Rafe?...." William watched as, just as it would for Soth, the gash in Rafe's shoulder healed itself... then vanished entirely.

"Thank the Gods..." William said.

"Or.. thank something else..." Rafe said, trying to smile.

"I'm okay, I'm okay, William, I just need to visit Jeff for a bit, your sword.. the main enchantment has been altered.. deliberately." Rafe said.

"When I... when it... the sword wanted to go as deep into you as it could. I had to fight with it to get it to hit your right shoulder, and not your left. It wanted your Heart." William said.

"Your sword spoke to me, William, I think, when I didn't die immediately, it chose me .. to become your assassin." Rafe said.

"Gods...my brothers!" William shouted.

"Yes, Tait will take you to Regina's office; she's.. something else entirely.. but she does have a telephone, call them immediately, but use her phone, not your ComGem. I'm gonna get this to the workshop...and William, as soon as you can, get out of that armour, I think it may work in tandem with the sword." Rafe said.

William nodded, "What is this about Regina?"

"Tait can explain it on the way, let's get this dealt with. I'll have a good look at the sword, see if it's repairable or not, you go on to Regina and talk to your brothers." Rafe said.

William felt a gentle hand on his back..

"Let's get to the Ice Princess..." Tait said, gently leading William out of the cage to Regina's office.

Reluctantly, Rafe wrapped the sword around the hilt, then picked it up...

Heh Heh Heh...

Wrap me up with mystic cloth...

Too bad you're not as brave as Soth..

He would take Me in his hand...

Slay the Knight and take his Land...

"No, he wouldn't, he's too strong for you, just as I was, but thank you for giving me your intentions, that was most helpful." Rafe answered.

I'll wait a year, or two, or three..

When I am but a memory...

"No, you won't." Rafe answered, "in a few days, what's left of you will be encased in aluminum, buried in an undisclosed location, and sewn with salt."

By now, Rafe was well on his way to his workshop.. his forge❤️... almost there...

Abomination!

Hells-Bred Spawn!

I'll be here when you're long gone!

"No...you won't..." Rafe arrived at his workshop; a shadow of his last one, so many years ago...

Nevertheless...

Still in his Wild Man outfit, Rafe took the cursed blade in, looked at it, and smiled...

He then snapped the sword, just below each grip; Rafe knew he was taking a risk, the sword might retaliate...but it was worth it...

The scream it gave off was very satisfying...

He placed the broken nightmare into the Do Not Use bin...

"For you, William, we start from scratch." Rafe said aloud.

But not before I get rid of this thing.. he thought.

Let me take care of things...then you go...

[sothera]

After they finished eating, the four decided to take in the sights, starting with some of the tickets Tait gave them...

.. they weren't disappointed..

Each exhibit displayed a different, rare creature, none of which any of them had ever seen. It was particularly fascinating for Joey, as these things only existed in books and television for him. Each display also has its own lighting, as well as a vocal description via a hidden speaker which turned on by stepping on the floor in front of it.

Pretty Hi-Tech for a world that still relied on vacuum tubes...

The group approached the first enclosure, and were amazed, even Brann was wide-eyed.

"That cannot be what I think it is..." Brann finally said.

"It is.. we had.. a fair few of them centuries ago." William said, his hand half going for his sword.

"Oh my God.." Joey said.

"The God of the Green Eyes had nothing to do with this." Soth said, noticing the pallid red light under his shirt, trying to calm down.

Then, a voice, as if bone was scraping against bone...which very well might be...

The One That Consumes His Own is correct; your God did nothing as I starved, so I asked for help from another God. That one was happy to grant my Boon.

"And you are happy to be His Thrall?" Soth asked.

ALWAYS... With body and Soul...

"What Soul?" Soth asked, as he dead eyed the.. being.. in the cage

Before things could escalate any further, Joey pressed his foot on the spot on the floor... a pallid purple light shone from the top of the cage, immediately silencing the creature within, followed by a surprisingly pleasant, but tinny sounding, female voice.

The entity contained in front of you... has many names. "The Eternal Hungerer, The Bone Deer, The Soulless Eater, but the most current is the one with whom most people are familiar.

It is The Wendigo... Classified as an upper level Diabolical, The Wendigo exists only for one reason; to eat. They usually start with family members... Then, still unsatisfied, uses its newfound powers to hunt for prey; prey that will never satisfy its neverending need.. for food. We ask that you move on quickly; the spells of placation will draw its attention from you, but continued contact is... unpleasant.

"I'm sorry; this one skipped my mind, I should have warned you, especially you, Soth, are you okay?" asked a familiar voice.

Rafe wasn't smiling anymore; he looked haggard, but determined.

"Makeup" ... Rafe explained, "Just spiked my hair, and spackled the skin base on, then I remembered...Pete..."

"Pete?" Soth asked as he tried to calm the Flare.

"You named it Pete?"

"Yeah; it helps, takes some of the intimidation away...the light you're seeing is the spell kicking in; it helps, but this thing has a nasty mouth and can reach directly into your head."

"Uhh .." Soth said..

"Please... I'm sorry, normally, my control is much better than this...it just... won't cooperate." Soth said, embarrassed.

Smiling, Rafe took both of Soth's hands in his.

"Remember this?" Rafe asked...

"Yes!" Soth answered smiling, "I was in the park, watching Joey, with many other people. I was just another kid to them; no fear, no odd looks, no forcing my head down, no bare chest to remind people I'm not Human."

"Hmm.. maybe this, then.." Rafe said...

"What is that?" Rafe asked.

Soth smiled, "It's pizza; very very good.."

"Where.. are you...?" Rafe asked...

Soth knew it would come up sooner or later; he would've preferred later, but...

"On The Surface, Rafe, I managed to punch through granite, I was tracking a Purple Worm."

Rafe broke the link..

"That explains it; I wondered about those glasses.." Rafe said, looking at Joey.

"They're polycarbonate plastic." Joey said.

"Poly-carbonate.." Rafe repeated.. "Multiple resins, moulded together for added strength."

"Yeah... how did you...? Joey asked.

"Hey, I'm not just another pretty face..." Rafe smiled.

Rafe turned his attention back to Soth, "Purple Worm, huh? Have a look here..."

They walked away from the Wendigo, which seemed to be preoccupied with.. something, and went into another room to encounter...

All Soth would say was, "It's a good thing Ryder isn't here..."

"This one's been preserved and mounted; one of the few specimens that isn't actually alive." Rafe said.

"My compliments to the artist; they even managed to preserve the sheen." William said.

"Yep; he's a lot to dust." Rafe said looking at the display and stepping on the right spot.

This large beast chews through solid rock searching for prey. This creature regards anything it encounters as food. Loud noises attract them; although their natural habitat is underground, Purple Worms can be encountered on the surface, in rocky, mountainous areas.

"And that's how this part of my life began." Soth said, looking up at one of the creatures he'd...

"How long did it take?" Rafe asked.

"Once I got a good grip...not long, it didn't suffer, that's not my way." Soth said.

"I know," Rafe said, looking at Soth, "you've lived a life far different than mine, but we're the same blood, you and I, and I hope I prove to be a worthy friend."

"As do I." Soth said, "Despite my .. job.. my life has been sheltered, in many ways, compared to yours. I hope my naivete will not be too much of an annoyance."

"I got my... Soth... at the age of fourteen; his life has been martial in nature for many years, his Human fosters transferred his care to the Hunters in fear of the League, which was becoming worrisome by then. Despite what he says, Soth has come a long way from the shy boy that barely looked up at you." Brann said.

"Thanks in no small part to his new friends; and his solid foundation, you, Brann." Rafe said.

"And you should find this last being I'm going to share with you as beautiful as I do; his name is Elijah, and while he is incapable of speech, he's as smart as we are, and I consider him someone worth dying for. He is not an exhibit; he is my friend, who visits me, and he's agreed to meet all of you."

After leading them down a long corridor, Rafe opened the door.

"SELDARINE!" Brann said, seeing the creature first...

They each looked in turn...and were speechless..

Brann said something in Elvish; Elijah looked at him and snorted, as if happy.

Joey just stared, then said, "You understand every word we say, don't you?"

Elijah looked at Joey...and nodded.

Soth looked down at his feet, "There are no words; to be in the same room as you..."

"Soth...take your shoes and socks off." Rafe said.

Soth did as Rafe asked...

There... That's better..

The voice was male, deep, yet musical...

Elijah...

Your Handler seems to be having a religious experience; please tell him I'm not a Deity, and you can look at me, I like eye contact.

Elijah nuzzled Soth in the chest, his nose just under Soth's chin, he gently booped Soth's chin just enough...

There! Much better! Handsome boy, smart one too. But...you have your sorrows and doubts. How Human of you!

"Rafe speaks on your behalf? Brann, he's not a Deity, stop it. Joey, he likes you, and you William, you can stop gawking, he likes you too."

That's better! Rafe convinced me a while back not to.. end things.. when my beloved died; he doesn't admit it, but Rafe needs reminding Life needs to be lived, people you don't think of would be affected by the loss. You could give him another reason to wake up the next day. Not another job, but another life. He's experienced loss; he'll open up about that in time, but he does need help. Can you help him?

"I can, and I will." Soth promised.

Elijah snorted, looked at Rafe, and after Rafe nodded, Elijah moved back, and flew off.

"He'll be back; he wants to see you all again. For now, I will get back to business. William, the real reason I asked you to participate in the cage is that I would like to have a good look at your sword and your armour." Rafe said.

"I see; why?" William asked.

"I don't doubt that they're among the best available, but I'd like to see if I can do better." Rafe said.

"You could do better? William asked.

"Yep; like I said before, I'm not just another pretty face.." Rafe answered

"We have about an hour; let's go over what we should do, and I need to finish getting ready, if you three would go to the Arena, William and I will practice what we need to do." Rafe said.

"We'll be right in front.." Soth said, looking at William and Rafe.

"He'll be fine; I'm the one that will be getting stabbed." Rafe said.

"What?!? NO, absolutely not!" William shouted.

"Easy... I'm like Soth, remember? I'll be fine, we'll have money if we need it, and it's the only way I can get a good look at your sword, the way Roundy would approve." Rafe said.

"Roundy?" Brann asked.

"My first Handler...my life..my world.." Rafe said.

There were several minutes of silence, then the three of them left, leaving Rafe and William alone.

"It will be fine; trust me, this isn't my first trip to the circus." Rafe said, grinning rakishly.

[sothera]

"Perhaps we should begin with a look at your winnings..." Regina said, not mentioning the call he'd just placed.

"Yes, I'm eager to see what I've won..." William said, although that was only half true.

William was far more interested in seeing Regina's reaction to it.

"Here we are..." She said, leading him to a room with a rather large wooden chest inside.

"It took several men quite a while to move it in here; normally, Rafe would just hoist it over his shoulder and trot it in, but..." Regina's voice fell off.

Shoulder...

William had managed not to recall the image, or the sensation, for a while, but it came back like a Plainsman's throw stick.

"Sorry..." Regina said, although it was quite obvious she was not sorry.

"Of course; just as I am for harming your chief source of income, as such, allow me to make amends." William said.

"Please accept half of the chest's contents as thanks; for saving my life and introducing me to someone that will be helpful for our team in the future."

That had the desired effect...

Money, then...

Regina's eyes showed the first signs of life...

"That's very generous of you, Mr. Stetman, that amount of money will be helpful for quite some time. As our circus grows, so does its expenses, and of course the salary issues."

William smiled, "Under better circumstances, I would happily donate the entire chest, but I have a feeling I will need some scratch too."

"Oh yes .. raw materials.. always a challenge. I can relate." Regina said.

"Food alone, both for the public and our employees, not to mention the exhibits..."

"But then, you'd know about that, wouldn't you, William?"

"Pardon?" William asked.

"The young man you brought with you to watch the match; he was accompanied by an Elf, which first brought him to our attention." Regina answered.

"We don't get many Elves; a few Dwarves to see the spectacle from time to time, but maybe one or two Elves a year, and never the same ones."

'We'... 'Our'... William was tempted to ask, but thought better...

...no use popping the spring...

"As if the Elf weren't enough, the young man that accompanied him, well, had a unique way of speaking, kids these days, not a 'Sir' or a 'Ma'am' in their vocabulary."

The Hunters, William thought, they wanted Soth to have as much education as possible, so they made sure he spent as much time in their library as he did on a Hunt.

"Then of course there's the build; if they weren't...well, what they are, they could really clean up. Isn't it funny when they try to suck it in, like a big belly, Rafe tries it and it's hilarious!" Regina giggled slightly.

... and there it was...

"He also put on quite the light show..."

"Yes; Soth is still quite young, and seeing one of his kind being injured by (careful) someone he works closely with, well ..." William said.

"Yes, they do have feelings, don't they, rather intense ones." Regina said.

(Easy) "Yes, they do..." William said.

"I imagine working so closely with one gives you insight on how they think and feel..." Regina said.

"I know it hurts, William, sorry about the armour, but you're clean now, and I can pour the powder in, it will hurt more than a little..."

"So...tired..."

"I know...I could..."

"No, Soketh, please, please..."

"It's okay, William, it's Soth...I'm going to get you into town, a good, proper hotel, you can rest, and recover there. The bad news is that it's a League dominated town; the good news is you can lean on my back for support when the townsfolk aren't looking..."

"You would imagine correctly (easy) but let's get back to our original conversation." William said.

"Oh, yes, I will have the accounting clerks count and divide it evenly; do you want to be present when that happens?"

"No, I'm sure you and your staff will handle things professionally." William said, suddenly sad that he hadn't defended his friends better.

Regina smiled...

...or, rather, her lips stretched into a smile...

"You can count on it..." Regina said.

... probably the closest she'll ever get to making a joke... William thought...

"I'll let you know when it's done; Tait's outside, probably hopping from foot to foot for you, you're staying with Rafe, right?"

At first, William thought about it, but he realized if he said no, it might put himself and Soth in danger, not to mention Joey...

... better to have two inhumanly strong people around than one...

"Yes, if we can..." William began.

"Stand the smell?" Regina asked.

"Yeah..." Wondering how many baths Soth had already taken.

"Well, at least I know where you are...you should probably go before Tait ruptures..."

"We'll speak again soon." William said, trying not to speed walk to the door.

Regina waited several minutes, then got her Scryglass...

"They know; you need to be more careful."

"I'll do my best," Kellon said, "but at the end of the day, I want him to know who it is."

"Can you get me more Brainflight?" Regina asked.

"Don't worry; your Kobolds will be tipsy by the end of the day tomorrow." Kellon said.

"Good..." Regina said, cutting the link.

[sothera]

"Ah!, Mr. Stetman, please come in, I suppose our little secret is out, can I count on your discretion to keep it?"

So far, so good William thought maybe I can keep the conversation calm and basic...

"Forgive my appearance and yes, Rafe has actually been quite helpful, both to me, and my family, speaking of which, I need to speak to them, as quickly as I can. Do you have a telephone that I may use?" William asked.

"Of course; right over there." Regina answered.

"Thank you..." William said as he gave it a look. One of the newer ones (for here at least) with a number pad. He briefly considered dialing Lucas, then thought better of it, thinking Regina might be able to get the number somehow.

Instead, he put in a different number...

"Good evening, Stetman Castle, this is Sarah how may I help you?" the familiar voice asked.

"Thank Gods!, Sarah, is anyone awake besides you? Hayden? Lucas? even Himself? It's important..." William tried to be quiet but he wanted his intensity and worry to cross through the line with his voice.

"Uhh.. I think I heard Catherine earlier rooting through the big icebox looking for some chomp. She's had time to hoof it back to her room by now, I'll try her first." Sarah said.

"Thank you..." William said, meaning it...

"If it's that bad, I can ring up the Steward, he can get your dad up and on in a few minutes." Sarah suggested.

"If Cath's up, she can get him up to speed just as quickly, please ring her first." William said.

"Alright then; you okay?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah, I'm okay..." William said.

There was a pause...

"Small in size, but not a quitter, though we called him..." Sarah said.

"Runt of the Litter..." William finished.

"Sorry, Will; I had to check..." Sarah said.

"I know; we'll have to change it now..." William said.

"I'll ring her room for you now." Sarah said.

The toddy wasn't working... probably because she didn't put any real toddy, just warm milk and nutmeg...she needed to be 'here'; all three brothers were away, the Knights were about their business, and she was left alone, to handle..things...

Father had Vincent for that...

So...mostly reading, chatting, shopping, being seen by the Right People...

Cathy felt her spirit leave her body for a second...

When she got hold of herself, she answered...

"Hello?" Cathy asked.

"Hi Cathy, I know it's late, but Sarah said you'd be up." William said.

"Yes, I'm awake, what is it, what's happened, why aren't you using your Gem?" Cathy asked.

"It may have been... compromised..." William said.

"WHAT?!" Cathy yelled into the phone.

"Listen, Cath, it's complicated..."

"Then Un-Complicate it for me! First it was the whole Spider Spine thing..."

"I'm fine, Cath..."

"You stayed in a Hotel, Will...you have King's Own Physician to attend to you, do you know how I had to bark at the Other Two and Himself for you to remain there?"

"You're going to have to bark at them again; my sword and armour were compromised somehow. The magic corrupted in such a way as to turn the blade against me, and the armour to make it possible for the sword to penetrate, which is probably how I got jabbed by the spider in the first place. Hayden and Lucas's equipment need to be checked as quickly as possible!"

"How did you find out?" Cathy asked.

"I was in a cage match with a .."

"A cage match!?" Cathy asked.

"...with a man named Rafe; when I jabbed him.."

"You stabbed him!?" Cathy asked.

"... through the shoulder; he said the sword spoke to him.."

"What did it say?"

"It wanted him to kill me and take The Throne."

"You're not First or even Second in Line.." Cathy said, her mind finally kicking in.

"Now that I'm clear-headed, I think my death would be secondary to the goals of these people." William said.

"What makes you say that?" Cathy asked.

"The man I was in the cage with...was an Inductor..."

"The Wild Man Challenge!?"

"Yes, Cath.."

"You voluntarily got into a metal cage with one of them, after your experience with Soketh?"

"Yes, Cath; after we choreographed the entire fight, he's no monster, no more than Soth, it was his idea to let me jab him in the first place."

"Soth.. the one that helps you..."

"Yes..."

"The one .. with the back.."

"Yes, Cath, and front (which thankfully she didn't see) and two sides, just like folks."

He remembered the inspection; he didn't realize Cathy was there until one of the Knight's Entourage mentioned it, and that she got a good look at, "that bloke Soth's rather well put together backside."

Soth was of course cleaning up after yet another Caver Contract; this one involving Hill Trolls...

... and Soth's (then) need to make friends, especially with Knights...

"No need to blast through, Sir, allow me..."

"Now we can sneak in: they'll never hear us coming..."

"I got this one, Sir, no need to bother..."

"Hello, Sir Knight, did you fancy this one? I saw you eyeballing it in the Pit, thought you might like to have it as a trophy..."

William rolled his eyes...

Then of course the inevitable...

"To be clean is to be healthy, wouldn't you agree, Sir Knight?" Soth asked in complete innocence.

"Yes...uh..Soth..." the Knight said quietly.

"Is he doing it on purpose?" Hayden asked.

"No, he's completely unaware.." William answered.

"He also wants us Purebloods to like him."

🎵If you don't wanna be kicked out the tavern,

You can't smell like ya live in a cavern,

Use Kadiri Soap!, It comes on a rope,

So you can wear it round yer neck while you lather...🎵

While Soth was...busy...he really didn't notice the effect he was having on people. The Knights just stared; some of them quietly moved to the front of the cavern to get the...full view...

Luckily, Soth's pants remained on...

"Gods, if I trained for years..."

"I have a lady friend at home..."

"So do I..."

"Uh... Soth... could you be done now?" William asked quietly.

"Oh, yes, of course William, I can do the rest later." Soth said.

"Please..." William said.

What none of them noticed was the young red haired woman watching in equal fascination farther back ...

Back...

As Cathy watched, the muscles and tendons in Soth's back flexed, bulged, and relaxed, like an organic machine...

Flex... bulge... relax... Flex... bulge... relax... almost like a dance...

"LADY CATHERINE!" the stern voice said.

"THIS IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE VENUE FOR YOU, GO BACK TO THE CASTLE AT ONCE!" the voice said.

As she trudged back to the castle with as much dignity as she could, she recalled a tapestry she'd seen on one of the walls, titled "The Dark Battle" which depicted scores of Soth's kind battling... something... on the ground and in the air, wearing some kind of armour that left their upper body mostly bare.

That tapestry didn't do them justice...

"You think it's The League, don't you?" Cathy asked, snapping back to the present.

"Yes, I think I was a target of opportunity, the one they wanted was Soth, but Rafe got involved before whatever plan they had could work." William answered.

"Still, I think it would be a good idea to have Hayden, Lucas, and even Father's armour inspected by a Dwarven Master and an Elven Magus."

"I'll start the ball rolling: right now." Catherine said.

"He'll want to see you, you know, Father, and doubtless The Two as well."

"I know; as soon as things settle here, I'll make the trip." William said.

"What about your equipment?"

"I already have a handle on that."

"Oh?"

"Yes; the Wild Man is apparently going to make me a Sword, at the very least." William said.

"I didn't know they could..." Catherine said

"Neither did I, but Artist is one of the professions they are allowed to work in." William said.

"Hmmm...the results should be... interesting." Catherine said.

"I have someone waiting on me here, I have to go, Cath." William said.

"Okay; call me again soon."

"I will..." William said, ending the call.

"Well...all sorted out?" Regina asked.

"Yes..." William said.

"Down to business, then...