Author's Ramblings: Okay, the events of this story really did happen to me. I loaded up the file with my druid to go play, but once everything finished loading, I noticed something rather peculiar: Casavir was gone, and in his place was an icon that looked like a departing shadowed figure. I figured it was a minor glitch that would go away once I went to another area, but it didn't. So I went to the Flagon to check if he was there. He wasn't. Creepy, no?
I hope he's there once I load that file again, but for now I'm attempting to turn fear into creativity with this story inspired by that happening.
As always, I do not own anything but Hariele and the strange presence.

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Hariele shifted uncomfortably, drawing her Watchman's cloak tighter around herself. Hugging her knees against her chest, she shoved a lock of hair away from her forehead, trembling. The Flagon was particularly icy this night, though no one else seemed to be bothered by it. In fact, the sounds of laughter and conversation were even louder and merrier than usual. She pressed her palms to her ears, moaning lightly and wishing it would all just go away.

Perhaps it was stress that was making everything go wrong tonight. Being accused of slaughtering an entire village and having to become a knight in the service of a city you didn't really care for took a toll on one's health. Add to that the pain of doing Captain Brelaina's work for the City Watch, one after another, all to enter the Blacklake district... didn't they have any other Watchmen who could do the job?

It wasn't just the chill in the air and the general feeling of malaise, either. There was a growing fear looming over her, clawing at her nerves and stability. It was largely paranoia, and every so often she'd glance around the room to check if anyone was watching her, only to duck away from the harsh firelight once again. But not even Bishop was keeping an eye on her this time, and that was saying something...

"Hariele?"

She looked up abruptly, startled, and was met with the gentle face of Shandra Jerro. The woman wore an expression of obvious concern, almost motherly. "Are you feeling all right?"

Hariele blinked feebly, wearily shaking her head. Her forehead glistened with a sheen of sweat, and her breathing had grown shallow and irregular. It was like trying to breathe soup, the air was so thick...

"Okay," Shandra said, turning away and surveying the common room, "just hold on, and I'll go get... Casavir?"

Confused, Hariele stared up at Shandra. "Why the hesitation?" she mumbled.

"I... I thought Casavir could help with this kind of thing, but..." Shandra ran a hand through her hair, biting her lip. "...Hariele, Casavir's gone."

"Then... bring Elanee over here." She arched an eyebrow in an irritated fashion, feeling quite impatient.

"All right." Shandra left for a few moments, and Hariele tucked her head beneath her arms once more, not looking up until she heard the sound of approaching footsteps.

"You are correct, Shandra... there is definitely something unsettling in the air about her." Elanee stooped down and brushed a hand across Hariele's forehead. "We ought to get her to her room."

"I don't think she can walk like this," Shandra cautioned.

Hariele was just about to protest before she was scooped up by someone who was definitely not Shandra or Elanee. Bishop smirked down at her, one hand of his supporting her shoulders, the other arm under her knees. She scowled at him as Shandra and Elanee exchanged weary glances.

"Put me dowwwnnnn," she whined as he fished her room key out of the pocket where she always kept it. "I can walk for myself."

"Not like this, you can't," he stated nonchalantly, turning the key in the lock. "Besides, do you think I'd pass up a chance like this? You, Hariele Arna, supposed butcher of Ember, weak and defenseless?"

The door swung open, and Hariele growled at him. "If you don't put me down, I am going to be sick all over you."

He snorted with derision, dumping her on the bed and smirking when she shrieked. Striding out of the room, he slapped the key into Shandra's palm before heading out to the common room.