Dunwall, 1833

She crept through the hallway, body sinking deep into the shadow, barely feet swept over the wooden floor with gentle movements.

Her coat felt too heavy. She sighed silently. Five more steps to the stairs. Ten to the office. Twelve to the balcony.

She knew her way around, had made sure to know. She heard laughing downstairs. Celebrations and drunken nobles were her favorite. 3more steps. Suddenly a noise. She moved up, practically jumping up the stairs, out of sight. She avoided the second stair, cause she knew it would creak under her weight. That kind of noise was never helpful to someone in her position. A maid passed just an armlength below her, mumbling something about her drunken master. Childish held her breath, pressing deeper, finding comfort in what little shadow the stairs had to offer.

There was laughter coming from downstairs, drunken laughter. Careless laughter. Bless Princess Emily Kaldwin, for she was a jolly good fellow! Birthdays always gave people reasons to feast, and that alone was enough to fill Childish's pockets with much-needed money and information.

One last look at the passing she was all alone again. And ventured further.

The house of Ardent Riveni was nothing special, it was rather small for a noble, but that just showed he left his money elsewhere. Riveni loved women. Unfortunately, they were not particularly fond of him. This resulted in horrendous amounts of money to bribe maids he harassed, bastard children he had fathered and lots and lots of whores. And also in his wife getting jewelry. Childish had rarely seen such an illustrious pile of rubies, diamonds, and gold. So much pretty glitter had to be a burden for the poor Lady Riveni. A burden that Childish was glad to lift.

The office door was not locked, to her own amazement. She listened closely but there was no sound or indication for an intruder. As careful as she could (Childish could be very careful, hell, had someone given her a baby, a crystal chandelier and a fine china teacup to juggle with, she would have mastered fine, up until the point where the baby hit the floor) she opened the door and spilled into the study. The jewels were some goodies for her, but her contract demanded something else.

She snuck up to the big wooden writing desk. Picking a lock on a drawer? No big deal for her. It took mere seconds(she counted her breaths; one, two…three) and with a satisfying clicking, the lock opened. Her fingers started to ache, but she ignored the familiar pain. Some money. Nice. Maybe she could afford those sweet new lockpicks after all.

And letters. She scanned through them quickly.

Dear Ardent,

Our night together -blablabla- no one like you- ugh really?

A little help with -ok now we get to the point-Yours truly, Emmeline

Childish was pretty sure that was not what she was looking for.

The next one was more promising.

Lord Riveni,

In the occurrence of our earlier correspondence, the matter of your inheritance-

That was more like it. The next one looked even better. Oh, her new acquaintance would be pleased. And a deal was a deal, so Childish would be very pleased too.

The last one though was for her, and only her. Her tiny heart leaped with joy as she read.

Ardent,

Your new mistress is a lovely woman, she offered her place for us to meet. Tomorrow, midnight.

J

Tomorrow was not much time, but she had prepared herself. She knew all about Ardent Riveni and his friends. And she knew where his mistress lived. And she would get her pound of meat, even if it would be the last she did.

Someone tumbled upon the stairs. Childish cursed under her breath. She cursed a lot, she realized, how very scandalous. The door opened. No time to leap on the balcony. A great thief she was!

With one hasty move, the letters disappeared in the pocket of her coat. Getting cover under the wooden desk was bad but not worse than the curtains. And certainly better than getting caught.

A long second Childish cursed herself. Why had she never tried to seek a normal profession? Like baker? Or maid in a posh house like this? The uniform would have suited her better than her dark coat and the ragged, grey trousers. And her hair, when had she worn her hair long enough to do anything with it? Such an unfair life, she was not old and not even that ugly!

Oh, Ardent! What do you want to show me?' a female voice chirped.

His cock, Childish mused in her hideout. I'm positive it is his cock. And you know it, girl.

They indeed started snogging, as far as the sounds could be interpreted. Moaning and drunken laughter rarely meant anything than snogging. And there was no escape. Because they got cozy on the bloody desk, the one and only Childish had chosen to hide under. She kept her eyes on the balcony. Her one and only escape. Just one leap. But no. Horny Lord Riveni needed to lay some lass.

The moaning and the other wet sounds got more intense. Childish tried not to listen and instead started counting her breaths again until that got boring. Then she thought about all the new things she would get herself with that horny idiot's money. And finally, she started her grocery list.

She thought about apples when two dark boots appeared on the balcony. Right out of nowhere.

And she meant it. They just appeared. Like they had always been there. Of course, it wasn't only boots but a man in a dark coat and whaler's mask too.

She blinked and he was gone. Only to reappear in front of her. She was imagining things now, was she? She sure as hell hoped so.

The sounds changed dramatically, but only for a brief time. Moans got muffled groans. Rustling clothes got the slashing of a blade. The wet sound of sex was replaced by trickling blood. And as fast as it started it was over.

Childish listened in horror. All that sounds were too familiar.

Eyes wide open, trembling hands, she watched him disappear. Had he just stopped for a brief second, staring right at her supposed hiding place, where the shadows and wood concealed her?

Outsider's dirty ballsacks. I am as good as dead. This time he will kill me for sure. I should have stayed far away, somewhere warm and cozy.

She cursed as she emerged from under the desk. Swift and clean work. She fought the urge to run away. This hit too close to home. Nobles, affairs, those movements…like he used…magic?

But why not me?Not that I complain...

And how easy it would have been for him to kill her right here. She was handy with her lockpicks and quite agile, you had to be when you climbed Dunwalls rooftops. But that was that. True, she could and had defended herself. There was a dagger sheathed to her arm. Could she use it? Yeah, of course, and not for slicing her breakfast. Was she a match for a mighty, magic possessing assassin? No way.

And sure as hell, not this magical assassin. Cause he would be very pissed.

She needed to get the fuck out of this house. NOW.

Come on, old girl, your job here is done. Do what you are good at.

And so she chewed on her lips and leaped off the balcony. Despite her nervous feeling, her footwork was steady, her hands hurting, but as experienced as ever. The rooftops were illuminated by a firework, shining blood red in the dim light.

Childish had planned her escape route, but now she moved aimlessly, turning from district to district, using secret passages and shortcuts for hours. Surprising how much had changed in the underground of Dunwall. The city boomed with life and wealth, but also with filth. She was like an old whore, wearing too much makeup. That was the way of things, as some rose to power other fell deep. The filth was still familiar and better than nothing.

When she finally had herself convinced she was safe, dawn had arrived. The house bent under its own weight like an old man. It smelled the same, of dust and earth and death, sweet and rotten. She had chosen it out of stupid nostalgic reasons.

She double checked her surroundings before entering. She didn't exactly have a key, more of a wooden plank on the first floor she could slide through.

Stepping out of her boots and coat, she stretched her back. All her few belongings where stacked long a filthy mattress. Not much. A sigh escaped her lips. No place like home. Or the closest thing to home you had anyway.

A moment she wondered why she had returned. Dunwall was a rotten place. Then she thought of faces she had once known and cared about and guilt washed over her in an enormous ship wrecking wave. She would have stayed away if there had been any other choice. But things needed to end, they needed to end here and now, or it would get worse. And she couldn't risk that. And the people she cared about could protect themselves well enough.

Childish heard a slow tapping noise, and instantly knew she was not alone anymore. She wasn't that surprised when a strong, gloved hand grabbed her by the throat, slamming her brutally into the wall. It sill hurt. The leather felt cool on her bare skin.

I'd wager you would find me.' she whispered.'But not so fast.'

Hello, Sara.' Daud's gaze pierced right through her. For a moment she was quite sure he would just break her neck and be done with it. Outsider, she deserved it.

Years had been rough on him, just like they had been on her. So many new lines in his face.

Aw, you know I hate it when you call me that.' she coughed, desperately sucking in every bit of air she could get. His hands were like steel around her throat. Her fingers seemed tiny I comparison, searching for any weak point, her thumbs caressing. The pain was bad today, but then again, she had climbed the rooftops all night, so it had been expected.'Good to see you.'

And in an odd way, it really was. Touching him was familiar, and she had missed it. A shame, really, that they were both wearing gloves. That he was practically strangling her didn't strike her as a bad thing. It meant he was not murdering her in cold blood.

She looked down at his coat. He was wearing Red. So it had been one of his henchmen back there.

Figures, he would have noticed me way earlier, you need to work on your perception, old girl.

It has been a while.' She whispered hoarsely, one of her hands letting go of his. Maybe, she hoped, if she kept him talking, she could find a way to free herself.'Fancy coat.'

He caught her hand midway, Not even remotely close to his face, twisting it in a way that would have made her hiss- if there had been air in her lungs. Childish could practically feel his cold anger on her skin. For a moment her sight blackened.

You hid well these last years,' he said, loosening the grip around her throat but not letting go.'Why come back, Sara?'

I know we aren't exactly on best terms, darling,' she put every ounce of charm she ever possessed in her voice. It did next to nothing. Or at least that was what his face looked like. She tried to read more than suspicion and anger in his eyes and why not assume I missed you?'

Dauds only reaction was turning away and finally letting go. Childish took a deep breath.

You stole from us,' said another voice. Childish twitched, she hadn't noticed anything other than Daud and now she cursed herself for getting a victim of her own weakness.

You disappeared, without a word.' The man wore a coat like an assassin she had witnessed in Rivenis House. Without a whalers mask, she recognized the sharp lines of his cheekbones and the brown disheveled hair. She knew where the scar on his brow came from. She had been the one to comfort him over it so many years ago. Childish felt the blood drain from her face.

My sweet boy.' she could barely hold her smile upright. My dear sweet Ash, is that you?'

You lied, Childish.'

He didn't need to confirm anything. She knew it was him right away. With two long steps, she had crossed the distance, away from Daud's following eyes, and slung her Arms around Ash.

He didn't push her away but neither did he hug her back.

Fair enough, she thought.

You betrayed Daud. And you left me behind.'

All his words were true, but she didn't want to hear them from him. They were just ugly reminders but couldn't change past or present.

Childish looked up into his green eyes.'You know that was always what I was good at. Hiding and running away my little dumpling.'

You owe us,' he said. His face was much easier to read than Daud's. It told her tales of hurt, longing, and sadness.

I will repay you.' she said.'Sweet Boy, I missed you, I am so sorry, I will repay you, tell me, anything I can-

That doesn't mean anything from you.' Interrupted Daud.

Was it too late to run?

Tomorrow, it had only been for a short while. She could make it. Hug Ash a little longer, and then run like the devil. But she wore no boots, and the letters were in her coat. She needed those. No, he would hunt her down. Magical assassins sucked.

With a last squeeze, Childish turned back to Daud, studying his still frame, his sturdy shoulders, his hands, one wrapped around the hilt of his sword.

He knows me too well. He can see through it all.

I will not try to fight you, Daud. You know I am not that kind of stupid. You'd slice me open before I could draw my dagger. You are faster than me. 'she tried to reassure him. Stroking his ego would help.'I know exactly what I owe you. And believe me, if I hadn't a very good reason, I would have preferred not to come back ever again.'

Her words plucked a string in both of them. Ash looked even sadder now. Daud on the other hand...

Keep talking, you got him. He will listen. Just don't like him in the face. He would notice.

'If you want my head, take it. But I need to take care of some matters first. Give me two days.'

It was a bluff. She was not willing to ever pay her debts. But he didn't have to know that. The two men didn't look at her. Childish prayed to any godlike creature that would be willing to listen in.

Hey, I know I made mistakes, but everyone does, and yes, I probably am a bloody bastard, but I am also a quite good looking and useful bastard, so pretty please with cake, let me live one more day? I am going to build you a temple. Ten temples. If I have the time.

Surprisingly, Ash was the one is it?'

Gailvan followed me to Serkonos.' She let that sink into his little heart. It didn't Take long. No one hated Gailvan more than Ash. It won't take long until he finds me again.'

How did he find you?'

Juicy details, Childish thought. Daud was not as easily swayed as Ash.

Well, you know how he is. Sweet as gingerbread. I assume he broke some legs here, bribed someone there. she scratched her chin in a thoughtful manner.'Also…I May have tried to sell some rather unique loot.'

You mean my-

Yours, mine, it doesn't matter anymore, love.' she cut him off waving her hands around. Silly, but it added a certain spice to the words. And also, for the shadow of a moment, Childish actually would have sworn she saw that annoyed glance in Daud's eyes she had always been proud of. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Or would have, if she actually had been capable of fuzziness.'Point is, Gailvan still wants me dead. And you know that dog has tasted enough blood to bite my head off if I don't. So I say, let me handle it. Cause I sure don't want to end up shackled and tortured in James' keep.'

You wouldn't,' Daud answered. Childish smirked, but there were goosebumps on her spine from his implication.

Caring as ever. I take him out and give myself in your loving hands, what are you saying?'She extended her hand.' Did I Cut myself a deal?'

For now.' Childish's heart leaped up to her throat in relief and excitement. Daud bristled and studied her hand like it was a poisoned knife. 'But don't think I won't watch you closely.'

She gave him her brightest 's exactly what I was hoping for.'

He didn't as much as frown at her before leaving in a simple blink. Ash lingered for a moment. Childish gave him a nod.

'Take care,' Ash said. Then he was gone. Childish slumped to the ground in a single motion.

She was going to break that poor boy's heart all over again.

'Thank you,' Ash said, adjusting his mask.' For letting me talk to her. And not killing her.'

Dauds eyes remained focused on the worn out house that bent over the street. Not for the first time, Ash wondered what he was thinking. Daud had given him a new task in life, for which Ash would be forever grateful, still, he was never sure if the man ever had started trusting him or if he was simply another of his accomplices. Ash had not been particularly close to Daud. He had been near in the last years, carrying out tasks. But aside from the whalers, all they had in common was Childish. And Daud didn't talk about her. It was like she had been erased from his mind until Ash had seen her in Ardent Rivenis house.

I thought I saw a ghost. I wish I had.

Had it been the right decision to run right back to Daud and tell him? Ash had been so angry when he saw her familiar frame, casually lurking under a table like she had not been gone for years. Her eyes had been filled with fear, probably because she knew she couldn't hide much longer, or maybe that Ash would kill her. The anger had welled in him, for her not recognizing him, which was silly, with that hood and mask on him. He had almost wanted for Daud to rip her apart.

Sara-Childish has a way with people. You know that better than anyone. Don't let her wrap you around her finger.' Was that disgust? Or anger? Ash was not sure, but he wasn't going to ask. If Daud was angry at Childish, it was justified. For whatever she had been to him, she had fled and abandoned it all. So, Ash wondered, why was he so eager to forgive her? Was it simply because she had been cared for him, been like a mother to him when he had been all alone? Daud had to be right. She knew which buttons to press. She had always been manipulative. There was nothing else than memories.

My loyalty lies with you.'Ash said, clenching his hands to fists at his side.'She has lost any claim when she left. Nothing has changed.'

'Good.'Was it, really? Ash was not so sure about that. Daud stepped back, over the rooftop, finally turning away from Childish's hideout. The house was full of memories for Ash, and he was glad to leave. If it had been up to him, he would have never returned.

'You know she won't stay here?' he asked.'How do we keep an eye on her if she puts her disappearing act up again?'

Daud didn't answer his question, but somehow his silence was enough for Ash to know.

I guess he will just find her. You shouldn't have come back to Dunwall. Good luck hiding now, Childish.

'Then it's settled.'

'Yes.'Ash knew at least when it was time to go. And so he did.

I really hope you take care, Childish. Gailvan chasing you is bad enough. James at your heels is worse. But if you anger Daud, his wrath will smite you.