Fable FanFic: Old Friends, New Wounds
Chapter 1 : Shall We?

Authors Note: I don't own anything. Everything goes to the gods at Lionhead. Well here you go, something that has been plaguing my mind for a while. Hope you enjoy it. BAYMN!

With a swift swipe of her Master Long sword, the womanly looking man collapsed to the ground in a pile of blood.

"Bastard" She whispered to herself.

No matter where she went, betrayal and hatred seemed to follow her every move. She walked on upwards out of Echo Mine, her dark ponytail looking ragged, clothes soaked in Hobbe guts and human blood and heavens knows what else. Wincing at the clean cut across her stomach she pushed open the door to reveal the outside world.

Squinting her eyes at the sudden sunlight she shielded them with her arm. She trod onwards to rest at a nearby tree. Her back rubbing against the bark as she slid downwards. Blade. That was her 'title'. She didn't care much for fancy names like 'Chosen One' or 'Lion Heart', this girl wanted something short and sweet and could describe her actions in one word. Blade, pretty much did that. Of course she had a gun, and used a little bit of will now and again, but she treated her sword like her companion. A lone sigh escaped her lips. Memories flooded her mind of her deceased friend. How he died so needlessly. The choices Theresa gave were pathetic. Wealth wasn't something she needed. Money didn't bring her happiness. Ever since Rose died in front of Blade, nothing did. The moment when she was surrounded with a white light and 3 cards, she thought to herself her supposed 'choices' were poor. She wanted nothing but her sister back. She thought about the love card, but her dog was getting old, he probably would have passed away soon anyway, at least he died a worthy death, even if it was needless. Blade didn't have any family either, she had plenty of admirers yet none of them seemed appealing; she knew that would get in the way of her duties.

She was exhausted and could feel burning in her eyes were tears were filling up. She tried to shuffle positions but winced and the pain of her new wound. She used her last health potion during her battle with the Hobbes; she wasn't expecting another one when Tommy turned up.

She put her head in her knees and breathed heavily, hand over wound. So wrapped up in her own memories she didn't even here someone approaching.

"You might need a potion for that".

Blade was about to tell him where he could shove that potion but soon recognised the voice. With a gasp she looked up to see a tall, dark skinned man, with white hair and very bright will lines standing a few paces in front.

Garth.

"Garth?" she said bounding to her feet only to curse at the cut screaming for healing.

"Hello. Nice to see you in top condition." His eyes gestured towards the wound and guts. Blade swore she could see a smirk tugging at the side of his face, but soon trashed the thought. It was rare Garth showed any type of emotion.

"Blame it on countless numbers of hobbes and years of fighting for my life." She said trying to smile, even though it was so hard to with a big gaping wound stretching across her stomach. She nearly tripped only to be supported by Garths cold but welcomed support.

Garth was really the only one that she had any type of feelings for. She did her best to avoid Reaver like he was the plague. Hammer was a good friend, but often did she get in the way in battle, and that annoyed Blade to no end since she was used to fighting solo. Shadow, her dog, she cherished dearly for he was her sort of friend. Quiet but fierce in battle, and did anything to protect his master. Even die. She shook her head to rid the thought and soon supported herself to stand up straight.

"I suppose i know where you come from." He said in his usual gruff tone.

Blade felt like screaming, how many people said that. 5? 6? 7? 100? Nobody knew what she had been through, what she felt. How selfless she was. How she gave up nearly everything she had, owned and loved, so everybody could be happy. Nobody.

"What brings you back to Albion?" Blade questioned rather coolly.

Garth seemed to ponder on the thought for a bit then looked towards the ground, then back facing Blade. He opened his mouth then slammed it shut.

Finally he said "Reaver. He's been driving me mad. Samarkand's a lovely place when he isn't trying to kill and bed everyone inhabiting the land."

"That sounds like Reaver." She said with a slight smile.

"I don't suppose my tower is still standing?" Garth said raising an eyebrow.

"I was killing highwaymen and assassins near there a few nights ago, last time I checked it was still
standing."

"Good, perhaps we shall catch up there?" He said with a hint of hopefulness in his usual gruff voice.

"Sure once I tend to this lovely little wound." Blade said looking towards her stomach.
Garth jumbled about in various potions strapped on his body before passing what looked like a health poultice. Blade took it eagerly gave a nod of the head in appreciation before downing in one, if there was one thing Hammer could teach, that was drinking.

What seemed like a thanks escaped her lips before she threw the empty bottle behind her with an almighty smash. The wound seemed to heal up fairly quickly, and before she could even say what on earth he put in that potion, Garth gestured his hand towards Oakfield...

"Shall We?"