Disclaimer: I don't own it. Do I look like a garden gnome? No. so clearly I am not the master creator of these characters, pity…….

The Debt

It was just another ordinary night at Anker's. The air was coated by a foggy haze, the sound of laughed and music resonated the night. Drinking mugs smashed together, as friends celebrated. I would of liked to be part of that scene tonight. But I was off in my own world. Around our table, we sat in silent misery. The University had given us all heavy prices to pay this term. I knew I couldn't afford it but I had paid, which left me in debt to the scariest person this side of the river. I was called up to play my lute, a small price for my room above. I pulled out my lute, letting my fingers dance across the strings. I kept the music light as my friends started drinking on my tab. I smiled lightly, at least I always had a place here if I failed at the university. I often thought, of when I am old, this would be the kind of place I would like to own. Somewhere the locals come and tell stories, where the music was good and the rich were not welcome. It was a place that felt like home, warm and secure. I wished that feeling stayed, but there was a change in the air, as a new gushed of wind brought me more trouble.

The debt hanging over my head was on my mind constantly as it was. It didn't help when she turned up to the Anker's to watch one of my performances. I played the lute for almost an hour before I made my way through the crowd to her. She was leaning against the doorframe, her straight strawberry-blonde hair falling perfectly around her pixie-like face. I could see the way men looked at her. She was as cute as a button and she looked, deceivingly young. I suppose she was young, only a few years my senior but with looks like hers, she could pass as younger. It was interesting to see how the men looked, but none game to go near her. I suppose, it was possible they feared her. I know I did. She had a piece of me, a few drops that could destroy me. I was going to clear my debt to her if it killed me.

Strangely enough, I think she knew that too.

I guess all of her customers were the same, so desperate they would take her trade. Or possible they thought they could fool a pretty girl like her. I knew tho, she wasn't one to be fooled. She wasn't a girl I could mess around with. It seemed that the patrons of Anker's thought so too. They left her a wide berth. She smiled at me, leaving me feeling uneasy.

I moved closer to her, the Devil in an Angel costume. I wonder what she was truly capable of, would she be the one to destroy me, Kvothe the bloodless. To bad she knew better. She had some of mine in a jar, willing to sell to the highest bidder, if I didn't come good with my payment. I wondered who would pay more for my blood, Ambrose? Or Master Hemme?

"Hello Kvothe, you do play beautifully."

I nodded, knowing all to well that, seeing me play wasn't why she was here.

"You owe me two talents, your late."

"I know, look I'll have the money by the end of the month, that's only two weeks away." I promised her.

Her eyes narrowed. "I'll give you until sunrise."

"Please," I begged. " I have eight jots." I shoved it into her hand.

She frowned. I watched as she came to the decision that could possible destroy me.

"Three days, Kvothe." She held up her fingers to make it clear to me that there would be no more bargaining. "You owe me a talent and a half."

"What? I owe you a talent and two jots." I disagreed.

She smiled up at me playfully.

"Don't a get a reward for being so generous? Maybe I should sell that veil I got.."

"Fine." I hissed. "A talent and a half." She grinned, her eyes glowing in the grim pub light.

"A pleasure doing business with you Kvothe."

I nodded. "And you, Devi."

AN. Ah sorry I am lazy, I hadn't made a thousand words, next chapter I promise….. Next chapter I torture poor Kvothe (if he does get enough already). :P