(This story is a prequel to an upcoming tale, The Princess and The Rogue. It takes place after the events of Fable 2 and much of the after game quests, including buying Fairfax Castle.)
"Well well... You have done very well for yourself 'Hero'." The very familiar exaggerated tones of the Hero of Skill filled Natalie's ears, the sound bringing a small smirk to her lips. She turned from her desk, shaking her head as she took in her friend's new look. A white nearly form fitting suit clung to the tall male, accentuating what he wanted and hiding any perceived flaws he had, not that Natalie ever saw any concerning his body. A black fur collar and shirt, as well as what appeared to be a leather vest, offset the paleness of the outfit. A tall top hat, accented with what appeared to be brass goggles sat atop of his head, the look finished with a cane in the man's left hand. He took a bow once he was sure she had gotten a full look at his new look, a almost boyish grin on his lips. She didn't even try to stop the laughter at his bow, her hand lifting to rest on her hip. "You never change Reaver, even when your wardrobe does."
Many would have seen her friendship with the oh so charming yet very narcissistic man as strange, her mostly pure actions offsetted by his typically "evil" ones. However the pair had grown decently close over the years since they had defeated Lucien, partly from the fact he claimed he would kill her for buying his Bloodstone mansion one day. She knew now, more than she had years ago, that should he actually have meant it she would have been dead the moment he had discovered that she had bought the building. Instead, during his yearly sojourns to the Shadow Court, Reaver would pass buy Fairfax Castle and they would spend a few days catching up on each others many adventures since they all separated. She had noted a long time ago he avoided coming to the castle when Hammer and Garth visited her, not that she minded. Hammer was sweet, if a bit dull, and Garth interesting to talk to, if a bit stuck in the past, but they never truly were her friends.
This time was different and she knew he knew how different the moment he straightened and walked over to her, offering his arm to the smaller woman. "Tut tut my sweet. A woman of your age and failing health shouldn't be standing around."
"Oh don't fuss over me Reaver. I get fussed over buy the staff and the other two enough as it is." She said softly, still taking the offered arm. The years had not been kind to the "Hero of Bowerstone", her body becoming weaker and ill in the past few years. She allowed Reaver to guide her to her nearby bed, crawling in unassisted to prove a point before she looked up to her friend's face. Behind always present half grin the man always wore she could see the worry he was trying to hide. A gentle smile crossed her lips, meant to reassure him before a coughing fit took her for a moment. She felt, rather than saw Reaver motion at one of the nearby servants, his fingers snapping a bit. "Get up you lazy lout and get her some tea. And make it snappy."
"Yep still the same as you were dear friend. No need to shout at the poor staff. I am sure your reputation scares them enough without the implied threats and raised voice." She told him, her voice slightly hoarse from the coughing. He sat down on the edge of her bed, looking down at her with a soft sigh. "Once I feared my own death. That man is gone but who would know that a slip of a woman would make me fear my friends dying all over again."
As he speaks he takes her hand in his, a rare showing of emotion Natalie wouldn't see again. She smiles at him and squeezes his hand softly, her head tilting to look to a nearby window. "I don't fear death, old friend. I have lived a good life, made many friends and have a family."
She pauses and looks back at him, her face serious for the first time. "I need you to make me a promise Reaver. I know you started that industry in the Old Quarter. Use it to help my children."
"You mean help Logan, yes?" Reaver asked, confusion swiftly dancing over his features. She shook her head before returning to stare out the window. "No Reaver. Help both. I visited Theresa."
"Theresa..." He knew what she meant, despite the fact that he had no clue of what was to come. Theresa had given the dying queen one last vision, one that had her believing her son would not be the one to continue to rule. Too long ago Theresa had sent things into motion that allowed the three Heroes of Skill, Will, and Strength help the now aged woman staring out the window.
"Logan will rule for awhile and when he returns from a trip he will most likely need you. But he will not be able to fight the coming threat. He is not a Hero."
"Not a Hero? But how do you...?"
"I gave him my guild seal to hold. He is not like us. But there is still hope in Mia." She answers him, finally looking to him with clear eyes. "I don't have much longer Reaver. I never was meant to keep Albion safe forever. I knew this as much as Garth knew you would eventually attack him and Hammer knew she wasn't really meant to be an adventurer. Perhaps Theresa and I are wrong and Logan is just a late bloomer and will be able to save Albion. But either way promise me you will help which ever is on the throne."