Okaaay, chapter nine. I was hoping that chapter eight would be longer, but of course, we all need sleep. I know I usually update practically at midnight, but I could've stayed up later that night, and it's just something I don't want to hassle about. Another thing, the subject of Theresa.

I heard a lot of rumors going around that in the game, she's an original character from Fable I, but this isn't true. I believe that it's a reincarnation of the original Theresa, but if it was, I highly doubt that she'd turn into a sinister antagonist. Not willingly, at least, but hey, five centuries can change a person.

I heard from the wikipedia site that she made a pact after the Sword of Aeon's bit, so she could be like Scythe… but I have a strong feeling that she's just a reincarnation of the original Theresa, and I really believe she's… well… if I tell you what I think she is, I could ruin the whole story I'm writing… so, I won't tell you, until the right time comes. Heheh…

ON WITH THE STORY! Disclaimer, ect.

Chapter Nine

A Guest in Their World

Waking up to the feeling of someone gently shaking her, Sparrow opened her eyes to see Connor's relieved face. He smiled down at her, before he glared down at her. Ugggh, she knew what he was going to say…

"How could you be so reckless? We could've died, you know?!"

"I'm sorry… We were on our way, weren't we?" Sparrow said in her defense… but she knew very well about how close he was to dieing. She nearly killed him, and she did feel a heavy guilt. Yes, he was right in everyway… but at least they were still alive… "I didn't know, if I did, I wouldn't had left…"

"You're not leaving my sights again, either."

"… Fine." Whatever made him happy. Sparrow knew she just lost the privilege of being independent. She slowly sat up, and Connor placed his jacket on… and then slowly realized the feeling of the blankets she had clutched her hands. Oh, they had dried their clothes, and apparently, Sparrow was still in the given robes. She slowly got up, her knees feeling weak. "We're leaving, then? That's it?"

"Yes," He replied with a sharp tone of annoyance. "That's it."

Sparrow replied with nothing, and Connor picked up a heap of clothing, and placing them into her arms. The gunman next turned, arms crossed and he stared at the wall… Oh, she was expected to change?! While he was standing there…?

… Okay, enough of being a prude, Sparrow. It's fine, he's not looking.

She relieved her shoulders of the rough monk robes and began to put them on. Just, an undershirt, tight jeans, and began to put on her actual outfit. Now that she thought about it, she could be called Scarlet Robe… even though it was already taken… but she didn't mind being called Riding Hood, or Cardinal... Scarlet Rose… Then again, Sparrow was just fine.

A sight over took Sparrow as she finished with a red scarf, to which she tossed over her shoulder, 'round her neck and then put her hood up… Something was missing, though. She looked to Connor, who still faced the wall, and naïvely asked…

"Do you know where my mask is?" Sparrow asked, receiving a sigh from her friend, but it didn't faze her. He pointed to her bag of holding, to which her mouth made a circled 'Oh' and she rummaged around… Pulling it out, and smiling as her thumb ran over the cheek of the mask. Why did she love this mask so much? Because, it's something new and strange. Strange indeed, how Connor turned a concerned eye on her. She noticed this, and looked at him. "What?"

"Do you know where that's been?"

"Maybe… Do you?" She asked, and he suddenly went silent. She left it at that, assuming he didn't know a damn thing, and she continued to caress the little mask with her leathered thumb. "I think maybe we should wait…"

"I don't know. Do we want to really bother them?"

"It's not really bothering…" She said quietly, tempted to wear the mask… but decided that a temple wasn't the place to hide your face. "… but I guess we could, for Lucy's sake."

Connor nodded and headed out the door as Sparrow placed her mask carefully in her bag. As she left, she couldn't help but wonder what Garth and Reaver were doing. Old Kingdom artifacts reminded Sparrow of Garth… and Reaver, well, valuables seem to get his interest. If only she had a looking glass or some kind, just to check up on them… as well as Hammer, when Sparrow's away… because obviously, she won't be there forever. Maybe they could write to each other from time to time… Most of the people in Albion could read, so it was assumed that Snowspire folk could to.

Pushing those thoughts out, she walked behind Connor, guessing that he knew where he was going… She was a little too distracted to really take heed, obviously lollygagging in hopes of seeing her best friend. Just as she turned another corner in these repetitive hallways, she heard someone clear their throat, clearly stating their presence. Hammer was standing ahead of them, and needless to say, she seemed a bit sweaty…

"Where you think you're going?" Hammer asked, and Sparrow gave a puzzled look. "You're not going anywhere without me, mind you. We escort company like you to Snowspire, you know." Sparrow gave a gleeful smile.

"No disapproval here."

"Good then. I assume you're all ready?" Sparrow nodded, as to which Connor just agreed and let it be. "Excellent, I'll be able to say a proper good bye then."

Sparrow thought maybe Connor would be left in the dark, but she didn't mind. So long as he doesn't pose a question, she won't explain. There is much in little Sparrow's life she'd like to keep a secret… Sparrow would like to keep in control of her "filter" of information about her. If Connor didn't need to know it, it won't be said.

"So, how long will you both be in Snowspire, the both of you?"

"Not for long, I feel. I want to go back to Albion and study this little item I found…"

"I'm not leaving anytime soon. After I get back to Snowspire, I'm heading home." Connor said tiredly as they were lead out of the hallway, and into a much bigger main room.

"How is Oakfield, since I've been gone?"

"Well, while you were away, monks from the Shadow Temple assaulted the underground spring. I managed to get those miscreants before they could attack the Temple of Light itself. Now it's doing fairly well, they're expanding even."

"A hero's work is never done, is it?"

"Haha, no, it's not." She said quietly as they came to large double doors. Through the cracks of the door, wind whistled, and snowflakes drifted in, melting almost instantly before they could land on the cold floor. Yes, it was cold, but on the walls perched torches that lit every nook and cranny. Yes, they were soon to part as soon as the entrance of the town came to view. Sparrow secretly vowed she'd make sure, this time, her friend would die of a natural cause, not from a bullet. "It's never over."

"Well, at least it keeps you in shape. Working here definitely does that for me."

"I noticed, you looked different from when I last saw you… and it's only been three or four months…"

Wonder if it's snowing in Bowerstone… Sparrow came to wonder as she saw the dozens of white blankets across the land. She shuddered, but not from the cold. Looking at Connor, from the corner of her eye, she then wondered… Is he just angry with me, or is something bothering him…? It was clear to see, something was restraining him from talking. Such an odd man…

"Well, I could say the same to you." Hammer said, continuing to gossip and chatter as they walked a curvy path towards the large town. They shared a lot of conversations, many words and thoughts… Connor stayed silent. Well, if he was going to be like that, she'd let him. He can be such a jerk at times.

It wasn't long before they neared closer and closer, walking through the thick snow like this. It was better than before, though. There were no pestering winds anymore. Only soft chilling winter breezes wisped at them under the grey sunless sky. She didn't mind the weather, though. After a long silence, it was then that she realized… Connor wasn't talked at all! Wasn't he the least bit curious about how well they knew each other? Well, with the trick she pulled, she wouldn't put it passed him, but it's a little immature to hold a grudge… Or maybe it was the way Sparrow was interpreting it that made it so much of a big deal…

Or maybe she was being inconsiderate about the whole ordeal…

Hammer and Sparrow shared good byes, and upon their entrance into town, Connor said nothing, demanded nothing, and asked nothing. It was disturbingly silent. So silent that it made the girl worry… and even feel bad. She must've made him real angry if he's not saying a word…

Staring at his back as he walked into his home, she abruptly stopped at the door, hesitant… and waited for Lucy's shouting voice to give her a reason to leave. Sparrow waited, and waited, but nothing but a calm silence. Sparrow suddenly went sick, feeling that maybe something horrible went wrong… and she slowly walked in to see the woman fast asleep on a rocking chair. A rocking chair… hah.

She saw that Connor had stopped, looking over his shoulder and seeing Sparrow and waved her off with a nervous smile. Slowly, Sparrow sneaked up the stares that seemed to creak beneath her feet. Nimbly, she came to the guest bed and suddenly plopped herself on the bed, digging around in her bag… and pulled out the mask.

Such a strange mask it was, too. Seemed to be nothing of this land, or Albion. I seemed so… authentic and new. Was it made of some sort of strange rare material or made of something old and ancient? Was it cursed, or magical…?

… What was on Connors mind?! Ugh, it bugged her to no end! It was so… irritating! What was he not telling her?!

He doesn't like your company.

A cold shudder went down her spine. Did… what… erm… Were those her thoughts…?

Shivering again, she peeked down the stairs, hoping to see them as they spoke, but it wasn't so. She had to just stay quiet… Sparrow was paranoid now. What if they didn't like her company? What if they were getting tired of her or—she was becoming a burden…?

Sparrow slowly placed the mask back into the bag, and listened in to the conversation, not making a sound, not even breathing, believing it would make it harder to listen in on their conversation.

"You're back!" Lucy said, not as much anger in her voice as before. Her happiness was cut short though, somehow…

"Shh…" Why was be trying to be so damn quiet? She can't eavesdrop when he's quiet! How is she supposed to know what she needs to apologize for if she doesn't find out what it is! "We have trouble on our hands, love…"

"What do you mean…?"

"The bird brought something to the nest…" Sparrow's eyes fell to her bag. So it has something to do with her mask…? Hmph… "I know, we went over this before, but listen… don't hate me, please…" The next words were mumbled, so quietly that Sparrow believed she missed something… something… What's so bad about keeping the mask as a little trophy, or souvenir…?

Then her stomach dropped at the next words Lucy instantly said.

"How can we get her to leave?"