A/N: Here you go! (I'M, LIKE, HALF-WAY DONE WITH THIS FIC NOW! WHOOT!)

The Journal of

Kienta Bails

Friday, April 10, 246

Before My Watch

I was woken up this morning to Jinglenob growling and a knock at the door, to go along with the rumble of thunder in the air, of the spring storm that had apparently rolled in. I opened the door without bothering to dress, too tired to think much of it, and earned myself a bright blush from the young lad standing in the doorway.

"M-Master Levens sends word th-that they'll be no Playin' this morn, Miss," the lad stuttered, and I smiled at him, gesturing him to wait a moment, before I grabbed him two coppers and a day-old cinnamon pastry to pay for his having to run through the rain.

"Thank ye, Miss," he managed, face still red as a gillyflower, a'fore he darted away.I closed the door before I let myself laugh. No reason to embarrass the poor lad further, after all.

I take a moment to write this down, and take Jinglenob out to do his business, a'fore the both of us are going to go back to my bed.

Tis a day for sleeping in.

After My Watch

The rain continued throughout the day, and kept the worse of the troublemakers indoors and quiet. Twas a boring night, with only a few bugleries and a fight over a place beneath an awning to keep us awake. My Dogs are mighty displeased, as am I.

We ate at the Barrel's Bottom, and then mustered out. I'm more pleased then ever, that my lodgings are just down the road from the kennel.

Mayhaps tomorrow will be more interesting.

Saturday, April 11, 246

Before My Watch

Poor Beka has a cold, and the rain continues on. Master Levens has canceled Playing until the rain has stopped, as no one wishes to stand about in it. I've decided to spend the mornings with Mama, and poor Jinglenob went to Temple today, and came back soaked through and sneezing himself. He'll stay home with my Mama during Watch.

I hope this storm ends soon.

After My Watch

Mama sent me off with three jacks of scalding hot cider, to keep my Dogs and I warm in the rains. They seem mighty pleased with it, even though we've got Nightmarket to patrol tonight. They make a point of stopping at my Mama's building there, and buying the three of us hot honey cakes, while telling Maggie and Fintel to thank Mama for us.

We did naught but stop some pickpockets and sutlers this night.

I'm beginning to hate the rain.

Sunday, April 12, 246

Before My Watch

Jinglenob and I spent the night at my Mama's, and woke this morning to no rain, but a wet chill in the air. We stayed there and helped a bit (or, I helped, and Jinglenob licked ruined batter from my siblings faces as they giggled and shrieked with glee). I left Mama's with three names for Beka's Snake Hunt, and went to her home to drop them off a'fore going to Play.

One gixie, age five, taken from Newts Eye Avenue on October 17, 244. Price: a jewelry box decorated with real silver and gold, lined in purple velvet, gained from a great-aunt's death. Price unpaid. Gixie never seen again.

One cove, age seven, taken from Gallows Street on January 2, 245. Price: expensive crystal perfume set from the Copper Isles. Price paid. Cove found at the Trickster shrine where ransom paid, next day.

One gixie, age five, taken from Dancers Way on July 29, 245. Price: gold necklace with a sapphire teardrop. Price unpaid. Gixie found dead in garden next morning. Brother, age seven, taken one week later. Price paid. Found on steps to the Wavewalker's Temple two days later.

May this Snake get skin-rot, and his gems be cut away. May he lose his eyes, his tongue, and his hands, and may he live long in agony, fear, and shame, until my God takes him.

Master Levens makes no mention that my Playing is sharp, nor that the songs I choose aren't all light-hearted. Mayhaps he blames it on the curst weather, it matters not.

I make some coin making sweetcakes and honey-rolls. Kneading the dough is relaxing, and I leave feeling weak-muscled and relieved.

Black God take the Shadow Snake.

After My Watch

The storm returned with vengeance, making it nigh impossible for the fleets to come in, leaving many a cove and mot without jobs. Beka's got a second scent, her and her Dogs. Crookshank's hiring diggers and dousing them all together in pockets. There are mayhaps more hired and getting ready to die even now, and it makes her more miserable then the cold that's clinging to her. My Dogs agree to keep their noses to the ground, even while we hunt for our Alley-Cat. Mayhaps luck will sing for us.

My Dogs and I take the Cesspool, and it is miserable. Tis slippery with slum stew all about, and I slipped thrice while chasing a few thieves. My Dogs slipped twice each, and we were irritable as we stopped at the Barrel's Bottom for a meal. We got hot stew, fresh rolls, and a bowl of hot berry cobbler as desert.

My Dogs dragged me to the Dog Baths to soak, and the hot water relaxed my tense muscles and chased the chill from my bones.

I pray I don't fall ill like poor Beka.

I'll not look forward to waking for tomorrows Court Day. I am only pleased I'll not have to report, as there's no Rat who was mine and mine alone, outside of my Dogs view. Even that merchant briber won't be covered by me, as my Dogs'll take him.

I will sleep now, as Jinglenob is. My bed looks comfortable and warm.

Black God bless.

A/N: Following the three days in the book were Beka was mostly just complaining about her cold and how miserable she was, I though I'd toss in a bit more and such.

Yay~

VOCAB

Slum Stew - Liquid garbage

Sutler - Shoplifter