5-Jan-06

Title: What Happens in Neriak, Stays in Neriak
Author: MSMoon
Warnings: Extremely long with massive amounts of insanity. And I think there's a bit of language in here...but nothing too bad.
Feedback: As long as it's constructive ;)
Characters: MMC17, MMC90, MMC58, MMC29, MMC30 MMC59, MMC60, MMC61, MMC77
Disclaimers: I do not own EverQuest. I am poor. Suing me wouldn't really profit much. However, I do own my own characters from EQ. I would be somewhat upset if someone used my or anyone else's characters without my permission. So if you want to use them please ask. Also, I do not own Kallyn. She is the creation of the woderful and talented Mizu-sama. Thanks again for the permission to use her, Mizu-sama!
Rated: PG/PG-13

Author's Note: Danger! Warning! This chapter is so huuuge! Seriously. It's big. So, if your hungy, gotta go to the bathroom, or otherwise can't devote all your time to reading it right now, you might wanna consider coming back to it later. My God, that's a huge run-on if I ever did see it..

Chapter 26

Kallyn tossed the twig she'd been inspecting into the wind. She put her arms behind her head and yawned, wondering how much longer Mdien would take. Her lazy senses snapped back to reality when she felt a none-too-light blow to her head. Se cringed covering her head and looking up.

"Mdien!" she shouted standing up, giving him a fierce glare. "Who gave you the right to hit me!"

"You did. When you turned tail and ran, leaving me to the mercy of those bandits!" he yelled back, enraged.

"Hmph. I can't help it if you can't hear or run fast."

"You have Spirit of Wolf!" Mdien protested.

"I said to run long before I took off!"

"You said it in Elvish!" the two glared at each other.

"This is ridiculous, arguing over this. It's not my fault you Dark Elves aren't given any good spells."

"Oh really? I'd love to see some of those wonderful spells you speak of."

"Oh please, I cast them all the time."

"Yes, after you've fizzled about five or six times! I didn't know you Wood Elves specialized in fizzling." Mdien said grinned as he crossed his arms. AN: You have gotten better at fizzling(149):D)

"How dare you!"

"Did you hear that?" He asked looking away.

"Don't try to change the subject!"

"Shhh! Listen!"

"Listen? Listen to-" a twig cracked loudly from the brush around them, "...what...was that?"

"Good question." Kallyn saw Mdien jump behind her so that they were back to back. Mdien drew his sword and Kallyn readied her staff. Kallyn could hear Mdien's heavy breaths and felt a twinge of guild for leaving him behind.

"See anything?" She whispered.

"Maybe...You?"

"I'm still looking..." Then a dark blur passed between them, tackling Mdien to the ground. Kallyn whirled and raised her staff to strike the assailant, but froze when she felt the point of a blade against the back of her neck and a solid form against her back.

"Easy there, sweet heart, we're only saying 'hi'." She heard the other voice from farther behind say. Kallyn focused on Mdien's attacker, and gasped once she realized who'd found them. The woman was a Dark Elf! She was slim, black-haired wearing chain mail and leather.

"Caught you, Dien!" She cried jubilantly.

"Dien?" Kallyn asked lowering her staff slowly at her side. "You know her?"

Mdien looked around, trying to focus. He nodded finally sighing with relief. "I know all of them."

"All of them?" the dagger was taken away from Kallyn's throat and she turned to look behind her. Four Dark Elf women!

The one atop Mdien grinned and stood up. "Finny how even when we try to part, we find each other." She said.

"Yeah. Hilarious." Mdien said wincing as he stood. The girl's face changed to concern.

"Are you hurt?"

Mdien grimaced. "Bandits." Was the only explanation he offered.

The girl glared at Kallyn. "Aren't you a Druid?" she asked. Kallyn nodded, dazedly. This woman's crimson eyes snapped with fury. "Then why didn't you heal him!"

Kallyn backed away feeling that pang of guilt again. "Like he tells me when he needs help anyway."

Two of the dark elves behind her laughed. "That's Mdien for you."

The other she-elf didn't seem convinced. Blue light flew from her hands and flowed in and through Mdien. "There. That better?" she crooned soothingly.

Mdien nodded. "I feel like new."

"So, where are you two headed?" One of the red-robed women asked. She had fine silver-like hair and bright silver eyes.

"Depends on the direction of the wind." Mdien said jokingly.

"This is new." Mdien's attacker was saying. "When we saw her we weren't sure it was you."

"But then we heard you squabbling, and that set any doubts we may've had aside." One of the slender ones was saying as she picked her nails with a sharp dagger. "You going to introduce us?" She asked barely affording Mdien a glance up from her grooming.

"Of course." He pointed to the one who'd tackled him. "This is Ehboni, a Cleric."

"Of Innoruuk?" Kallyn asked, arching a brow.

"Who else?" Ehboni asked, repeating the gesture.

"Anyway, the one who's behind you picking out her nails, the lovely lady with the deadly dagger is Kokoro, a Rogue."

"That explains how you snuck up behind me." Kallyn said with a nod of respect. Kokoro looked up and smirked, her silver-blue eyes taking on a mischievous glint; then, she returned her attention to her nails as though nothing had passed between them. She had shortly cropped dark gray hair, and wore thick leather armor.

"The one with the big sword is Drindil, the Warrior.""It's a scimitar, Mdien." Kallyn reminded. Drindil smiled at her, and Kallyn had the idea that the warrior had been about to say the same thing. This woman was actually quite muscled for an elf though no less tall than she should be. Her dark green eyes seemed to never really leave Kallyn, as if sizing her up. Though she wore a leather skull cap to match the leather and chain-mail armor, Kallyn was certain she had cropped hair as well.

"Whatever." Mdien muttered. "The one in the robe, hovering behind Drindil is Mariiko, the group's Enchanter and Drindil's younger sister." He announced, and it was only then Kallyn actually spotted the women he was referring to. She had dark silvery-gray eyes, fine black hair, and with her cat-like grace moved without any sound. "And the last robed figure is the Silver Lady, Demoana Shadegleam, an accomplished Wizard."

"Charmed, I'm sure." Demoana said with a friendly smile. She was the elf with silver hair and eyes, and Kallyn could easily see why she was called Silver Lady. Though she found a good deal of sincerity and genuine kindness in the woman's face; Kallyn quickly decided that she liked this woman.

"Everyone, this is Kallyn, Wood Elf Druid of Tunare."

"I must say, this is out of character for you, Mdien." Demoana said, leaning slightly against a strange staff-like weapon.

"Indeed, I knew you were a sadist, but a masochist too?" Ehboni murmured, almost in admiration.

"Oh, please." Mdien grumbled back.

"It's out of character for me too..." Kallyn mentioned, though she doubted any of them cared.

"I hate to interrupt this session of diagnosing what's wrong with Mdien, but we've burnt a lot of daylight. We still need to set up camp and hunt for supper." Drindil said. She shrugged. "We can always come back to diagnosing him later."

"She has a point." Ehboni said.

"On both accounts." Kokoro interjected with a grin.

"How about Mdien, Ehboni, and I start hunting, while the rest of you set up camp?" Drindil proposed.

"Sounds like a plan." Kallyn said.

"Good, we can save 'Diagnosing Mdien' for a campfire game later tonight." Demoana added with a firm nod.

Kallyn was ultimately surprised at how well these lady Dark Elves worked together. Kokoro was excellent at scouting around and finding the perfect place to set up camp. Drindil was excellent at setting and achieving goals (hunting and brute-work being her forte). Mariiko saw that everyone did things easily. And though Demoana was obviously of noble birth, she never seemed hesitant to doing her own share of work

"So, um, you all know Mdien?" Kallyn asked as she helped gather rocks to contain the fire.

"All of us, save Kokoro, grew up with him." Demoana said, as she fought to set up a tent. She glared at the misshapen mass of tarp and twine for a total of fifteen seconds before it collapsed.

"Here, I'll tend to that." Mariiko said coming forward with a small smile. It was the first time Kallyn had heard Mariiko's voice. It was muted to say the least, soft and gentle like the Enchanter herself.

"At least I try, right?" Demoana said with a sigh. She shook her mood off and turned back to Kallyn, helping her place the rocks around the fire sight. "But, to finish answering your question, Mdien and his younger brother Vdayen were from a prominent family back home. Their parents died in the service of our Queen, however, and they moved into the Blackopeal home; another of our well-known families. Mdien was engaged to marry the daughter of this family, one Zeresh, an Enchanter, who for some reason or another has disappeared before her father's recent death...At least that's how Mariiko and Drindil know him. Mariiko and Zeresh were friends." Kallyn looked to the quiet Enchantress for a moment, and saw how sullen she suddenly turned at the subject. "I knew him because I'm from one of the most prestige families in Neriak, and when there were banquets for our king or queen we met through socialization. And Ehboni.."

"Has been shagging him since they were old enough to shag each other." Kokoro said bluntly. Kallyn dropped some of the rocks in her arms.

"Kokoro...must you be so frank?" Demoana asked.

"That's how I came to understand it. If it's untrue, speak up and tell me about it." Kokoro responded. Demoana picked up the rocks Kallyn had dropped and placed them in the circle.

"I never said it was inaccurate. They have been-ah, partners-long before they were old enough to have partners."

"You can't be serious..." Kallyn said with a disgusted face.

"Quite serious." Demoana replied as if the subject were nothing.

"So...they're partners as you say, but what about this Zeresh, the woman he was engaged to?" Mariiko stopped what she was doing and looked to Kallyn in an almost curious fashion, though she didn't speak.

"What about her?" Demoana asked.

"Well, did she know about their relationship?"

"I'm sure she did. But they weren't engaged because they were in love, Kallyn. Their engagement was prearranged by Zeresh's father."

"Oh...but still, didn't anyone know what they were doing? And if so, didn't anyone try to stop them?"

"Why would anyone try to stop them?" Kokoro asked, looking up curiously.

"Because he was engaged to someone else..."

"That holds very little weight in Neriak, my dear." Demoana explained. "Perhaps in Kelethin your men are more upstanding and loyal to their mates. But in Neriak, husbands and wives often choose other partners, and rarely have anything to do with their own spouses. Look at our King and Queen." Demoana chortled. "No. Marriage in Neriak is very seldom a matter of love." She paused for a moment, deep in her own thoughts. "As with everything else." She murmured, almost to herself.

Kallyn blinked shaking her head. "I suppose you have a point. I mean, Dark Elf society is supposedly opposite from ours, so it would seem right that relationships that are formed are also different. It's just so completely different, it's shocking."

Demoana nodded, drawing herself out of her reverie. "Indeed. Do you have anyone waiting for you back home?" Kallyn blinked and blushed at the change of subject. She was much happier when they were discussing Mdien.

"Not really. Too busy trying to be the best Druid I can."

"I suppose that's something we all have in common then." Demoana said with a smile. Kallyn sighed with quiet relief.

"So, none of you have, uh, partners?" Kallyn asked nervously.

"Alas," Demoana said, rolling her eyes. "I just couldn't find anyone who shared my view points on things. It's hard to find dark elves who don't believe in hate and nothing else."

"Aye. As for me, my Lord and Master has been the almighty coin." Kokoro announced. "And as I haven't acquired enough money to set myself up as well as our Silver Lady here, I've yet to actually look for a companion."

Kallyn chuckled at that. "What about you, Mariiko?"

Mariiko looked up, shocked to actually be addressed. She thought over the question and shrugged. "Too occupied with mastering my craft. Besides that, I'd much rather be single...no elf in Neriak has shown me anything that I'd want in my home."

"Here, here, Mariiko!" Demoana cheered. "Here's to our own independence."

"Cheers!" The others crowed happily.

Kallyn lay awake searching the stars. She loved stars, but tonight they offered her no comfort. Her mind raced with questions even after (or because of) all the things she'd learned today.

Before she'd met Mdien, Kallyn had never met or heard of anyone who'd met Dark Elves. Honestly she'd never even thought about Dark Elves or their society. It hadn't concerned her. And then she met Mdien and he'd ruined it all.

Like a naive child, she assumed he was what every Dark Elf was: attractive from a distance, yes, but once you're curiosity drew you close, he became the epitome of every negative male aspect. Cocky, arrogant, selfish, and with no sincerity or conscience. They'd made a point to prod at each other regularly. Each trying to show the other up.

And then she met these new Dark Elf women...and she liked them, for the most part. She surprised herself by taking a liking to Demoana. From all the 'Lady' and 'Your Ladyship' comments, she'd learned Demoana was a member of high society in Neriak. Another factor that surprised her. Her, Kallyn the Wood Elf Druid, enjoying the company of a Dark Elf noble! However, Demoana seemed very down-to-earth and compassionate.

Mariiko was shy and quiet, but more so when her older sister Drindil was around. It seemed almost like Mariiko was afraid to embarrass her rugged warrior sister. Or perhaps it was just that Drindil was dominant and Mariiko fell into the passive role when her sister was around. Kallyn had noticed that the Enchantress was very considerate. She knew all the 'little things' that made the group happy, and catered to everyone equally in her own silent manor.

Drindil was the provider. Drindil was tough, Drindil was clever in battle, Drindil was goal-oriented...Drindil didn't have a clue. She was a Warrior and little else. She knew how to fight and hunt but she couldn't catch a clue even if you threw it right at her.

Kokoro was much like Drindil in the way that her class fit her personality. Smart, clever, and mysterious; very little got past her knowing and attentive gaze and ears. However, she was blunt to say the least. It made Kallyn wonder if she had perhaps had less socialization than the others...

Ehboni was still a bit of a mystery. It appeared that she and Mdien were childhood friends. They grew up nearly living together. They always fought and made up so regularly that eventually Ehboni had decided they should become lovers so they could do it on a more professional level. They seemed to be a well-matched couple from all that she'd heard and observed. Always pushing each other to excel. Though the details around their previous parting were still a mystery...

Nearby fallen leaves rustled and Kallyn glanced to her right. Her well-trained Druid eyes spotted Kokoro, standing by a tree, yet seeming to be part of it. If Kallyn had not been trained to see camouflage, she never would've spotted her. She was about to speak when she saw only Kokoro's eyes move. They pinned her in place and she froze. She saw her fingers moving in a 'no' gesture and looked beyond the tree.

Someone was coming their way very slowly. She looked over to see only Demoana at the fire. 'Standing watch.' The Lady Wizard was keeping the fire alive while making sure it stayed in one place.

Kallyn slowly got up, drawing Demoana's attention.

"Kallyn?" Demoana went to her side and stared into the darkness.

"Tell me about Dark Elf night vision." Kallyn requested still staring forward, trying to see what she'd seen before. Whatever or whoever it was...it sure was stealthy.

"I am told that Wood Elves have infravision...but Dark Elves have ultravision." Demoana explained as she too studied their surroundings. "It allows us to see darkness as though it were light."

"You see anything?" Kallyn asked. She noticed Demoana's breathing had deepened.

"...I think so." Then, without warning, Demoana's body tensed and she knocked Kallyn to the ground. The blow was disorienting, but Kallyn was brought back to reality when she heard Demoana scream. And so the entire camp woke to the same horrible sight...Demoana standing half hunched with an arrow sticking out of her arm. The Wizard fell to her knees, though her upper body was quite rigid as if she were afraid to move.

Drindil was already sprinting ahead into the woods, her eyes locked on her target. Two arrows were launched at her but she dodged and sliced through them with her scimitar. The archer finally came from his hiding place, still aiming at the charging warrior. Kallyn watched in horror, knowing Drindil might take a direct hit or slice the Ranger's head off - or both. But Drindil was knocked into a tree by a bolt of lightening.

"That's a Wizard's spell." Demoana murmured between deep breathes.

"Clerics have one similar to it." Ehboni reminded, but Demoana shook her head.

"I can tell by the feel of it...that's arcane magic."

The Ranger - Now revealed to be a Wood Elf from the flash of light - glared out of the corner of his eye. Kallyn glanced over to see that Kokoro had vanished again.

"Where's it coming from?" Mdien asked, taking a defensive position in front of the women.

"True arcane caster tactics too." Demoana continue. "Hide yourself and nuke..."

"Most cowardly." Mdien sneered. Drindil didn't seem too hurt by the blast. In fact she seemed more aggravated. She took the Wood Elf's annoyance to her advantage and bashed his temple with the hilt of her sword. The elf toppled back into the tree he'd been using for cover, but recovered rather quickly. Before he could counter attack, another barrage of lightning rained down on Drindil. She bore the attack and kept coming. She actually picked the startled elf up over her head and threw him into the clearing.

"Oh no..." Demona groaned. Kallyn, Mdien and Ehboni caught her gaze and spotted the sparkling of what was sure to be the lightning spell. It stopped mid-way however, followed by a yelp.

"...A fizzle?" Demoana questioned, wincing slightly. "Kallyn, the arrow. Could you get it out?" she asked weakly.

Kallyn nodded dumbly and - as gently as possible - pulled the arrow out. Demoana panted, making whimpering noises.

"Sorry..." Kallyn started but Demoana shook her head.

"It feels much better now."

"Now that it's out, I'll heal you." Kallyn said.

"I'm sure I can heal better." Ehboni stated obviously offended.

"Which is why Drindil probably needs you more." Kallyn said, not wanting to get into a fight at such a time.

"She has a point. That berserk energy won't last long." Mdien pointed out, defusing the situation. Ehboni nodded, relenting, and the two 'divine' casters went to work.

"Why?" Demoana asked once healed.

"Hm? Why what?" Kallyn asked following her gaze to their Wood Elf attacker.

"Why is he still trying to attack? Drindil's beaten him to the ground nearly three times. Why doesn't he just stay down?"

True enough the persistent Wood Elf would get knocked to the ground, struggle to stand, attempt a futile charge that was easily dismantled, and end up in the dirt again. Now that he was in the clearing, Kallyn could describe him better. Muscled from plenty of experience as a Ranger, this Wood Elf was clad in a mixture of chain-mail and leather armor. His cropped sandy blond hair was now matted with dirt and blood from the fight. It seemed the chain-mail tunic he wore was the only reason Drindil hadn't killed him...yet.

"Perhaps he thinks it's the only way he'll survive..." Kallyn said.

"Drindil, that's enough!" Demoana commanding voice obviously caught everyone's attention. She stood in what Kallyn assumed was the basic 'Noble Woman' pose. "Either nock him out or leave him alone."

"Hey, I'm not the one that keeps coming back for more!" Drindil shouted back.

"She has a point..." Ehboni said quietly.

"Mariiko..." Demoana said quietly, catching the Enchanter's attention with a simple nod.

"You could just kill me..." The strange Wood Elf spat. "Just as you did my partner." "Not exactly." Kokoro's voice came from the shadows. The Dark Elf Rouge strode forward, a large Barbarian woman behind. The Barbarian had a High Elf Wizard - Female with all that hair - slung over her left shoulder.

"I won't give up so easily." The Wood Elf said through clenched teeth.

"Easily?" Demoana asked incredulously.

"Suppose that means the nock out option then." Drindil drawled. "Only with permission from your Ladyship of course."

"So you can sell me to your pitiful society?" He sneered.

"We're hunters, friend, not slave traders." Kallyn said as gently as possible.

"You are not my friend." The Ranger spat.

"Not good to go around making enemies." Mdien warned.

"Besides that, with the beating you just took, who'd want to buy you?" Ehboni taunted.

"That's right, you only keep the beautiful ones. Like my niece."

"Saihitei Thunderbrook." Demoana's simple statement made everyone stop, aggressive Ranger included.

"How...do you know my name?" The Ranger - Saihitei - asked stunned.

"You're Stasia's Uncle." She said simply. However, before she could go one, said Uncle toppled to the ground.

"...Did he die?" Kokoro asked dumbfounded.

Drindil approached carefully, and roared with laughter. "He's sawing logs!" She hooted finally.

"Good move there, Mariiko." Kokoro said. It was only then that Kallyn realized Mariiko had cast a sleep spell on him.

"I wondered where you'd gotten to." Drindil said.

"I didn't even see her!" Kallyn said astounded.

"I tend to blend in with my surroundings." Mariiko offered quietly.

"Now what?" Ehboni asked.

"We tie them up, heal them, and take them back to my home." Demoana announced.

"Why?" Mdien asked.

"Weren't you paying attention?" Kokoro asked. "That's Stasia's Uncle." she said pointing to the now sleeping Saihitei.

"...Who's Stasia?" Mdien asked, still confused.

Ehboni slapped her forehead in frustration. "That hybrid girl that Demoana bought months back." She reminded.

"Hybrid?" Kallyn asked.

"Stasia is the daughter of a Wood Elf and a High Elf." Demoana explained. "She was captured months ago and I bought her. She's become my companion since then."

"Oh..." Kallyn said not sure what to think about that. "Is that how you knew him?"

Demoana nodded. "She used to talk incessantly about her family...she figured her Uncle was dead though, since my recognizance found no trace of him in Kelethin."

"So, now all we have to do 'sfind out what was in it for Miss. Priss here." The Barbarian woman announced with a thick brogue as she strode forward picking up Saihitei and placing him by the high elf. Kallyn had only seen a few Barbarians in her life, and this one was defiantly one she would never want to encounter alone. The woman towered over her, with thick muscles and plenty of scars on her arms and legs. Her black hair was kept down just below her shoulders, blue eyes set deeply into her face surrounded by dark eyelashes, and strange red marks over her pale skin. There was a large red diamond shape on the bridge of her nose right between her eyebrows, with strange marks on either cheek as well.

"Yes...Uh, who are you, by the by?" Demoana asked. Now it was Kokoro's turn to laugh.

"My mistake!" the Rogue said finally. "This is Reihab, one of my Rogue acquaintances."

"Aye, helps to have friends in low places at times." Reihab said. "No offense to present company. I was referring to myself as well."

"Lucky you showed up when you did." Kallyn said. Reihab nodded.

"I was in the area and saw the lightning. Then I sees Ro here sneaking up on that Wizard. So, I says to myself, "She'll be needing some muscle, you can be sure of that." So, when she 'interrupted' the caster, by kicking dirt in her face, I went and bashed 'er clean into tomorrow."

"A good team." Kokoro admitted, slightly proud.

"Now that's done." Reihab said, after tying the two hostiles up. "You healers want to work your magic?" Kallyn nodded and began casting. Between her and Ehboni, the bruises and cuts faded quickly.

"...now what?" Mdien asked looking between all the others.

Now, the hunting party was heading back for Neriak, minus Kallyn and Mdien...but plus Rei...In fact Rei was the most notable; she was carrying their two attackers, one over each shoulder.

"You doin' ok, Rei?" Kokoro asked.

"I'm fine, Ro. I could swim the Timorous with these twerps strapped on as dead weight!"

"I had no idea that Barbarians were so strong." Demoana mentioned.

"Or that elves were so light?" Rei said grinning.

"Um..." Everyone stopped and turned to Mariiko. The Enchantress hardly ever choose to speak, but when she did everyone tried to listen. "Well...shouldn't I cast an illusion on Rei?"

"It's all right, Mariiko. Rei's known in our city." Kokoro said.

"Known indeed. A few 'o yer guards still owe me a drink." Rei commented.

"What will we do with our dead weight anyway?" Ehboni asked-actually it was more of a grumble. She was still a bit upset that Mdien hadn't asked her to tag along with him...

"I will take care of them." Demoana announced. "Stasia is within my care, therefore they are my responsibility."

"So sayeth the Shepherd..." Drindil started.

"So sayeth the flock." The rest finished with various degrees of enthusiasm. As they approached the gate, none of them were at all nervous.

"Dreigan? That you under that helmet?" Rei called to one of the guards.

"Hey, Rei, how's it going?" He responded.

"It'll go better later tonight. You getting off tonight?" Dreigan nodded. "The Maiden's Fancy, m'friend. Be there. We'll have quite a time." Other than that, there was no interaction as they entered Neriak.

Stasia watched emotionlessly as the dark water shifted. She rarely ventured from her Mistress's house, much less all the way here to the Commons district. Somehow, on a previous trip to the bank perhaps, she ended up here. For some reason the water that flowed beneath the earth comforted her. She knew it was silly, but she felt a kinship with it. Down here in these dark caves it was still flowing water, and it still retained its beauty, even if it was an almost alien beauty.

Stasia had been a slave in the Shadegleam house for five months now. Before then she'd lived in the more secluded parts of Grater Feydark. A little over five months ago, an orc / Dark Elf party had sacked her home, killing her parents and kidnapping her. She'd been drugged, bound, gagged, and blindfolded. She woke up in Neriak...to find herself up for sale along with another High Elf woman, and a Dark Elf who hadn't been able to pay her debts.

Nevertheless, both she and the high elf had been very lucky; they'd been sold to the Shadegleam home. Lord Xannitos Shadegleam had taken Lady Magdolyn (the High Elf), while Stasia was now the property of Lady Demoana Shadegleam. She learned late that the brother-sister pair was famous for buying non-Dark Elf slaves only.

Stasia remembered the first night in the home of her mistress. After being shown her new room, she collapsed on her knees sobbing terribly against the bed. She barely registered the door creaking open when she noticed a pair of bare feet before her. The Dark Elf noble kneeled down elegantly beside her, took out a warm washcloth and whipped her face. Before helping her bed down for the night, Lady Demoana assured her she would be treated well, and eventually she would be able to return home. That was until Stasia informed her that she no longer had a home.

Since then she learned as much as she could as fast as she could. She learned about TeirDal politics (if one could call it that), the people even the language. She had even begun to study the arcane arts under her mistress, though she'd never heard of any other Wood Elf doing so. But then, her father's blood helped with that.

Stasia was, as her mistress delicately put it, a hybrid elf. Her mother had been a Wood Elf while her father was a high elf. Such a union in Felwithe was unheard of, and while Kelethin was tolerant, they stared at her constantly. As a child, Stasia was a cowering wreck. Her parents treated her like glass as it was, but with everyone in town watching her, she became down-right paranoid. Realizing this, her parents bought a small piece of land away from the city, and made their home there. It was not the towering tree homes her mother loved, nor was it the polished marble halls her father was once accustomed to, but with the three of them together it didn't need to be.

And so, for many years they lived there. Her mother had taught her Druidic magic while her father's bedtime stories were always of the arcane marvels he had learned while in Felwithe. Mother always said that the house was not high enough up. A mere five feet above ground with stares and deck making the entire house easily accessible was asking for trouble. Mother wondered aloud constantly how they had managed to stay safe this long, to which her father would reply, "With Tunare's blessing." Then, for reasons Stasia could not fathom, Tunare removed that blessing. It really was the only explanation. Over a hundred years with not one orc passing by, then an entire platoon of them in one day?

She shook her head, sighing. It was best not to dwell on that. It only made her more bitter. She realized she'd been dawdling and decided to head back home. Her mistress's hunting part would probably already be back. She turned, her head down, and began walking along the dock. She'd learned early on that dark elves didn't like anyone looking them in the eyes in their city (or anywhere else for that matter). They saw it as a challenge. She was actually quite surprised when she spotted a pair of boots in front of her...most people tired to ignore her and thus avoided her. She stopped and then stepped to the right, out of the way. He stepped right so that he was in front of her again. She paused for a moment then stepped left, and when he did the same she knew he was taunting her.

'You asked for it.' She thought. She snapped her head up, looking him in the eyes.

"Do you have nothing better to do than harass women?" She asked exasperatedly in perfect dark speech. She saw a twinkle in his eyes as he smirked raising an eyebrow.

"Perhaps." If his eyes didn't do the trick, his voice certainly could. His voice was so deep, it seemed to reverberate through her own body, yet he'd spoken in such a hushed tone she doubted anyone else could've possibly heard. His eyes were clear as crystals, yet so blue they put the sky to shame. At least what she could remember of the sky. Stasia knew she couldn't let her countenance reflect her thoughts. Most Dark Elves loved to play games with your mind to degrees Stasia was afraid to contemplate. She crossed her arms over her chest glaring at him.

"Well, if you've finished, I would very much like to go home." She knew her robe marked her as a slave of the Shadegleam home, and though many might dare to taunt her, none would lay a hand on her.

He smirked at her and stood his ground. "You mean, you'd like to go back to your mistress's home...don't you?" Stasia grit her teeth in agitation. Showing backbone wasn't working with this one. She realized she'd have to play smart and cunning.

She humphed and looked away from him. Her expression changed from agitation to surprise and curiosity as she stared out over the waters. She knew he was watching her every move, so she'd have to play this right. She gasped and jumped closer to him, as if startled.

"A Leatherfoot raider!" she cried startled.

"Where?" He asked looking where she'd been looking. He examined the waters carefully but couldn't see anything. "I don't see..." he began as he turned to face her...but she was no longer there. He considered the situation and chortled to himself. "My type of woman."

Stasia now walked at a more comfortable pace as she passed the Cleric's guild. The temple to Innoruuk meant she wasn't that far away from 3rd Gate now. She allowed herself a small, satisfied smile as she continued on her way. Her performance had gone off without a hitch, and she'd learned well enough from Lady Demoana how to vacate the premises without making a sound. She'd been so proud of herself! She'd never before tested the ability on another Dark Elf before.

She cried out in surprise when an arm fastened itself around her waste and jerked her off the path into the darkness.

"Now, now, my clever dear, you shouldn't congratulate yourself until you're home free." That voice made her freeze up.

"I...I'll scream, you-"

"Hmm, yes. I figured you'd be a screamer." He said in an impish tone.

Stasia's mouth actually fell open at the implications. "You! You rogue!"

"As sharp as you are beautiful, I see."

"Would you just...let me go!" she said struggling again.

"No. I won't. So please, stop struggling."

"What do you want!" she cried infuriated.

"Hmm. Good question. What do I want? What could I possibly mean by all this. After all, no one steals from the Shadegleam's without sever consequences."

"Indeed."

"Yes. So what could I possibly want with abducting you like this?"

"You're asking me?" She asked incredulously.

"Well, you are such an intellectual young woman. I thought perhaps you would have some insight. After all, we sometimes don't understand why we do the things we do. So? What do you think?"

"Well...Perhaps it's the challenge in the situation..."

"You're fishing. You're not even trying."

Stasia wilted. "I give up. What is it you want?"

"To talk to you."

"You can do that without trying to abduct me!"

"Not when you run from me, I can't." He said, actually sounding affronted.

Stasia considered her options and went for it. "Well, I won't run if you let go."

"Ah, but if I could trust you that easily…"

"Well, if you don't trust me, and I don't trust you, there isn't going to be much of a conversation is there?"

"Good point. I could make a suggestion."

"I shudder to think." She joked. "What's the suggestion?" she asked when he was silent.

"You have mentioned that you want to get home. I have mentioned that I want to talk to you. So, perhaps I could walk you home. We could talk along the way, and there would be an out for you as soon as we get there." There was a lengthily pause as he gave her time to consider his offer. "Deal?"

She sighed and nodded. What choice did she have after all? "Deal."

He released her and stepped to the side so that they could walk side by side. "What's your name?" He asked.

"Stasia. You?"

"Isyr."

"You're a Rogue." It wasn't really a question...more as if she was seeking conformation.

He nodded and looked her over. It was a different look than the ones he'd given her before. This one was so clinical...she wasn't sure if she felt more relieved or more violated. "And you are...?"

"A Druid." She said.

He eyed her crimson robe. "That's an interesting choice of dress for a Druid."

Stasia looked away, glaring at the cavern walls as they passed them by. "I have to wear it. It marks me as property of my mistress."

"Indeed." He murmured sounding unconvinced. "Do you know what I think?"

"I have a sickening feeling that you'll tell me."

"I think," he continued, as if she hadn't even spoken. "that while you may have studied to be a Druid before, you are studying something completely different now, and that you're a horrible liar."

"And I think you're not a very good conversationalist." Stasia bit back.

He merely smirked back at her. Infuriating elf. "Do you enjoy your time in the Shadegleam home?" He asked.

Grateful for the subject change, Stasia nodded. "They're very good to their servants."

"Indeed they are. For the price they pay for them, they have to be." He said almost enigmatically. He glanced over as they passed the Rogue's guild. "Old stomping grounds..." he murmured.

"You go often?" She asked trying to make small talk.

He smirked again, but not directly at her. "Not so much any more."

"Why not?"

"I don't need them so much anymore."

"You don't have friends there?"

"No." He seemed to think that over for a moment. "Come to think of it, I don't have any friends." He glanced over at her. "How often do Kelethinites visit their guilds?"

"...I wouldn't know..." she was still a little shock by his admission of not having friends. "My family lived apart from Kelethin, deeper in Grater Fay." She elaborated.

"How did you become a Druid then?"

"My mother was a Druid." At his inquiring glance she went on. "You didn't learn everything you know at the guild did you?" he chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, Mother got clearance from the head Druid to supervise my tutelage herself. Mother was very studious and thorough."

Isyr gave her an unreadable look. After a moment of silence, he spoke again. "So, what are you now?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"Well, you're obviously not a Druid anymore...what are you studying now?"

Stasia shrugged. "I read over the Arcane texts with my mistress. Whether or not I could cast is still a question." She lied smoothly. He mad a 'hm' sound but didn't comment further.

"I am much more mundane in comparison." He announced with a caddy smile.

"I don't believe that for a minute." Stasia said with a grin. "You're about as unpredictable as a sleepy troll."

"Yes, but much better looking...right?" Stasia gave a bark of laughter. "That isn't funny! Don't laugh when I'm being serious!" He was laughing right along with her though. They laughter gained odd stairs as they walked. Such jubilant laughter wasn't commonplace in Neriak, much less in the darkness of 3rd Gate.

"Well, if you don't associate with your guild so much, what factions are you aligned with?" Stasia asked curiously after she'd gotten her breathing back under control.

"Isyr. That's my only faction."

"Seriously." Stasia said rolling her eyes.

"No, really. My allegiance and loyalty lies only with myself. Now, among the public they might say I'm in with the Ebon Mask...maybe even the Indigo Brotherhood...but the things I did to gain faction with them I did solely for my own benefit. Those factions were the farthest things from my mind at the time."

"...TeirDal politics." Stasia murmured.

"That's hardly fair."

"You think?" Stasia asked disbelievingly.

"Yes. After all, living entirely on the streets teaches you that everyone out there is only looking out for themselves. I learned early on that no one would care about me, so I'd best start caring only for myself. That's the way things are in Neriak. How can you expect me to behave any other way?" He shook his head. "Isyr is for Isyr and he doesn't concern himself with anyone else."

"That I know to be untrue."

"How do you figure?"

"You wouldn't be following me around if all you cared about was you."

She saw his smirk, that damnable, infuriating smirk. "My, my. I had no idea you were so naïve."

"I beg your pardon?"

"What if I want to find a way to infiltrate your Mistress's home? Or..." he leaned closer, planting one hand against the wall so she couldn't look away, "or, maybe I'm just attracted to your exotic features. You appear to be quite the self gratifying conquest."

Stasia mouth worked silently, speechless in outrage. And then he smirked again. She leaned back and put all her weight into a gut punch. Isyr doubled over, not at all expecting her to act out so.

"I...uh..." he coughed, trying to straighten out. "I meant that was a compliment, of course."

"Eat shit." Stasia bit out making her way quickly down the path.

"You're being naïve again."

"What!" Stasia whirled don him furiously.

"You're just assuming that what I just said is actually part of my agenda."

"You just said-"

"I just said that could be my motivation. I didn't say it was my motivation.

Stasia gave a frustrated sigh. "You TeirDal and your damn mind games." She grumbled.

Isyr sighed still massaging his stomach. "All I was saying was that most Dark Elves don't care about anyone but themselves, and I could be just like them."

"...But you're not." Stasia announced.

"I never said that." Isyr said looking to the distance as he began walking again.

Stasia smirked, falling in step beside him. "Liar."

He only smirked. "Dark Elf." He reminded pointing to himself.

Demoana entered her home as she always had, with the regal grace she'd been raised to display before anyone. Her servants all looked up in confusion as the rest of the hunting party piled in.

"Masori?" Demoana barked.

"Yes, M'lady?" a timid Halfling girl asked as she stepped from the fold of servants.

"Where is Stasia?"

"I don't rightly know, M'lady. She left not half an hour ago and said she would be back soon..." Masori replied tucking her mouse-brown hair behind her ears.

Demoana nodded. "Have two rooms prepared for our...guests; however, they will remain bound. We did not meet on the best of terms. I am to be notified immediately when they awake and when Stasia returns."

"To hear is to obey." The servants recited.

Demoana gave a curt nod, and two Barbarian men came forward to relieve Reihab of their 'guests'.

"Well, that concludes our hunt for this night, friends. It was mostly a pleasure." Demoana said with a smile.

"Indeed. I think I'll head over to my guild before I turn in for the day." Ehboni said as she made her way for the door.

Drindil was not too far behind her. "Pleasure as always, Demoana." Mariiko said as she followed her sister.

"We'll just be heading down to the Maiden's Fancy then." Kokoro said. "I'll check back in with you later."

"My thanks." Demoana said inclining her head. She then focused on Reihab. "It was a pleasure meeting you, though I hope the circumstances do not repeat themselves."

"Aye, and likewise fer myself.""Will you be staying in Neriak for some time?"

Reihab shrugged. "Oh, a couplea nights maybe. I'll see."

Demoana nodded as she walked to two of them out. "If you're ever in need of any work and you happen to be in the neighbor hood, please see me."

"Friends in low places, eh?" Reihab asked.

Demoana smiled. "It never hurts to have friends no matter what their status."

"Aye. Well, then we'll be seein' yer Ladyship later I suppose." Reihab said as the two of them made for the gate. Surprisingly, it opened on it's own before they could reach it. Stasia steped aside and allowed the others to go through before closing the gate.

"Stasia?" Demoana asked as the girl walked into the courtyard.

"Yes, M'lady."

"Where have you been?"

"I would've been back sooner, M'lady, but I was detained by-" Stasia stopped talking as she half-turned to look behind her. "Now, where has that Rogue gone off to? He was right here..."

"Who was right here?" Demoana asked turning to head back into the house.

Stasia let out an exasperated sigh. "That infuriating Rogue, Isyr." She said as she fell into step beside her mistress.

Demoana paused and looked to Stasia curiously. "Isyr Darkdagger?" she asked.

"I suppose, unless there are two." Stasia replied, as she opened the front door for her mistress. "Or perhaps he was posing as this person. Why do you ask?"

"He's a Rogue of well renown. His skills are as high as Kokoro's...and his allegiance is to the almighty coin as well." Demoana informed, her face still scrunched in confusion. "Did he say why he was following you around?"

Stasia blushed, ducking her eyes. "He said he wanted to talk to me."

Demoana's brow drew up and a smirk played on her lips. "Really? Hmm."

"I don't believe him though."

"Why not?"

"Because he's a Dark Elf Rogue." Stasia said with a smile.

"Good girl." Demoana said with a smirk. "Now, there's something that I have to tell you..."

Noalani cringed as Lady Kaliea let out an indescribable sound of rage, and threw everything that had been on her desk onto the floor.

"That girl! Where is she!" Her mistress practically screamed.

"I-I don't know M-M-M'lady." Noalani chocked out. "I-I didn't s-see her leave."

"Curese her father!" The Lady screamed. Noalani stared at her mistress, surprised. No one knew anything about lady Korosu's father...

"M-M'Lady?"

"Find her!" she roared, glaring daggers at the poor maid.

"Yes, M-M'lady!" she responded darting out of the room before she'd even finished the sentence. She had no idea where to find her mistress, The Lady Korosu, but she knew if she didn't start looking, she might not live to see the next day.

Kokoro and Reihab entered the Maiden's Fancy quietly and by themselves. After a brief scan of the room, they sauntered over to their usual table.

Reihab plopped down in her seat heaving a heavy sigh. "Glad that mess is all over." She grumbled. "I hate dealing with uppity people, but I have to hand it to that Lady friend of yours. She's noble-born, and there's no mistakin' that, but she's quite a nice person to be 'round."

"Otherwise, I wouldn't tolerate her company as much as I do." Kokoro mumbled absently, trying to get the bartender's attention. "Scotch for me, please."

"Whiskey for me, triple portion." Rei announced. "So, how's it you know Demoana Shadegleam, the Silver Lady of 3rd Gate? The two of you don't 'zactly travel the same social circles s'far's I can tell."

Kokoro took a sip of her drink before answering. Letting out a growl of appreciation as it burned it's way to her belly. "It's simply association. I know Drindil really well; Demoana knows Mariiko well from their time at the Spurned." She gave a shrug. "I know the advantages of having friends in high places, and she acknowledges the necessity of sometimes needing acquaintances with less than favorable connections."

"Aye, smart arrangement there." Rehab mentioned before taking a few large gulps from her mug.

Kokoro paused, watching the Barbarian. "Rei?"

"Hm?"

"Why whiskey?"

"S'good fer bad teeth."

Kokoro laughed loudly at the reply. "You've got a purpose behind every vice don't you?"

"Of course. S'like me mum used to say. 'Medicine has to be unpleasant; otherwise everyone would want to be well.'" Neither of them noticed the door open or the trembling maid who was standing there scanning her surroundings.

"Is that what she used to say?" Kokoro asked.

"Something like that, near's I can remember." Reihab said with a bark of laughter.

Kokoro laughed as well. "Rei, you have perfect teeth." She announced.

"Aye! S'cuz I've been takin' m'medicine!" she said letting out an almost wheezing laugh.

"My Lady!" The little maid cried out, practically diving towards Kokoro. "I've been looking for you for so long! You're honorable mother has called for you, and oh!" the girl covered her mouth with a horrified expression on her face. "She'll be furious when she sees what you've done with your hair!"

"You talking to me?" Kokoro groused agitated, staring at the maid as if she'd lost her mind. Then a thought occurred to her, but before she could act on it, the maid spoke again.

"And what are you wearing! Not that you aren't dazzling in anything you wear, but for a lady to adorn herself in such brutish garb!"

"You're lookin' to get yourself bitch-slapped to the Bazaar if you don't clam up, high-nose." Kokoro warned.

"Hey, take it outside!" The bar keeper demanded.

"Right." Kokoro murmured. "This shouldn't take long." She said to Reihab as she grabbed the maid by the elbow and steered her outside.

"Take yer time." Reihab muttered into her mug.

Kokoro dragged the girl out. "Look, I don't know who sent you, or who you think you are disturbing me this early morning, but either way, I've no patients for those who make light of my leathers!"

"B-b-b-but, your mother! I-I-I-" The girl seemed terrified so much that Kokoro took a few steps back to give her more room to breathe.

"Noalani?"

The two turned to find a very confused lady Korosu staring at them. The maid, Noalani, looked from Korosu to Kokoro.

"My...My...My...My." she stuttered as she looked between them. Finally, the poor, stressed-out maid fainted.

Kokoro sighed. "Oh, lovely." She leaned down to pick up the girl.

"What are you doing with my hand maiden?" Korosu asked.

"Taking her inside. You'd rather I just leave her lying here in the street?"

"Well, no, but-"

"All right, then! Let's get her inside. Unless you need to be getting back to Mommy dearest now?" Korosu gave her a heated death glare. "Splendid!" Kokoro hoisted the girl onto her back. "Great Bristlebane's beard, do you ever feed this girl? She's nothing but bird bones."

"That certainly isn't any of your concern." Korosu said crossly. Kokoro laid the girl down in the booth next to her table.

"D'you kill her?" Reihab asked, sparing the incapacitated maid a sideways glance.

"Of course not. She's annoying but not that annoying."

"And, Hullo there! You must be the one she's actually looking for then." Rei said, addressing Korosu. The Barbarian looked between the two briefly. "Splains a lot, I suppose."

"I beg your pardon?" Korosu asked, slightly offended.

"You what, my what?" Rei asked confused.

"She wants to know what the hell your talkin' about, Rei. S'the way rich people say 'What the hell'. She does it a lot."

"Ah. Well you to look 'zactly alike. Well, save for the eye color and hair length...and of course, that Ro here is butch as you are prissy."

"You ordered another drink didn't you?" Kokoro asked.

"Aye. Rum this time. Good for the memory, don't y'know?"

"Indeed." Kokoro muttered looking over the prone maid. "Bartender! You have any smelling salts?"

"What if I do?" The elf grumbled.

"Then I suggest you allow me t'use them on this maid here...otherwise, y'may have earned the disdain of one of 3rd Gate's most prominent Necromancer families." She said coolly.

The bartender looked from Kokoro to Korosu who was giving him a particularly hard glare; the elf paled, and fished about the cabinets for the smelling salts. When he found the tin that held them, he tossed them to Kokoro who caught them effortlessly. "On the house."

"Much obliged." Kokoro said amiably, turning to the maid. "It's almost a pity to wake her."

"Why do you say that?" Korosu asked.

"She seems so peaceful sleeping there."

Korosu's face wrinkled in disbelief. "She is always composed."

"Ha!" Reihab gwaffed. "Not always, little missy. She was turnin' purple and bouts ready to pop not five minutes ago. Worried sick ov'r yur dandy arse."

Korosu's face screwed up in rage only to diminish to nothing after she looked to Korkoro. The Rogue, whose face could be her own if not for the crystal-blue eyes, was solemn and almost sympathetic. Korosu took the tin from Kokoro, uncovered the salts and stuck it under her maid's nose. Instantly, the girl almost vaulted to a standing position.

"W-W-W-W-W-W-W-W"

"Oh, turn th'whirlygig off already." Rei said with a giggle.

"Y'all right then, Noalani?" Kokoro asked, holding the back of her chair before kicking one of the legs sideways so the chair would face the opposite direction and she could straddle it.

"I..." she looked at Kokoro and then looked to Korosu. "I...Mistress?" she asked looking back to Kokoro.

"That's your mistress, deary." Kokoro announced pointing to Korosu.

"My word!" Noalani exclaimed looking back to Korosu. "Why, I mistook her for you, M'lday! I'm every so sorry! But your mother sent me to look for you and when I couldn't find you...I guess I was just so relieved."

"You're pardoned, Noalani. Now sit down." She said motioning to one of the two empty chairs at Kokoro and Reihab's table.

Noalani looked at the table and then to her mistress as if Korosu had asked her to jump into a shark-infested pool. "M-M'lady?" she questioned nervously.

"Sit."

"B-But your m-mother."

"I will deal with my mother. Sit. You could use a drink." Korosu announced, carefully taking a chair between Kokoro and Reihab. Noalani quieted down and followed her mistress's suit.

"Here here! I'll buy yer first round." Reihab offered.

"...Thank you." Korosu said suspiciously. "...Red wine for me."

"uh...I'll just have an ale I suppose."

"Ahw, no need to be stingy. Besides, hows y'gonna get relaxed on one little shot of ale?" Reihab asked. "L'see...what you need's..." she took a moment to think it over. "L'see...How's that old sayin' go? Brandy fer headaches, whiskey fer bad teeth, port fer stomachaches, red wine fer weak hearts, vodka fer hunger, rum fer memory, ale fer exhaustion, mead fer depression, gin fer broken bones, and beer fer livin' n'breathing!"

"Well..." Korosu said thinking that over. "In that case, I'll change my order to Honey Mead, double shot of Mead, if it please you."

"B'all means!" Reihab said nodding to the bartender.

"I suppose you should try the Brandy, Noalani." Korosu said. "With all the headaches you come down with, it could do you some good." The maid looked at the three in front of her wide-eyed and simply nodded.

"All right then! We're all set!" Rei announced joyously.

"So, where were you, anyway?" Kokoro asked staring at her glass.

"I beg your pardon?" Korosu inquired.

"Where were you?" Kokoro restated. "You obviously weren't where you were s'possed to be. Otherwise yer mother wouldn't be furious and yer maid wouldn't be workin' herself into a tiz."

"Not that it's any of your concern," Korosu said coolly. "but I was speaking with my guild master."

Kokoro took one look at the girl's somber grey robe and nodded. "Necromancer y'are, but what's so pressin' that yer guild master would hold you up?"

"Nothing was pressing." Korosu admonished. "I merely wished to purchase a few books from him, and I was only making sure he would have them in stock soon."

"I see."

:Half an hour later:

"Yer gone!" Rei sang off key.

"An' I'can groove ooon." Noalani sang back. The two erupted in a fit of giggles.

"They're almost cute aren't they?" Kokoro asked. Korosu chuckled and swatted at her.

"Almost being the operative word."

"Shouldn't we be getting back home?" Kokoro asked.

Korosu was still for a moment and then almost lept up. "Oh great Father of Hate! I had completely forgotten!" she announced shrilly. "Noalani!" she turned to find her maid had passed out in a backward reclining position.

"Damn..." Reihab muttered. "I didn' know that'as passable."

"You mean possible?" Kokoro asked.

"What'd I say?"

"Passable."

"Heh. Yeah. Possible. Poooosible. Heh. Boy, but she'll be regretin' that p'sition in the morning." Reihab then looked around. "Damn! It's almost morn'n asis!"

"Rei, go ahead and head to my place. You can sleep there for the day. I'll take Lani and Su here home."

"Right y'are! G'day ladies! Was a pleasure, and that s'fact." Rei said as she rose.

Kokoro wasn't at all worried about Reihab. The Barbarian was a heavy drinker, and she knew the streets of 3rd Gate well. She was more worried about Korosu dragging Noalani down the streets franticly trying to get home.

"Lead the way, Su." Kokoro instructed as she carefully picked Noalani up. Korosu was practically dancing in the doorway. "M'right behind ya, don't dawdle!"

"Oh! Right! Of course! This way!" Korosu said, almost jogging down the road.

They finally made it to Korosu's house, and Kokoro actually became worried when the noble Necromancer turned to her before opening the door and whispered. "Brace yourself." Korosu opened up the door and walked in quietly.

"Where in the name of our unholy Father have you been!" the screech actually made Kokoro jump in surprise, which was quite a feet.

"Mother!" Korosu cheered uneasily. "I'm so sorry! I was at my guild, and I got preoccupied with talking to my guild master about the books you ordered for me, and then I found Noalani at - Uh, a local tavern - and uh, she was in such a state! Oh, I'm sure you can see." Korosu stopped when she noticed that her mother's face had been whipped of all emotion as she stared at Kokoro.

"Who in the nine hells are you?" she said, barely above a whisper.

"Kokoro Hookcrook, M'lady. Found your daughter and her maid in quiet the bit of a tiz...thought I might help out."

Lady Kaliea considered this slowly as she eyed the Rogue. "You wouldn't happen to be a Rogue would you?"

"That I am, M'lady." Kokoro said with a nod.

"And you wouldn't happen to be Delindir's daughter...would you?"

Korosu looked between the two of them curiously; though quiet thankful for the intrusion on her mother's fury, she still wasn't sure what had caused the set back.

Kokoro on the other hand smiled at Lady Kaliea in a kind manor and nodded. "I am at that, M'lady."

Korosu saw an expression cross her mother's face that she'd never seen before. The woman seemed to stare at Kokoro almost hungrily.

"How is your father these days?" she asked, her voice quavering a bit.

"He is well." Kokoro replied. "He's grown tired of the trade, however. He lives quietly in the West Commonlands now-a-days."

Kaliea nodded with a faint smile. "That's very good. He always enjoyed the simple life." She said looking away. "Oh, dear, let me have someone take poor Noalani for you."

"Ah, it's nothing. She's so light, it's hardly a burden."

Lady Kaliea summoned the servants to take Noalani away none the less. "Would you like to stay? Have supper with us perhaps?"

"As tempting as that offer is, I must be getting back. I have a guest in my home who will be needing my attention soon." Kokoro said graciously. So graciously that Korosu did a double-take. The street-savvy Rogue had only been slurring her words together not twenty minutes before, and here she was speaking on level with the Lady of the Manslayer Manor.

"Well, come back and visit with us sometime, won't you? I am in your debt for taking care of my daughter."

"It would be a privilege." Kokoro said with a slight inclination of her head just before leaving.

"Mother?" Korosu asked.

But Korosu's mother was staring at the closed doors. Almost as if she was seeing some other place. She looked at her daughter and smiled matronly. "Come, dear. You're bound to be tired and hungry, and I won't be sending you off to bed on an empty stomach." She said putting an arm around Korosu's shoulders.

Korosu almost didn't know how to act. Her mother had always been somewhat distant towards her, and now she was coming off as actually loving and caring.

"All right..."

"And we must have that girl over some time soon. I'd very much like to know her better." Lady Kaliea said with a sigh as the two of them entered the dining room. For once, Korosu and her mother actually agreed on something.

:Ending Ramble:

MM: Holy! Clucking! Cow!

Mdien: I know.

Kallyn: Were we the stars of this one or...

Kokoro: I think we stole the show.

Stasia: I'm pretty sure everyone's more interested in the drama between Isyr and I.

Isyr: I certainly am.

Korosu: Who are these people?

Kokoro: ...You mean you only read the parts that you're in?

Korosu: Why would I read the other stuff?

Mariiko: 'Other stuff'? Is that something someone of your status should say? Because it sounds pretty common.

Drindil: Smack!

Korosu: /glare

Ehboni: Why wasn't I allowed to go with Mdien? /whine

MM: Obvious reasons. Besides the fact that it'd be unnecessary. I'm debating how long Mdien and Kallyn will actually be traveling together.

Kallyn: /mouths Thank you.

MM: Anyway, let's talk about this fic here. Excluding this ramble, there's 10,023 words in this puppy, last time I checked.

Demoana: Clearly the longest chapter on record, correct?

MM: I believe so.

Demoana: Well, you're essentially telling 3 stories here. Kallyn and Mdien's which ties in with ours, and then Stasia and Isyr's meeting, and then introducing Korosu to Kokoro.

MM: Not to mention all the other crazies I threw in.

Reihab: 'Ey!

MM: What? You're feeling guilty?

Reihab: /pout

Demoana: Obviously this has been the largest array of characters we've seen together in one story at one time; save for perhaps in chapter 11 when all three parties got together to check in with one another.

MM: Exactly!

Mdien: /to Demoana Kiss-ass.

Demoana: /sticks tongue out at Mdien

MM: Oh, Behave! Besides, you figure I haven't posted since, what? September?

Drindil: Yeah, Frozen Memories was posted back in September...

MM: I figure it's just a little lagniappe for the fans.

Reihab: Whoa, wait, what, whoa...a little what-what?

MM: Lagniappe. It's Cajun for an extra gift.

Reihab: Really?

MM: ...Near's I can figure

Reihab: No fair stealing lines!

MM: Hey! Who gave you those lines, huh?

Reihab: …….

MM: That's what I thought. Oh! I would like to credit Raziel for the little snippit of a song Reihab and Noalani were singing when they were plastered. That came from her The Many Misadventures of Fry story. Great story btw.

Reihab: Where'd ya come up with th'things about the different types a'beer?

MM:...I read it somewhere. I just can't remember where right now...

Korosu: And what's with all the mystery between my mom and Kokoro?

MM: You'll find out...eventually.

Mdien: Oh great, I feel another 'stay tuned' coming up.

Kallyn: You say that like it's a bad thing...that means this will all be over.

Ehboni: Yeah, but that means it'll be another five or six months till we get some more screen time.

MM: Are you all done?

Mariiko: Considering how long the story was, it's not too much of a shock the ramble is so big...

MM: ...I suppose. But still. People have lives.

Reihab: They do?

MM: ...well...some of us..

Reihab: You sure don't! Otherwise you couldn't possibly have written this! Haha!

MM: /death glare

Reihab: …/promptly passes out

Mariiko: /clears throat What will you be doing in the next chapter?

MM: I'm not sure. I've got plenty written up with the whole Bijo/Idlewild side and then I've got a little bit of 'fun with the Feydwer elves' but I'm not sure where I wanna go yet...

Demoana: Don't forget about the Vah Shir.

MM: That might be a good idea! I'll have to consider that.

Mdien: Either way, it'll be interesting.

MM: Well said! And with that in mind, stay tuned.