Hey, everyone! Sorry for being gone for so long (again...), but, uh... Well, things have been kinda rough on my end. For now though, why don't we get to the story proper? In the last chapter, Therion and friends did stuff and things near Victors Hollow, culminating in Tressa getting the eldrite from mysterious enemy Esmeralda. In this chapter, the gang makes its way to Stillsnow, with all that entails... Enjoy!

When I got back to the inn, the rest of the gang was already outside with their belongings. Cecily and Ned shook hands and said their goodbyes to everyone with the promise of meeting again. Ned gave Olberic a hearty hug, but the former knight was stunned when Cecily stood on her toes, draped her arms around his neck and smooched him on the cheek.

"You know," she said in a husky tone, "you'll always have a place to stay as long as I'm around..."

Several of the others whooped and hollered, Tressa and Alfyn the prime culprits. Everyone else seemed in high spirits, but H'aanit nearly snapped her bow in two.

Olberic, for his part, managed to keep a straight face. "Yes, I… I will keep that in mind. Thank you, Cecily. And you as well, Ned. The kindness you have both shown me knows no bounds."

In a rare sight, he smiled. "I should like to return someday."

"Right then!" Tressa pointed a finger east. "C'mon, Team Octopath! To Stillsnow!"

"I never really liked the cold much, but that's fine by me!" Alfyn grinned. "I just hope the townsfolk there don't give us a—"

"Don't say it," I deadpanned. "Don't you dare say it—"

"Frosty reception!"

Ophilia brought a hand to her mouth and giggled. "Oh, Alfyn!"

Everyone else laughed along, but when Alfyn saw me roll my eyes, he took the opportunity to wrap an arm around my shoulder.

"Aw, c'mon, Therion! You gotta admit that was a good one."

I shook myself free. "No, it wasn't."

"Therion, be nice!" Tressa scolded.

"Nah, it's fine, Tress," Alfyn said with a chuckle. "Still... Talk about givin' someone the cold shoulder, am I right?"

"Enough already!"

"Perhaps Therion is right." Cyrus frowned a bit, surprising everyone. He then grinned and said, "After all, none of us here would want things to snowball out of control, now would we?"

"You know what? I think I'll scout ahead." I turned to walk away. "See you guys in Stillsnow!"

"Woah, now! Hold your invisible horses." Ned held a hand out, stopping me. "I don't see a single carriage in sight. You lot don't honestly mean to get there on foot, do you?"

We all glanced at each other for a moment before shrugging.

"I mean… It's how we've always gotten by before," Alfyn admitted, scratching the back of his head.

Cecily was immediately outraged. "Why, that won't do at all! No friends of our fine champion here are gonna freeze to death in the wilderness!"

She grabbed Ned by the ear. "C'mon, Neddie! Let's go see if we can't pull some strings at the arena. I'm sure they'll be more than happy to oblige."

"Ouch, hey! I'm still injured, ya fool!"

Knowing that it'd be at least a few minutes until they got back, the group decided to entertain themselves any way they could. Tressa and Alfyn fed some local squirrels, Ophilia told Cyrus about Flamesgrace and its ties to Stillsnow, Olberic tried (and failed) to make conversation with a silently pissed H'aanit, and Primrose leaned against the front of the inn with a map in her hands. There was a fire in her eyes I'd only seen once before; back at the tavern in Saintsbridge.

A familiar pit formed in my stomach. I didn't know all the details, but the ones she did tell me weren't pleasant in the slightest.

No wonder she offed that Helgenish prick…

Cecily and Ned returned a few minutes later, and they returned in style. They sat atop a large horse-drawn carriage pulled by two brown steeds. Everyone was in shock at both the wagon and the generous gesture; even I had to admit it was pretty kind. I'd seen plenty of carriages in my time, but this one looked like it could fit upwards of five or six people at once.

Convenient...

"It's marvelous," Cyrus awed.

"It's beautiful!" Tressa clasped her hands together.

"I… This is…" Olberic bowed. "Thank you both. Truly. We are in your debt."

Cecily giggled. "Don't you worry your handsome little head over it, big guy. We talked it over with the locals who run the arena and they decided it was the least they could do for the Unbending Blade himself!"

"Yeah." Ned smiled as he and Cecily climbed out of the riders' seats. "Have at it, you guys! Ride safe!"

"Thanks a bunch, you two!"

"Mighty kind of ya!"

"Aelfric smiles upon you both!"

Before long, all of us managed to fit ourselves either in or on top of the wagon. Even Linde, surprisingly enough.

Right. Next stop, Stillsnow. Bring it on.

It took us about a week to get back to the Frostlands. Mercifully, the carriage we'd been given was much bigger on the inside. Olberic and Alfyn were in control of the reins as the rest of us relaxed inside. Cyrus was asleep next to me, Ophilia sat on his left and conversed with Tressa and H'aanit about who knows what, Linde rested at their feet, and Primrose sat across from me. She stared out the window with an expression that rivaled the weather outside in its coldness. Her fingers drummed against her knee at random, but she didn't say anything.

"Yo," I called out to her. "You alright?"

"Mm?" Primrose shifted her gaze to me. "Oh, yes. I'm fine. Sweet of you to ask though."

I rolled my eyes, but Tressa leaned across H'aanit until she was right in Primrose's face. "Mm… You sure, Primmy? You don't sound okay."

"What is it, Primrose?" Ophilia smiled warmly. "I can fetch my staff if you'd like."

"I'm fine, thank you both," she answered. "Just… nervous, I suppose. And excited."

Huh. Never thought I'd hear Primrose say that. Still, it made sense; her whole reason for being out here in the first place was to avenge her father. She must've been looking forward to this for years, but anyone would be a little jumpy even if their heart was dead set on it…

Eventually, the conversation died down. Most of the others adjusted to the much-needed silence well enough, but our pint-sized leader just wasn't having it.

"Are we there yet?"

"Nay, Tressa," H'aanit said.

"Oh..." She sank in her seat for a few seconds, legs swinging back and forth, before perking up again. "How 'bout now?"

Ophilia sighed and closed her eyes. "No, Tressa. I fear we have quite a ways to go, actually..."

"Oh... Hey, Therion—"

"We get there when we get there!"

"What?! I wasn't gonna ask you that at all!"

"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow at her, highly skeptical of her motives. "Then what were you gonna ask, Short Stack?"

"I was gonna ask if you wanted to play I Spy!"

"Oh yeah? Well right now I spy a brat."

"You're a brat!"

"Will both of you please keep it down?" Ophilia scolded, her face scrunched into a harsh frown. "You'll wake Professor Albright."

"But Phili, he started it!"

"What?! That's bullshit! Besides, old Cyrus here could sleep through a snowstorm!"

"Enough!" we heard Olberic cry from the rider's seat. "I shall turn this carriage around if necessary!"

Tressa and I gulped. Neither of us wanted the trip to be longer than necessary, so we locked eyes and agreed on a silent truce for the time being.

"Olberic is right, you know," Primrose said to Tressa, smirking. "You should listen to your father."

"H-hey! I already told you guys that necklace thing was an accident!" She blushed.

"Mm... I'm sure. You still have a father, yes?"

"I do!" Tressa beamed at the thought of her folks back home. "The folks back home in Rippletide used to call him the Muscled Merchant back in the day. Now he's just Olneo Colzione: husband, father and co-owner of Colzione Family Provisions!"

"Heh... I see."

I saw Primrose's smile fade a little, and I really couldn't blame her. Having a loving home and family to come back to someday... Well, it must be nice.

"Oh!"

Everyone looked over at Ophilia. She was peering out the nearest window with bright eyes and a wide smile on her face. "Look, everyone! I see a town in the distance!"

"That's right, Phili!" we heard Alfyn cry. "Everyone... Welcome to Stillsnow!"

Stillsnow was about as snowy and tranquil as you'd expect. The old brown brick buildings filled Tressa and Cyrus with a sense of wonder. Everyone we rode past gave us a warm smile in spite of the cold. Merchants and clergymen greeted each other similarly as they walked by each other. I hadn't been to Flamesgrace before, but based on Ophilia's nostalgic smile, I assumed it couldn't be all that different.

We hitched the horses and got out of the wagon. Primrose and a few of the others had put on some nice brown cloaks to protect themselves from the elements. I made do with my normal getup, stuffing my hands in my pockets. Never really loved the cold, but I couldn't say I hated it either.

"Well, here we are!" Tressa announced. "Stillsnow!"

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Ophilia held her hands together, gazing at the city. "It… It reminds me of home."

Alfyn shivered underneath his cloak. "Brr… That's all well and good for you, Phili, but this weather ain't very homely to me! I need warmth! A fireplace, or somethin'!"

"There." Primrose pointed at a large, inviting building in the distance. "The tavern should warm us up for the time being."

"Shouldn't we make reservations at the inn first?" Cyrus asked, also shivering.

Ophilia smiled. "Why, that's a splendid idea! I'll go with you, Professor."

"Very well," Olberic said. "Come along, Alfyn. I shall treat you to the finest food and drink Stillsnow has to offer."

"Oh, boy! I'm so hungry I could eat a Frost Bear!"

Most of the gang split off from there, but Primrose headed for the tavern at once. Made sense to me; taverns are full of loose-lipped drunken idiots, and loose lips mean intel. If her map was right, someone here had to know something.

I decided to follow her inside. The tavern seemed bigger than most I'd been to. A large group of patrons filled it to the brim, and the place had lots of pretty female servers to match. There was a grand stage in the back of the establishment, but it was empty. Instead, a single pianist tickled the ivories off to the side as several other musicians glared at him.

"I like my gais," he sang in a raspy voice, "with the faintest hint of poison…"

A patron near me mumbled to another, "I don't remember the song going like that…"

I couldn't spot Primrose anywhere, so I decided to sit down at the counter and warm myself up with a drink.

"Yo." I got the bartender's attention and put some leaves on the table. "I'll have some whiskey."

"Is that all?" He raised a bushy eyebrow. "Just whiskey?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You're new to these parts, ain'cha? Usually folks round 'ere like a little sugar with their drinks… if ya catch my meanin'."

"I don't. One whiskey, please."

"Yeah, yeah. Comin' right up…"

I had no idea what he meant by that, but I was too cold to care. Tressa and H'aanit had already grabbed a table near the center of the tavern. They beckoned me over and, once I got my drink, I joined them.

"Look, look!" Tressa pointed at the stage excitedly. "Primmy's gonna dance!"

I followed her finger. Sure enough, Primrose was onstage in her usual dancer garb. There were already plenty of hoots and hollers from the tavern's patrons. A more upbeat song began to play as she danced along to the tune. With every twist and turn, she only mesmerized the audience more, her long brown hair flowing behind her.

Tressa clapped her hands high above her head, and Alfyn was quick to join her.

"Woohoo! Go, Prim, go!"

… Wait, when did he get here?

"Excellent!" Ophilia cheered. "Simply wonderful!"

"I couldn't agree more, my dear!" Cyrus chimed in.

"Superb technique." Olberic nodded in approval.

I decided to stop questioning when the others arrived and just focus on Primrose instead. I'd never been much for song and dance, but I knew talent when I saw it. She moved perfectly in rhythm during the entire song, and it wasn't long before she struck a final pose to the sound of thunderous applause.

"Beautiful!"

"Simply smashing!"

"Mystery girl, I love you! Marry me!"

Primrose grinned and blew kisses at everyone. She made eye contact with me and winked before stepping off the stage. A few men tried to get her attention, but they quickly stopped when the noticed the rest of us sitting at the table.

"Oh, Primrose, that was incredible!" Ophilia stared at her, starstruck. "Where did you learn to dance like that?"

"Dancing was always a favorite pastime of mine," she explained, still smiling. "I'm glad you all liked the show, but I still need to—"

"My, my. An excellent performance indeed, Primrose."

Everyone turned to see an aristocratic man standing in the tavern doorway. He wore fancy bluish-gray clothes that could put even Cyrus to shame, and his long silver hair was pulled back in a braid.

Primrose's eyes lit up once she saw him. "Simeon?! What are you doing here?"

"Noblecourt is beautiful, but even I must step away from it from time to time." He approached the table and gently took Primrose's hand before pressing his lips to it. "Still, I must confess that it is far less beautiful without you in it."

"Oh, Simeon…"

"Oh, brother…"

"Therion!" Ophilia glared. "Behave."

"Yes, Mother."

She pouted at me. Meanwhile, Linde crawled out from underneath the table and sniffed Simeon. I expected a prissy noble type like him to scream or run away, but he took it in stride and chuckled.

"My, are these your travelling companions? What a colorful cast of characters you've met on your travels, milady. I daresay I'm almost jealous."

"Psst," Alfyn whispered, leaning closer to me. "Who the heck is that guy?"

"Isn't it obvious?!" Tressa blurted. "He's her boyfriend!"

In a rare sight, Primrose's face went beet-red. She looked away from everyone as Simeon chuckled awkwardly.

"Ah, but where are my manners? I am Simeon, a childhood friend and former gardener of Lady Primrose." He bowed with his arm folded in front of his stomach. "It is truly a pleasure to meet you all. Any friend of milady is a friend of mine."

"Well met, Simeon!" Cyrus greeted, shaking his hand. "I assure you, the pleasure is all ours!"

"I had no idea Prim had a beau," Alfyn muttered.

"We did!" Tressa bragged, grinning. "Therion and I spied on you guys in Noblecourt!"

I stared at her incredulously. "Don't tell them that, you moron!"

Primrose hid her face in her hand, but Simeon laughed it off. "My, my… It would seem that my reputation precedes me. I'm relieved that you're unharmed and in good company, Primrose, but..."

He gave her a concerned look. "... What brings you all the way out here in the first place?"

"I'm tracking a trio of murderers, Simeon. Men with crow tattoos on either of their arms and their neck. Are you familiar with them?"

The table grew tense. Simeon cleared his throat and adjusted his cravat with long, slender fingers. "Mm… I'm afraid not, my dear. I think I would remember encountering such frightening ruffians."

"Oh…" Her shoulders sank. "... Are you sure?"

"Positive," he answered. His smile was strained. "Ah, but would you look at the time! It's getting rather late; I fear I must be going now. I support you in your endeavors entirely, Primrose, but do be careful. I would hate for more tragedy to befall you…"

Maybe it was just the exhaustion from the trip talking, but something about that last sentence didn't sit right with me. I took a swig of my drink as Simeon left, and the others had varying reactions to the newfound revelation. Tressa peppered Primrose with pushy questions, Ophilia tried to rein her in, Alfyn halfheartedly engaged in conversation with Cyrus, and Olberic exchanged odd looks with H'aanit.

"Mm… Simeon is right, it has gotten rather late," Cyrus noted, looking out the tavern windows. "We should get back to the inn before it gets too dark."

"You all go on ahead," Primrose said. "I… have to talk to Therion for a bit."

"Oh, geez. What'd I do this time?"

"I'll buy you another drink."

"... Deal."

Tressa glanced back and forth between us with a weird, almost unhappy look on her face before agreeing. "Well, okay then! Just don't stay out too late!"

The others took their leave, and I sighed as I propped my head up with my fist. "Okay, what is it?"

"I know I already asked you this back in Victors Hollow, but…" She leaned in closer until I could see the green of her eyes. "Please, Therion. If there's anything you know about my father's killers, I must hear it."

I sat back in my chair with folded arms and glared at her. "Do you honestly think I'd hide something like that from you at this point? Knowing what precious little I know about you and your past? No, hell no."

"Therion…"

"You want to hurt the people who hurt you and made your life a living hell. The way I see it, ain't nothing wrong with that."

"You sound as though you're speaking from experience… Are you?"

"... No," I lied. "Besides, this isn't about me. You asked me a question and you got your answer, so can we just—"

"Lady Primrose?!"

Cripes, what now?

Primrose glanced ahead of me and gasped. I turned around until I was looking at a pretty black-haired girl in a red and white dress.

"Arianna?! Is… Is it truly you?"

"It is," she answered, respectfully curtseying. Her eyes fell on me and went wide. "Oh, my! I didn't mean to intrude on… W-well, I mean…"

"Relax, it's not a date." I held a hand up. "Judging by the first-name basis, I'm guessing you two know each other."

"We do." Arianna smiled. "I was a servant to House Azelhart over a decade ago. My fellow staffers and I were distraught when Lord Azelhart was killed, and even moreso when the youngest Azelhart disappeared…"

She gazed at Primrose with a soft, almost motherly expression. "Yet here she is, having blossomed into a beautiful rose."

"Arianna…"

In the moment, I didn't quite know what to say. I knew Primrose's father was an influential lord at some point, but I never stopped to think about what happened to his staff when he died. Did they all scatter? Did some stay in Noblecourt? The place didn't look any worse for wear when we were there as a group…

Then again, it had been a whole ten years since the place lost its lord. But who was running it now?

"I don't understand, Arianna. What happened after I left?"

"For a time," she answered, "the city was enveloped in chaos. I left shortly after you did and I haven't returned since. I heard it's doing better nowadays, but I still have my doubts…"

The tavern had mostly emptied out by now. I noticed a couple of men leaving with some of the server girls on their arms. The bartender glared over at our table as he polished a mug, but he didn't say a word.

Something's wrong with this town… I can feel it.

"W-well then," Arianna said, clearing her throat. "I imagine it's been quite a long day for you both. It's been an honor and a pleasure to see you again, Lady Primrose. We can catch up tomorrow if you'd like."

She gave her another curtsey before looking at me. "It was nice to meet you, er…"

"Therion."

"Yes… Well, good night."

Arianna took her leave, her head hanging as she walked out of the tavern. There was a somber look in her eye that I just couldn't place. It was kinda neat to know that Primrose still had some old friends here and there, but something about Simeon still rubbed me the wrong way...

"What is it, Therion? You've been frowning more than usual..."

"You sure that Simeon guy is telling the truth?"

"What?" Primrose's eyes widened. "Of course I am! He's never been anything but kind to me. Even as a child, he was always by my side when I needed a shoulder to cry on. I have the utmost faith in him."

"Heh. Faith. Right. As if that's ever saved anyone from a knife in the back."

"Therion, I hope you're not insinuating that he would even entertain the thought of—"

"Look, just don't come crying to the rest of us if things don't work out, alright?" I sighed. "They never do..."

Primrose shook her head, staring into my soul with the one emotion I hoped never to see in her eye.

Pity.

"... Who hurt you?" There was a pause. "Who made you who you are, Therion?"

Ouch. I'm not sure what I was expecting to hear, but it sure as hell wasn't that.

"Nothing happened," I lied again, standing up. We were the only patrons left in the bar. "C'mon, it's late. Let's go."

"Therion..." Primrose's eyes lingered on me for a few seconds before she looked away, sighing. "... Alright. Lead the way."

When we finally made it to the inn, everyone else was already helping themselves at the dinner table. Tressa grinned and waved us over, prompting us to take the last two chairs for ourselves. Everyone looked happy enough except for Primrose herself. She smiled whenever someone would try to get her attention, but clearly her mind was elsewhere.

"Hey, guys?" Tressa furrowed her brow. "I, uh... I've been meaning to ask…"

Alfyn gave her a pat on the shoulder. "Go for it, little buddy!"

I smirked and took a swig of my ale.

This should be good.

"... What's a brothel?"

I spat my drink out immediately. Where the hell did she hear that?!

The others' reactions weren't much better. Olberic scratched the side of his jaw awkwardly. Ophilia tilted her head like a lost puppy. Alfyn's cheeks went bright red. Cyrus covered his mouth with both hands and stared at Tressa in shock. H'aanit looked at the others' expressions with a raised brow, and Primrose could only blink in surprise.

"... Oh, gods." Primrose rubbed her temples. "Tressa, darling, there's some things in this world that children just shouldn't be exposed to…"

"What the hey?! I'm not a kid!"

"I mean, you look like a kid." I shrugged. "Sure act like one."

"Therion!"

"And you even sound like one too! Wow, how'd they even let you inside the tavern in the first place?"

"C'mon, Therion! Quit being a jerk!" Tressa's cheeks puffed up and reddened until she looked like a tomato. "Besides, what do you think a brothel is, huh?"

"Oh!" Ophilia raised her hand. "I think I know! It is a place where you are served hot broth, yes?"

Primrose laughed at that. "Oh, goodness, no… That's adorable, but no."

"What ist this… 'brothel?' I woulde very much liken to know."

"H'aanit, not you too!"

Tressa pointed at her. "See?! H'aanit wants to know too, so just spill the beans already!"

"You can't handle the beans!"

Cyrus raised an eyebrow at Alfyn. "Yes… quite. In any case, it is decidedly not a discussion topic appropriate for the dinner table."

"But Professor!"

As the group continued to argue over what a brothel really was (with Primrose refusing to give a straight answer), I drummed my fingers on the table in thought. Something about this town didn't sit right with me, and it wasn't just the overbearing cold.

Before long, dinner was over and the lot of us were back in our rooms for the night. Olberic and Cyrus made conversation about who knows what and, while Alfyn listened intently, I kicked off my boots and laid down.

Before I knew it, I was fast asleep.

It was after midnight when my body decided to wake me up for some godforsaken reason. I laid motionless in the dark for roughly twenty minutes before giving up. I decided on going for a walk to clear my head, so I slipped on my boots and crept out of the room. The inn's halls were dark, but I crept along the wall and through the lobby before leaving through the front door.

I didn't get very far before a cloaked person bumped into me.

"Ouch! Watch it!" I snapped.

"Therion?" I heard Primrose's voice. I stared at the figure, bewildered, before she pulled her hood down. I could see her breath with every word. "What are you doing out at this hour?"

"That's my line. You wanna explain yourself here?"

She pursed her lips. "If you must know, I was talking to Arianna."

"That girl from the tavern? I thought you were meeting her tomorrow."

"It was urgent, Therion. More importantly, I know what I have to do now."

"Uh-huh." I folded my arms. "And that would be?"

"I'll tell you all tomorrow."

"Hmph. Suit yourself." I held the door open for her. "G'night."

"Such a gentleman," she snarked, walking through. "If only you were like this all the time—"

"Good night, Primrose."

"Heh... Good night, Therion."

The next morning, Primrose called all of us into the girls' inn room after breakfast to tell us what she'd learned the night before.

"Alright. Listen up, everyone," she said, standing in the center of the room. "This… may be difficult for some of you to hear, but there's something going on in this town. Something horrible."

"Called it," I muttered.

"What is it, Primmy?"

Primrose winced when she looked over at Tressa. The merchant girl was sitting on her bed, swinging her legs back and forth. Her face was the very definition of childlike innocence.

"Er… Well, do you remember that discussion about brothels yesterday?"

"Do I ever!"

"Well…" Primrose sighed and closed her eyes. "... It just so happens that there's one in Stillsnow, and all the townspeople are in on it."

... Hoo boy. Well, that explains where Tressa heard the word from at least...

I glanced around the room, keeping my mouth shut in spite of the revelation. Olberic, Alfyn and Cyrus all looked stunned—frankly, I think Cyrus even knowing what a brothel was surprised me most of all—but the girls just looked confused.

"... What?" Ophilia asked. "What do you mean?"

"Wait, no, hold on." Tressa held her hand towards Primrose. "What even is a brothel anyway? You guys never told me!"

"I too would like to know, Primrose." Ophilia folded her arms and stared at her expectantly. "I do not like being kept in the dark."

Primrose rubbed the bridge of her nose in frustration. "I was hoping we wouldn't have to have this conversation… Come here, both of you."

She pulled them off to the side for a second and had them huddle together. H'aanit, who'd been sitting on the bed closest to them with Linde, leaned in close too. I couldn't hear anything amidst all the whispering, but the reactions spoke for themselves.

"Zounds!"

"G-goodness!" Ophilia covered her mouth.

"W-w-what?!" Tressa stammered, blushing. "H-how come nobody ever told me?!"

"Your reaction is exactly why," Primrose deadpanned. "It's… not an easy thing to talk about. Not at all. Especially not for someone so… sheltered."

"Goodness," Ophilia repeated, sounding more disappointed than anything else. "You mean to say that the entire town knows? And yet they say nothing? Why?!"

I sighed. "Who knows... If I had to guess, I'd say it benefits them too greatly for them to want to change anything. Or maybe they're scared of whoever runs the place. Or both."

"I simply cannot believe this!" Cyrus raised his voice. "How can the townspeople uphold such debauchery and then have the nerves to call themselves virtuous?! It boggles the mind!"

Olberic bowed his head in contemplation. "Just how many lives has this organization torn apart...?"

"We can't let this stand, you guys," Alfyn said, shaking his head. "We gotta put a stop to this!"

"Hear, hear!" H'aanit yelled. Linde gave a small roar in agreement.

"Everyone… Thank you." Primrose looked around the room. "I appreciate your enthusiasm, and I couldn't agree more. As luck would have it, one of the men I'm after is apparently the owner of the brothel. Do you see where I'm going with this?"

"Ah, you mean to strike down two birds with one stone," Cyrus said, nodding with a grin. "In doing so, you can achieve your goals while saving those poor women simultaneously!"

"Correct."

"You have my blade, Primrose," Olberic declared, standing tall. "Just say the word and I am at your command."

"Me too!" Alfyn jumped in. "It's our job to help those in need!"

The others voiced their agreement. Primrose smiled sadly and shook her head. "Were this any other mission, I'd take you up on your offers in a heartbeat, but… I'm afraid this mission calls for a little more stealth. From what Arianna told me, the manor that monster resides in isn't even marked on a map."

"Huh?" Tressa tilted her head. "Then how are you supposed to get there?"

"There's a carriage that arrives on the outskirts of Stillsnow every night. A stagecoach named Oren seeks out 'eligible candidates' for his employer. If I can just catch his eye, I can get to where I need to go…"

"This sounds like it has a downside," I said. "What is it?"

"Heh. Perceptive as always, Therion." She frowned. "The downside is this Oren is said to be quite suspicious. A group of our size would never even make it past him. That's why I need to do this myself."

"What?!"

"Alone?"

"Prim, you can't!"

"I have to!" she cried. Not even I was expecting her to raise her voice like that. "... I have to. I can't have any of you getting hurt, but I need this opportunity. I need to find the men responsible for my father's death. Helgenish was a monster, but at the end of the day… He was nothing more than a stepping stone to me. If I give up now, everything I've suffered through will have been for nothing."

Everyone fell silent, taking in the truth of her words.

"... At least take someone with you."

"Therion, didn't you hear what I just said? It's too risky! These are vile, wicked men we're talking about here, and larger numbers are sure to draw unnecessary attention." Primrose furrowed her brow. "I thought you of all people would know that."

"Of course I know that! I just... "

"Just what?"

"I… I dunno!" I threw my hands up. "I just don't like the idea of you going in there alone. Any one of us could wind up in serious trouble on our own, and I'm sure everyone else agrees that it's just too dangerous for one or two people."

There were many nods.

"Even so," Primrose said, "the man in charge of this ring is only interested in women, and there's no way in hell I'm letting Tressa or Ophilia anywhere near that manor."

"You coulde taken me," H'aanit suggested.

"Are you sure, H'aanit? I know you're strong, but this is a different beast altogether."

"Ha! If it ist a beast, then I shall tamen it."

Primrose chuckled a bit. "... Well said."

Everyone else seemed to be in agreement, but… I couldn't shake this weird feeling of apprehension. The hairs on my arms were standing up and a chill ran down my spine. Primrose and H'aanit were both capable, sure, but what if something went wrong and we weren't there to help? And with our group's luck, something was bound to go wrong! Especially if the head crow found out what they were really up to…

No. I couldn't just sit back and hope things would turn out for the best. Not anymore.

"I'm going too."

Everyone gasped. They stared at me like I'd gone mad and, to be fair, maybe I had. Primrose looked most surprised of all.

"Therion?! You're offering to help me? But… Why?"

"What's that supposed to mean?!" I shook my head. "Never mind. Look, you're after revenge and I'm in full support of that, but we have no idea what that guy is capable of. Hell, we don't even know how many creeps he's got running the place."

Everyone's eyes were firmly stuck on me now. I felt the heat rushing to my face. "I… I dunno. This whole thing's got bad news written all over it, that's all."

Primrose stared at me for what felt like hours, her lips parted in surprise. It felt like she and the others were boring holes right through me. Maybe I should've just kept my big mouth shut...

After a few agonizing seconds of silence, she smiled and held a hand over her heart. "Goodness… I had no idea you cared so much about me, Therion. Who knew you were such a gentleman?"

"W-wait, it's not what you think!" I could already hear the others chuckling. "I'm not doing this because I like you or anything, I just don't want that on my conscience!"

"So you do have a conscience!"

"Shut up, Tressa!"

A giggle escaped Primrose's lips. "Still… That Oren lout only takes female passengers, remember?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, H'aanit and I shouldn't have any trouble convincing him as we are. You, on the other hand…"

I heard a few snickers here and there. My heart sank at the implication.

"... Uh, you know what? On second thought I think I'll sit this one ou—"

"Nope-nope-nope!" Tressa butted in. "You already offered your help! No takesies-backsies!"

Ophilia smiled a bit. "It does make me feel a little better knowing there would be three of you in case anything goes wrong…"

"Yeah, Therion! Take one for the team! You got this!"

"Alfyn, shut it!"

Primrose giggled again. If nothing else, at least my suffering brought her some joy. "Well, if everyone's in agreement, I think I'll call Arianna over later and we'll see what we can do about those tattered old rags of yours."

"Hmph." I folded my arms. "I like my rags…"

Primrose left to get Arianna in the evening. When they came back, it was with several dresses and what I could only assume were makeup kits. The two of them dragged a very reluctant H'aanit into the girls' room, and it would be about an hour before they came looking for me. Prim decided on a tight red dress with gold accents, and H'aanit eventually settled on a similar black ensemble. Between their natural good looks and Arianna's makeup, they were sure to turn more than a few heads.

"Well? How do we look?" Primrose asked, holding her arms out.

"Mildly uncomfortable." I glanced over at H'aanit. "Especially you."

"This dress doth clingen to me too much for mine liking," she replied, looking herself over. She smiled at her leather boots. "Still, these boots art more than enough to holden a dagger or two."

"Hehe." Primrose glanced over at me. I couldn't place the expression in her eye, but I didn't like it. Not one bit. "Come here, Therion. It's your turn!"

"You know now that I think about it, you two actually look quite strong by yoursel—"

"Grab him, H'aanit."

"Withe pleasure!"

I tried everything: bargaining, pleading, bribing, even a flimsy attempt at blackmail. As H'aanit and Primrose dragged me by my arms to whatever fate awaited me, I even tried appealing to the former's better nature.

"Therion, if I must wearen such an outfit, so too shall thee!"

Eventually I found myself wearing a lavender dress with white frills that Arianna had picked out for me. It was soft to the touch, sure, and it was fairly roomy, but… Ugh, how did this happen? How did I go from Therion, Master Thief to… this?

"How did I talk myself into doing this?" I asked no one in particular. "Why did I talk myself into doing this?"

"Relax, honey," Arianna told me, slathering more makeup on my face. "You were easy on the eyes before, but this really brings out the beauty in your cheekbones…"

"Lucky me…"

"Make sure you give him enough eye shadow," Primrose commented, smirking. "And don't forget his lips!"

Arianna continued to work on me. As she moved on to my hair, she sang a little tune to herself—something about honeybees or whatever. Once she was finally done torturing me, Primrose and a surprised H'aanit helped me stand up. I get the whole dress and makeup thing, but were the heels really necessary? How did women even walk around like this?

Primrose held my arm to steady me. "You get used to them."

I swatted her away, still wobbling. "I feel like an idiot."

"Well you look amazing, and I'm sure everyone else will think so too!"

I cringed. "Do we have to show them? Can't we just head over to the carriage and get this over with?"

"Where's the fun in that? Besides, most of them should be back in the lobby by now."

"... I don't like you."

With Primrose and H'aanit still clutching either of my arms, I stumbled through the inn's hall and reached the lobby. Olberic, Cyrus and Tressa were sitting at a little table, talking about nothing in particular. Primrose smiled reassuringly at me before clearing her throat.

"Ah, Primrose!" Cyrus greeted over his shoulder. "You're… back…"

The trio gasped when they saw me. Beneath the layers of makeup, I blushed and looked away. This was ridiculous, all of it. There was no way in hell they'd ever let me live this down. I'd probably have to abandon the team entirely by the end of it all…

"My word!" Cyrus gaped in shock. "Therion, you… Why, you're—"

"You're so pretty!" Tressa exclaimed, doubling over with a grin. "Ahaha! Ahahaha!"

Olberic cleared his throat, refusing to meet my eye. "Ah… Ahem. Yes, you… certainly look the part, Therion."

"I hate all of you," I uttered.

"They art not wrong, Therion. You looken like a maiden fair!" H'aanit gave me a smile and a pat on the shoulder. "I coulde do without this dress myself, however…"

Alfyn and Ophilia walked into the lobby in awe and wonder.

"Wow, Prim! You and H'aanit sure do clean up nice! Er, not that you two weren't already stunners..." Alfyn laughed. When he made eye contact with me, he went beet red. "Oh! W-wow, I, uh, I mean… Wow. Who's your friend there?"

"Oh, for the love of… It's me, ya dope!" I cried.

Ophilia's eyes widened in shock as the realization set in. She blushed as her hands flew to her mouth. "Therion?! Is that really you?! B-b-but… your makeup! And that dress!"

"Nailed it. I know. Thank you. Moving on."

Primrose couldn't help but chuckle at my misery. "My, my… It seems we have a winner. Shall we be off then?"

I sighed. "Let's get this disaster over with…"

True to Arianna's word, there was a carriage waiting for us on the outskirts of Stillsnow after dark. Its stagecoach was a tall man in a black fur coat and matching hat. As we drew closer, he glared at each of us with a harsh, scrutinizing gaze.

Yep. He's our man alright...

Arianna cleared her throat. "Hello there, Oren."

"What're you doin' here, Arianna? Boss hasn't sent for you yet." His eyes shifted over to the three of us again. "And these are…?"

"Primrose, H'aanit, and… Theresa!" Arianna gestured to each of us.

Seriously? That's the best she could come up with?

"Hmm…" Oren took his sweet time examining us, walking around and analyzing us in a way that even Cyrus would find too tactless. When he came back around to face us properly, he stared me in the eye for a few seconds. "Mm... Well, okay. I reckon you gals should be good enough. Even the scrawny-lookin' one there."

I gave him a bitter, insincere smile. He ignored it and opened the carriage doors for us, helping each of us inside.

Before long, we were on our way to whatever hell awaited us.

"Hey," Primrose whispered, nudging me. "It's time… We're nearly there."

My mind was still foggy. At some point during the ride, I must've nodded off entirely. I peeked my head out the window and, sure enough, the black gate to the manor greeted us. Oren climbed down from the wagon to unlock the gate. The lack of guards was suspicious; I seriously doubted that whoever ran the place would only hire a single lousy stagecoach.

Soon the horses pulled the wagon forward, entering the gate. The black parlor loomed in the distance. I glanced over at the others; Primrose bounced her foot repeatedly, H'aanit sharpened one of the daggers she'd kept on her person, and Arianna seemed oddly at peace in a way that seemed… kind of sad.

The carriage doors flew open, greeting us with both frigid air and a group of men in hooded black robes.

"You know what to do. Take them to the waiting room," I heard Oren say. The goons took us out of the wagon and held us by the arms. "And be careful! The boss don't want a single scratch on any of his girls!"

I groaned inwardly as the four of us were escorted into the manor. If this were any other situation, we'd have killed the lot of them by now and called it a day. Part of me still wanted to light the creeps on fire, but I had to think about Primrose and all she'd gone through just to get here. This was her mission, not mine.

"Here," one of the hooded men said, opening a golden-handled door. "Stay put until the boss sends for you three."

"Three?" Primrose asked.

"Yeah," another one answered, pushing her and H'aanit forward. "Boss likes to personally inspect every new girl that passes through these doors. The black-haired one ain't new."

I looked over at Arianna. She could only bow her head in shame as the four of us were corralled into the waiting room. The whole place smelled like an unholy mix of incense, wine, cigars and perfume. At least a dozen girls sat around the room in various outfits; some of them like mine, some of them like Primrose's dancer outfit.

"We're here," Primrose whispered to us once the guards were gone. "I had a feeling my father's murderers might've belonged to a larger group, but this…"

"No kidding. You could store an entire army in this place," I grumbled. "Here's hoping they aren't…"

Despite the circumstances, the corners of Primrose's lips curled up ever so slightly. There was a fiery look in her eye. "Still, can you believe it? They're taking us right to him!"

"This coulde very well be a trap," H'aanit warned. "Keep thine wits about thee."

"Right." She nodded. Primrose then turned to Arianna and asked, "Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"Of course. Just do whatever it is you need to do. Whatever they might have waiting for me, I… I'll be ready."

My gaze hit the floor. To think she'd go from serving a lord to this…

"You three!"

More of the cloaked men had returned. One of them smiled maliciously.

"Boss is waiting. Come along now."

It wasn't long before we reached the purple-lit "throne room," as one of the guards called it. The head of the establishment was a burly blonde man in black clothes. His cloak was torn at the sleeves, and he was surrounded by several girls as he sat back in his chair. His men brought us closer to him, and Primrose's eyes widened as she spotted what she was after.

A black crow tattooed on his left arm.

"Hmm… What do we have here?" The burly man leaned forward. The girls at his side backed away from him, staring at us with mournful eyes. "Some new toys come to play?"

"You," Primrose spat. Even while held in place by the goons, her hands were trembling. "... Ten long years ago, you and your accomplices murdered my father, Geoffrey Azelhart, in cold blood."

He frowned. "... Who?"

"Don't pretend you don't remember!"

"... I'm sorry." He sounded almost genuine. "I don't remember any of it."

"What?!"

"For you…" The man started walking towards us in a slow, arrogant way. "The day your father died was the most important day of your short little life."

He stopped until he was a few feet away from us, staring Primrose dead in the face.

"But for me…" He smirked and shook his head. "It was Tuesday."

She gasped. "You! …How dare you. How dare you!"

"Still," the man continued, turning his back on us, "you waltzed into my manor of your own free will, posing as a trio of eligible girls for my clients."

"By all accounts..." He looked back at us. "I own you now."

"Oh, piss off!" I yelled. "We don't have time for your shit!"

Several of the goons and girls in the room gasped, but their boss only raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "A man in disguise? Well now… Things just got a hell of a lot more interesting. If it's a fight you three want… I'm more than happy to oblige. Let them go."

"What?"

"But Rufus—!"

"Let them go!" Rufus ordered. "We have strength and numbers on our side. What do they have, a couple daggers? Some magic, maybe? Please. They'll be dead in a matter of minutes."

Reluctantly, the goons backed off. Rufus merely smirked and folded his arms as he gave us time to prepare. H'aanit handed me a dagger and, after using it to cut my skirt to a shorter, fighting-appropriate length, I stood with her and Primrose in a circle.

"Should've known it wouldn't be this easy," I grumbled.

"Here, Therion." H'aanit handed me a second dagger. "Thou shall needen this more than me."

I took it without complaint. She looked over at Primrose expectantly. "I don't suppose thou hast a plan, Primrose?"

"No mercy. Kill them all."

"Great plan."

"Therion—"

"No, seriously, this is my kind of plan," I said. "Less people coming after us later."

"... Right." Primrose looked over at a still-smirking Rufus and held her dagger up. "Do you see this blade, Rufus? Familiarize yourself with it. It will be the last thing that goes through your head."

"Oho!" he exclaimed. "Now there's the fire I've been missing in my life. You would have made such a perfect bride… What a shame."

Rufus threw his hands up in a shrug. "No matter. You'll be reunited with your father soon enough!"

His girls fled to the corner of the room. Primrose ran at Rufus with a war cry just as his men charged at H'aanit and me. I held my hands out and let loose a stream of fire. A few of the guards screamed and writhed as the flames coated them, but a few more flanked me.

I took out my daggers and got to work. A few well-placed stabs got the point across, but I was knocked to the floor when I blocked a heavy swing from a man with a sword.

"Ha! That's what ye get fer fightin' in heels!"

The heels!

He came at me again. This time, I yanked one of the accursed shoes off and flung it at him. It hit him square in the face, and I threw the other heel at him before sprinting at him barefoot. Once I tackled him to the floor, I slit his throat before arming myself with his sword.

"Ooh! This little kitten's got claws!" one of Rufus's men taunted me.

"C'mon, pretty boy! Dance for us!"

"You wanna dance?" I challenged. "Come on then! Let's dance, assholes!"

They didn't last long. After cutting them and a few more rogues down, I looked over to my left. H'aanit had channeled her magic into her fists and was now pummeling anyone dumb enough to rush her with electrified punches. She uppercutted one poor fool before grabbing him and throwing him into a group of others.

Then she zapped them all in one go.

Damn! She could give Cyrus a run for his money!

Sadly, Primrose wasn't doing so hot herself. She landed a few nicks on Rufus here and there, but he was like a wall compared to her. With how often she dodged his punches, it was almost like he was doing it on purpose.

Toying with her, even.

I blocked an oncoming knife swing before running the guy through. A few more ran at me, but another blast of Wildfire sent them running for the hills. H'aanit sprinted in Primrose's direction, but Rufus got the upper hand. He'd tired Primrose out enough to land a harsh punch to the stomach, then he grabbed her and spun her around before flinging her at H'aanit.

H'aanit managed to catch her, but the attack sent them both to the ground. Rufus slowly approached them with a glint in his eye.

"Yo, dirtbag!" I yelled, a fireball already in my hand. "Try this on for size!"

Rufus blocked it with his arm, but when he stopped to pat away the flames, H'aanit took the opportunity to blast him from behind with lightning.

"Tch... Not bad!" he yelled through grit teeth. When the assault stopped, Rufus turned only to find Primrose sprinting right at him. She leapt at him foot-first, nailing him right in the groin. "Gah!"

He doubled over in pain. Primrose shoved him to the ground and pounced on him, dagger in hand. The girls in the corner of the room, along with the rest of Rufus's men, stared in shock and horror when she stabbed him several times in the torso. Even H'aanit couldn't help but gape as Primrose brought the knife down over and over again.

"Holy shit," I whispered. So this is what an angry Primrose looked like...

After stabbing him a few more times, she rose to her feet, towering over him. She was covered in blood and sweat as she panted, but she still held her dagger with the same conviction as before.

"Heh…" Rufus clutched his chest and coughed up some blood. "How… does it feel, Lady Azelhart? Was it worth... coming all this way for one man?"

"Three men," she retorted. She pressed the tip of her dagger to his throat. "Now tell me, wretch; where are the others?"

"Haha… you'll never be able to—"

He roared in agony as Primrose plunged the blade into his bicep, piercing the crow tattoo.

"Where are they?!"

"N-no! I took an oath! I promised I'd never—"

She twisted the knife. I couldn't help but wince.

"N… Noblecourt!" Rufus spat up some more blood. His eyes were wide with fear. "Th-the answer lies in Noblecourt…!"

Primrose gasped. "What?! My home?!"

Despite his condition, he took the opportunity to taunt her one last time.

"Heh... You have... no idea whose affairs you're meddling in..." Rufus rasped. "My brothers... They shall avenge the left wing of the crow."

"No, you don't get to die until I say you do." Primrose pressed the knife back to his throat. "Why did you do it? Why did you kill my father?! Answer me, damn you!"

"Noblecourt," he repeated, staring up at the ceiling with glassy eyes. "The truth... lies in... Noblecourt..."

After a few more agonizing seconds, the left crow drew his final breath. A few of his men still lingered at the scene, staring at his corpse.

"Well?" I asked them, a sword in one hand and a fireball in the other. "What are you all gawking at? You want more?!"

"Screw this!" one yelled. "I'm outta here!"

"What the hell do we do now?!"

"The other crows will hear of this!"

They ran away. Part of me still wanted to chase them down and finish the job, but one look at Primrose made me stop in my tracks. She looked physically and emotionally exhausted. H'aanit helped her to her feet, and she nodded gratefully.

"... Thank you, H'aanit." She looked over at me. "Thank you both.

"Thinken nothing of it!"

"Yeah." I shrugged, walking towards them. "Shit happens."

"Um... e-excuse me!"

Primrose turned around. The girls that Rufus once kept at his side were now glancing at us nervously. The shortest one spoke up. "Um... What happens to us now?"

"You're free now," Primrose told them with a smile. "I'm just sorry I couldn't be here sooner. Do you have a means of transportation?"

"There's a stable outside the manor," a girl in blue said. "Rufus always kept a few spare wagons around just in case, but..."

"Good." Primrose turned to us. "H'aanit, Therion... Go get Arianna and everyone else out of the manor. We're burning this place to the ground."

We nodded without delay. Rufus was dead, but torching the place would no doubt send a message to both the crows and the people of Stillsnow. We searched the manor high and low, gathering everyone we could. The rest of Rufus's men had fled the place altogether, along with whatever "clients" he might've had over at the time, but getting the girls to safety mattered more at the end of the day.

Once everyone else was loaded up into the wagons, I tossed a few fireballs around the inside of the mansion before joining Primrose and some of the others. In a matter of minutes, the entire building was up in smoke.

As we rode away from the burning house of horrors, Primrose looked out the window and gave it one last spiteful glare.

"Goodbye, Rufus... And good riddance."

The ride back to Stillsnow was quiet. Not once did Primrose open her mouth to speak. I couldn't blame her, but I also couldn't get the night's events out of my head. She'd been so graceful whenever she dodged Rufus's attacks, but when she caught him at his weakest... Yeesh. To think I might have to sit through that two more times... I was just glad that the softer members of the group weren't around for that.

Still, she got what she was after and saved multiple people in the process.

Two birds indeed, Cyrus. Two birds indeed...

It was dawn when we got back to town. Honestly, I had to hand it to H'aanit; if not for her beating up Oren and forcing him to lead us all back to Stillsnow at knife-point, we might not have gotten back at all. She and Prim were quick to dispose of him before we entered the town, and Arianna led the rest of the girls back to the dormitory a few at a time. With no brothel to be forced back to, they'd be safe until it came time for them to go back to wherever they once called home.

As the three of us approached the inn, a thought crossed my mind.

"You know it's only a matter of time before the town finds out about the fire, right?"

Primrose nodded. "Indeed. We'll have to wake the others and leave at once."

"Understoode," H'aanit said. "The sooner, the better."

I'd never been more happy to see a bucket of water in my entire life.

Washing away all the makeup that'd been thrust upon me really made me appreciate the simpler things in life, namely not having to wear makeup in the first place. I felt kinda bad about ruining the dress earlier, but I'd be lying if I said it didn't feel good to be back in my old unassuming clothes. Getting all dolled up like that just wasn't my style.

There was a knock at the door. The other guys managed to get ready and leave before me, so I just assumed it was one of them coming by to make sure they didn't forget anything.

"Come in!"

Surprisingly enough, it was Primrose who entered the room instead. I glanced over at her. "Oh, hey."

"Hello, Therion. Do you have a minute?"

"I mean... Do any of us? We gotta get moving before people start asking questions about the mysterious group of travelers that just so happened to show up the night the brothel caught fire."

"Then I'll make it quick." She strode past me and plopped down onto a bed, patting the seat next to her. "Please, sit."

I blew a bit of hair out of my face, but I obliged.

"Thank you," she said.

"So what is it?"

"I just wanted you to know that I truly appreciate you coming along with us last night. I can't imagine it was easy for you to swallow your pride as a 'Master Thief,' yet you rose to the challenge all the same."

"Don't mention it." I waved a hand nonchalantly. "... Seriously, like ever."

"Hehe... I can see Tressa was right to place her faith in you when we first met." She closed her eyes and smiled nostalgically. "'Faith shall be your shield'... My father told me to always stand by those words. They're even engraved in the dagger he left me."

She pulled the dagger from its sheath and held it between us. I could spot the tiny words etched into its steel.

"Huh. Must've had one hell of a blacksmith..."

"Bertram always did consider himself quite the artist."

"I was joki... Forget it." I sighed. "So what does this got to do with me?"

"You scoffed at me yesterday when I mentioned the word before." She narrowed her eyes at me. "What is it that you have faith in, Therion?"

"I don't. Never have, never will."

"I don't believe that for even a second. Everyone believed in something at some point… or someone."

A bitter memory clawed at my heart. I shoved the feeling aside and turned the question on her instead. "Well, what do you have faith in, Princess?"

"I wish I knew, Therion…" She shook her head and gave a bitter chuckle. "I wish I knew."

"Wait, what? Weren't you just raking me over the coals yesterday about not having faith in anything? Talk about hypocrisy."

"Well, at the very least... I have faith in my friends," Primrose admitted. "I have faith in their strength, their kindness, their devotion... All of it. I wouldn't be traveling with them if I didn't."

I folded my arms and huffed. "This had better not devolve into a speech about the power of friendship."

"But traveling with the others has taught me that there is power in friendship, Therion."

"Oi..."

She stared at me and grinned. "You've demonstrated that yourself on numerous occasions."

"We are not friends, alright? I don't want or need friends, especially not friends that wind up getting into danger on a near-daily basis!"

"If you really felt that way about us, you'd have abandoned us long ago. But no... You need us in more ways than one."

That shut me right up. I'd never say it to her face, but she was right about one thing: I could have snuck away if I really wanted to. At the end of the day, though, I didn't. I decided a long time ago that I'd do Cordelia's bidding and get this stupid shackle off my wrist no matter what it took. Even if it meant going along with Tressa's group. Even if it meant helping others out along the way.

Besides, I still needed to find the other two dragonstones anyway. What good would flying solo do if I got killed before getting my life back?

"Well, you know my sordid backstory." Primrose's voice regained my attention. "When do we get to hear yours?"

"You don't," I deadpanned. "Not now, not ever."

"Oh… Is it still a sore spot? I'm sorry…"

"Don't worry about it."

"Is it related to the bangle on your wrist?"

"... No."

"Did it happen soon before meeting us?"

"You keep prying like that, pretty soon Cyrus is gonna look to you for pointers."

Primrose laughed at that. I turned my head away, fighting the urge to smile.

"In any case, I know where I should be headed next. My hometown of Noblecourt…" She sighed, drumming her fingers against her knee just as she'd done on several occasions. "Honestly, a little part of me wants to say goodbye to the others here and now. There's no telling what manner of danger they could end up in because of me. Even now, whoever leads the crows must be furious at the vagabonds who ruined his establishment."

"I don't think they'd want you to leave," I argued. "They all like you decently enough, and there's strength in numbers. Besides, these idiots kind of attract danger wherever they go anyway. Nothing's gonna change that."

"They're hardly idiots, Therion... but you may be right." Primrose hummed for a moment. "... Do you remember what I said to you in Victors Hollow? About why you've stayed with us to this point?"

"It feels like it was months ago, but yes, I remember. And no, I still don't have an answer, alright? So just drop it."

"I think you do. I think it goes beyond you needing us for your mission," she insisted, leaning closer to me. "I think you'd miss us."

"Nope." I scooted away a little. "You, on the other hand, would definitely miss the others if you left."

"Why are you acting like you're not a part of our group? I'd miss you too, you know."

"You're only saying that because none of the other guys would put on a dress!"

"That's not it at all!" she said between laughs. "I mean, it was helpful, but you have your own charm aside from that."

"But, you know… it was pretty brave of you to go along with our little plan," she said. "Sweet too. The thief we met in Noblecourt so long ago would have never done something so selfless."

I flushed a little. "Cut it out, would ya? I ain't going soft..."

"I never said you were! Still…"

Without warning, she pressed her lips to my cheek.

"Thank you, Therion." Primrose beamed with gratitude. "Truly."

"Yeah, yeah..." I stood up from the bed and buried my face in my scarf.

"Hee hee! Your ears are all red!"

"Shut up, Primrose!"

Before I knew it, the two of us were outside helping the others load their things into our new carriage. There wasn't a doubt in my mind that the others would have all sorts of questions for us after last night's insanity, but it could wait. H'aanit and Cyrus had both expressed interest in visiting a distant city in the Highlands called Stonegard. I had no idea what we'd find there, but as long as I never had to wear another pair of high heels ever again, I'd embrace it with open arms.

... Maybe.

Hi! So, as you're all aware, a lot's happened over the past few months. Admittedly, this chapter took waaay too long for me to write even before things descended into chaos, so I really have no excuse here. I'm sorry. What I'm going to do moving forward is start to work on chapters little by little ahead of time so that I can get something of a head start and stay motivated (i.e. start writing Chapter 18 within a day of posting this, writing at least a basic summary of Chapter 19 before finishing 18, you know).

We'll see if this helps to speed up the process a bit (by all accounts it should). For now, though, I'd like to reply to some guest feedback! ^^

Guest: Hello! So sorry this took so long. :/ If there's one thing I'll never do, though, it's give up entirely. Glad you enjoyed the last chapter! Hope this one didn't disappoint.

Guest 2: Wow, thank you so much! I don't know if I'd agree with that compliment (there are so many talented authors in the fandom, seriously), but I'm flattered and honored all the same. I do hope not to take too much time moving forward, though; stay tuned!

Hambimbi: Thank you kindly! I'm not planning on giving up, but it makes me happy to know you've liked the characterization and references! More to come.

Someone: Haha, thank you so much! It really makes my day to know someone (heh) enjoys what I do so much. :) As it stands, I'm rather iffy on pairings and whether or not I should "solidify" them if that makes sense. I just wouldn't want anyone to feel like I'm yanking the rug out from underneath them since this story was never labeled as Romance to begin with, but we'll see! I appreciate your enthusiasm though. ^^

Hello: Thank you! I plan to see this story through to the end no matter how long it takes. =)

Another Guest: Hi! So sorry this one took as long as it did; Therion's my favorite character too so I really hope I'm getting him right haha.

Cody: Hey, Cody! I've got the cure alright. :P Hopefully the next one is out soon.

Big thanks to all of you guys and everyone else who's read along to this point! I know this chapter's been a bit of a wild ride, so we'll just have to see what happens when the gang tackles the events of H'aanit's Chapter 2 next time! We're nearly halfway there, you guys! I'm so excited!

As always, feel free to give me your honest thoughts, stay safe, stay healthy, and last but not least... Happy 2nd Birthday, Octopath Traveler! ^^ This game will always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope it does in yours too!

See you all next time!