A.N.- A plot that fermented rather quickly after a discussion within the LFFL group on Facebook. I must warn now that updates will probably be slow on this one, since I REALLY do need to work on finishing my other fics first. But, maybe some of you won't mind waiting lol.

The Contract

A woman sat, tapping her fingers impatiently, empty mug of ale in front of her. The woman's dark hair was pulled back in a half bun, and her green eyes scanned the establishment constantly. There were more popular taverns she could go to, she mused, but The Poisoned Peach drew less attention from guardsmen patrols. The chair next to her was pulled back, and she barely glanced as a large orc sat next to her.

"Where's the boss?" he asked.

"Nice to see you too, Ludo," she replied casually. Truth be told, she had a soft spot for the orc. He had been an outcast, due to his unusally orange colored skin, and his large, curved horns. Us black sheep have to stick together, she thought. "Boss should be in here soon. Must be a high profile target if he thinks I need a bodyguard." She'd only worked with Ludo a few times, but she appreciated his efficient use of his strength.

Ludo shrugged, replying, "He hinted as much. Though not sure you really need the help, Raven." He ordered an ale as the server came round.

Another chair was pulled up, and Raven grumbled, "What took you so long, Hoggle?"

An aging dwarf with no beard huffed at her, eyebrows raised. "I had to make sure everything was in order. Without me, you'd be out of a job, remember Sarah?" He was speaking softly, but she slammed her fist down in front of him.

"Do NOT call me that. EVER. You're the one who insisted we meet at this time. And you'd better remember that you wouldn't have any coin without me." Hoggle shuffled in his seat uncomfortably, and she knew she'd won the argument. "Now out with it," she said in a calmer tone. "Which soul am I assisting in relieving them of their excess?"

Hoggle took a swig of his own ale, then replied nervously, "Queen Karen of Williamsburg."

Raven stilled, till both Hoggle and Ludo wondered if she breathed. Finally, she spoke again. "Why her. Why now."

Hoggle splayed his hands, explaining, "She's been dabbling in dark magic, or so the rumors go. My sources claim she has a powerful artifact in her possession, called the Siren's Flute. Not sure what all of it's properties are, but anything powerful is bound to be bad in the hands of a dark sorceress."

"Do you actually care about what she does to people, or the potential value of this object?"

"I've heard she has plans for the boy," Hoggle practically whispered.

A steely glint came into her eyes as she swore, "Fuck. I thought he'd be safe, being the youngest and all. What happened to Kyle? He was supposed to be her heir."

"He's disappeared. No word of him has been heard."

"Double fuck." Raven stole Hoggle's ale, taking a big drink. "Alright, I'm in. But I'll need to make absolutely sure she won't see me, and if she does, that she won't recognize me."

Hoggle licked his lips. "That's why you'll need a third member."

As if on que, the doors opened to reveal a tall figure. He strutted into the tavern as if he owned the place, his blonde hair wild, and eyes glinting with mischief. There was a lute strapped to his back. His shirt was dark blue, his breeches a tad too tight, and he grinned when he spotted the small party. Raven groaned, and Ludo frowned.

"I don't normally work with elves. Too obnoxious," the orc stated.

"That's not an elf, Ludo," Raven said. "THAT is a fae, as evidenced by the extremely elongated ears. They don't usually like socializing with normal society, so I have to wonder how our esteemed employer just happened to find one for hire."

"I'm sure your dwarf wishes to keep our deal a secret, as do I," the fae remarked cheekily, with a wink as he turned a chair backwards, straddling it as he sat down. Raven noted that one of his eyes had a dilated pupil, giving him an even more exotic look. "Jareth's the name, and I'm a bard by trade, if you hadn't guessed."

"How the hell am I supposed to sneak around Willaimsburg Castle with Mr. Fancy Tightpants towing along?!" Raven hissed at Hoggle. Ludo chuckled.

Jareth placed a hand over his heart, affecting an offended demeanor. "You wound me, Precious. I'm highly skilled, and can be as quiet as a mouse when need be."

"My name is Raven, not Precious." She turned to Hoggle, narrowing her eyes as she poked him in the chest. "You'd better make sure you've got everything in order, and if this goes sour, I'm holding you responsible." She tossed some coins on the table, then said, "I'll be back here in a week. That should give you plenty of time. See you then." With that, she strode out.

There was a moment of silence at the table before Jareth spoke. "She's a little spitfire."

Hoggle sighed. "This job is...personal for her. She'll come to see your value soon."

"Oh, I'm not complaining. I rather like a woman who can stand up for herself. She's rather attractive, as well."

Hoggle laughed, almost choking on his ale. "Good luck with trying to woo her into your bed. She doesn't take kindly to flirtations, and you're more likely than not to get a knife to your crown jewels for your trouble."

A smirk spread across Jareth's face. "Sounds like a challenge."

"Suit yourself, but don't say I didn't warn you."

"Now what can you tell me about this target?"