I hit the stone-laden streets of Stornway with a fervor made only possible by my anger. This wasn't the first time I had experienced human unkindness - it was common to their nature after all - but this was an unfathomable disgrace even for mortals; to steal from unwary travelers new to a big town, at their most vulnerable and unsure, and leave them financially stranded. The thought of such injustice lit a fire in my belly, and that heat kept my legs strong and back stiff as I canvassed all over the city looking for the perpetrator well into the night.

The feeling in the air shifted as the sun drifted from the sky and the cold of evening set in over the town. All the livelihood and mirth of the day had bled out entirely and little but town guards were left patrolling the streets. The moon was only a sliver in the sky, and while the main-way was lit by torches still, there were plenty of pockets of dark for a small thief to hide in. I checked them all. Every crevice, every back alley, I searched high and low, and with my superior night vision, I was able to do so as sneakily as any ne-er-do-weller could hope.

It was a wasted effort. I found little in the way of any kind of vagrancy, save for a few stray cats fighting for dominance and one particularly hostile rodent digging through some garbage left behind an eatery. I knocked on every door, entered every establishment still open, asking around if they had seen a young person in filthy rags, with a head of red curls. Some hemmed and hawed, not entirely sure if they had or hadn't; perhaps by the food stalls, maybe following the buskers around, outside of the church, maybe? But no one could point me to any place in particular. Many felt outright offended I had brought it up at all; they were all too busy, it was far too late, there were too many more important things happening in town to be worried about. Disheartened, I made my way to the far side of town towards the castle. There a lone guard stood, far away from the central hustle and bustle of the town, the one soldier I had left to question. My other options exhausted, I hoped perhaps he had ran afoul of my quarry before.

Even in the dim light I could see his expression darken as I approached, heavy footed and angry. I forced an unearned smile across my face in the hope of looking more friendly, and to my relief I could see the soldiers tension ease.

"No entry to the castle at night I'm afraid." He said as I greeted him, his strong, confident voice out of place on such a quiet evening.

"Ah, terribly sorry to bother you at such an hour sir, but I'm in need of some assistance. . ." I replied, explaining to him what had happened to me earlier in the day.

The middle-aged man looked aghast as I spoke, his lean face pale with shock. "A pickpocket!?" he exclaimed. "In times such as these? In MY patch? Huh, that's practically unheard of here." he nodded tersely, "Describe them, I know just about everyone in this city by now and I'll be damned if I let a one of them turn this city the way of Dourbridge." he declared.

I ran down the few details I was sure of: short enough to be a child, thin, filthy, covered in indistinct rags, curly red hair. The helpful soldier closed his eyes, jaw set in a hard line as he mulled over what I had said. We stood there in the deafening quiet of night for an almost painful amount of time before he let out a low grunt and broke the silence. "Mm. Not many people around here walking around in that state. I would have noticed them if they had been here long."

I hung my head in utter defeat, and prepared to thank him for his time and return to the inn empty handed.

"But. . ." he suddenly continued.

My head shot up. "Yes?" I asked eagerly.

He hesitated a moment before relenting, his eyes shifting away from mine. "Well I know sometimes the church takes in orphans and gets them set up for a new residence if they can. Even those outside of the local community, those who may know a harder life. . ." the guard sighed heavily, "It's possible you could find them there, and I doubt the Father would be too pleased to hear what their new charge is up to if that were the case." he finished.

'By the church' had been one of the vague answers I'd received, and though I had taken a quick look around the premises, I found there were no places nearby for any criminal to stowaway from society, and swiftly dismissed the option. It hadn't occurred to me the church itself would be harboring a petty criminal. I thanked the guard and began to make my way back towards that end of town. I could understand why he might have been reluctant to tell me what he did. An orphan child, perhaps making a living the only way they've known how. . . something in my chest quivered a little, but my resolve stayed firm. There's no reason for them to sink to such levels if they're in the hands of the pious, with food on their table and a roof over their head. If I didn't confront them, it would be I alone sleeping on the streets until the next victim arrived through the front gates.

Still, I didn't walk quite as fast as I made my way to the far side of the city, the soles of my shoes making a lone solemn click-clacking sound against the street in the dead of the night. I stopped short at the heavy wooden chapel doors, unsure of what I was even planing, and stared up towards its high stained glass window. The church itself was standard fare in these parts, made of large gray stones with the indelible symbol of the Almighty affixed to its steeple, bright even in the darkness. The blue roof itself was like an oasis among all the red-orange of Stornway, a place of peace in a busy city. Unlike the more modest chapel in Angel Falls, this one had a spacious tiled patio and set of stairs leading up to its front side from the town square, intricate swirling wrought iron fencing all around its perimeter, and a generous lawn filled with flowers; all obviously tended by someone with a keen eye for gardening. I knew from my earlier jaunt that the small dirt road to the side lead to a local graveyard and wrapped back around to the entrance of the city.

"No time like the present. . ." I muttered, took a deep breath and pushed open the doors. The inside was a little more luxe than I had expected: the stone floor was carpeted with elegant red and gold runners, though they were worn in some places. The pews were solid polished wood with errant cushions here and there for the comfort of the devout, all dyed and lovingly embroidered. Large windows covered either side of the building, each wreathed in leafy green plants set upon every sill, each pane letting in as much light as the sliver of moon would allow, casting a soft ethereal glow over the organ and small raised alter in the far back.

It was empty. But I didn't feel alone. I crept about the interior of the church, glancing down each aisle as I went past, expecting each time to see someone, some small presence curled up and asleep with a pew cushion clutching a small purse of my gold. But as I neared the back of the building, I still saw no one. All that was left was a small door leading to what I assumed were the humble personal chambers of the church. I thought about continuing, as close to my quarry as I was, I hated to give up now. But bursting through the door and disturbing the clergy, basically the closest thing I had to a constituent here in the Protectorate, in pursuit of what amounted to a few coins was beyond even my indignation. Instead I trudged up onto the alter and slumped onto to the padded piano bench, looking towards the intricately woven symbol of the Almighty hanging on the back wall there, and let out a soft, tired sigh.

"Looks like I may just be staying here tonight. . ." I said, closing my weary eyes, wanting just a moment of stillness before wandering back across town to let Erinn know where I'd be. I felt guilty enough leaving in such a state as it was, I certainly couldn't let her fret all evening, as I knew she would.

Just then, I heard the tight squeak of old hinges from the corner of the room. Through the little door leading deeper into the chapel emerged a small boy, loudly yawning into one filthy, bandaged hand as he sleepily stumbled forward towards the exit, the light jingle of a coin purse heard with every step.

I sat deathly still, my breath canceled in my lungs as I watched the young boy walk past me completely unaware. He stopped short about halfway down the center aisle, staring at the large doors of the church, now open to the cold night air. As light-footed as I could manage, I swiftly made my way down the aisle behind him, ready to throw him over my head like a sack of potatoes should he try to run.

His voice, tinged with sleep and light as a small bird rang through the deathly quiet building. ". . .Hwuah? Who left the door o-"

I snatched him by what barely passed for a collar, twisting him toward me, placing my other hand firmly on his small shoulder. "That would be me." I said, my voice a quiet snarl.

The boy let out a scream that broke painfully in the middle, turning into an uncomfortably shrill wail, his face a mix of shock and embarrassment. A part of me felt bad for frightening such a creature, but I couldn't stop from smiling; I had him now, the search was over. "That won't help you." I assured him.

He cut his shout short. "You're right. Father Calvin's a heavy sleeper." he replied. The young boy narrowed his eyes and snaked his thin, wiry arms over mine in an instant, grabbing at my forearms, locking them in place.

"Wha--"

Before I could even finish a sentence he flashed a self-satisfied grin, and hauled one of his legs up, kicking me squarely in the chest with an absurd amount of force for a child, effectively knocking himself free of my hold and sending a sharp pain coursing throughout the core of my body. I reeled back in shock, and heard a joyful giggle ring out through the chapel hall, just in time to watch my quarry run off outside and out of my grasp.

All of the tiredness and hesitation I had felt up until then vanished in a tide of anger, and I set off after him full-tilt. I could still hear his mirthful laugh as I followed his foot steps, even dampened by the soft earth of the dirt road heading towards the graveyard, I heard them. He was fast, and far more sure-footed than any normal child should have been. The strength of his arms and kick betrayed his muscle, coiled tight into a tiny package of trouble. This was no ordinary orphan left to the mercy of the church, and I had no reason to hold back.

Nothing seemed to stop or delay him; he leapt across grave stones, vaulted over benches, and scrambled up and down walls with surprising efficiency. I couldn't match him trick for trick, but my legs were a lot longer, and try as he might have, I wouldn't lose sight of him in the dark. Over roof tops, down alleyways – he took every odd route imaginable to try and shake me, and if I had been anyone else it would have worked. The cover of night, his gentle practiced footfalls, they would have been more than enough to get away from the average person. But more and more I found that darkness was no cover against Celestrian eyes, and his footsteps echoed in my ears where ever he went. With a little help from Stella being my eyes in the sky, it was impossible for him to get away. It was only a matter of time before one of us got tired and gave up, and I wasn't the one climbing over everything in sight.

I found him doubled over the well outside the Quester's Rest, trying to pull up the pail of water one handed, with the other gripped to his wheezing side. "You know. . ." he panted, "You could at least be a gracious victor and help me get a drink before I die. Imagine being all smug, beating a kid. . ." he muttered.

I walked over and gently pushed him out of the way, and he gratefully fell over onto his back, catching his breath. I quickly retrieved water for the both of us and looked down at him in scrutiny. He really was a scruffy little thing for having a place to stay – his clothes, if you could call them that, were held to him only by a frayed length of rope – not a belt or twine or leather strap but actual, heavy rope you'd see at a dock, worn to nearly it's core in places from friction and increased tightening, no doubt from a steady loss of weight. The rags themselves were mere scraps of what could have hardly passed as clothes to begin with. His thin, bony stature meant he was all angles, even his features were pointed and overly-defined for his age; except his eyes. They were as big and blue as the sea on a sunny day, earnest and bright.

I waited for him to finish drinking, once, twice, a third helping of water, before asking him questions. "You know who I am, yes?" I asked, giving a pointed glance towards the familiar coin purse he held.

He avoided my eyes as he answered quietly, ". . .Yes. . ." before untying it from his makeshift belt and setting it on the ground away from him.

I knelt down on one knee and asked him his name. He wouldn't meet my gaze.

"Riordan." he answered hesitantly. "Don't you have what you want? Or are you gonna haul me off to the guards too?" he spat.

I sighed, picked up my coin purse and took a cursory glance inside. "Hm. Well, seems like there's enough in here. . . Come on." I said, waving him toward me as I walked to the entrance of the inn. I waited by the door only a moment before I heard the tell-tale shuffle of clothes as he got up and scurried over beside me.

It was deliciously warm as we stepped through the door, the heat of countless freshly lit candles lining the walls and sitting in the center of every table among the foyer greeted us in a wave of comfort. The nostalgic scent of baking bread and warm apple butter wafted through the air, and a low din of chatter filled the room. When I had left, the inn was still in complete disarray, but I could scarcely trust my own memory now that everything was free of dust and cobwebs, it looked like a completely different place. All the tables and stools were polished and re-arranged so they would be at their most secure against the uneven stone. Vases of fresh flowers adorned the area, with hand-crafted wreaths and great potted plants strategically placed in the areas that couldn't quite be tended to in time. The bank and bar area were gleaming under the reclaimed chandeliers, and the impressive rows of liquor bottles behind Patty looked as if they were brand new. The mat at the door had been replaced with something thick and comfortable under your feet, and all the random boxes and barrels had been relocated somewhere less intrusive in order to welcome tonight's guests, who were clearly having themselves a merry time. You could hear Ginny's uproarious laughter from anywhere in the building as she kept people entertained as they waited to be served, while Erinn and Patty both kept busy fetching food, tending bar and getting people checked into their rooms. Even Lanugo, looking more dapper than I could have thought possible, freshly bathed and combed, wearing a teeny black bow tie round his chubby neck, was bringing room keys to guests and showing them to the elevator in back, to the delight of everyone.

I heard a soft gasp from beside me. "This place hasn't been open since I've been in Stornway. Oh look!" Riordan exclaimed, pointing a finger towards a genteel and gentlemanly Lanugo fluffing about some seated guests cooing over his appearance. "So cool! Those were super popular where I was from. Oh man it smells so good in here too, nothing like that wheat-mush the Father eats everyday." he said before he suddenly stopped smiling. "Are. . . are you letting me stay here?" he asked cautiously, his eyes probing my face for an answer, desperate to know this wasn't a cruel joke.

I crossed my arms and looked down at him, grimacing a bit from the deep ache in my chest from his earlier escape. "Yes. But the first thing you're doing is getting a bath. You'll be going back to the church tomorrow to apologize to the nice people who have been letting you stay there, and I can't very well let you walk around the way you are. Who knows, if you stop treating yourself like something that belongs out on the street maybe you'll stop acting like it too." I said as sternly as I could manage, hoping to strike a balance between reasonable and hard. I hadn't needed to play the strict older sibling to anyone in a long time.

I had a memory of the early days soon after Gallus had been born from the stars wash over me. He had ruined some parchments Columba had been working on, staining them terribly with ink. I caught him trying to use the evidence to frame another new fledgeling in order to escape blame, and instead he ended up with a double heaping of it from the both of us. Little Gallus, with his mane of dark blue hair and eternally cherub face, it burned in my mind then. Over thirty years had passed and he'd always looked and acted the role of my little brother, and now. . .

Riordan's face got beet red as he balled his fists up at his sides. "Apologize!?" he nearly squeaked. "Apologize for what!? I've only just been taking things to donate to the church anyway! As a thank you! Why should I say sorry to Father Calvin for doing him a favor!" he exploded at me. "And-and I only look this way because he only has the one bath and I don't want to muck it all up! I don't even sleep on the bed sheets so they won't get dirty! Why should I have to say sorry, huh!?" he kept on, furious at the suggestion.

I let him rant, only standing there in silence, arms across my chest, frowning until he finished. And when he did he realized the whole of the inn was wreathed in awkward silence, every eye in the house looking at the pair of us, some in astonishment, others in second hand embarrassment, others surely in amusement. I could see the color rise again in his cheeks as he quickly ducked his head down to stare wide-eyed at his feet.

I chuckled softly, "What kind of thief makes this much of a racket? I'm embarrassed you were ever able to trick me." I joked.

". . .Twice." he added under his breath.

"Haha, right, twice. Which only means you owe me double." I warned. "Come on, one thing at a time. You'll feel better once you're clean, and we can have a meal afterward." I said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

His head shot up, eyes damp and angry. "Why are you being like this? Why aren't you just handing me off to a guard or running me out of town? Are you some kind of creep who's into children?" he demanded.

I matched his heat in response. "Perish such thoughts at once. You'll bathe yourself, Erinn – see that nice girl in the blue dress there?" I said, pointing, "She'll help me find some suitable clothes for you, we'll eat, you will be safely confined to a room with your own bed for the night and in the morning you'll begin your penitence."

Riordan's eyebrows shot up. "P-Penitence? I thought I was just saying sorry. . ."

I nodded solemnly. "Yes, and the only acceptable way to show sincere regret for wrongdoing is through acts of right-doing." I said matter-of-factly. "I came to town on a bit of a pilgrimage myself, so you'll be assisting me as I help the members of this community." I explained. "But first you must apologize to the people kind enough to offer you mercy from the streets, for turning away that kindness for thievery."

I could see the misery creep upon Riordan's young face as he slumped forward with a heavy sigh, like a child being told to stop playing and see to his chores. "This really must be the Almighty's way of punishing me." he whined.

I chuckled. "You have no idea how right you are. Come on, it won't be so bad. You felt good right? Giving that money to the Father, knowing it would help?" I asked.

He nodded slightly. "Well, yeah, I-I mean I kept a lot myself but. . . it means something to me. . . to help the people who help me. . ." he trailed off, eyes looking past me into nowhere.

I set one hand atop his matted and filthy head, drawing his attention, and smiled. "You'll feel even better once you help someone without compromise or selfishness. Now come on, we've made enough of a scene for the night." I said as I lead him over towards the back counter where Erinn had been pretending not to watch me like a hawk.

A nervous smile played across her lips as we approached, hands clenched in her white apron. "Altairis! I was worried you weren't going to make it back at all, we'll be closing the doors here shortly after all, ah, and this is. . .?" she asked, her bright eyes scanning the mess of a boy beside me.

"Yes, this is who I went looking for earlier, no need to worry." I assured and asked her to draw a bath and help me rustle up some clean clothes. Erinn merrily obliged, relieved to see I hadn't come back with someone's head on a pike, it seemed.

It nearly drained my purse, but I had managed to get a hot bath, a fresh set of clothes that Erinn immediately began to hem here and there, two hot meals, and a standard room. I sent Lanugo with Riordan to help fetch him soaps and towels while he scrubbed who knows how many months of muck off of himself, and I sat at the bar, turning down drinks from Patty I could hardly afford, and ate a warm dinner of roasted pork loin over a bed of cooked greens with a generous slice of home made bread and apple butter. I was nearly finished and feeling the long day set into my bones when a still steaming Riordan joined me, with Lanugo fluffing about behind him.

The boy looked remarkably different without the layer of crust over his body. His hair was much longer and wavy than expected, the saturated crimson strands curling to and fro below his ears and over parts of his eyes. His pale, flushed skin was pock-marked and covered here and there with bumps I had never noticed under all the filth. A sign of both how little he had cared for himself, and his own youthfulness. His eyes were an intense blue, with long pale lashes, large and earnest against the sharper features of his face, and thin lips. He reminded me a bit of a nobleman's son, or a knights apprentice. He was a small and thin boy, but with clothes that fit a bit more reasonably he hardly looked the malnourished louse he had a half hour ago. He was just. . . a kid. But the children of Angel Falls and Stornway didn't have strength like he had. They didn't know how to break free from a shoulder grab or bound across rooftops. They certainly couldn't steal a money purse as quickly as bumping into someone.

Lazily, he reached over and snuck a piece of bread off my plate and began eating. "So. . . what's the point of all this again?" he asked, mouth half full. "This gonna make me a good kid again or somethin'?"

I snatched what was left of my bread from his hand and pushed a covered plate of food in front of him as I answered. "No." I stressed. "I have a feeling you're already a good kid. This is simply a consequence of your less good actions. Deal with it."

Riordan removed the cover of his portion of still-warm food and took a deep breath in through his nose. "Yeah, I'm dealing with it alright." he said sardonically. "Whatever, we go fetch a few cats out of trees or whatever tomorrow and then you leave me alone, right? I'm not sure I have the energy to deal with you for more than a day."

I felt my face twist in amusement. "Humph. I think that's my line. How old are you anyway?"

Riordan's eyes rolled up as he counted a few years on his fingers before answering through a mouthful of pork. "About thirteen now." He shot me an angry glare before I could even reply, "I have. Developmental. Deficiencies." he growled, warning me away from any comment on his voice or stature.

I sat quietly a moment as he stared me down. ". . .Okay, we have a deal." I said as I popped the last bit of dinner in my mouth and left him. I asked Lanugo to keep a close eye on him throughout the night for me, and to alert me should he try to run off. But to my surprise, every time I had woken in a panic worried every creak of the floor or rattle against the window was him trying to escape me again, there he was, snoring loudly, limbs akimbo, mouth wide open with a fountain of drool crusting his pillow. Lanugo, dutiful as ever, slept curled upon his chest, feather-light and calm, slowly rising and falling in time with every breath, the both of them completely without a care in the world for that moment. I imagined it really must have been a long time since he slept in a proper bed. Even if he had planned to run off, perhaps the comfort of a down blanket had persuaded him otherwise.

When the morning had begun in earnest and the sun broke through our window to warm the floor of our room, I got up and made my way down to the foyer. I briefly considered waking Riordan at the crack of dawn to enhance my punishment, but dismissed the option just as quickly. Whether I liked it or not, I needed sleep myself these days, besides, fewer people would be up at that hour in need of help anyway. I glanced back at the small sleeping form, sprawled and snoring, before admitting I just wanted him to enjoy his comfort for a little while longer.

Erinn greeted me at the bar counter with her signature cheer and a warm bowl of spiced oats and dried fruit; free of charge she assured. "I'd gotten so used to cooking for you and grandfather every morning, just a force of habit I suppose!" she giggled.

Erinn was no good at deception, I knew she was doing me a favor and surely had more work to do here than she let on, but I played along out of deep appreciation for her kindness, and love for her home cooking. "Thank you, Erinn, I'm not sure how I'll survive traveling on my own without you." I admitted, tempted to gulp my breakfast down in one long pull.

Her blue eyes gleamed as she smiled, pleased with herself. "Oh, you always seem to manage no matter what! I believe in you. Ah, but, I can't help but wonder. . ." she trailed off, absentmindedly wiping down the counter between us.

I raised my eyebrow. "Yes?"

She hesitated and after a moment broke down and rolled her eyes in a huff. "Well okay Patty wouldn't leave me alone until I promised to ask. But what are you planning to do with that boy?" she asked, her voice growing softer in concern, "I think it's wonderful you've helped him out, but the others are a bit nervous having a known thief staying the night." she admitted, her stare boring into the wooden bar instead of looking at me.

I took one more bite of food before wiping my mouth and giving my answer. "Don't fret Erinn, this was a one time thing and he'll be out of here shortly. He's going to help me out with some errands today as a way of making up for what he did, and then he's going back to the church." I explained. "Hopefully this will make him think twice before he does things that hurt people."

Erinn clasped her hand together in front of her chest. "Oh Altairis! What a wonderful idea. If he has to interact with the community like that, he couldn't possibly feel right stealing from them afterwards!" she exclaimed. "And I'm sure everyone will have a better opinion of him once it's all said and done, so he'll be able to come by when ever he wants." she added thoughtfully.

I felt my brow furrow as I scrapped the last bits of sweet oatmeal from my bowl. "Uh, well, I don't know if it will go like that." I confessed. "But your optimism certainly doesn't hurt. I'm going to let the boys sleep in for now while I rustle up some things for us to do." I said as I got up from the counter and gave my arms a good stretch. "Hey, if you have any more of that-"

"I've already set some aside for him." Erinn assured.

I could feel my face stretch into a wide grin. "Heh, you're always too kind, Erinn."

"You could say that again." Patty interrupted as she came down from the stairs to the right of us, a thick pad of paper in one hand and a sharp looking writing utensil in the other. "She's costing me. . ." the shrewd woman squinted down at paper in her hands and jotted something down before continuing. "Ah, that's it, too much." Patty fixed Erinn with a stern and accusatory stare.

"Ahh, Patty, t-there you are! Good m-morning!" Erinn exclaimed with forced enthusiasm.

The woman's gaze didn't waver.

Erinn rung her hands together as her eyes darted back and forth from me to Patty. "Er, if it's too much then please just take it from my pay. She's my friend, after all." she insisted.

Patty held her hand up in front of her and wagged a finger. "No need for all that, dear." she tsk'd as she fished out a purse from a drawer behind them and opened it. "I'll just take about. . . yep, this should do it." she said removing a few small, dully shining coins and handing them to Erinn before tossing the bag my way.

I scrambled to catch it in time and was surprised by the weight of it. It wasn't an outrageous sum to have on hand, but it was far more than I had ever seen myself. "Uh. What's this for?" I asked.

Patty let out a low chuckle. "Why that's what I owe you for doing such a good job of spreading the word about our re-opening last night."

I blinked. "I. Uh. What?"

"Oh it wasn't done the way I had expected." she teased, "But it turns out you running to every home and establishment in the area and whining about how you won't be able to afford to stay the night here really got everyone talking." Patty's piercing eyes sparkled with amusement as she looked me up and down. "You really do have a certain way with people, Minstrel. By dinner time everyone in Stornway knew we were open for business."

I could feel heat rise in my cheeks a little as I awkwardly tied the purse to my side. "Th-thank you, Patty. I wasn't really expecting all this."

"Well I make sure people are compensated for their efforts, besides, there's a lot more where that came from." she practically purred. "In fact, if you were to mention us fondly on all your travels – as I'm sure you're eager to do on Erinn's behalf anyway – I would be more than happy to make it worth your while. Minstrel's travel far and wide after all." she offered, grinning in that easy, unsettling way she did.

It made my heart glad to know I was able to help like I said I would, and the heavy weight of the purse on my hip didn't feel too bad either. But I had no plans of spending my life traipsing all over the Protectorate, my journey was temporary, I was certain of it.

"I'm not sure I love the idea of being one of your employee's," I began hesitantly, "but I would be more than happy to spread the word for a free room whenever I needed one." I countered.

Patty threw her head back in laughter. "Oh honey, nothing in life is ever completely free, not beds, not even a humble bowl of oatmeal." she replied. "However, I could be persuaded to give you a. . . competitive price whenever you're in town. For you and any other odd companions of yours." she said, her lips turning up into a wry smile.

I let out a small sigh. "You win, as always. Though I expect something more than 'competitive' pricing when you're even putting my pets to work." I chided.

For once Patty seemed caught off guard, a quick moment of shock before she broke out into a fierce grin and shrugged. "Well you've got me there. A genius bit of marketing on my part, if I do say so – and I do. People are an absolute sucker for a cute mascot." she determined.

I had to agree, the image of my precious cow-printed friend floating about in a bow tie was one I could not deny the appeal of. Even if it was a bit undignified for a wild born monster. I wouldn't admit such a thing to the likes of Patty though, not now at any rate.

"Lanugo is a trusted friend, all told. You shouldn't treat him like a business tool. I think you probably owe us for his service." I said, mirroring her stance, challenging her.

Patty didn't miss a beat. "Oh? Sounds more like I should be charging you for a third person, actually. Seeing as he's a 'trusted friend', wouldn't want to offend anyone by not treating him like everyone else." she said, tapping one elegant finger against her chin in mock wonder.

I immediately felt my ego deflate. "Ah. Well. When you put it that way. . ."

She laughed, a delighted little giggle for a grown woman. "I win! Always." she declared. "Don't worry, we'll agree to give you a room for cheap whenever you need, alright?"

I perked up at that in surprise. "That's generous of you, Patty. We have a deal."

She flipped an errant strand of silver-blue hair over her bare shoulders in a practiced show of nonchalance. "Heh, it is rather generous, but that's one thing I don't need you telling other people about."

I heard an excited applause and turned to see Erinn in a state of utter delight. "Oh Patty! I'm so glad you two worked something out." she said, smiling watery-eyed at the two of us like we were children who'd just made up after a fight. "I know such wonderful people." she added, almost dreamily.

Patty and I both awkwardly excused ourselves from the conversation, embarrassed in a way only Erinn could manage. It was just as well, I needed to find a way to help the people of Stornway, sooner rather than later. Both for Riordan, and of course for the Benevolessence Stella was convinced would get the Starflight running again.

The morning air still had a bit of chill to it as I made my way to the center square, the noise of city life already building up to a dull roar even this early, and it invigorated me. I had to find a way to help as many people as possible, and the bigger the favor, the bigger the Benevolessence. I was eager to get back to the Observatory, and began plotting a way to rake in the mortal gratitude as quickly as possible. I considered asking the town guard if there was anything I could do, but this wasn't a small village grateful for any willing hands they could get; Stornway had a large retinue of soldiers keeping the peace and handling the local's grievances, they weren't likely to just trust a random traveler to do their jobs for them.

As I made my way past the first few stalls in market, those selling produce and fresh flowers that filled the area with an overwhelming sweet scent, I stopped by the large bulletin board in the center of the square, in hopes it could give me some direction. There, among many dates for street shows, festivals and live events, at the very top, in bright bold letters, a message from the King of Stornway himself: "A mysterious knight in black armour is terrorizing our town. If anyone is brave enough to fight him, come to the castle. Anyone will do. – King Schott of Stornway".

I pressed my fingers to the paper bulletin and read it again, mulling it over in my mind. "Terrorizing the whole town, huh. . ." I said to myself, imaging that taking care of such a problem would make quite a lot of people grateful.

"Doing a right big favor for a king isn't such a bad idea either." Stella's voice echoed in my head.

I winced, hating the uncomfortable pressure that came from a voice inside my mind that wasn't my own, but she was right. If I could do this one thing, the gratitude of a king and all his people could be exactly what we needed. And considering the state I last saw The Observatory in, if the people here were truly in danger, I might be the only Celestrian available to help.

I rubbed my hands together in anticipation and solidified my resolve. "I guess I'd better let the kid know; we're off to see the king."