Winterheart

Chapter 5

The Point of it All

Sunrises, Minerva decided, were one of the most beautiful things she had ever seen. There was no real sunlight on the Plane of Ice, as the skies were perpetually covered in snowclouds. Even through the pollution of the hive, a real sunrise was amazing.

"You seem pretty chipper." Corrie said, as the two of them walked down the street.

"Well, I'm going to get to meet Malin."

"After I'm done with work, we'll head by the Gatehouse."

Minerva took note of the skimpy outfit Corrie wore.

"So your an erotic dancer, what's that like?" Minerva asked, mildly curious.

"Not as bad as you might think." Corrie answered. "I like dancing for one, and secondly, the place is generally kept in order. Also I don't dance all the time, sometimes it's waitress or so forth."

They quickly came up on the establishment, a bar that was larger many of the other establishments Minerva had seen.

"How long is your shift exactly? Are you sure we won't miss Malin? She could-"

"Relax, Minerva. Malin's at the Gatehouse primarily at night, so we shouldn't have to worry about any of that."

"At night. In the Hive?" Minerva remembered the rough encounters of the previous day, with a slight sinking feeling."

"It's not that big of a deal. The gatehouse is a pretty secure place, and most ne'er-do-wells won't go anywhere near it. What with all the barmies and all." Corrie said.

"So what does she do there?" Minerva asked.

"She's a part of the Bleak Cabal. She helps with the charities that they do. She only comes around at night though, so it will be some time."

"I can wait." Minerva said.

The club where Corrie worked was notably less dirty than the rest of the hive. Fast paced music sounded in the background. Minerva took a seat, and more out of politeness than interest, she ordered a drink.

The "Jabberwocky's Fang" as the drink was called was supposedly the best of the clubs drinks, though it was fairly poor quality as Minerva found out. With nothing else to do for a while, she reached into her bag and pulled out one of her books.

Eventually it was Corrie's turn to take the stage, and Minerva stopped reading to watch her. Corrie's dancing was entrancing and hypnotic in a way that reminded her of the dancer artist genies back home. Minerva found herself unable to tear her eyes away from the performance, completely fascinated by the complex, erotic movements. Corrie for her part seemed completely at ease, as if the last nights events had never happened, completely enveloped in her art.

The dance eventually came to an end, to Minerva's slight disappointment. Corrie stepped off the stage as another dancer took her place. Soon she appeared at Minerva's table as a waitress.

"Are you finding everything all right ma'am?" Corrie asked in jest.

"Wow..."

"What?"

"You were amazing." Minerva said.

Corrie blushed and smiled. "Er... thanks."

"I've rarely seen dancing like that, where did you learn?"

"Well, I needed money, so I signed up here as a waitress. Eventually I felt the urge to try the stage, and when I did I found that the dancing came naturally to me. Like instinct, I guess."

"You're a Planetouched, right?"

"Um..."

"Oh! Was that a sensitive question?"

"No no no, it wasn't." Corrie said. "I honestly don't know my parents. I grew up in one of the Cabal's orphanages until I moved in with Gwen. So I'm not sure what my heritage is."

"Your not fully human, I can tell you that." Minerva said while thinking. "Am I being too forwards with this?"

"No, don't worry about it. It's not that big a deal, I've always had magics I could do naturally so I figured that might be the case." Corrie concentrated, and the soft sound of soothing songs could be heard around Minerva.

"Ghost Sound." Minerva said.

"Is that what it's called?" Corrie asked.

"Yes, I-"

"Hey- Stop socilizing and get back to work!" Minerva was interrupted by what was presumably Corrie's boss.

"Got to go!" Corrie rushed off back to work. Throughout the day Minerva watched Corrie dance a few more times, and was again entranced by her talent and fluid motion. Eventually, Corries shift came to an end, and they were able to leave, stepping outside into the night of Sigil's Hive.

Minerva was worried that they would be assailed again, although thankfully this wasn't the case. Corrie led Minerva through another confusing mazeway of streets before exiting into a wide open plaza, at the other end of which was a truly massive building, which Minerva dimly remembered seeing in the background when she flew yesterday.

The Gatehouse was a tall and intimidating structure, made of a black stone that stood at odds with the predominately brown buildings in the Hive. It was still decorated in the same spikes, though the spikes were scaled with the building, make the place seem even more foreboding. Numerous small barred windows lined the side and it gave Minerva the distinct impression that this building might have been a prison at some point.

The courtyard wasn't empty, not even at night. All around, Minerva could see various people wandering about, some babbling to themselves, others standing at stalls hawking wares. Corrie led her past them, to the inside of the building. As they entered, she noticed that they were actually stepping through a portcullis of sorts. The bars were spaced so far apart that the girls could walk through them side by side with plenty of space to spare. Minerva wondered just what the portcullis was intended to guard against, with about fifteen feet between each bar.

As they entered the building, the intimidating architecture didn't stop. The inside was lit by blue and purple continual flames, though they were placed rather far apart, creating shadows everywhere. As they approached the front desk, they were greeted by a gray skinned, hairless woman sitting at the front desk. Her expression was completely blank as she stared at Minerva with unblinking red eyes.

"Hello?" Minerva asked.

"Salutations. What may I (that is the being standing before you) inquire is to the predicament, situation, frustration, confusion, or problem that has relocated you (that is the being standing before me) to stand in front of me?"

"Er..." Minerva was caught off guard by the strange greeting.

"We'd like to meet with Malin, if she's here."

"The Bleak Cabal member designated as Malin is currently located within the premises of this establishment, which is located within the Hive district, which is part of the city of Sigil, which is located above the Spire, which is located within the Concordant Domain of the Outlands, Which is located within the Outer Planes, which is located within the Multiverse, which is located within the Void Beyond Worlds, which is located-"

"Yes, so she's here?" Corrie interrupted.

"Affirmative. The Bleak Cabal member designated as-"

"Can you take me to her?" Corrie asked.

"What, may I-"

"Corrie, and this is Minerva."

"Greetings, entity designated as Corrie, and entity designated as Minerva. Malin is located within the Counseling area, which is located within the Gatehouse which is-"

"Okay, thanks." Corrie interrupted one last time, before leading Minerva down the hallway.

"She was strange." Minerva noted.

"You get used to it." Corrie said. "Now follow me. I spent my childhood here, and I know my way around here."

As they walked, Minerva eventually smelled the scent of cooking food. It wasn't anything high quality, but it did smell decent. They came to a large room full of tables, where large basins of soup stood at one end. The tables were all crowded, and there were long lines of people waiting for their soup, and then a place to sit.

"The Bleak Cabal does charity work?" Minerva asked. "I've never heard about that in the books I've read."

"The do a lot of work in the Hive."

"Seems a bit odd." Minerva said. "Considering how the Cabal sees everything as meaningless."

"The Cabal itself is odd, but I don't question it." Corrie said. "If they want to help others like that, then I don't see any reason to stop them."

Minerva looked at the sheer number of people in the soup kitchen, and then thought about all the other poverty she had seen as she walked through the Hive. Glum people crowding the streets, countless homeless sleeping in the alleys and holes of the district, Desperate prostitutes at every corner, crime running rampant, gangs openly prowling the streets, filth and garbage everywhere, madness being all too common, and an overall atmosphere of hopelessness.

"It's not enough." Minerva realized. "Even with all the resources of a faction, it's not enough."

Corrie paused for a second. "Yeah, it really isn't. As many as they help each day, many, many more have to be turned away. The few healing houses are almost always crowded with patients, and that's when the places aren't being robbed by people looking for magic items.

"There are other factions and places in Sigil. Don't they do anything to help?"

"Why would they?" Corrie said, with more than a little resentment. "Why would they care about us Hivers? Eveyone else would rather just pretend the Hive didn't exist. I've heard there's talk about blocking access in and out with guards, so they don't have to be offended at the sight of us."

Minerva remained silent at this, not sure what to say.

"And here we are!" Corrie directed her towards a doorway. The door itself was like the others in this building, made of thick metal, and shockingly heavy even considering Minerva's formidable strength. The door opened with a loud creak, that was somewhat grating to her ears.

Inside, the structure of the place was no different that the rest. Dark stone lit by occasional continual flames. Numerous cells lined the area. As she walked past them, she could see various figures in them. A Baurier reading a book. A Tiefling pacing agitatedly, a Chaond constantly babbling to himself, a Myconid staring blankely, a group of seven changelings clustered together.

Despite the dark, dreary nature of the Gatehouse, the cells actually looked comfortable, well furnished and lit. Most of the inmates in the cells ignored her, though a few walked up to the bars and stared silently, making Minerva nervous.

Eventually, they made it past the cells, to a larger area. There was no doorway into this room, leading Minerva to simply walk in, in the process stumbling upon what appeared to be some sort of discussion.

One of them appeared to be a Human woman. She had long silvery hair and yellow eyes that seemed to bore straight into Minerva. The other figure was anything but human. It had a large rotund body and stubby seeming legs. It's body seemed to be a patchwork of flesh and machine at seemingly random intervals. Sitting around it's neck and shoulders was a massive gear. Emerging from each of the seven spokes was a long, bizarrely jointed, spindly arm ending in a very thin hand with seven fingers. Above the gear was reptilian head that had numerous antennae sticking out of the top. It came to Minerva's realization that she was looking at a Modron.

"I didn't realize I would be having guests." The woman said, an amused smile on her face.

"Um... Are we interrupting?" Corrie asked.

"Don't worry Corrie, it's not a problem." The silver-haired woman said. She gestured towards an empty couch. "Sit down, we were just finishing actually."

"Greetings." The Modron said in a voice that was both raspy and mechanical sounding.

The woman turned back to the Modron. "Now as I was saying, becoming rogue was not a curse, but a blessing. You have individuality, you have freedom."

"This one is no longer part of a whole. This one no longer has purpose." Minerva noticed that the Modron's mouth did not move in sync with it's words.

"You are part of a much greater whole. That of the multiverse."

The Modron remained silent.

"As a servant of Primus you were innocent, naive, ignorant. You simply followed orders and protocol from your superiors, and gave them to your inferiors, never questioning the 'why' of it. It was not your place to think beyond that related to your job. You had no identity beyond that assigned to you, as you assigned identity to those beneath you. But upon going rogue, you have opened yourself to a much larger world. You are capable of finding you own purpose, and your own identity. You could even have a name. We can help you with that, if you'll let us."

There was a long pause, and the gear around the Modron's shoulders rotated slowly. Eventually the Modron spoke. "Affirmative."

"Excellent. For now, however, please return to your quarters. I will send someone to meet with you in the morning."

The Modron stood up from the couch and shuffled away, heading back to the area with the cells. The woman then stood up, heading over to Minerva.

She was tall and slender, with almost waist length silver hair and strange gold eyes, that as Minerva noted before seemed to bore straight into her. Her skin was noticeably pale and her ears tapered to slight points, though nowhere near those of elves. She smiled, and Minerva noticed incredibly sharp canines.

"Greetings. A am Malin."

"Y-you're a Vampire." Minerva blurted out. She then mentally flinched, waiting for some sort of reprisal.

It never came.

Malin instead gave a slight chuckle. "Of course I am. Don't worry, most people are taken aback by such things. You're not alone. Also, you look like you have questions to ask?"

"I suppose this might be rude, but you don't seem like what I would expect of a Bleak Cabal member. This whole place isn't what I expected of the Bleak Cabal."

Malin gave an amused smile. "I get that a lot, she said. What were you expecting."

"Well... Someone more... pessimistic? I've read a bit about the Cabal, and their viewpoint seems to be that there is no meaning to life." Minerva explained.

"Well, that is true." Malin said.

"So then, why all this. You do charity work, counsel the mad, and generally try to help others? Why?"

Malin smiled again. "I suppose the explanation is long, but it's one I love to talk about."

Malin gestured to Minerva. "You are very well read, I take it?"

"I spent many years doing nothing but that." Minerva said.

"And how many books have you read that try to convince the reader to a different viewpoint? How many editorials, holy scriptures, self-help books, and philosophy books have you read?"

"A lot, I guess."

"And how similar were those viewpoints?" As she spoke, she walked out of the room, and gestured for Minerva and Corrie to follow. A black umbrella floated into her hands. They walked back through the rooms with the cells.

"Radically different. I've read a book that claims elves were the ultimate expression of good, and another that claimed the exact opposite. Another extolled the virtues of spelljamming, while another considered it a waste of time. I've seen treatises on the natures of dragons that heavily conflicted one another and books that claim the multiverse is created all around us subconsciously, while others claim it's the province of the gods."

They exited the ward, and entered the gloomy, torch-lit main hallways of the Gatehouse.

"Exactly." Malin said. "There are countless multitudes of faiths, religions and gods. This city alone has over a dozen factions, and there's many many more minor groups and philosphies. There's as many different viewpoints as there are people in the multiverse. Each person will tell you that theirs is the truth. However, with so many different conflicting philosophies, faiths, and ideals across the planes, how do you tell which one is actually real?"

Malin turned around, walking backwards. She looked at Minerva expectantly.

"I... I don't know." Minerva admitted.

"Exactly." Malin spun around, and started ascending up a staircase. "The truth is that there is no truth, no meaning, no grand purpose we have been given. With so many conflicting viewpoints, it stands to reason that none of them any more real that the others. The multiverse itself is ultimately meaningless. It came into being from the Void as a cosmic accident, and one day it shall vanish back into it."

Minerva wasn't sure what to make of this herself. "That seems so depressing."

The staircase came to an end, and the three of them stepped out onto a balcony. The sun had completely set, and Minerva found herself looking at the brilliant pattern of stars in the sky.

"On the contrary, I find it freeing. The multiverse is shaped by belief. We forge our own purposes and meanings, as individuals. I choose to help others, not because of a divine dictate or cosmic purpose, but because it makes me happy and satisfied to do so. Life is full of suffering and sadness. Were all going to die someday, and eventually this entire multiverse will erode away into nothingness. But none of that matters in the here and now. I like being happy. I like seeing others happy. So I help bring happiness to the limited time others have in this life." Malin looked up into the starry sky and was silent for a while, before turning back to Minerva.

"And that's what I see in the Bleak Cabal. I've gathered around like minded people, because we benefit from each other. We help others because it makes us happy, though many members of the Cabal may not show it." She rested the tip of her folded umbrella on the ground. "I hope this all makes sense to you."

"It does, sort of." Minerva said. "You've given me a lot to think about."

"Perhaps you can do the same for me?" Malin suggested. "You've sought me out, but why? What's your story."

"It's really not as long, or as deep as yours."

"None the less, I'd like to hear it."

Minerva told her story. Though short, and fairly unimpressive, Malin showed no signs of disinterest, and infact chuckled slightly with amusement when she recounted her experience with the genasi wizard.

"And that's what brought me to you. Elise told me to seek you out, and that the Star is being sought after. She said you would know what that meant."

At that moment, the ribbon around her neck began to glow. Suddenly, out of nowhere. Elise appeared.

"Wha-" Minerva stepped back in shock.

"Don't worry, it's just a Programmed Image."

"Ah good. It seems you've made contact with Malin" Said the Elise illusion. "You're doing very well."

The Elise illusion turned towards Malin. "I made this message merely to ensure to you that yes, this is the truth. I wish I could have spoken with you both in person and under more pleasant circumstances, however, dark forces are at work here, and it's going to take all of us to combat it. I've sent you Minerva in the hopes that you will take her under your wing, so to speak. She's eager to help, but has much to learn about the planes. I trust you to be capable of this, Malin, and if you agree to do so, then I sincerely thank you."

The image vanished. Malin paused, considering.

She then turned to Minerva. "Welcome aboard."

"Your going to agree, just like that?"

"Of course." Malin said. "It's not that hard of a choice to make."

"Wow, thanks!" Minerva said, still taken aback at Malin's readiness. "But where do we go from here?"

"Where have you been staying while in Sigil?"

"I've only been here since yesterday." Minerva explained. "But Corrie let me stay with her and her roommates."

"Hmm... If were going to be working together, were going to need to be close by. Why don't you come with me? There's plenty of space in my home."

"Really?" Minerva asked.

"Of course."

"Thank-" Minerva then turned to Corrie. "Um..."

Before either of them could say anything. Malin spoke up. "Corrie, what is it that you do? What do your roommates do?"

"I dance and wait down at an inn." Corrie answered. "Gwen's an assistant to a blacksmith, and Trish is a courier."

Malin paused to think again. "I have been meaning to hire some new help on at the manor. Are you interested?"

"I don't think I'm really cut out for adventuring. That's for stronger people." Corrie said, somewhat confused.

"Of course not. I was meaning as a live in maid. Your friends are welcome to the position as well."

Corrie's eyes widened, in shock, then amazement. "I-I don't know what to say!"

Her expression quickly became a smile. "I mean, yes, of course I accept!"

"I'll send one of my other maids to your apartment to collect you tomorrow, and get your friends answered to my offer. Minerva, if you would come with me?" Malin stepped onto the railing, and opened her parasol. She stepped off and began gliding to the ground.

Minerva waved goodbye to Corrie and lifted into the air, after Malin. She flew down to where the vampire had landed and began walking beside her.

"It's going to be a bit of a travel, unfortunately. My automobile is in the Lower Ward."

"You don't park here?" Minerva asked.

"Would you? I want to help the people in the Hive, but I'm not foolish. It wouldn't be wise to bring a vehicle into the Hive like that."

"So were going to travel through the Hive, on foot, at night."

"I'm a Vampire." Malin chuckled. "The night is my domain. The ne'er do wells of the Hive should be afraid of me."

The Hive at late night was a completely different beast. Traffic still happened, though it was significantly slowed. Streetlamps existed only occasionally, and those that did tended to be flickering and useless. They were approached once by young boys carrying lanterns, offering to light their way in exchange for copper pieces. Although neither of them needed light to see in the dark, Malin smiled and took one of them up on the offer, drawing a coin from her sleeve.

"Thank you, ma'am!" The boy said. He had short brown hair, a face full of freckles that on closer inspection were diamond shaped, and a strange series of markings down his arms, indicating hew wasn't entirely human, though that seemed to be fairly common in a planar metropolis like sigil. He wore what were clearly scavenged clothes. His pants were torn, his shoes had holes in them, and his shirt was clearly several sizes too big for him.

"If you wouldn't mind taking us to the edge of the lower district."

"Of course!" The boy said, excitedly.

"And no detours, young man. Or bailing to have us be charged by one of your friends."

"I wasn't going to!" The boy said, though Minerva didn't trust the answer considering his sheepish expression.

"There's an extra 3 coppers in it for you if you stay."

"Oh sure!" The boy perked up and eagerly stepped in front of them, lantern held high.

Their travel continued, with the light boy guiding their path. As they walked, Malin struck up conversation.

"So, what's your name, young man?"

"Farom." The boy answered.

"Interesting, what do you do during the day?"

"Well... I catch rats and sell 'em sometimes. I also clean for old Rala. She pays me, but I don't really like her that much."

"Why not?"

"She's creepy! I think she's a witch!" Farom said. "She's got all these weird books lying around."

"What kind of books?"

"Dunno, can't read 'em. They do glow though. She doesn't read 'em either most of the time. Most of the time she's just muttering about some jackal with tea. There was this one really scary time she grabbed me just as I was leavin', shouting somethin' 'bout a word?"

"Perhaps she meant ward?" Minerva asked.

"What happened after that?" Malin asked.

"She started talking about a 'gift'. It didn't matter. I started running. When I looked back she seemed sad though. She's nice sometimes too."

"A gift?" Malin thought. "You might have a talent for magic, if she's a witch, she could be able to sense that."

The boy's jaw dropped. "Gee? I could use magic? That'd be awesome?"

"You'd just need someone to teach you. Maybe she wanted to take you as her apprentice."

Farom thought, his former incident with her likely on her mind.

Malin continued. "She's probably lonely. Does she have any family?"

"I don't think so." He said.

"It'd probably help both of you. She'd stop being lonely, you'd get to learn magic."

"Hmm..."

Before the boy could come to a conclusion, he looked forwards, and froze. Minerva looked up, to see a group of thugs in mismatched armor prowling towards them. One carried a torch that flickered ominously. The one in the lead looked at Farom. "Beat it, runt."

Farom stood his ground, though his legs were clearly trembling.

Malin knelt beside Farom, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Go, now."

"But the coppers-"

She handed him the three coppers, plus one extra. "Get home, stay safe."

The boy nodded, pocketed the coppers, and ran, dousing the lantern as he did so and disappearing into the shadows. The thug looked at him before he disappeared, with an expression that could only be described as hunger. However, Malin intercepted his view, calmly.

"Can I help you, gentlemen?" She said, still polite.

"Imagine my surprise, when I find two wealthy looking ladies, wandering the Hive. Are you lost? Why don't you two come with us?" He made obvious the axe at his hip.

Minerva immediately coated her hands in ice, forming a small dagger, concealed in the darkness.. However, she needn't have bothered. Malin stepped forwards, as the lead thug did the same. The man was a mountain of muscle, with numerous scars over his rough, warty skin. His teeth were jagged and sharp, and he towered at least a foot taller than Malin. She remained completely calm in the face of the obvious threat.

"Actually, we're not truly lost. We do have our destination known. I thank you for your offer though." Malin retained her politeness, even in the face of danger.

"The Hive's dangerous at night, ladies. Never know what somebody might do to you? Barmies everywhere, they say."

"We can handle ourselves just fine, though your concern is touching." Malin said.

The thug clearly didn't get the message, as he stepped forwards, reaching for his weapon.

Minerva edged to the side, prepared to strike when she saw Malin's eyes glow red.

"This isn't necessary. Please, leave and return home."

"This isn't necessary. I'll leave and return home."

The lead thug walked away. The remaining thugs looked at him, confused, before following.

Malin's eyes returned to their normal yellow color.

"Wow, that was resolved a lot easier than the encounter I dealt with."

"We should keep moving. There will probably be more."

"Could we fly?" Minerva suggested. Someone else was likely to try attacking them again, or maybe the enchantment would wear off and thugs they just met would return.

Malin sighed. "I had wanted to simply appreciate the night, but I guess it would be faster and safer."

Bat wings sprouted from Malin's back (somehow not interfering with her clothes) and with a mighty flap, she was in the air. Minerva flew after her. Malin led her to a lot just on the other side of the bridge to the Hive.

Even at night, the Lower Ward was still well lit. Unlike the Hive, streetlights lined the streets at regular intervals. She could even see a few dabus, keeping the district in decent condition. Malin's car was easy to find, being the only one left in the lot. Having never been in an automobile before, Minerva was overtaken by curiosity. The vehicle was of course black in color, and seemed made of smooth metal.

At a gesture from Malin, the doors unlocked.

Minerva had read several books and manuals on the operation of automobiles. She had even attempted to assemble an engine herself once (the resulting explosion destroyed a wing of her manor, and her father had forbidden her from attempting it again).

She stared at Malin with intense curiosity and interest as she activated the machine. It was surprisingly simple compared to the elaborate descriptions of them she had read, and she considered Elise's advice about skepticism. Soon enough they were out of the lot and on the streets of the Lower Ward.

The ride was surprisingly smooth and pleasant. When she took a risk out of curiosity and inhaled, the air was clear and fresh, with none of the foulness she encountered earlier. The humming of the engine was a pleasing and oddly calming sound.

She was surprised when the journey ended. They were already in the lady's ward. Malin pulled up in front of an large and sprawling manor. Darkness was no obstacle to Minerva's eyes, and though without color where the starlight didn't touch it, she could see the impressive architecture of the manor.

As the two of them stepped out of the car, Minerva inhaled again, and found the the scents of the Lady's Ward were pleasant and relaxing.

Malin held her hand in the air, and a bat alighted down upon it. At another gesture the bat took off, flying towards the house. Malin beckoned towards Minerva, and the two of them began walking to the front door.

As they approached, it opened, and an attractive woman in a maids uniform welcomed them.

"Welcome home, Milady." She said. The maid had purple hair and a strange symbol tattoo on her cheek. She smiled, a warm smile and let them in.

"And who's this?" She said, looking at Minerva.

"A long term guest, Glynda." Malin answered. "Prepare the appropriate accommodations."

"Of course." Glynda gestured to another maid who was approaching, and then leaned her head to the side, exposing her neck to Minerva.

"Uhh..." Minerva struggled to respond.

"She's not a vampire." Malin answered.

"Oh, my apologies for assuming." Glynda said, blushing.

"Though..." Malin embraced Glynda. Her fangs lengthened slightly and she then plunged them into her neck. The maid seemed to be making an expression of pleasure and ectasy as Malin drank. Soon enough, Malin finished. She licked her lips. Glynda, now with a blissful expression, drew a cloth from her apron, and dabbed it over the wound.

"Glynda, go the infirmary and drink a restoration potion. I'll show our new resident to her quarters."

"As you wish, Milady" Glynda said, her expression still dreamy.

"Oh, by the way, where's Marin." Malin asked.

"Your sister went off to the Market Ward just minutes before you arrived."

"Well, we'll have to meet her later." Malin said.

Meanwhile, Minerva was watching the entire display with a mixture of fascination and embarrassment.

"I'll show you to where you'll be staying right now." Malin gestured.

"Oh, now?" Glynda asked.

"Is there a problem?"

"Well, the guest quarters haven't been used in ages. The wing was closed off."

"It shouldn't be much of an issue. You can get to cleaning it in the morning."

Glynda smiled. "As you wish."

As she followed, she looked at the maid walking off.

"Do you feed from all your servants?" She asked, with growing concern.

"Only those that are willing, and they are cared for. Your friends will be made aware of the situation when they arrive." Malin said.

Minerva nodded. "Okay."

Malin pushed open a large door, leading Minerva into a large wing. Glynda wasn't kidding, the wing of the manor was very dusty. Each footstep stirred up a cloud of the stuff, and if either Minerva or Malin breathed, they'd most likely be coughing up a storm. Cobwebs covered parts of the ceiling and there was almost no decoration.

"How long has it been since you've had guests?" Minerva asked.

"I've had guests." Malin said. "Guests who stayed the night though... People don't really seem to be that comfortable sleeping in a vampires manor. Wonder why?" She said, with what might have been a bit of amused sarcasm.

"Well, I could help with cleaning?" Minerva offered.

"No. And don't worry, the rooms should be in a better state. I'm sorry I wasn't able to offer better accommodations right away. I really don't spend much time at home except to feed or sleep."

"If it's an issue, I can just go find an inn tonight."

"No, it's fine." Malin lead her towards one of the rooms and pushed open the door. True to her word, the rooms were much better in state.

The bedroom was fairly simple, at least compared to the rest of the manor, though that simplicity did appeal to Minerva. There was a large 4 poster bed, a desk, a door most likely leading to a closet, and a few empty bookshelves. The room looked almost new and Minerva got the impression that these rooms had rarely been opened.

"This is where you'll be staying. We'll begin our search and preparations tomorrow."

"Our search?"

"Were going on an adventure, we'll need a party. We have me, my sister Marin, and you, but we'll need several others. Not to mention adventuring gear. Fortunately, I have some people in mind, and know where to get the items we need. We'll be off at noon." Malin began to walk away.

"Wait, noon? But the sun!" Minerva turned, but Malin was already gone.

She sighed. Even though she was a vampire, Malin's lack of concern for the sunlight implied she'd be fine, somehow. Instead, Minerva set her bag down on the desk, and then entered the bed. The sheets were crisp, clearly having been in that position for a long while. It wasn't too much of a problem. With a bit of minor magic, they were loosened, and after undressing, she climbed into the bed.

Another day with much to think about. The state of the hive, Malin's philosophies, the prospect of the upcoming quest. It was enough to make her enter dormancy. Not sleep, dormancy. Sleep after all...

It's good to be back.

So I had more fun writing this chapter. We've laid the groundwork for the start of the quest.

On other notes, the Bleak Cabal is perhaps my favorite of the factions in Sigil, followed by the Society of Sensation and the Believers of the Source. I do hope I nailed the Cabal's philosophy well enough. Also, were not going to switch perspectives in the next chapter (yes, you may hold your applause).

The scenes with Farom the light-boy were added kind of on a whim. I felt the scene was too short, and so added it, and just kept making up details on the fly. Wonder what I'll do with him...

Also, thank you for reading this! Please leave a review. I'm trying to improve my quality of writing, and I'd be grateful for some genuine criticism. Thanks, and see you next time!

~Dragonexx