"I've heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason

Bringing something we must learn

And we are led to those who help us most to grow

If we let them and we help them in return."

― Stephen Schwartz

9:27 Dragon

Nennet lay on her stomach watching the birds outside the window. The man between her legs grunting and groaning as he fucked her. Or she supposed what was his version of a good fuck. She was almost bored, men always did.

"Don't stop, darling." Nennet said, adopting a quick sultry glance back at him, trying to encourage more time out of him.

It was useless, she could feel him spatter on her back. She rolled her eyes.

The man got off the bed, pulling his pants on. He threw a few coins at her "for having a tight cunt". Nennet watched him leave, handing the rest of the money to the mistress Sanga.

"He just keeps coming back." She said, walking into Nennet's room, "Clean up, my dear. You've another one asking for you."

"Already?" Nennet went to her basin, cleaning off the mess on her back.

"You'll be happy to know it's a woman this time."

"Thank the Maker." Nennet sighed.

"You do good work, my dove," Sanga said, "Keep it up." She left a few more coins in a purse by Nennet's wardrobe.

She put on a silken robe, tossing the linens on her bed and brought out new ones. She laid on them just in time for her next clients.

"Hello, sweet thing."

Nennet immediately perked up, "Captain."

Isabela shut the door, sauntering her way to Nennet to kiss her.

"When did you come back?"

"Just in port for a few days." Isabela kicked off her boots, then her clothes. Nennet could smell the salty sea air as she flipped her hair.

"Then whatever shall you do while you're here?" Nennet bit her lip, her pale eyes moving up and down Isabela's deliciously naked body. Every curves brought a new pleasure in Nennet, and she was anticipating the sex.

"Well I've got you the whole night, sweet thing." Isabela wickedly smiled, "I can think of many things to do with you."

"I can't wait."

Blood spattered across the wall. Nicolai looked at his knuckles, broken and bruised after repeated blows against flesh and bone.

His eyes flashed as he looked down at his latest hit. Some poor shem who didn't pay the right person at the right time. He didn't really care, all he wanted was the measly few pieces of silver he was going to get. It was enough to feed his family he supposed.

He walked away, leaving the bleeding man holding his nose and crying. He wouldn't be so cheap with his payments again.

Nicolai kept to the shadows, his large frame hard to hide in the backstreets of Denerim. He quickly made his way to the alienage, worried that maybe this time someone would point out a bruise that hadn't been there before, or maybe a cut on his face.

He always lied to them.

The hot blood running through his veins started to race, he could feel his magic getting stronger, but without proper training he was forced to keep it at bay.

Dare he ever say he used blood magic?

He stopped in front of the door to the Tabris home. His hand was on the doorknob, but he was hesitant to turn it. Inside her could hear the laughter of his uncle Cyrion, probably over something Soris might have done. His aunt Adaia could be heard saying something, but Nicolai couldn't hear what it was.

After what seemed like forever, he finally went inside.

The overwhelming scent of salted meats and the thin potato soup that was cooking filled his nostrils. He saw Shianni bothering Soris about his ridiculously cowlicked hair. Nennet was talking with her mother, who was furiously stirring the soup. Cyrion stood up and gave Nicolai a hug.

"It's good to see you at dinner for once, my boy." He smiled.

"The dockmaster let everyone go home a bit early tonight." Nicolai said, lying through his teeth. He saw Nennet cast a knowing glance over to him.

Nicolai washed his hands in the basin, noticing the small amount of blood in his gingery hair. He panicked and dumped his head in the basin.

"What's got into you?" Soris asked.

"He worked all day he's allowed to wash his face." Nennet said quickly.

She went over and hugged Nicolai, he could smell the strong perfume on her. She always smelled of it these days. Had her parents convinced she was working with the Orlesian lady in the Denerim market. But Nicolai knew better.

He looked to his aunt, "Anything I can do to help, mum?"

"Sit your ass down." Adaia eyed him, "We've all had a long day." She brought over bowls of soup for everyone.

"Uncle," Nicolai looked at Cyrion, "I should be expecting a few silvers tomorrow...from the dock master. It's for an overhaul I did last week."

"About time, he's been working you like a mule…" Cyrion said, "I have half a mind going down there to…"

"No." Nennet and Nicolai piped up.

There was a long silence before Nennet spoke.

"Father, you must let Nicolai settle his own affairs. You would only ridicule him if you marched down there to try and give the man a piece of your mind."

"Wouldn't that be something?" Adaia laughed, "But she's right, dear."

Cyrion grumbled, "Fine, fine…"

"We should be proud that he's out working and helping us." Adaia said, sitting down next to Nennet, "All of them are."

"I know, I know."

After dinner, Cyrion and Adaia went to bed. Nicolai stepped outside, noticing Nennet wasn't too far behind.

"How are they?" She asked.

Nicolai looked down at his hands, noticing the bruising had gotten worse.

"Fine." He answered.

"You don't have to keep working for these people, Nic…" Nennet started, "You're coming home bloody and broken. My mother already figured it out."

"Does she know you're at the Pearl?"

"Not yet. It's only a matter of time." Nennet sighed, "For now I'm just trying to keep her occupied with my archery lessons."

They were quiet for a while, listening to the neighbors yell and their dogs barking.

"It'll get better," Nicolai said, "I promise."

"I know." Nennet put a hand on his shoulder, "I know."