I Let It In And It Took Everything

by Hail Stan

"If you are destined to fail with your "new lifestyle" - that doesn't means that I will be a winner. My dear friend, remember - we are never winning. It's just an act of generosity, granted to us from above..."

1. Prologue

I Let It In And It Took Everything Chapter 1

"Amanda, listen to me! I'm sorry for what happened to her, but I had no other choice! That despicable bastard didn't deserved to live! What he did to you, to me, to Forrest...Stop looking at me like this! It was done not our of bloodlust, it was revenge! For you, for me, for our family...And even for her! She was just too blind to see. All that she saw was a façade! Stop looking at me as if I'm some feral beast!"

"...Who have you become? What happened to that sweet little brother I known?"

"Uh, are you okay, boss? You seemed to be a bit too... interested in this murder and money earning. I know where we were before, but I'm just scared that this may..Affect you. You've recently been on edge a lot more often"

"Brutus...My old friend...Don't worry about me. I'm taking control of my life, for the first time! Finally we don't have to steal some food from traders, and we...I, don't have to be afraid of any asshole on a street always laughing behind my back, always thinking less of me, and always winning relying on someone else if a fight occurs. Now, the tables have turned, my friend. We are winning my friend! We are taking revenge upon this world, circumstances and obstacles! We are architects of our own fate, not a slaves of someone's desires. And now, THEY fear us.."

"Uh, aren't you planning on looking for Carver, boss?"

"Looking for that piece of crap, who planned to betray me?"

"Why do you even think he would've done that, boss?"

"I KNOW IT. We've been in this for more than a decade, and trust me, I saw it everywhere – none of this dirt deserves trust or compassion. Do you really think, that life of some thief and assassin even worth talking about? His biggest achievement in life would be a fact, that somebody else had managed to have a small party at tavern, paid by what was left from his equipment. Forget about him, Brutus"

"It had to be done… You would've betrayed me sooner or later...I..I had to...You-...You were meant to be a pawn... Somebody I could use for my own gain... nothing more..."

- ...Nothing... - whispered a red eyed hybrid out loud.

- "Nothing" what? - asked a female voice near him. Clovis looked up. What his eyes found was a face of leopardess tavern owner. For unknown reasons, but from the very first contacts of anthropomorphic animal and human, the most pragmatic and business-related minds always belonged to this kind. Paradoxically, leopards were also considered one of the least know and understood species. Maybe that's because they didn't had any form of government, or even any majorly known and open clan. Or, maybe because if somebody had a visit to one of them, they were mostly interested not in theirs history, or understanding how good was theirs day, but rather in their own things, which varied heavily - from buying weapons and a new house , to simply someone, who can sell a good ale, rum, or, most of the time, a good and cheap egg-nog, the latter which was mostly sold for nothing, or to be correct - in debt, under a "good promise from a thankful and trustworthy soul". One of such members of "the noblest of all crafts" was a leopardess, who owned the small tavern near Arthur's street - one of several streets in the Haivalöx Village. Aside from being the Tiger's Territory village, and being located near the thick forest, nobody could tell a lot more about neither this village, nor the name of it, or it's own streets. As for anything else - it didn't stand out very much from all the other villages in all of the Mekkan: some young tigers whisper sweet, sweet nothings in the ears of young tigresses, others work in the fields, or chopping down the trees for a fuel for ovens, and of course, the oldest tigresses like to gossip about everything going around here - from addition of several kittens in local baron's house, to why old fool Lansen goes to tavern every night, and in how many bruises for him will it end up, if his wife Helen will find out about this. But we've digressed a little bit, we should probably spend some time talking about the owner of the only tavern in this village. She was a lonely leopardess in her late 30's. There were rumours, that when she was young she had tragically lost her husband, but since it happened before she arrived here - it was impossible to know for sure, whether this was one of the many lies of local gossip lovers, or an actual truth. Damien, the ex-student of Tanmare's Capital Academy, or as he calls himself, a "philosopher", tried to talk about her past after several good chugs of egg-nog, when the alcohol, as he liked to say, "opened up another "I" " in himself, and slowed his speech in half, but to no avail. Seems that this lonely leopardess also was a "philosopher" herself, and after several questions regarding her past she quickly declared an ultimatum, that either Damien shuts up, or the egg-nog flow will stop immediately, and she'll chat with his parents, who are part of nobility, about theirs precious son's whereabouts, which, obviously, was more than enough to kill his enthusiasm. Because, whilst they loved theirs precious son, as a tigers and any rich land owner, they had a pretty strong temper themselves, and could've punish him thoroughly. In terms of appearance, she looked decent for her age, but after a second glance the tiredness in her blue eyes could've tell, that this person had definitely seen things. The tavern she owned on it's own was definitely a product of the place it's located in - small, but good enough for locals to unwind themselves, and talk about royalty and why does the moon shines in the sky. The reply from a leopardess caught Clovis by surprise.

- Oh, it's...

- Nothing? - smiled tavern owner. - Well, as long as this "nothing" isn't related to what's in your pockets - I am absolutely fine with it. You're one of the few keidrans here who may stay here for an entire day from the very sunrise, so your presence here is welcomed, for sure.

"I have no doubt in that..." - thought Clovis. For around a month half-breed resided in this inn. Since he rarely left a tavern, he was still pretty much a stranger for local villagers, but a lot of less responsible members of Haivalöx community, who were frequent visitors there, had already started talking about some weirdly looking keidran there. There were rumors, that this weirdly looking person, in fact, is just a devil, who takes the most drunk keidrans with him during the full moon, although if that would've been true, the visitors who spread this rumors would probably already been Clovis's victims.

Suddenly, the door of the tavern had opened, and two new faces appeared

- ...And can you imagine? When she went for a moment to feed her hens, and I was looking for something that's "poorly lays", so to speak...

- You sure like to do that sometimes! - laughed one of the tigers.

- Tch, don't interrupt me! - replied the other one. - Besides, nobody died from one lost bottle of ale or 'nog, come on. So, as I-

But the storyteller stopped as soon as he spotted already familiar red eyed visitor.

- Oh, uh... - paused the tiger. It wasn't that much because of any fear, but rather because, almost nobody visited this place so early, and visitor hoped to spend the time with his good old pal. - ..Hello there!

- Seriously, Davis? - laughed the other one visitor. - You've scared because of what those old hecks gossiped about this fella? Oh, dear Masks! You'll show to anyone of them a tongue in the window at night, and they'll be already pale white from fear! Hahaa, your age surely made you a big coward! Now, hello there, partner! - the last words were addressed to Clovis.

- Good morning.. - tiredly replied half-breed.

- Coward...Where did you get that, Gavin? In a dream, or something? - replied Davis, who was a bit irritated by his old friend's manners. - Hi there.

- M-hm.. - answered Clovis.

- Madam, can you please give something for a two gentlemen to drink? Of course, something besides water - said Gavin

- I hope it's not in debt, as it usually goes.. - replied tavern owner.

- Pfft, who do you think we are? - smiled Davis. - We are hardly working and honest keidran.

- ...Right... - tensed the leopardess.

- Ahh, there's no need to be so tense. - said Gavin, and brought two silver coins, both of which were marked with number "25" on it. - See? We have money! We've sold some of ours apple cider and eggs, so now, I think, after hard-working spring and summer we can afford to spend some money for a quality time.

- "Hard-working summer"? - snarled leopardess. - You two idiots have been laying in the nearest bushes or on the ovens during day, and drinking during evenings. Your wives and sons worked on the fields, not you two - lazy bastards.

- Don't snap, don't snap, old witch! - replied Davis. - We're also doing our part! If there was no one to guard them during the road to Tanmare - there would've been nothing to sell. And! If it weren't for us, who would've sold all that for 70 gold coins! That's almost double the price of all of those things, that local traders propose for that. Gavin also decided to stand for the pride of his good name

- Yeah! Double! Heck, who had come to conclusion, that leopards are the best traders? We! We, Gavin and Davis from Haivalöx are the embodiment of business! - pridefully smile Gavin, as if he believed in nonsense he just said

- "Embodiment of the business"... - smirked tavern owner. - Well, "businessmans", and what will you order? Beer, ale? Maybe some wine?

- Woah there, woman, who do you think we are? We may have pragmatic part in our blood, but first of all we are honest folk! Not some "royalty", or any other part of privileged bunch, but hones workers! So, please, give us simple, honest, fine, fine egg-nog. - said Davis

- Heh, indeed, why have I even asked... - mumbled leopardess. - Alright, two egg-nogs, will you drink them right here?

- Nah, we'll sit at that table - said Gavin, and pointed at one of the further tables. After all, the privacy, or at least a separate table, is crucial for a meeting of two good friends. The tavern owner then turned her sight to other visitor of the tavern

- Anything for you? - leopardess asked Clovis.

- Nah, I think...I'm done for today. I'll finish my own drinks, and... probably will have a bit of walk.

- Okay...As you wish. - answered the leopardess, and poured two glasses of egg-nog for a tigers. It's also worth talking about the egg-nog itself. Egg-nog is a highly alcoholic beverage, that's probably the most popular thing to accompany almost every event in keidran's life - from someone's funeral to birth and New Year celebration, this liquid will be there. Although it's worth noting, that a lot of more wealthy folk don't tend to like egg-nog, or, as it usually called " 'nog ". Most likely it is due to it's strong taste, that simply "burns" the mouth. But nobody drinks it for the sake of taste. If somebody would want a more refined drink - they would probably go for a homemade ale, or wine, or whiskey. But because they do cost quite a lot for the average keidran, and making one of those is a long, and also expensive process - majority of folks do not drink those nearly as often, as egg-nog. Speaking of 'nog, the lovely leopardess had already served that to a duo of tigers, and those were quick to take a first shot

- Mmm, now that's what I'm talking about! - said Davis.

- I don't know. - replied his old friend. - I think that Tanmare's ale tastes dozens of times better

- Oooh... - Davis slowly shook his head. - I see that capital's air had a pretty bad influence on your brain. Today you're not liking an egg-nog, and what's next? You'll wear multicolored expensive clothes, and will start considering every villager your own servant? Come on, friend, this what all the saints were drinking, this is a beverage for a soul, not for "taste".

- Ehh, maybe you're right... - lazily responded Gavin. Although he may have looked a bit disinterested initially, but a satisfied smile, and a kind, alcohol-influenced eyes after around five to six shots definitely told, that this exact person was more than content with a current state of things he's in.

- Now that's the spirit, Gav! I've told you that 'nog is for soul, not for "taste", "smell", or any other crap Tanmare's traders will tell you "matters" regarding the alcoholic beverages. 'Ah hope they'll choke on that ale that they're trying so desperately to sold, damn devil's kin!

- Heey, easier, easier... - Gavin tried to calm his good old friend. - You cannot simply wish for someone to choke on food or drinks. Do you know what story happened back in the day to grandmother of my uncle?

- No, Gav.

- Well, then sit and listen. Once she invited all of the family and some of her friends, one of which was a local fishermen, that may be a father to Willis. Well, you know him, he sometimes goes on fishing or hunting, and also sells some of the wood to Whearside, a town, which is around 30 miles from here, for a celebration of Masks Ascension holiday.

- Well, I do know him, aand? - asked Davis, who did loved such stories about the old happenings, especially when he was in "almost sober" state

- Well, he was very hungry that night, and when he was started eating the foot of a roasted pork, well, let's just say, that he wasn't the quietest eater.

- Oh, I expected that - said Davis. That's just like Willis, he also makes a lot of noises, when he's drunk, and starts eating some meat, and it's even hard to know, whether the pig was made for a meal, or the pig eats his own blood brother!

After a several seconds, spend on a drunk laughter, Gavin continued his story.

- Well, where was I...Oh, remembered! The grandmother was a pretty gentle soul, just like it often is with a wives and mothers-

- Yeah, bruises under your eyes tell me otherwise, Gav. - this time the only laughing tiger was Davis

- Oh, shut up, I've got them when I was...Uhh... - but the drunken mind definitely betrayed the owner this time. Needless to say, that Kathleen, Gavin's wife, was a kind woman, but definitely knew how to deal with shenanigans of her husband. Her husband never did any sort of resistance, since he knew, that he was in the wrong, but also was too tempted sometimes to do something stupid when he was drunk, like trying to steal neighbours apples, whilst having apple tree of his own, or to say a several kind words to young ladies, knowing, that theirs only reply would be either laughter, or something along the lines of "Just look at this! Old gump had finally drunk away his mind!". But nonetheless, Gavin and Kathleen love each other, otherwise they wouldn't have had two kids of their own. And for occasional punishments for his misdeed from his wife, he simply said "Well, what will happen definitely will happen". Although, interrupting a story with a joke about his specific relationship with Kathleen wasn't a welcoming surprise.

- Yeah, yeah, keep thinking! - kept laughing Davis.

- Shut up! I'm trying to tell you something, and you once again starting to talk about this crap. - But it's true! - answered Davis, but a glare of his friend told him that he was unfazed by his sense of humor. - Alright, fine, I'm shutting up. Masks forbid, we may even fight, if this keeps going on. Can you imagine, how happy the local gossipers will be? They'll be laughing every time they'll see us on a streets. "Two old, grey fools, each with a family, and yet started a fight like two youngsters!" Heh, what a shame that will be! So what were you telling me there, Gav?

His friend had already lightened up a little bit. After all, holding a grudge was one of many things Gavin couldn't do

- Right, as I was saying...Well, that grandma was a delicate woman, but definitely could add a stronger word. However, since she didn't want to embarrass neither herself, nor her family during such a holiday, she simply quietly whispered "Hope you'll choke on that pork feet". And can you imagine? Suddenly that poor bastard's face turned blue, and he had died right there!

- He got what he was looking for, damn glutton!

- But that's not all! Poor grandma had no peace after that. As soon as the night falls, the deadman came in to her. He would've sat on top of a chimney, and would've held that pork feet in his teeth. Everything was calm during day, but as soon as night falls look at the house - and that bastard had already mounted the damn chimney!

- With a pork feet in his mouth?

- With a pork feet in his mouth.

- Huh, what a weird situation... - lazily said Davis, whilst looking at the empty glass of egg-nog - Talking about weird situations, do you know, that Human and Wolf kingdoms had recently signed a treaty?

- Wha'? A treaty? You're probably was too enthusiastic on that 'nog.

- I'm serious, Gav! Recently one of...Uhh, spy? Nah, not spy. Maybe thieves?..I don't know, let's just say "criminal circles" leader had decided to, I hardly believe myself when I'm saying this, send to royal family a classified information, that was related to Templars. After that, Empire proclaimed Templars to be terroristic organisation, controlled by Brahn, and both humans and wolves decided to enter a parley, and apparently, decided to end a recent war.

- You're kidding me, Davey! What kind of "information" that has to be. - Majority of it is not public, but what did become is an announcement, that attack on Edinmire, and a lot of other provocations, were connected to none other, than Templars themselves!

- Holy Aurora! That's just...wild! But, tell me, Dave, how did that "leader of criminal circles" had managed to stay untouched?

- Well, rumors said, that he had, somehow, managed to steal the detailed documentation of plans via multiple agents, and send those plans to royal castle, without seeing them themselves. Folks say, that he could've seen these documents and agents via some magic, some "mental link" crap, but I don't know...

- And tell me finally - why the heck he would've leave after that?

- Well, I would've saw how much courage would've been left in you, if you would've messed with both Human Empire and Templars. Nonetheless, I think we should raise our glasses for the Masks, that had send this blessings upon our souls - the ending of war. Well, for the Masks! - Gavin raised his glass of egg-nog. His friend followed his example.

- Heh, for the Masks!

"Scared of Human Empire and Templars, huh?" After a deep sigh, Clovis finally decided that he was finally done with his own drinks.

- Well, thank you for a fine drink and service. By the way, I haven't known your name, even though I'm one of yours more frequent visitors.

- It's Amanda, dear - answered a leopardess.

- Amanda...What a familiar name... - quietly said Clovis, although most likely he did not wanted to say that out loud at all.

- Where did you heard my name? - wondered a tavern owner.

- It's just...You know, thinking out loud. Sort of a bad habit. After several minutes, hybrid decided that he has no point in staying here anymore. - Well anyways, I should be getting on. See you later.

- Goodbye, dear - smiled leopardess

- Goodbye, gentlemen. - Clovis waved his hand to the two tigers, that were sitting at the table, although his stone face was making this gesture seem a bit odd

- I hope Masks bless your soul too, partner! - replied Davis. His other friend was too busy drinking his beverage, and simply waved his hand to a hybrid. Both of the tigers were in a great mood. After all, meeting of two old friends, mixed with a big amount of egg-nog could make even the saddest soul in the world at least crack a satisfied smile.

---

Although Clovis initially had no exact destination, but red eyes quickly found an empty bench near some family garden. Not thinking twice, hybrid decided to sit there. It was the middle of autumn in Haivalöx. Many of local villagers had finally harvested a results of weeks and months of labour on the fields. Dozens of fruits and vegetables were filling cellars of happy tigers, and dozens of those were appearing on nearest trade fairs. But the air was becoming colder and colder with each passing day. The leaves were also changing, reaching more darker shades of yellow, and some of them had already began to fall - one by one. Many of the locals had changed theirs clothes for a warmer sweaters and coats, although every now and then it was possible to see some brave and naive soul, who would've been walking around with the summer clothes. Some would've probably walked even almost naked, but around five years ago, the main priest, Arvado The Modest, had decided to write a letter to Lord Araghonte, leader of Haivalöx, that asked him to restrict a practice of walking naked on the streets. And, as a majority of nobles, didn't caring even a slightest about his own people, he decided, that if he'll lose to one of his friends in a domino game, he'll accept this one. And since Araghonte was never good in any of the games, that excluded shooting with a bow, or drinking, he had mercifully declared, that using only your own fur as a clothing in Haivalöx was forbidden from that day. Although, this wasn't confirmed by him. Well, what wouldn't pitiful gossipers do to soil a good name of nobility! Speaking of appearance, Clovis himself was now wearing a lot more modest clothes, since his old style would've immediately let recognize him, and now he barely looked any different from any other villager in Haivalöx. What did made him look different was a sword, that he always carried with him. But since locals only saw him using that blade as a knife, and occasionally to reach the higher apples or peas, nobody really minded Clovis taking that weapon with him - after all, in almost every house a curious eyes could've found a small arsenal of bows, arrows, and various blades, swords, and tens of poison recipes. Half-breed looked in the sky. The sun, seemingly a frequent visitor during the summer, had now almost disappeared out of sight, and left to live a life in villagers memories. The sky was filled with thick clouds, although slow wind speed told to more experienced passerby, that the probability of the rain for today is pretty low. After recent events, Clovis started to oftentimes remember his younger years at Fox's Coasts. He constantly left the house, to visit the Beacon Of The Drowned - a lighthouse, that was located on a giant cliff, where the ground had abruptly ended, and the endless ocean began. He remembered, how local lighthouse keeper, fox in his 50's by the name of William, or how he often called him, "Uncle Willie", invited him inside to show his fishing collection, a cup of tea, since he never gave Clovis coffee, always saying that "You're too young to drink that, boy!", and talk about eachother's lives. When he was in his late teens, after William left the Fox Lands, Clovis found out, that William's son, 10 year old Archibald, had fallen from a cliff nearby that lighthouse during a strong storm near the popular location for suicide jumpers. William was a widow at that time, but sudden death of his only son had devastated the fox. He always thought, that Archi had committed suicide, and after half a year long drinking bout, he had found a some weirdly looking kid, who also loved to walk around a lighthouse. That kid was none other than Clovis. If that was somebody else, besides Will, the ugly rumors probably would've spread in the local town. But he had a high reputation amongst the locals. Religious, law abiding man, who haven't even drank a single glass of beer in his life, before passing of his only son. And, surprisingly, even the most vile gossipers didn't spread any lies about him. And so, Willie was one of a few persons, whom Clovis had deeply trusted. And not a single beating, that he had often got for wandering far from home, could've stopped him from going there. William, in return, considered him to be as his own son, and helped half-breed to learn a lot about fishing - a skill, and a hobby, that until recently he had never any time to spend on. And so, they this weird, and, as some would've said, dysfunctional, bond, that, most likely, had no place for existence in an ideal world, for several years, until William weren't send to work on the other lighthouse, far away from there. After leaving he didn't wrote a single letter back to Clovis, who was already in his late teens at that time. Hybrid soon found out, that his father threatened William, that he would broke every bone in Clovis's body, if he would've found out, that they maintained a contact with one another. Hybrid then started to slowly remember more and more negativity. One of few persons who genuinely cared for...And he was gone from his life because of that stupid, self-righteous asshole... Clovis then remembered one of the dialogues he had long ago with his best friend.

- Brutus, may I ask you a question?

- Sure, C.

- Do you think it was worth killing that guy on our last job? I mean, it wasn't mandatory to do so, we only had to steal his revenue, nothing else - Clovis, he tried to call the guards! We would've been hanged ourselves, man! It's either us, or him

- I-.. I don't know, Brutus...He said that he had a family to feed...Ah, shit..

- He could've simply lied. Don't forget, those trading bastards words cost less than dirt.

- It's not only about that, man! That look - a fear, and a desperation, like a cornered, feral beast. Exactly like...

- Oh...You mean...

- Yeah, just exact copy of the expression that one...person had...

- Wait, wait, wait! Hold on there, friend, are you feeling sorry for him!? Clovis, that bastard-

- I KNOW, BRUTUS! AND NO, I DON'T FEEL SORRY FOR HIM! It's just...What did that changed? Foster left to live with aunt, Amanda also moved on to her, and she hates me now, for what happened with my- ehr... her mother...Fuck, you KNOW what she did! Stupid, ignorant bitch! She didn't cared neither for me, nor Amanda, nor Foster! Trust me, I would've sliced her throat open, if I would've known, that she will kill herself only because of a death of someone, who treated her as nothing, but a cheap whore...

- Uhh, Clovis, are you...Are you alright? You do seem to be a bit...Agitated...

- BECAUSE IT DIDN'T SOLVED A SHIT! I felt easier initially, but all the feeling of, you know, victory, euphoria of overcoming the obstacle and dispensing justice was pretty quickly substituted by regret. Not regret because of hurting that asshole, but because it also destroyed our family. EVERYTHING THAT I'VE CARED FOR HAD FALLEN APART! Every. Fucking. Thing...

- Hey, hey, easier Clovis. You're a strong fo- Err, I mean, wolf! You will find a strength to carry on, I guarantee you that! And come on, don't try to go away from a friend's hug." The feeling of anger filled half-breed's mind. The resentment, hate and hurt, that hybrid always tried to ignore, and yet, like a tide, it always managed to come back eventually. The worst part of it wasn't even the fact that it corrupted it, but the fact half-breed couldn't do anything about it – there was nothing he could do about it. There wasn't much moments when he had felt helpless – but these were definitely the ones when he did. Clovis's breath slowly started to change. It become much slower and deeper, but shakiness in his breath, and especially exhales did told, that this change was completely artificial. What proved this further was his body language. His eyelids were opened up a bit more, and pupils become dilated. His legs started twitching, and he had almost unbearable desire to stand up, walk somewhere, move to the other side of a bench, anything, aside from sitting still. As Clovis rubbed his face, which was a habit for him in similar situations, he noticed that his palms were shaking. "This ain't helping much". Half-breed decided to put his hands aside, and recollect himself by trying to restrain his own muscles from any movement, and doing that deep breath. To his own surprise, it looked like it managed to somewhat work. His desire to move had mostly subsided, and eye pupils returned to normal. Although minor muscle trembling and shaky, uneasy breathing were still there. Once Clovis calmed down a little bit, he found himself staring at the skies once again. The overcast was a surprisingly pleasant sight to look at. The cloud pattern and change of shades from pale, almost white, grey, to a lot darker tones. A lot of individuals could've said, that this weather is depressing, but Clovis definitely belonged to the other category. To those, who considered overcast weather to be soothing and calm. Once again, Clovis find himself in a memories of his past, but this time, he tried to focus on a more positive ones, and the memories of spending time with old lighthouse keeper during his childhood years.

"I wonder where old Willie is now. It's been around...If I remember correctly, more than a decade since I last seen him...".

"Running away like a coward even in your own mind, huh? Well, some things never change."

Red eyed hybrid probably would've spend some more time in the trip down a memory lane, if he didn't heard some person's voice, calling someone's name.

- Mister Kilgore! Excuse me, mister Kilgore! - Clovis probably wouldn't have even noticed a source of noise, if it didn't stood right beside him.

- Excuse me, sir, your name is "Tacitus Kilgore", right? - asked a female voice. Clovis looked up. Beside him stood a strongly looking green-eyed tigress with a blonde hair - Sarah told me, that you're oftentimes visit a tavern, but Amanda told me, that you've left around 20 minutes ago. From what they told me, you're looking pretty much like him.

- Wha-? I mean, yeah, greetings. - answered half-breed. Since Clovis had a "specific" working sphere, he had always tended to use fake names. There was a lot of rumors for a reason of doing so, since he was quite a character himself. He didn't found a lot of joy in usual conversation, but what truly brought him joy was messing with the scum he was enemy with, and, sometimes, even an ally. It was truly amazing for him to humiliate the worst members of society, and capitalize on them at the same time. But in reality, fake names were one of many ways to cover his identity. Although he understood, that his appearance was both the thing, that made him stand out, and blew his cover the most, but in his mind it was just too dangerous to be known around as Clovis because of all the traces he left whilst being known as "The Prince Of Greed". - Something's wrong? - Can you please come with to our family's house? My husband is a bit busy, so he cannot come to you right now, but he has some job, that requires some of yours skills. - What exact skills? - You know, magic skills and a combat experience. But, most of the time, I think you'll be simply watching. The suggestions of what it could be, based on what this tigress said, were pretty limited - it's either guarding a stagecoach or wagon, that often moved from villages to cities for the sake of selling something on a markets, or fairies, or guarding some family field. There was no force in this world, that could've force him to look over some vast fields. But, the thought of moving with a stagecoach to, maybe, some other place, was intriguing to him.

- Why do you think I have those skills? - On the other hand, half-breed had left a lot of influential people in a compromising positions, and knew that those will probably try to make some "social calls" to him.

- Well, aside from the fact, that you always have a blade beside you, I just have a good feeling about you - smirked tigress.

"So, taking a sword all the time with yourself, even in public, whilst being wanted? Sometimes I wonder how you've managed to become at least somebody..."

Even though the aspect of "come to place X to know the details" wasn't instilling trust in this offer, but being stuck in an alcoholic limbo was dangerous not only for his liver, but also for his life. After all, the more locals spend time on spreading rumors, the more known his presence becomes to other forces. After some time spend on thinking, Clovis said "Alright, lead the way", and the two moved to one of the many family houses, that are located in Mekkan.

---

Ah, how different autumn was in a villages, compared to cities! How lucky are the residents of many rural areas, just like Haivalöx, to be free from constantly fast pace of life, especially during autumn and winter. Sure thing, that sure thing, that pigs, cows, and other barnyard animals won't feed themselves, and none of the fruits of fields won't be harvested by themselves. But only in this places the common folk has a time for having a good afternoon nap on an oven, and talking with theirs good old cousin about why does the cheese has a holes in it. An already familiar village wasn't any different in this regards. A lot of tigers, who already finished theirs chores, were doing various things, that helped them to relax themselves - from reading ancient literature and making love, to drinking with good friends, and lazily laying on the warm ovens. Since it was already a colder time of the year, it was a rare sight to see someone outside of theirs houses. And from those there were only few who had a time to spare even for a short conversation. A walk to the place tigress had told Clovis was almost completely silent. For an average person this situation would've been incredibly awkward, but he rarely enjoyed a small talk. He found a lot more joy in recollecting his thoughts whilst wandering around the streets, especially during colder days, like this one. It helped him to achieve at least a brief moments of clarity, that he desperately needed in an unbelievably stressful surrounding, that was a Thieves Guild - the one he had joined at a young age. Although the tigress wasn't as nearly used to walking in complete silence as hybrid, and had made attempt to start a dialogue. Although, the question probably could've make a decent competition in terms of awkwardness to that silence, that it wanted to break

- ...By the way, mister Kilgore, where does your spouse lives?

- ...What? - this caught Clovis by surprise.

- Well, you do have a ring on one of your fingers. I know, that rings are also used as a mana source for magic purposes, but there seems to be no mana crystal. And, also some engraving that I cannot recognize. I'm sorry, if this is a bit personal question, but...

"Who the hell she is if she thinks she can ask about my past so easily?" - thought Clovis to himself

- How far is it?

- Uhh, excuse me? - asked tigress. She was caught off guard with this question

- The destination. You've told me there isn't much to go.

- Oh...We will be there soon, mister... - of course she knew, that she was trying to start a dialogue on a very personal topic, but answer was still sudden for her

- 'preciate that And so they continued walking in a complete silence, albeit there wasn't much to go. The place they had arrived at was, probably, one of few places, that in terms of widespread prevalence was a decent opponent to taverns and inns - a house, that served as a home to a family. What this house stand out immediately was it's location. The part of the Haivalöx it was located in was a pretty high cliff. It was a pretty popular debate earlier, to make higher part of the village a separate settlement, but it ended up with nothing. The first thing every guest was seeing whilst entering is a garden, that was divided on two sides by a trail, that lead to the house itself. Near the house itself stood a pretty poorly made wooden table, and a walnut tree, that oftentimes caught visitor's attention by how, seemingly, out of place it is. However, backyard, and the views that were visible from there were there. The house itself was located on the top of the hill, but backyard began as soon as the hill started to went down. It's very end was slowly turning into wilderness, and only by a wooden fence it was possible to differentiate what was part of a garden, and what wasn't. Which, of course, was a common reason for a wife to start a mild argument with a husband. Talking about the surroundings, they looked absolutely stunning - during a descent to a lower part of a main part of the garden, that was located in the backyard, the main view was a fir-tree forest, located on the other hill, separated by a ravine and a dirt road in it, that would've took any traveler on a far way to the border with a Human Empire. At the bottom part of the garden, it was possible to get a better view, although the only way to get the most of it was to climb a ladder on a windmill, that was located on the right side from a house, if we look on it from the main entrance. The fir-tree forest transitioned into a thin line of trees on the right side, which was planted to shield the corn field from winds, and later once again into forest, but a lot bigger both in terms of size, and tree variety. It was also possible to see a giant monolith in the distance, which was one of many religious monuments. On the left side the small forest ended abruptly where the main part of Haivalöx began. Before entering it, on the left side of another dirt road was located a small cow farm. On the right side there was a small valley near Blue Rock river. The morning fog, that oftentimes appeared there made it a truly surreal place during sunrises, and a popular attraction for young couples.

- Sophie, where were you? You've been gone for around half an hour! What took you so long there? You know that we don't have time to spare for a walks, we have to prepare for a road! Almost everyone had sold part of their harvest, and we only preparing to do so. The prices will already be lower. - said one of the three tigers, that was carrying two bags with himself. He was a tall, muscular keidran, with brown eyes and hair(although the latter was a bit greyish), that may have looked to some a bit intimidating at first, but his kindly looking face and very pleasant voice immediately could told, that this person was dangerous only to those, who posed a threat not as much to him, but rather to his loved ones. "Yeah, mom, hurry up." - said other tiger, that was looking younger than anyone. The third one, which was a tigress around her 20th birthday was simply looking at a Clovis with a curious look.

- I'm sorry, Brad, it took a bit longer for me to find mister Kilgore. But you also know, that it's neither mine, nor anyone's of us fault, that the plants ripened so late in the season.

- Yeah, I know, I know, it's just frustrates me. - sighed the tiger. - Sorry, honey. But hey, I've forgotten to introduce ourselves to ours guest. - he said, as he had approached Clovis. - My name is Bradley Grönholm, I am an owner of this beautiful house and nearby garden. You've probably been already introduced to my precious wife, but in case you haven't - her name is Sophie Grönholm. Such an unusual surname belonged to her, and since in many parts of Mekkan a lot of folks, such as myself, have no surnames, I decided to take her surname, so that we were also connected not only officially, but spiritually. That young boy over there, who desperately tries to take some apples from the bag without being noticed...

- I do not, dad! - laughed the younger tiger. It wasn't hard to tell, that he was still a kid - short height, high pitched voice, and a look in the eyes, that can only belong to those, who are only yet to experience the hardships of this world. Just like his father, he had a brown hair, that was only a bit shorter than Clovis's, before hybrid left the guild. Although on this boy it didn't made him look, like somebody, who wants to pretend on the status of villages best looking man. This tiger looked rather like an innocent kid, who oftentimes loved to run in the corn fields with his friends, and later grabbed by ear, and was taken back to his parents by a field guard, who also was his uncle. But since he never participated in any activities, that would've hurt him or others, he wasn't punished very hard by his parents. Yes, he was scolded, but he knew, that the forest nearby is too dangerous to wander there, and fields were secured by uncle Graham, who also may not have approved that he had to actually work because of this young boy, but he also loved this "Little bastard", as he sometimes used to call him.

- Sure thing - smiled older tiger. - Well anyways, this youngster's name is Marcus.

- Hi, mister - waved his hand young tiger. - And this young lady's name is Seraphima. Clovis looked at her. As already mentioned, Seraphima was a tigress in her young 20's. Unlike her younger brother, she was a lot more calmer and mature, but her subtle awkwardness was a pretty obvious sign, that unlike her already grown up parents, she's yet to fully grow up into a full adult. It was pretty easy to tell, that she was Sophie's daughter. She looked almost identically to her - tall height, beautiful green eyes, long blonde hair. The only difference, besides obvious age difference, was a fact, that unlike her mother, she wasn't looking that strong yet. This trait in tigers was usually earned with time. Seraphima haven't found herself a husband, so she still was living with her parents. It was pretty common for young tiger ladies to stay with theirs parents until they will move to theirs boyfriends, but she didn't wanted to simply become a burden, so she decided to help her parents with various chores in the house and on a garden. Talking about her character - she was almost exact copy of her mother even in this regard. Loving and caring, but also strong-willed and sometimes stubborn, just like a majority of tigers.

- Greetings, sir - said Seraphima.

- A pleasure to meet all of you. My name is Tacitus Kilgore.

- Come in, mister Kilgore, let's sit at that table near walnut tree, have a tea, and discuss ours offer

- I'll go make some tea - said Seraphima. - Is that really necessary, mister Grönholm? - asked Clovis.

- Sir, we are a civilized folk! - smiled Brad. - What kind of a family we would've been, if we would've started to discuss something without even having a cup of tea?

- Indeed, mister Kilgore. - said Sophie. It looked like Clovis's a bit rude behavior haven't really changed her usual mood. "Looks like she's still cheerful and kind, even though I definitely wasn't like that in return" - thought hybrid. After a short sigh, Clovis decided to accept a tea offer.

- Can I go too? - asked Marcus.

- Sorry, young man, but this time it's only for adults. We would have to talk about business.

- Okaay.. - answered Marcus, although his voice definitely did not sounded disappointed. He already decided to try to spy from the small terrace. Brad knew this, but he wasn't mad at him, since he only told his kid to go only so that his son wasn't interfering in a dialogue. And so, the keidrans had moved - some to the table, some to make a tea, and some to spying positions.

---

But of course, it didn't ended on "just a tea". What made keidran different from humans, and similar to western basitins was theirs hospitality. Of course, a lot of humans are also kind to a visitors, but by keidran's standards, only the worst scumbag wouldn't have met a visitor with a warm welcoming. And so, "just a tea" suddenly transformed into a big baked chicken, several variations of salad, and some fresh fruits for a dessert. The housekeeper probably would've brought in some fine ale or wine too, if a disapproving stare from his wife wouldn't have made him reconsider this. As good as those were, but come on, is it worthwhile to start a fight over this at theirs old years? Besides, it looked like this loss haven't changed Brad's mood in a slightest. During this meeting, a couple had told a lot of various stories.

- By the way, mister Kilgore, do you know how I met my precious wife Sophie?

- How?

- Well, that was a long time ago... - said Brad. The tiger had put his head on a fist, and had very kindly looked at his wife. - I guess I was around 25 years old, only a couple years older than my daughter Seraphima. At that time, like any younger tiger, I was very interested in a hunting. For the first time I saw her as I was skinning some deer. I guess she was tracing him by a smell, or footprints... I'm not exactly sure. After seeing me she stood there for ten seconds, and said "Good job, mister". I think you can imagine how tense I was seeing the other fully-weaponed hunter, mister Kilgore. It was quite often for hunters to fight over the prey they just killed. Sometimes they also did killed hunters, who had returned home with it...There were a lot of different things...But I digressed. Well, I answered "Thank you", and so she left. The next time I saw her several weeks..Or months? Well, it's not really important. Next time I saw her she, can you imagine, fell into one of my traps! - laughed Brad. Although it wasn't because of his wife's mistake - more because of how ridiculous that situation was.

- Although, you could have skipped that part.. - smiled the tigress. A faint blush was visible on her face. - But yeah, that's when we become close friends. Needless to say, that the tigers are very competitive in terms of hunting. Bradley could've easily stolen everything I had, and left me there, but he had not only freed me, but also helped me to go home and heal the wound that damn trap left.

- Exactly. - said Brad. - And you know, how that usually goes, when two young hearts find passion in each other. One thing led to another, and here we are - married for more than 30 years, and having two wonderful children.

- Interesting story. - said Clovis. There was something so attractive to him in listening to stories others told. He often could've sit in the tavern with an empty glass, and simply listening to what locals had to tell to eachother. Seraphima, who was only now bringing a tea, was definitely happy to hear that her parents do love her. It is like that with a lot of kids, but it's always pleasing to hear that nonetheless. "Thanks, dad!" - shouted a voice from the terrace.

- Bastard, what have I told you about spying! - said Brad. He tried to make his voice sound stern, but a laugh, that came at the same time he said a first word, nullified even a chance of doing so.

- Alright, come here kids. After both children come to him, Brad decided to hug them, and his wife Sophie. - How lucky I am, that Masks had blessed me with such wonderful wife and children... - tiger said, as a single small tear ran down his face. - I hope someday they sill bless your soul too, mister Kilgore..

- I sure hope they do... - said Clovis. After the tigers broke the embrace, and Seraphima and Marcus went to the house, a silence fell on the table. Married couple were looking at each other, whilst Clovis had decided to look at the right side. Although a bush of unknown plant, that the housekeeper planted so long, that he even forgotten the name of it, was partly blocking a view, majority of it was still visible. Meanwhile, the autumn evening had crept up. As an old keidran saying goes - "Blink of an eye and it's already afternoon, the second - and it's already evening, third - and it's a morning once again." The view we've talked about previous was exactly located on the western side, and even though overcast haven't disappeared, but it was still possible to see the crimson red sunset. "Someday I hope I will also have a view from a house, comparable to this" - thought Clovis. - Mister Kilgore, is everything alright? - said Brad. Clovis turned his gaze upon a married couple once again

- Hm?

- Your seem to be in a pretty bad mood all day. Something's wrong? - asked Sophie.

- Oh, it's..just..You know.. - for some reason, it was hard to explain for a hybrid to even himself why he felt like that. All the atmosphere of this place and interactions send some mellow and melancholic energy to him. - If you are concerned about it - that's not because of yours hospitality. You've made an amazing dinner, and I'm very grateful, for such a warm welcome, mister and Mrs. Grönholm. I'm just..a bit tired today.

- Hope that you will be feeling better tomorrow, mister Kilgore, because on behalf of our family, I want to offer you a job of guarding us on ours road to Tanmare. We want to sell some of our harvest on a local markets - as you probably know, a typical thing that villagers do at the harvest season. Unfortunately, we're a bit late, as you can probably guess, so we have no time to waste away. We'll be going on tomorrow, early in the morning. Oh, uh, and, you can probably see, that the sunset is red, and you probably know what that means.

- Yeah, yeah, a bad weather. I know.

- Correct. So, if there is anything warmer to wear, I'd recommend you take it with you. Also, take a tent wth yourself if you have one. We're going to be sleeping in those, since a wagon which we will harness the horses in will have an open top, which is, as you can probably guess, a pretty bad option for a colder times of a year.

- I understand, mister Grönholm.

- Say, do you have a tent, Tacitus? If I can call you like that, of course.

- I do have a tent. I used to spend a lot of my time on fishing when I traveled the country.

- Splendid! So, will you accept he offer?. We're paying 70 gold coins for your services.

- Seventy? Quite a lot for a guy, who will, most likely, only will be sitting there and watching a road.

- The key word is "likely", mister Kilgore.I will survive if our income from this trip will be close to zero, or there will be none at all - there's a lot of other ways honest man can earn money in the village. However, what truly sends a fear down my striped and old spine is the thought, that something terrible may happen to my wife, or my precious Sera and Marcie. And what life had taught me really well during my younger years - is that precautions are never worth disregarding. So, why won't you both do a good deed, and profit from it?

The offer was indeed a good one – wagon guards most of the time do nothing, but travel and eat for free, and earn gold coins from it. And this time, the offer was very generous. And so, Clovis decided:

- Alright, I'm in.

- Thank you, mister Kilgore! - said Brad, as he shook hybrid's hand. - I immediately saw yours sword, so it's probably pointless to ask about a weapons, but I haven't asked about magic. Do you use it?

- Yeah, in fact it actually is my primary weapon of choice. Although I do hope none of it will be needed

- Mr. Kilgore, I will personally be praying to the Masks for a whole day if it won't be needed. - said Sophie.

- Alright, I recommend you to go prepare yourself for a trip. Do you remember the way back to the main part of village? - asked Brad

- M-hm. And I should probably start going back there. Thank you for a dinner and work offer, Mr. and Mrs. Grönholm.

- Oh, I've almost forgot to ask! - exclaimed the older tiger - Where do you live, Tacitus? We could pick you up there, so you won't have to walk all the way here

- Just stop over near the tavern. I rent a room there.

- Alright. We'll be there around sunset. See you tomorrow, Tacitus.

- Goodbye, Mr. Kilgore.

- I'll see you all tomorrow.

---

And so, Clovis started slowly walking back to the tavern. Some houses in this area were looking quite wealthier, than on the lower part of the village. This hill initially was planned to be a place where riches can live, and appreciate both the fine views, and possibility of literally looking down on the rest of Haivalöx. But something went wrong. Either the nobles didn't wanted to cope with the equally rich individuals, or there wasn't simply that much rich nobility to populate this place, but the idea had failed. And so, this place turned out to be barely different from the main part. Meanwhile, the crimson red sunset was almost completely hidden beyond the horizon, transitioning into cold autumn twilight. The place, that flourishes during spring and summer was now withered and dead. What had lived and prospered now only was a remnant of past, a distant memory of a better days. Only fir-tree forests haven't changed during season change. The evergreen giants were watching this place, once full of life, and waiting, until the time will once more revive this place. Unlike big cities, the life in villages mostly was also starting to stop after sunset, especially in a cold time of the year. When going back to the tavern, Clovis only saw one old tiger, sitting in on the bench, outside of his yard. The old keidran only looked at a half-breed, without saying anything, and looked away somewhere in the distance, probably mourning the spring, summer time, and his youth, that seemingly flew past him in a blink of an eye. After entering the tavern, Clovis noticed, that aside from some guy, who seemed to pass out from alcohol, and Amanda, as usual, the place was completely empty.

- Ah, it's you. Hello, darling - said a bartender to a hybrid.

"Just look at that - so kind and sweet, and all of that to drain your pockets just a little bit more. Disgusting".

- Yeah, hello there. - half-breed replied, whilst going to her. - Looks like some fella had way too much, huh?

- Nothing unusual here. Some come and go in a better mood, some in the worse, and some decide to stay just a little longer.

- Seems like it... - winced Clovis, whilst looking at a passed out visitor. - But anyways, for how much I have rented the room here?

- Well, your rent expires in the next 2 days, don't forget to expand it.

- I'm actually about to do the opposite.

- Hm? - bartender raised an eyebrow

- I'm about to move out tomorrow. You can save the money for tomorrow's rent, but I want to take back my money for the second day.

- Wait, you've been renting that room for month, and doing nothing but drinking and eating here, and yet, you want to return your money or one day?

- Did I stuttered? - asked Clovis. His tone and face were completely calm and relaxed, lacking any bitter undertones. And hybrid definitely saw, that a flash of irritation went through leopardess face, which definitely did make him slightly smirk. "How little it takes sometimes to make others show theirs true colors. As soon as the money flow stops, and actually draws back a little bit - all the cheerfulness and charm disappear immediately. Tch, what a shame". The tavern owner meanwhile, put 3 gold coins on a table.

- Here, mister. I hope you will find a good usage for such a big amount of money. - it was hard to not notice a passive aggressive undertone in her voice, which probably would've been uncomfortable for someone else, but half-breed took quite a joy from it

- Appreciate that.

Clovis's room was located on a second floor. In Mekkan taverns were also quite often a place where it was possible to rent a room for night or two. Especially in such places, where opening a hotel was a fool's errand. It wasn't often that somebody stayed at such god forbidden places, but for hybrid there wasn't a lot of choice. He had left behind his properties, since selling them all required a big amount of time. Half-breed only took some of his money, and moved as far as the eyes could seen, which led him here. The keidran entered the room - it was a pretty simple wooden room, with a window, and cheap bed. The life he had now definitely was different to the life he once had. Clovis layed on a bed, and stared at the ceiling.

"Fool, you had EVERYTHING, and decided to simply THROW IT AWAY! You could've waited, sell everything, or not going anywhere at all! Why can't you do crap without screwing everything up!? Why the hell, have you left everything!?"

Half-breed than looked at his fist, and took a ring, that was on one of his fingers. It appeared to be golden at first, but was actually nothing more than an iron one, painted to look like a golden one. Clovis held it in his fingers, as if trying to find some new details on it, but of course, he had known each and every scratch on it

- Look, Clovis, a seagull!

- Do you have some bread, Kathy?

- Where would I get it from, dummy?

- Ah, screw it! Watch me, I'll catch him even without it!

- I told ya won't, hahaa!

- Oh, hush! I was THIS close!

- Hah, sure! Now come on, let's find some place to clean you up. Your parents will kill you if they'll see you like this!

"How ironic, isn't it?" Keidran's ears had slightly flopped down.

- Gosh, how long ago it was...

The hybrid then put the ring on a nearby table, and fallen into the kingdom of dreams. But the king of wondrous realm wasn't kind to him - the only thing Clovis was granted was a black nothingness, that hybrid got already so used to.