(A/N: It's been a long time but I've decided to take a break from my other fics and focus on this one. This chapter begins Vincent's adventures in Falconreach. Read on and enjoy…)

Chapter Fourteen: Welcome to Falconreach!

After the fight with the Hydra, I expected the trip to Falconreach to be a walk in the park. No more worries or stuff like that. Well, as always, I was wrong. It hadn't been five minutes since I left the bridge and it started raining hard. The dirt path turned really muddy and I had to slip five times before I got the message and took shelter under a large oak. I laid my head back and sighed. I was completely drenched while bleeding in several places, clothes caked with mud along with my hair. Just great.

I tightened the belt bag around my waist; careful not to lose it again. The place was pretty dry though occasional drops would fall and a gust of wind would sweep water in my face. I took out a red potion and drank it in sips. The heavy rain stirred up my thoughts and reminded me of that time; the time she found me…

***xvx***

The village was lost; nothing but a wide burning field littered with countless corpses. It had been four hours since I started running away from that dreadful forsaken place. I looked so pathetic, so weak, hopeless, and guilty. The storm raged on and drowned my sobs. I slipped on the muddy field and hit my head on the base of a tree. I stood up indifferently. Blood oozed from my forehead and I didn't even pay it any attention. For me, all I have to do is to get away; move as far away from that place as possible where I would always be called the Outcast, the Coward, and of course, the Betrayer. I never meant for any of this to happen but it all had and now all I can do is to move away. Then what? Move as far as my body can take me then die? A good suggestion. I'm better off dead.

I didn't know how long or how far I managed. I collapsed from extreme fatigue a few hours or so later. The storm had long cleared and I was staring at the sun with my half-dull eyes; waiting for the end. A raven flew in circles somewhere above the skies.

Time passed. I felt my life slowly ebb away. Hunger, fatigue and grief soon wouldn't matter. Just a few more moments. A shadow loomed over me. A head covered in a hood. I felt soft delicate hands touch the sides of my face and lifted my head. The stranger was a pretty woman with long light purple hair and tanned complexion. She had a slightly pointed chin and her eyes looked like it shimmered in different colors. At one moment they were green, then grey, then light blue. It seemed to change or maybe I'm just hallucinating.

"Who-who…are…you?" I croaked. She took out a cloth and wiped the dirt in my face.

"I am Elysia, a stranger for now." She said in a calm and gentle tone. "You seem lost. Let me show you the way…"

***xvx***

And that was how we met. She took me with her band of adventurers and merchants who decided to travel together. They welcomed me whole-heartedly. Besides her name, I rarely knew anything about her. She was always shrouded in mystery and I've only known her for three days. Once I was fully recovered, they dropped me off to the nearest town along with a few others who decided to settle there and the rest is history. I never met her again.

I sighed. So much for that. The rain had gone down to merely a drizzle. The pain from my wounds had subsided so I stood up and stretched; ready to continue my journey. I froze when a cold tip of a blade touched my nape.

"What are you doing here?" A teenage boy's voice said behind me. "People aren't allowed in this place so you must be one of those bandits!"

"If people aren't allowed here, then what are you doing in this place as well?" I asked; my body was stiff; ready to move at a moment's notice.

"Err…" The voice began uneasily. "Don't change the subject! Who are you and why are you he-"

He never got to finish. I ducked all of a sudden, grabbed his arm and threw him into the ground in front of me. He was a teenage boy probably fourteen of fifteen with brown spiky hair. He winced and groaned as he lay flat on his back; his large two-handed sword lay beside him.

"I'm a rogue trying to get some rest." I said; looking down on him. He's obviously a novice in sword fighting. "And I'm not in any way a bandit."

"Ow…ow…ow… should've seen that coming…" He sat up and rubbed his hip. "You could've just told me you were a rogue. No need to be so violent."

No need to be so violent? That came from the guy that pointed an overly-sized longsword at me. I stared at him blankly as he picked himself up. He slung his sword and dusted himself.

"Well, you're not a bandit. That I'm sure. You didn't go for the kill when you had the chance." He held out his hand. "Name's Ash Dragonblade, you're not from here aren't you? Haven't seen your face back in Falconreach."

"I'm Vincent." I replied shaking his hand. "And yes. I'm not from around here. I came from Oaklore a few hours ago."

"Oh, I see…OAKLORE!" He burst out. Birds were alarmed and shot up to the sky. "How- When-Wha?"

"How did you get pass the Hydra?" He asked; still in great disbelief. "Wait. That was you?"

"Oh. Well, I killed it." I said simply. "It's gone now but the bridge is still under repair so I won't be able to go back. Someone back there told me to head to Falconreach. Is this the right way? And what was me?"

"Uhh…well…um…yeah! Yeah! Sure. Probably fifteen minute walk." He stuttered. "You're that rogue by the bridge! You really killed it! It was you! Wow. Wait till they all hear about this! C'mon, this way!"

He walked briskly and I followed him down the now muddy path. He was really excited and wouldn't stop talking. He asked me a lot of questions but mostly on how I defeated the Hydra. He looked honest and trustworthy enough so I showed him one of Sir Jing's daggers and he seemed to be really convinced.

"Lots of other guys tried their chances on that thing. Most would never even make it to the bridge." He continued. "They are either ambushed or driven back by bandits or other monsters. Some would disappear mysteriously. I don't know. It's like something or someone's trying to keep everyone away from it. The mayor ordered that place off-limits to everyone until the Paladins or a parade of someone elses arrive."

"Then what are you doing there in the first place?" I asked.

"Well…" He scratched his head. "It was really weird. I came there to check on the Hydra. I just want to see what it really looked like. I was prepared of course. I can handle a few bandits but what's strange is I never met a single one. It's like they all just left. I saw how the rogue and the knights took it down and that rogue turned out to be you. I saw everything. Oh man, that was some sight!"

The town came into view. It wasn't spectacular or anything. It looked pretty decent and simple. Low rise stone houses, a stone fountain, elegant gardens, and of course that tall stone tower I saw earlier. We first passed by two small cottages which were both locked and it seemed like nobody's home.

"These are the potion shops. They're probably not home. It's their day off and they're probably hanging out by the inn." Ash explained. "I'll drop you off there. Serenity would take care of you since well…no offence, but you look really terrible."

"I get that a lot." I said; rolling my eyes. We then arrived at an old-fashioned three-storey building. There were some people hanging around. Some frowned and gave me curious glances. I didn't pay much attention to them though. It was getting dark and a lot has happened. I was looking forward to a warm meal and a soft mattress to sleep on and this place doesn't really seem to be so bad.

We went in. We found ourselves on the lobby adjacent to the dining area were several people clad in armor or dressed in robes were going about their business. A tall elegant blonde haired woman greeted us from the counter as we entered. "Hello Ash and stranger." She smiled warmly. Her eyes widened when she saw my condition. "I am Serenity the Inn keeper. Oh my, you look like you've been to a fight or something."

"Well, he killed the Hydra." Ash announced. "This guy killed the Hydra!"

I gave myself a mental facepalm. I've always kept a low profile and Ash just blew it. All the other people stopped talking at once and stared at us with different expressions: disbelief, admiration, disappointment, you name it. Some began to talk in hushed tones to each other.

"Get out of here you noob!" One teenage guy in bluish armor said loathingly. He obviously had a few ales or so. "I'd rather believe Robina Hood if I happen to meet her and tell me that she's a princess in disguise over your garbage anytime."

The warrior burst out laughing and his friends and some others joined in as well.

"B-but seriously guys! You should head out to the bridge and see for yourselves!" Ash said helplessly.

"And you bring this sorry-looking rogue as proof?" The warrior continued between bits of laughter. He stood up and walked over to Ash. "What did he do? Beat the Hydra in a mud fight?"

They continued laughing. Others gave him looks of sympathy while some walked away shaking their heads. I stared at him silently. He kind of reminded me of something or someone. He clenched his fists and spat. "He went inside its mouth and turned its insides to mush. Something your insides would be once I-"

He never got to finish as a punch knocked him off to the floor. He quickly scrambled back to his feet and raised his fists; ready to fight. Most of the people began cheering. The larger warrior had a stupid smile on his face and was mocking him; calling him names. He lunged for him. I grabbed his arm midway. It wasn't a fair fight.

"Let go of me, rogue!" The warrior spat and glared at me. "This isn't your fight. Don't make it yours coz you'll be sorry. Really sorry."

"Let go of him Vince." Ash said. "Matt is just a jerk. I can handle him!"

"Watcha gonna do? Give me love taps with that cute little kiddy hands of yours?" Matt shot back.

"Enough!" Serenity burst out. Everyone became silent in a split second. "This isn't the time and place to fight. One more and you'll all find yourselves sleeping outside for the night! Understood?"

Nobody moved for about a full minute. They then gradually returned to whatever business they were doing though they still kept on stealing glances at us; especially Matt and his friends. Ash was rubbing his cheek which was beginning to swell.

"You two come with me to the kitchen." Serenity told us once she calmed down. "I'm really sorry. Some guests are not as sophisticated like the others. Let me take care of those wounds."

I introduced myself to Serenity. She asked me if what Ash had said about me killing the Hydra was true. I told her it was. She was taking out medical supplies from her cupboard when two women entered the kitchen. One was tall, slim and beautiful with her purple hair, slender body and matching dress. She looked somewhere in her mid twenties. The other one reminded me of one of those travelling merchants. She had short light blue hair and looked a little younger; about my age.

"Hey sis, need any help?" The purple haired woman asked cheerfully.

"I'd love a few extra hands." Serenity smiled and they boiled some water and cleared the table.

"That is Miss Reens and Lady Alina. They run the potion shops. Lady Alina is an alchemist and also the king's niece while Reens is her student." Ash explained. Alina's name sounded familiar. Where have I heard that name before?

Reens walked over to Ash and placed a wet cloth on his cheek. "There ya go! I dipped that in my very own solution I created especially for treating bruises like that. You have to pick a fight with that Matt guy huh? You wanna die early?"

Ash began spouting excuses but Reens wasn't taking any of it. Serenity and Alina treated my wounds. I could say that they are very good healers. As they finished, a knight stepped inside the kitchen. He wasn't just any knight, he was a Pactagonal knight!

"Good evening fine ladies and young lads." He greeted them. His armor was muddy and obviously drenched as if he went swimming with it. "I'm here under Captain Rolith's orders. I came in here to check if Vincent got to the inn safely. I'm also here to announce the news that the Hydra is dead. Thanks to the combined efforts of our very own Vincent here along with the Pactagonal knights, we were able to finally get rid of that troublesome creature."

"Did you hear that Reens? Rolith is alive and safe! We can deliver potions to Oaklore again!" Alina beamed.

Reens was looking at her with her eye-brow raised. "I don't seem to see the connection between those last two sentences."

Alina blushed and turned away. "I don't know what you're talking about!"

The other two women giggled. I recognized Alina now. If I'm right, she's the one Rolith had mentioned a while back. She's also Sir Vey's sister and I can see the resemblance; the same hair color, that mole just below one eye, and such. The knight came over to me and held out his hand. "The name's Sir Kull. Sorry if it took me so long; crossing that river in this armor and all that."

I noticed his armor was badly dented in the front. Is he the knight that got thrown over the bridge while fighting the Hydra? He then handed me a bag full of coins. "Rolith told me you can try living here in Falconreach for a while. You deserved it after all."

"Tell him I said thanks!" I replied; putting the bag of coins in my belt bag. They're quite a lot.

"You're welcome to stay here as long as you like Vincent. It's for free. After all, it's all I can do to thank you." Serenity said smiling. "In fact, I've already prepared a room for you upstairs. It was supposed to be reserved for another adventurer but he had a bit of a problem and won't be back for a month or so. It's Room 208. Here's the key."

"Thank you very much. I really appreciate it!" I said gratefully as I took the key from her.

"I've been to the mayor's office earlier and he's more than excited to meet the so-called Hydra slayer but I told him that he can wait till tomorrow." Sir Kull said. "Besides, you've been through a really tough day. I think it's time for you to rest for now."

"Not before he tastes my cooking!" Serenity said; putting on her apron. "Sit down all of you. It's time for Serenity's signature stew!"

We all ate dinner in the kitchen. Her stew was nothing close to delicious. It was magnificent! Heavenly! I've never tasted anything so good. Sir Kull had removed his helm and joined us. His brown hair was a mess but he didn't care. He was too taken aback by the wonderful stew. "Well, I'll be… Our cook Sir Loin would be begging on your knees once he tastes this one." The knight smiled at Serenity who blushed a little. "Mighty fine cooking from a mighty fine woman, I say."

When we finished dinner, Alina and Reens said goodbye and went back to their shops. Sir Kull, Ash and I followed Serenity as she shows us our rooms. Once she opened the door to the lobby however, we were all greeted by cheers and shouts. A crowd had gathered and mobbed us. A lot of people were clapping my back or shaking my hand while talking all together. Matt and his friends were nowhere in sight.

"Hey how did you do it?" One guy said.

"Nice one, you're the man!" Says the other.

"Spare some change?" I don't know how he got in here.

"Rogues for the win!" says a younger guy.

"Hey, if you ever wanna you know, 'hang out', I'll be by the harbor. Waiting. Call me Trixie…" A female rogue winked at me playfully and licked her lips invitingly before walking away with her hips swaying. I'll try not to remember that.

"What happened?" A clueless middle-aged man asked.

We manage to move away from the crowd thanks to Sir Kull and follow Serenity to the second floor. Ash has been staying here for a long time and his room was just across mine; Room 207. Serenity cleared her throat. "Well Sir Kull, I'm afraid all the rooms here in the second floor are occupied. You have to follow me upstairs. Thankfully, Room 302 has just been vacated. You're quite lucky tonight."

The knight shrugged. "I already felt lucky once I entered the kitchen earlier. So…lead the way mistress?"

Serenity smiled warmly and led the way upstairs. The knight followed her. Ash rolled his eyes and then stretched his arms. "Well, it's been a long day I'll see you again tomorrow. Oh before I forget, keep your stuff away from boxes just in case. Sneevils are a tricky bunch."

His mentioning of Sneevils made me remember about my mission to find the Black Dragon Box. "You mean there are Sneevils here?"

"Here?" Ash replied with almost a laugh. "They're everywhere! Are you looking for something?"

"Yeah." I said hopefully. "Do you know where to find their hideouts?"

"Well, no…" Ash admitted. "But I know someone who does. She's a friend of mine; more or less. Her name's Robina Hood. She knows the forests more than anybody. Shhh… don't tell anyone that I know her alright?"

"Okay. So will you take me to her tomorrow?"

"Of course, it's all I can do for helping me back there." Ash shrugged. "Though, I could've really handled the situation by myself. Well, good night!"

We both went to our respective rooms. Mine wasn't that spacious but not small either. There was an old dresser, a bed, a small bedside drawer with a lamp, a picture frame of a sunset, a dusty old chest, and a wooden chair, that's just about it. Perfect. I went to the bathroom and washed myself before laying myself on the bed with some fresh clothes on. I decided to keep the belt bag beside me tonight just in case. Sleep came in seconds. My only thoughts as I drifted to sleep was my arrival in Falconreach. New home. New life.

(A/N: I hope someone's still reading this. Anyways, it's been a while but yeah, I managed to pull this one off and I kind of enjoyed writing this chapter. About the family relations like Alina being the King's niece, I made that up to add more background to her. Well, I'd like to know how you think about my story so far. Is it worth continuing? Anyways, I'm not sure when the next chapter would be but it will come out. Soon. See yas! Iron Raven out…)