A/N: I do not own Darkest Dungeon or anything affiliated with the brand. This is just a fanfic from an amateur writer. Warning: World Building, Unreliable Narrator, Dark, Everyone is Broken, Flashbacks, Horror, Death, Stress, Traumatic Pasts, Human Trafficking, Abuse, Child Abuse, Rape, Hey Did I Mention Dark? Cheesy Romance, and Gamer tropes. I do not make any money off this story. Thank you for your time and my gratitude to Red Hook Studios.

"Talking"

'Thinking'

Memories

Casting/Skills/Words of Great Power or Meaning

The Ancestor Speaks

The Others


Previously

In this hidden clearing, I break down. Still shaken by the memories of my first kill and Mother's harsh lesson on the True Nature of Dark Magic. She tried her best to protect me by stimulating a minimal-cost scenario that could be encountered, but…I have no doubt that she was willing to escalate the situation if I didn't break then. She was a Dark Lord through and through.

A hound rushes out and gently approaches me. I flinch back seeing my first pet before reality sets in. Seguier's hound bumps into me and I hug it close. It whines and nuzzles me. I break again but heal just a tiny bit from the sympathetic creature. I clutch at its fur and sob. Its Master is hidden in the trees trying to give me privacy and with his club at ready for any threats.

He can't hide from me, but the illusion is appreciated. I hold the blessed beast until the dawn announces a new day. I'm too tired to command Seguier's silence…but I trust him. Tired as I am, there is work to be done.


Ch 14: A Short Break

Exhausted and drained, I send Louet, Ecouland, Aguilon, and Guildersleeve to fight back more of those pestilent-ridden monsters that lurk in the weald. I barely remember to make my offerings before they leave. Light bless me. I'm tired.

They came back…with a bagged head. Yes, I'm pleased with the treasures they've gathered but how did they get the head…Oh, that Power is familiar. …Is that the Collector's?…still holding onto his prized hero. I sat back and looked at the bagged head of a Vestal named Junia.

The care that was taken was to preserve it. The sacrifices needed to keep and amplify the Power she held. I can feel it, she was beloved by the enchanter. That room it was found in was sealed for centuries. I feel a strong urge of sympathy and sorrow for my pitiful predecessor.

'How long has it been searching for his beloved hero? In the only way, he could keep her. Always searching, and while substitutions are plenty, they would never be right.'

For another night I shed a tear, only this time it wasn't for me.

…I think I should pay my respects at the graveyard…


There is good news at least. I finally have enough heirlooms for a granary…My people are less likely to starve now. Food will be easier to store and preserve, saving loss from spoilage. Enough that there will be some to spare for my heroes on their missions and that the general price of food for the populace has gone down.

'With food costs down, the populace will have more money to spend on other wares. If the Tarven doesn't eat it up, it might be a boon for the craftsmen. Either way, this will make the economy healthier.'

For the first time, I saw something like acceptance in the commoners. Not enough to have hope, but they are holding their breath. I hope this means something in the long term.

"Drink up son."

I turn to the familiar voice and see Ecouland placing a mug in front of Louet. Who is trying to enjoy the outdoor seating? The tables and chairs are new, with no build-up of grime or dust that layers the Hamlet. Their size is suitable for those with larger builds, so they should hold Louet's weight.

'Those so-clearly infected are usually barred from the busier establishments and sections. A necessary precaution, but the outdoor seating wasn't here a week ago. Is the Tarven Owner trying to accommodate my heroes?' My heart softens toward the old man. He's taking of my men, as I take care of my town.

"I am hardly a child."

"To me? Yes, you are." Ecouland spots me and flags me down. "Hey, Boss Lady!"

I come over, amused by how casual the Man-At-Arms is with me. With how much coin he has earned me…it is allowed.

"How would you feel about splitting a keg with us?"

"You mean on my coin?"

"See I didn't want to say it, but it's like you can read my mind."

"Sadly that is yet beyond my abilities, as is the bar inside having more than one keg reserved at a time. I'll let you have it if you indulge me in a little game." I pull out a pack of cards and place it on the table.

'Something. Anything, to get my mind off the nightmares. I can't concentrate right now.'

Ecouland just laughs loudly, and I wave over to the Owner. He's able to spot me through a side door and comes out himself to take our order. He approaches with good cheer. He knows I spoil my men.

The coin was exchanged for the keg, and Ecouland dealt a hand to the 3 people on the table.

"Here you're new. I'll spot you the coin. Let's team up to fleece her." The Man-At-Arms stage whispers and pushes a pile of coins beside the hand he just handed to the Leper. Ecouland keeps an eye on me and is trying to test the waters.

"I don't think this is a wise idea." The Leper is wary of me.

I'm certain that my posture is smug. Like a cat that caught the dove. 'Oh, more dangerous men than you have tried. My luck? Is as mad as a cultist.'

"My, my are you sure you should be saying that out loud? Not that it will matter. I'll be taking enough coin from you to pay back that keg." I taunt him in a friendly manner, and the old warrior quickly frowns as he tries to figure out my play.

"Confident lass? We'll see about that." He decides to charge ahead, come what may.


The Leper knocks back a mug and throws the cards on the table, "I fold."

Ecouland has lost 1,000 gold and is feeling it. "How!? You have to be cheating? How?"

I hide my grin with a mug of boiled water. I've rolled my sleeves by the third round and been very clear in my movements. 'I don't need to cheat. I'm just that lucky.'

Falaise and Seguier have returned from their patrols, and take a seat at the table.

"50 gold buy-in. Though I'm not allowed to be the dealer." I smile sweetly at the old man swearing as he checks his empty purse.

"You know what I'm going to pull up a chair and watch these younglings get gypped. And I'm taking this with me!" He hugs his keg and moves to the side.

Seguier and Falaise have already put gold on the table and Louet is dealing cards. Their gold dwindles and soon they are replaced by Dismas, Reynauld, and Tranchant. Rinse and repeat with the rest of my roster making it a personal mission, to win against me.

When night falls I use some magic to call an orb of light to keep the game going. 'Better to use a spell, my Light familiar doesn't like to stay still.' This drew some attention from the arcana who initially dismissed it. As time passes and the spell holds strong it gains more curious looks.

'The spell itself is nothing special, how long I can hold it without penalty is. I'm guessing they're calking it up to Lord's bullshit.'

Aguilon makes a few aborted attempts at poking it and looks sheepish when I caught him with his hand stretched out. He folded, passed his remaining coins to Stafford, and moved to the crowd of onlookers. The younger Occultist looks at his cards and fidgets before folding them. He's trying to study me as he plays with his chips.

I threw a few hands, made a few bad calls, and manipulated the game to stay close. The way that Reynauld clapped Neot's shoulder in victory or Courteney giving Poussin a kiss in celebration, was worth the lost gold. The group rallied at every victory, groaned at every defeat, and swore vengeance on another's behalf.

My laughs at their antics rang loud and clear as we edged each other on.

"Right, you are never allowed to gamble in my halls." The Tavern Owner was keeping an eye on the game. With his last guests stumbling out of his establishment, he made his way toward us.

Drunk on cheer, I laugh and agree. It's not fair for me to play against my people.

"Time to wrap it up. Louet, Falaise, Stafford, and Villehardian try to have a good night's sleep. At dawn, you're going to scout out the ruins. Apparently, there have been sightings of the sonorous prophet in that area. Get the information we need."

The party groans as the rest of the roster laughs and goes home as well. Dawn will be coming in a few hours at most.

I can hear Ecouland remark to Louet, "If I ever agree to gamble with the Lady again…slap me."

Louet doesn't bother to wait and slaps him upside the head.


I gave my winnings to the Caretaker to buy new linens and beddings for the barracks. They've been sleeping in threadbare sheets for too long. It isn't enough for a new set of furniture but flaxen sheets and woolen blankets would be better for cold nights. With summer almost over…we need to prepare for the winter.

The screen of my party draws my attention. 'Oh…' I forgot to send them off with keys…and they've found a hidden room. This can be salvaged. I gave the mental impulse to ignore the hidden room until everything else was looted…hopefully, they find a key.

They don't, but it's a success. I can't complain, it was my mistake after all.

…I'm so tired…

That being said…my heroes are nearing the point where they'll be too strong to be allowed in the outermost reaches of the dungeons. So it's time to start the Boss hunts. 'I'll need to prepare my offerings.'


A/N: A short chapter, but I needed something wholesome after the beating of the last one. Let me know your thoughts on the heroes and if they feel like real people.

And I'm sorry. I'm having issues with school and my health so this story will be taking a backseat in the meantime. So updates will be sporadic until my personal issues are settled. One way or another.

Ciao good folk.