"The other fork, dear."

Anje dropped her fork and sighed. She rubbed her temple and glared at the seared salmon in front of her on the shattered plate. It wasn't the first time Virion had corrected her on the 'correct' fork to use for eating the main course versus a salad. Or appetizer. Or dessert.

Short fork. Long fork. Fork with the weird squiggle in it. Why can't we just eat?

Virion's spacious quarters, usually reserved for a first mate or guest of note on the ship, was lit by a hanging chandelier made of antlers holding a smattering of candles. Water splashed against the circular windows that lined the wall, and a long wooden divider separated the small sleeping chamber from the fancifully set dining table.

Anje immediately shoveled a piece of the fish into her mouth, the lemon and dill flavors dancing across her tongue. She'd forgive him this time for his nagging behavior. The food was more than worth a few annoying pointers.

"So, Cherche," Anje swallowed and took a swig of wine. Virion sighed and continued to pick at his food on the broken plate. "What is your job exactly? Besides, you know...breaking all of Virion's plates and stuff."

The wyvern rider had changed from her black and silver battle attire to a modest rust-colored tunic and matching knee-high skirt. She lightly dabbed her lips and set down her fork before fully shifting her attention to the ill-mannered blonde.

"Officially, I'm Virion's retainer. I've been assigned since my mid-teens, serving his lord's house and dukedom of Rosanne." Cherche gently folded her hands in her lap and gave Virion a coy look. "My main duties these days are keeping his lordship in line and out of trouble. A duty I'm woefully behind on, I daresay."

"Now, Cherche, I didn't say that I would bring you an army per se, but merely the promise of-"

Virion and Anje's faces scrunched up as a high-pitched scraping sound filled the room. Cherche dragged her fork across the surface of the shattered ceramic with a pleasant smile on her face, tilting her head slightly as her amber eyes threatened to bore holes through her lord's skull.

"Now, Virion, remember we don't discuss politics until dessert at the very latest." Her smile broadened like a predator playing with its quarry. "For you hassle poor Anje with etiquette, t'would only be natural for you to be the perfect role model I know you are capable of being, no?"

"Of course, my ever loyal retainer!" Virion said as he grasped his chipped wine glass. He guzzled down the rest of his red and sighed. "Would be quite indecent of me, indeed. Too bad, as I was about to mention what I had learned from my latest meeting with Robin."

Anje raised an eyebrow. "Oh, what did he say? Something about landing in Grieth soon? I can't wait to get off this hunk of wood."

"Oh, I do indeed have news," Virion lamented. "A shame it must wait."

A low hiss whistled out of the corner of Cherche's mouth. "Fine then. Be that way. Are you finished with your meal, milord?"

"Oh, yes. It was quite delicious. I must say your culinary skills haven't dulled in the slightest," Virion replied as he handed Cherche his broken dish.

Cherche promptly stood up and grabbed it with a cordial smile and firm grasp, almost yanking it away from Virion. She marched toward the small circular windows of the cabin room and tossed the destroyed plate out the window with a quick whip-like motion of her arm as if she were throwing a javelin. The dish vanished in an instant as it was swallowed up by the evening tide.

Anje smirked and took another swig of wine, her smile meeting her eyes as she watched Virion's jaw drop. There was a small joy in watching him squirm in social settings where he usually dictated the rules.

Cherche interlaced her fingers and stood with perfect posture as she looked at Virion. "Dessert?"

Virion coughed into his fist and shook his head. "No, I think I'm full. Thank you."

"A shame, and here I had a wonderful blood pudding prepared," Cherche said, shrugging. She glanced to Anje's nearly emptied plate. "Shall I take yours as well?"

"Are you going to throw it out the window?"

A ghost of a smile graced Cherche's lips. "Perhaps."

Anje stood up, wobbling slightly. She gripped the table for support and snatched her cracked plate with a smidgen of salmon still on it.

Okay, that wine is a bit stronger than I may have anticipated. Anje focused on her breathing as she marched up to Cherche and raised the plate up.

"Careful, dear!"

Anje whipped around and frowned at the nobleman. "Why? it's already broken?"

Virion pinched the bridge of his nose and smiled, though his eyes squinted and looked away. "Ah, I should have expected that response. I suppose that one is one me…"

"Go ahead, the sea awaits," Cherche encouraged as she stepped to the side.

Anje reeled back and slung the broken ceramic plate as hard as she could, nearly knocking herself off balance with the follow-through. She cackled as the plate loosed itself, and shortly after a loud shattering noise streaked through the room. Small bits of ceramic fell into Anje's hair, and more giggles bubbled to the surface from her gut as Cherche grabbed her by the elbow to keep her steady.

"Fucking nailed it," Anje muttered, pumping a fist in the air. "How'd you like that, babe?"

"Smashing," Virion smugly replied, though he couldn't hide the amusement that crept into his eyes. "Quite the smattering display."

"Puns?" Cherche asked in a chiding manner. She gently set Anje back in her seat before folding her arms to properly scowl at her superior. "Must we degrade ourselves with such puerile behavior?"

"And deprive you of my supreme wit? I wouldn't dare," Virion stood up and rounded the table, pacing with his hands held behind his back. "But enough with the pleasantries. I believe it is time we cut into the real dessert here. Gossip."

Anje perked up, her noodly limbs resting easily in the chair. Do I dare reach for more wine? It is rather good...no. Not if I want to do anything later tonight.

"Oh? So what're the details?"

"I must concede I too am interested in the dealings with this tactician you've looped into your service, milord." Cherche shifted her stance, leaning back on her right leg as she glared at the ceiling. "This Robin, he's...odd. You say he helped end a war with the Plegians? From my debriefing with him yesterday he struck me as an aloof scientist."

"He's brilliant, no doubt about it. A clever fellow, if I do say so myself, but that is beside the point," Virion said. "Since the continent is approaching quickly, I discussed a plan of action with Robin. One where he struck down my proposal and substituted his own."

"What did you suggest?" Anje twisted one of her golden bangs in between her fingers, playfully. "I'm no tactics person, but I figure it isn't going up to your old house and asking them to give you the keys."

"Not at all, though the sheer audacity of the plan deserves at least a moment's consideration," Virion hummed as he continued to pace about with a measured stride. "No. What I suggested was that we seek help from the resistance in Rigel that still opposes Walhart. They're also rumors of defunct cells from Chon'Sin who don't follow their current warlord and Valmese general, Yen'Fey." Virion's stopped his moving about and sighed. "Instead, Robin insisted upon us doing surveillance in Rosanne to observe the occupation while he and Miriel went off on an expedition to a religious site."

"Doesn't that defeat the purpose of having a tactician?" Cherche asked; a mildly irritated tone lathering her smooth voice. "So he's leaving? You couldn't convince him? We're just left with a handful of mercenaries?"

"You doubt me?" Virion guffawed. He shot both women a sly smirk and pulled at the ruffled cuffs of his shirt. "I couldn't use logic to dissuade our dear tactician. So I did the next best thing." A small chuckle echoed from deep within his throat. "I simply told Tharja of our dear tactician's machinations. The problem essentially solved itself."

Anje let out a low whistle. "You let crazy know? That's practically cheating."

Virion raised a finger. "But this is war, my sweet Anje. And there is no such thing as cheating, especially when it comes to getting your agents to do what you need of them. Speaking of which," Virion turned to Cherche and offered a solemn shrug, "I'm afraid to inform you that this reunion will be short-lived for the time being. I'm sending you with Robin's envoy."

"Why? Do you not trust him?"

Virion let out a single, mirthless laugh. "Trust? I trust only those who have dressed me and know how I like my eggs."

"Over easy, but just a little crispy on the whites," Anje grumbled. "Literally the dumbest thing."

"You'll learn my sweet summer rose. Cherche did," Virion consoled with a loving tone.

Anje rolled her eyes. "You still eat the burnt-up eggs I make. Or that swill Gaius makes."

Virion grimaced. "One must make sacrifices for love, no? I try not to glorify my gallant sacrifices. And I only ate Gaius' food at the risk of eating whatever Nowi had scrounged up that one morning. You know the one."

"Can we get back to the task at hand?" Cherche interjected, stepping between the line of sight of two. "You're sending me away? Again? Will you be safe?"

"I promise you, I shall be fine." Virion stepped over and rested a hand gently on the taller woman's shoulder. "I'm currently drafting up an infiltration plan. That merchant you gave me the contact information for has proven useful. Granted, if she's in Grieth. We'll need supplies."

"She's shrewd and…" Cherche tapped her lips and looked at her finely polished leather boots. "I actually can't think of something positive to say." She glanced up toward Virion. "What are you looking to acquire?"

"Something fancy no doubt," Anje coolly answered. She clambered from her chair and nestled her way up to Virion, snuggling into his open side, wrapping her arm around his back. "So, what's the plan?"

"Well, you gave the idea to me, Anje, and you'll be in charge of this little operation."

What?

Anje blinked. "What?"

"Indeed! Instead of trying to be sneaky, our group will be going in loud. The more colorful a display, the less suspicious it is. So, are you ready to turn this sorry lot into a full-functioning traveling circus?"

Anje's eyes lit up and her mouth watered a bit. The times of swinging through the air, taming beasts, jumping through hoops of fire, and daggers flying. The exhilaration of the performance churned like a cluster of butterflies within her slightly nauseous gut.

"Oh, hell yes. But I've got one condition."

"Name it, love," Virion quickly replied.

Anje couldn't hold back her vicious grin. "Gaius has to be the bearded lady."

Cherche snorted and looked away, though Anje could see hints of pink flooding her cheeks. Virion simply nodded and held Anje tight. Anje felt the need to immediately break into her old routines and practice, but that would come.

Gods, it's been too long since I've done an actual show. She looked between Virion and Cherche; tingles of a blush began to come forth on her own cheeks. Certainly could do worse than this lot.

The deal was sealed and they had a date with a merchant.

Grey clouds hung over the port of Grieth. Thunder crackled in the distance and the choppy waters rocked the caravel back and forth as it steered its way into the vacant harbor. Only a few vessels were docked, and even fewer people were out in the pouring rain as Anje watched from the bow of the ship. The rain was cold and stung as it splashed against her face, but it was better than the musky stink of the lower decks that she hadn't been able to adjust to. Even the rank cages of circus animals fared better than most sailor's quarters.

As the boat pulled toward the docks, Anje took note of the heraldry raised over most of the buildings made of clay. Flags with a black battleaxe on a blood-red background. Anje snorted and turned her chin up at the ostentatious display. They had neither subtlety nor flair, much like a brigand with a box of broken stencils scribbled on some cloth.

So this is the Valmese mainland. The home Virion was chased away from. Anje turned her head, glazing toward the rest of the strike force that had gathered on the top deck. Most were talking amongst themselves, laughing, joking, and fraternizing. Anje shook her head and looked back at the vacant harbor. They laugh and all I want to do is get to work. The reason why Virion doesn't like to talk when it's just him alone. They don't realize how little he wants to say. How he's scared of it all. She clenched the wooden railing and grit her teeth. If he won't be brave, then I'll do it for him. It's the least that he deserves. It's been so long I've almost forgotten what it's like to call a place home. A place you truly belong. I wish I could remember that warmth.

Anje shook like a dog for a moment, spraying water out from her hair and clothes.

"Fucking rain is cold." She folded her arms across her chest, tucking her hands into her armpits. "Better be an inn or something nearby."

"Anje!"

Virion's voice pierced through the downpour like an arrow. The tension in the acrobat's shoulders receded a bit as she looked portside to see Virion waving her over. Despite the rain, his hair looked magnificent and perfectly combed; a boon from having Cherche hold a thick cloth umbrella over him.

Cherche can't be missing following Virion around like some kind of mother hen. I don't let him get away with half that fancy shit he insists he needs. Anje hurried over to Virion and immediately pulled him into a warm hug, letting his lavender scented cologne tickle her nostrils. And he's wearing more perfume than me…at least he remembered what scent I like.

Virion held Anje tightly to him, locking his hands around her waist. "So, how was the rain? Remarkably delightful?"

"Cold as shit."

"Langauge," Cherche gently chided. She stared at Anje with a flat expression, one made slightly more intimidating thanks to her full armor regalia and greaves that gave the towering woman an extra couple inches of height.

Virion chuckled. "It's quite alright. I do appreciate how rather candid Anje is with me. Granted, her robust use of langauge is a bit of an acquired taste."

"Mhmmm, sure," Anje feigned a yawn and pointed toward the docks. "It always this empty?"

Cherche's posture went rigid. "Walhart's doing no doubt. Only the desperate or foolish remain."

Anje looked to Virion and shrugged. "And I take it we're a bit of both?"

"Unfortunately," Virion conceded with a long drawn out sigh. He recomposed himself and snickered. "But, at least we're much more attractive. Something no measure of desperation or ill-fated odds can ever diminish."

The sound of a large wooden plank slammed down onto the dock, shaking the floor of the ship ever so slightly. Disgruntled sailors gestured for the strike team to descend, with a rather cheerful Robin taking the lead with Miriel, Tharja, and Lon'Qu hot on his trail.

"That's my cue," Cherche said, stepping away. "I'll take Minerva out a bit into the sea and up into the clouds. Just in case they have any scouts or spies here. Cordelia and I will regroup shortly."

"I miss you already," Virion replied as he and Anje waved the wyvern rider goodbye. "Ahh, so thoughtful and proactive. Now," the noble turned his attention to his muse, "shall we?"

They'd finally arrived, and a creeping fear began to knot itself in Anje's stomach. We don't exactly look discreet. Mages are a red flag anywhere, and more than one is usually bad news. Anje held Virion's hand as they walked side by side, gripping it just tight enough to comfort herself. Like walking into a tiger pit blindfolded...

Virion leaned toward Anje's ear. "We're going to head straight for the inn, and I'll be escorted to one of the rooms. Robin is going to get us traveling cloaks and other supplies for our infiltration from the merchant, but I think it'd be good to check in on him." Virion gave a brief smile to the crew as they passed them by, the gruff sailors looking rather pleased he was leaving. "Cherche can lead you around once she returns. Despite the wyvern, she's much less noticeable than I am in public."

"Not worried about being seen on the in?"

Virion shook his head. "I figure we could simply kiss all the while in a two-step dance down the main strip as the rest of our merry band provides a sort of cover." Anje quirked an eyebrow and elbowed Virion in the ribs. He grimaced and held his head down as he coughed a bit as they walked down the dock. "Or I could simply cower behind you. That works too, dear."

"I can't kiss you if you're dead, idiot," Anje huffed. She could feel Virion's taller frame hover behind her like a shadow. "Also, you gotta be right on top of my ass? You're nearly stepping on my boots."

"I thought you liked that? A shame," Virion lamented. "And here I thought that my lovely-"

"Could you not talk for like two minutes?" Anje growled. She walked nearly on her tippy toes to help broaden and extend her frame. "Damnit, we must look awkward as hell. Just keep your head down."

"Such a risque request here? If you insist," Virion quietly joked.

I love him, but dear god I'm going to kill him. Anje quickened her pace, managing to catch up to the bulk of the group; nestling herself in between Gregor and Libra.

"Hello there?" Libra gave an odd look to Virion, who held his head low and followed in a crouching position. "Might I ask what you may be doing?"

"Ah, classic bad smuggler technique," Gregor chimed in with a nod. "It is most silly, but somewhat effective. Gregor has used it few times"

"Which part?" Anje asked. "The front or the back?"

"It is secret." Gregor smiled and patted the cleric on the back. "Anyway, Gregor was catching up on history with Libra. He is good friend. Very pious. Doubts himself too much, but we can't all be like Gregor, can we?"

"A fair critique, but not without warranting one in return," Libra casually replied.

Anje nodded along as the boys continued their dreadfully boring debate about religious semantics. Besides the odd face every so often from Virion trying to pinch her, the walk toward the inn was nearly a straight shot from the rundown harbor.

Grieth had no paved roads but instead muddied paths from relentless rainfall that threatened to steal unfastened boots with each step. The ramshackle houses that lined the main, and seemingly only strip in the fishing hamlet, had faint candlelight seeping through barred up windows. Scorch Marks marked up some houses and near the nearly crumbling archway that hung over the path led into the mainland lay; countless arrows stuck up out of the mud.

The stables near the entrance looked the worst, being nearly obliterated into splinters. Anje craned her head, scanning the area. She could see off to the west a few covered stalls in a small circular fish market where Robin and a few others had gone. She saw they were talking before a red-headed woman but the rainfall made it impossible to hear.

"Let's get inside already," Anje said. The rain had begun to seep through her clothes and chill her bones. "Valm has not made the greatest first impression."

She brushed past Gregor and Libra as they reached the entrance to the in and bolted inside. Warm fragrant air flooded her nostrils as she shook out her wet hair like a dog. The sounds of fiddle music, glasses clinking, and idle chatter filled the well-lit room.

The inn lobby wasn't filled, but a few fishermen nearby kept their eyes on their drinks and quietly murmured about 'outsiders' and 'trouble'. Anje had been called much crueler and creative things, and didn't think much of it as she stalked up to Gaius and snatched his room key from his hand as he flirted with Olivia.

"Hey! That was mine!"

"Not anymore," Anje sharply replied. "Gotta problem, you can fight me."

"I'll just get another one…" Gaius pouted and trudged back to the innkeeper, a short and portly woman that spoke with an endearing tone to the rogue as Olivia gently massaged his back.

"Excellent snatch, dear. Truly showed him, eh?" Virion complimented as he remained hot on her heels. "Shall we break in the room a bit before we venture forth?"

"Later," Anje firmly replied. "We'll have plenty of time tonight when you're not worried about being identified. I'd like to not lose my significant other to the...whatever the bad people are called."

"Eloquent as always my sweet lily," Virion remarked, barely holding in his amusement. "We've talked about Walhart's Valmese Loyalists. Those are the people."

"Great." Anje fumbled with the room key, looking up to double-check the number on the side of the door with the one engraved in the key; four. It was a match and she quickly opened up the door. "Let's get shit dealt with so we can not worry, right? I'd rather just be over with all this, and be...stable for once."

Virion rubbed the middle of Anje's back, gently leading her into the room. He closed the door behind him followed by the sound of a deadbolt sliding. "I know. Just trying to lighten the mood is all. Helps keep me distracted from how dreadful this all is."

"You know what helps me? Working on the problem until it fucks off." Anje plopped herself on the single mattress in the room; the bed frame creaking slightly as she splayed out her arms and legs. "Feels like I'm in a race to get to the point of being happy."

"You can take breaks, you know. Slow down. Smell the roses." Virion sat down beside Anje and brushed her blonde hair out of her eyes. "Stress isn't going to help. Walhart will be there tomorrow. We must be careful, methodical, and of course, absolutely fabulous."

"Right," Anje slowly drawled. "We've got to turn this group into a bunch of circus performers. Our way into sneaking into Rosanne."

"Concerned?"

Anje barked out a laugh. "Hardly. Most of you already make great clowns." She rolled over and propped herself up on her elbows. "Just stay put until I get back?"

"I shall wait with bated breath then," Virion said with a wink. Anje smiled and grasped the back of his head, pulling him into a deep kiss. His own hands snaked around her waist and held her firm for the lingering moment before they separated. "Careful out there, alright?"

"Go out and make mayhem?" Anje smirked and quickly stuck her tongue out. "Got it."

The rain had stopped over Grieth, yet the large grey clouds remained looming over the squalid town. Anje marched with a quickened step toward the small fish market; the smells of salt and lye making her nose wrinkle. It wasn't much different than the markets back in the old world near the Black Sea; Grieth even had the sounds of arguing matched as Anje approached the lone occupied stall in the market.

An irritated red-headed woman dressed in a stylish red cloak, a leather satchel slung over her shoulder, and a lacy white tunic glowered at the group in front of her. Anje saw Robin, leaning over the stall platform counting on his fingers; no doubt lecturing her about his own views on haggling stem from mathematics.

Merchant is pissed and Robin's only backup is Lon and Miriel. Lon'qu won't say shit and Miriel will just back him up. Anje hustled up behind Lon'qu and poked the swordsman in the ribs.

Lon'qu didn't flinch or make a face as he slowly turned. Anje swore his lips twitched as he noticed her at his side. "...Yes?"

"How goes the talks?" Anje nodded toward Robin and the merchant. "We get the stuff?"

"No," Lon'qu dryly replied. His hand rested easily on the hilt of his blade as Anje and he watched Robin pull out a spreadsheet. "Well, it seems like this might be a long one."

"He pulled out some paper?" Anje's eyes darted toward the parchment littered with jargon and numbers that Robin slid across the stall table. "Shit," she mumbled under her breath. "I've got this. One sec."

Lon'qu stepped aside and shrugged. It's not like he was paid enough to get involved anyway.

Anje nestled up beside Robin and swiped the parchment. "Already breaking out the papers?"

"Oh. Hello, Anje," Robin said. He smiled and looked over at the merchant who nearly looked like a blood vessel in her forehead was ready to burst. "We've almost wrapped up negotiations."

"Not. Even. Close!" The woman bemoaned as she slammed her fists on her stall. She pointed at Robin and Miriel in a circular motion. "You all. Get lost. No more negotiating," she looked over to Anje, "you a part of their group?"

"Uh, yeah-"

"Great, then I'll do business with you. Name's Anna. I'd say it's a pleasure, but we're in the middle of a war-torn nation, the weather is shit, and I've got a boatload of wares in need of getting rid of," Anna proclaimed, complete with a hurried handshake.

"I take it you won't think about my proposal?" Robin asked.

"It was very thorough and accounted for all your reasonable fees," Miriel added. "Please, reconsider the fair terms we've put into place."

"No. no. and absolutely not." Anna shook her head vehemently like a child refusing to eat their vegetables. "Just leave as I talk with your associate. I'd like to talk to someone who knows a hell of a lot less or more about haggling."

"Will you be well?" Miriel calmly said to Anje. She adjusted her glasses and gave the merchant a condescending glare. "Be wary of this one. This surly merchant surely seeks to dupe with extraneous fees."

"I'd never," Anna hotly protested, placing a hand on her chest. "I just refuse to debate with know-it-alls who insist on me accepting outdated information as a word from Naga herself when it comes to trade!"

Anje offered Miriel a weak smile and shrugged. "I've been around a market or two. I'll be fine."

Miriel pursed her lips and stared at Anje a moment. Just as Anje began to feel slightly uncomfortable like a specimen being examined, Miriel gave the slightest of nods and turned on her heel, hooked her arm with Robin's, and began to walk away without another word. Anje pressed her lips together as she watched the group depart.

I don't even want to try and understand how that relationship works.

"So, blondie," the honeyed voice behind the stall called out. Anje whipped her head around to see Anna with a cheshire grin on her face. "Let's talk business. Your friends left behind a list of supplies. I take it that it has remained the same?"

"The costumes, travel supplies, and other equipment?"

Anna nodded. "Eyup, those be the ones. So...let's start with what I offered your friend. 600 gold pieces and the lot is yours."

"Can I see how much it is you're offering?" Anje asked in a polite tone. "I'm not dumb."

As long as she doesn't figure out I can't read or do math. But I do know a bad deal when I hear one. And 600 is an assload of money.

"Sure, it's on my boat. I have a small dock just off the shore." Anna slinked out from behind the stall, her eyes level with the acrobats. "Let's go for a walk."

"Lead on then."

Anje followed Anna past the market through a small alleyway toward the docks; just a bit south of where she had recently arrived in Grieth. A small caravel was tied to the lone dock with a small barnacle-encrusted shack on the nearby shore. No citizens seemed to be walking about as the soft sounds of drizzling rainfall continued to splash in the mud.

A strong breeze rolled off the coast as the two entered the lower hold of the cargo ship, sloshing the vessel slightly as they descended the wooden staircase. Anna removed a small book from her side satchel. She flipped it open in one hand and uttered a small string of words until a small flame came to life from her free hand, granting light and a small amount of warmth to the dusty hold.

Anje fought back a sour look and kept a poker face. Magic...but I guess it's useful here.

"It's all here," Anna pointed to the several crates nestled into the corner of the room. "Got 'em from a retired troupe in Regna Ferox awhile back. Got your costumes, ropes, tapestries, bullwhips, hoops, and enough planks to make a wall of death or trapeze scaffolding."

Anje's eyes glittered with greed as she found herself moving toward the crates. She unlatched one of the crates, but cast a glance over her shoulder toward the merchant. With a nod of approval from Anna, Anje slid the lid off and peered inside.

Through the magelight, Anje found herself elbow deep in various sleek and brightly colored costumes and tapestries. Her fingertips tingled with anticipation and a hint of dread as the smooth material slipped through her grasp. It had been a long time since she had revisited her old life. The gilded cage she had abruptly left behind, along with the hateful woman who resided in it.

Anje closed her eyes. She found her breath heavy and chest aching a bit as she remembered her most memorable performances. The thrill of anticipation, soaring through the air free as an eagle, the gasps from the crowd. But also the pain. The pain of knowing she wouldn't ever be more. That her time in the limelight would fade, much like the girl she replaced.

She felt a wetness on her cheek and quickly wiped it away. That was the past and it didn't matter anymore. The sounds of her legs crunching underneath her from that fateful fall still haunted her, and in a way was a liberation from a cyclical death that many trapped circus folks met.

Anje slid the lid back onto the crate quickly. Her past would stay dead, but if it would help pave a road to her future, she'd certainly not be picky. A deal would be made.

"So, take it you like what you found?" Anna asked with a hopeful lilt to her voice. She strode up to Anje and let out an easy sigh. "My sisters and I find the strangest things you wouldn't believe. I mean, maybe you would, no? I'm sure a mercenary group pretending to be circus clowns have seen a few sights."

"You're going to sell me these things. All of what Robin said, and at a fair price." Anje turned to Anna with a cold stare. "No bullshit, Anna. I'm going to ask once. We both know you've jacked the shit outta that price. 600? I could probably buy half this town for that amount of gold. C'mon."

"I'm just an honest merchant trying to make a living," Anna rebuked, her voice holding firm and steady. "It's a lot of cargo to unload, and prices to get a vessel that can make it to Archanea are steep."

"I don't recall that being my problem," Anje said. "Just...make the deal, alright? 300 gold is more than fair for a bunch of cloth and some wood. That's all I'm asking. Innocent people are getting killed, and I'd rather not waste my time with some greedy asshole."

Anna lowered her hand and the slight smile on her face vanished in an instant. "So that's how it's going to be? You're threatening me?" She chuckled softly and took a step back. "Now I see why they sent you. They knew that I'd let my guard down to some cute girl, and not some burly man to try and bully me into a deal." Anna puffed up her chest, her face red with rage. "This isn't the first time someone has threatened me or my kin, I'll have you know-"

"So you won't take the deal?" The corner of Anje's mouth curled upward as she clenched her fists. "You want the war to continue? This Walhart guy to continue to run people out of their homes and put people on fucking sticks?"

"Walhart's armies are good business. Fair traders and safe roads," Anna narrowed her eyes, "much unlike here. I think you should go. There is no deal. You'll have to figure out something else."

"Please," Anje pleaded, her voice shaking. "Just take the damn money. It's all we've got to spare. Please."

Anna let out a haughty laugh. "Absolutely not. You're insane if you think I'd take such a low-"

A sharp crack echoed throughout the hold. The merchant stumbled into a crate and cradled her face as Anje stood over her, wringing out her fist. Anna fumbled with her belt, trying to dig out her knife, but Anje's arm acted like a whip and nailed the redhead across the face with another quick blow.

"I tried to talk. I really did," Anje whispered, her eyes darting around wildly as she reeled back, preparing another strike. "But I can't let someone like you stop me. Not when we've already come so far."

Anna spat out some blood and tried to speak, but another strike hit her square in the jaw. Her body went slack and Anje backed off, nearly stumbling as her heart raced.

The merchant was unconscious and shallowly breathing. Anje tightly wrapped her arms around her body, squeezing to the point of feeling her ribs groan. She paced about in the dimly lit and silent cargo hold. She looked frantically between the crates and the bloodied merchant; wide and wild eyes taking in what her lapse in anger had earned her.

She fell to her knees and screamed until her voice was raw.

Anje stood at the edge of the merchant's dock with her cloak wrapped around her. The sun was threatening to dip below the horizon and the sea's waves had become stronger, yet she barely felt the biting chill of the wind. Her face was still hot with rage, though not for the merchant. Someone more deserving.

A seagull cawed near the ship, and Anje looked at the sea creature. It rested near the sail of the boat; at the base where Anje had used some of Anna's rope to tie said merchant to the mast. She had checked her wounds and reset her nose. Her anger was only heightened by how much of a great hit she managed to land thanks to her continued training, yet not for the right reasons.

It's always about why we do things. Not how good we actually are, Anje thought to herself as the seagull pecked at Anna's leather boots. She'll never forgive me. And she shouldn't. Maybe if I said it differently. Maybe if I wasn't so goddamn-

Anje bit her tongue and looked away. She still needed a plan, and reflecting on what had happened wasn't productive. She needed something to return with to show how they'd be able to get into Rosanne. Something to impress Virion, yet that now seemed unattainable with having assaulted a merchant.

"Great job as always," Anje muttered to herself. "Oh, if Basilio could see you now. Bastard would have a field day with this information. Let alone Virion...he'd probably just be quiet, smile, and nod. God, I hate when he does that."

"What information?"

Anje immediately dropped into a crouch and spun around to face the voice that had spooked her. Cherche and Cordelia were at the end of the dock and waking up to her. Cherche waved and Cordelia offered a pleasant smile as they approached, and Anje forced a smile back and waved.

Well, shit. This has gotten even worse now.

"There you are," Cherche said. "We've already checked in at the inn. Robin said you were negotiating with a merchant about supplies and costumes. How'd you fare?"

"Uh, we got the stuff," Anje hesitated. She glanced toward the tied-up merchant, leading the two riders' attention. Cordelia's eyes went wide and Cherche kept a straight face and nodded. "Might've had a disagreement."

"Is she alright?" Cordelia asked. She squinted for a moment at the figure. "Is that...Anna?"

"One of them," Anje said with a shrug. "We didn't get along."

"So you...knocked her out and tied her to the mast?" Cordelia slowly said. She pinched the bridge of her nose and looked down. "Anje, we've gone over your temper before-"

"Yes, yes, I know, I messed up." Anje held her arm up in the air. "Please, let's just move on and deal with this. Please?"

Cherche tilted her head to the side and hummed. "Are the supplies onboard?"

"Uh, yeah?"

"Excellent." Cherche clapped her hands together and grinned. "Then that brings us one closer step to stopping Walhart from turning this place into a pyre."

"Wait, you're not mad?" Anje babbled. "But I thought-"

Cordelia crossed her arms and looked between the two confused. "Yeah, I thought-"

"Mad? Hardly. We have what we need after all, and this Anna has been notorious for selling to Walhart's forces," Cherche explained as Anje and Cherche followed her into the ship's lower hold. "Granted, I will say I'm a bit disappointed. Beating a merchant is in poor taste and hardly lady-like. I'll keep word of this, and we'll send the merchant on her way. Simple."

"You're rather laid back about this, Lady Cherche," Cordelia said skeptically. "It's wrong. We should tell Robin and the others. Pay the merchant what she is owed, and perhaps more for damages."

"No." Cherche firmly replied. "We'll release the merchant with a small sum and take what we need."

Cordelia quickened her pace, walking around Cherche until she was barring the taller riders' way. "Justifying small evils to combat greater ones isn't the way. It's not right."

"It's not a matter of justifying anything. Anje made a choice, and we must live with its consequences." Cherche cast a scathing look at Anje. She shrunk back like a child being berated by a parent. "It tis a shame, but you know what is more? Letting opportunity go while loved ones burn. My Lord's country burns. While my home burns. You fought a war, did you not, Cordelia?"

Cordelia swallowed and nodded. "That I did. And it's important to hold one's values if you wish to remain whole. Look, I've lost those close to me too. I know it hurts. Trust me, I really do know. Please let us right this wrong." She looked between Anje and Cherche. "Together. It's not too late to make amends."

"So you suggest we starve ourselves in light of sticking to morals we've already failed to uphold?" Cherche frowned and shook her head. "Look around you. There is only one answer to this, and we'd be wise not to mortgage the continent's future now. For my Lord's sake and the common folk."

"Then let's have Anje decide, before we rush into a decision," Cordelia stated. "What shall we do? Make off with the cargo and leave the merchant a paltry sum? Or shall we make things right? Pay the woman what she is owed and apologize for our group's transgressions?"

To make things right. Anje's head spun as she looked between the redheaded riders. Both their steely gazes bore into her like they were trying to impose their will upon her. She shifted her weight from one foot to the other, as if weighing her options. Would it help us in the long term. Do we keep most of our gold and take the supplies or save our reputation? But what if we did something else…

"I've got an idea," Anje slowly said, her face scrunched as she rubbed her chin. "What if we could do both?"

"You've my attention."

"Go on," Cordelia urged with a slight smile.

"Well," Anje started, "we're going to be a traveling circus, right? Which means we'll have shows. So why not offer her some money now and a large portion of the earnings we make on our way and into Rosanne? We could even just rent the materials. We'll have to keep up appearances, and it gives us a chance to show her that we aren't violent jerks. Right?"

"That's... not a bad idea," Cherche mused as she tapped a finger against her lips. "I could agree to that. The mission wouldn't be compromised, and we'd have gold to spend later if need be."

"I'd agree to that. It isn't perfect, but it's a compromise I can accept," Cordelia conceded. "Anje, go back and let Robin know. We'll talk with Anna when she wakes up. I have a feeling she'll be more agreeable if you're not around initially."

"Can do," Anje quickly replied. She felt herself smiling and quickly bowed to both women. "Thanks. I'll, uh, be going now."

Anje raced out from the shipping hold and back across the village. The sun had disappeared and now the pale moonbeams shone brightly through the thin wispy clouds overhead. Houses were quiet yet lit by candles as Anje made it to the inn; a crawling feeling running over her skin as she glanced down the dark alleyways and down the main strip where the faint sounds of the waves echoed.

The inn was quiet as she entered, scraping her boots off at the door. The bards had left and the sailors from earlier had gone home for the night, leaving most the chairs upturned on the clean tables. All but one table remained occupied. The one where Robin was seated in the corner playing chess against himself like she'd seen the other day on the ship.

Anje quietly approached the tactician who appeared to be deep in thought. He whispered silent words under his breath as his hand hovered over a white pawn. He moved the pawn up one space and quickly swapped seats where he assumed a hunched-over position with his elbows on the table and his chin resting in his hands.

"Uh, report?" Anje tentatively asked. "Unless I'm interrupting something."

"It's fascinating, isn't it?" Robin picked up a black pawn and rolled it in his palm, keeping his head propped up by his other arm. "It's so overlooked, yet it's so versatile. The best thing they can do is be sacrificed. Strange isn't it? Addition by subtraction, some might think it."

Anje nodded along, pretending to understand the greater machinations of Robin. It had become the standard between her and the tactician. She'd ask the occasional question, and he'd ramble on in a friendly enough yet odd manner.

"You see, it's that kind of versatility that causes most people to lose," Robin continued, setting the piece back down in its spot. "Most think that you don't want to lose any pieces. But that's wrong. You just want to lose the pieces your opponents think you don't want to lose. A simple algorithm, really." Robin moved his bishop across the board. "Check."

"I'm not that good at chess, sir," Anje said. "But, I've news about the supplies. Cherche and Cordelia are handling the merchant now."

Robin bounded from his seat, scurrying across to the other side of the table. He quickly resumed a pensive and focused look upon his face, brushing his messy white hair back with his fingers.

"That's good news. I figured that since you're here. I take it my list was helpful?" Robin asked. He moved his king up a space and out of danger. "Is everyone else settled in? Are they safe?"

Anje shrugged. "Safe as I can imagine. Are we still splitting up tomorrow?"

Robin swapped seats again. "That is the hope. A gambit to help end this whole ordeal." He flashed Anje a wide smile and moved a rook to take one of his white knights. "I have got a plan, and it's nearly there. Check."

"So when will you be back?" Anje asked. The chessboard was a mess of pieces to her; considering the few times she'd played against Virion ended with a more sultry, mutual victory whenever she found herself bored or drastically behind. "You've decided on who is going with you?"

Robin was back to playing white. "Yes, it'll be me, Miriel, Tharja, Lon'qu, Libra, and Cherche. I'm hoping that will be enough." He moved a pawn forward, shaking his head. "We're running out of time."

"For what?" Anje said as she watched the tactician move around again.

For what it's worth, he's getting more exercise playing chess than anybody else I know, Anje mused as she stifled a giggle. Weird little guy.

"Nothing of consequence," Robin quickly replied, his eyes scanning the board. He let out a deep breath and a clipped laugh as he moved his queen forward. "And...I believe that is checkmate."

"Uh, how?"

"Pinned between the pawn, bishop, and queen." Robin pointed out the pieces, and Anje dumbly nodded along. "But I should check to be certain." He raced around again, taking his seat and analyzing the board as if he'd never seen it before. He scoured each checkered lane, mumbling under his breath for a few moments until stopping and hanging his head low. "It is a checkmate. I've lost."

"But you won too," Anje said, pointing to the other side. "It was just you. So you win and lose."

Robin frowned and shook his head dismissively. "Hardly. The point was to keep the game going for as long as possible. To have more time. But I wasn't good enough."

"Well, you can always start up a new one tomorrow," Anje replied, patting Robin on the back. "Look, I'm going to go to bed. You probably should too. See you tomorrow, alright."

Robin nodded as Anje walked away, feeling a bit relieved having gotten the last bit of business out of the way.

"One last thing."

Anje spun on her heel and did her best to not frown as she turned back toward Robin. "Yes?"

He had moved to the black side, beginning to clean up the pieces. He held a pawn in his hand and tapped it against his forehead with a smile. "Check."

Anje snapped her fingers and pointed at Robin. "Yup, you got it." She turned around quickly and raced up the stairs of the inn toward her room and lover.

People and their games. Why can't they just be direct with me?

She unlocked the door and strode in, throwing herself onto the bed beside Virion who lay on his back staring at the ceiling. He immediately stretched out his arms as if yawning, but then held her hand tightly; gently massaging the back of her hand with his thumb.

"So, I take it we're good to go? Did my brave and gorgeous woman handle everything well without any snags?"

"I hope so. I'm really trying," Anje grumbled, trying to kick off her boots. "Next time, just send me with a babysitter or something."

Virion perked up. "Oh, something did happen then?"

Anje rolled her eyes. "Something usually does. You'll find out in the morning. It's probably best if the merchant kept her distance from me."

"Ohoho, a juicy spat then?" Virion waggled his eyebrows, but as Anje didn't react he clicked his tongue and sighed. "One of those then? Very well. I take it nobody got hurt?"

"Hopefully just feelings. Maybe a nose." Anje cuddled up to Virion and closed her eyes. "I'd rather not think about it anymore. I just hope I did the right thing."

Virion hummed in agreement and wrapped his arms around Anje. They fell asleep quickly as the half-burnt candle in the room flickered.

A/N: Another chapter down, and we're now fully in the thick of Valm as we've entered the mainland and we have an imminent party split coming with two different groups off to do different things. I'm excited to get to the meat of this arc, as Anje is still struggling to contain her anger but is doing better. Words are hard, and punching your problems is easier as it just so happens, but it's not necessarily the best option. Hopefully, all the characters are seemingly up to snuff, as I haven't had much time to write these as I'm practicing the dynamics and such. Just trying to improve my craft and make sure nobody is too OOC. Plus, trying to mix some comedic fluff with serious stuff so on and so forth.

Big thanks to all the feedback and reviews. I'm curious to see what you all think the story is going, as I've got a roller coast of things planned for Valm :D

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