By the time the four arrived back before the town's landmark hill on the east, the river had already been tainted with red. The screams subsided to low gasps and murmurs of the humanity. The townsfolk of the little town could only stare and then avert their eyes at the form below the bridge.

Not even dressed in any clothes, wrapped in only a thin sheet; her hair splayed out to the shallow water underneath her, flowering with the red blotches blossoming from the shattered skull; her insides oozing out onto the babbling brook over the stones of the riverbed...

Fiona had jumped.

Fredger had to be restrained by several hands before he could also leap after her.

"Fiona! FIONAAaaa... ah... ah..."

The man's cries choke as sobs arise in his throat. Slowly, some townspeople lead him aside and try to calm him in hushed assurances. Alfyn's chalky face glances reluctantly over the stone arch and down at the body in the river. His normal smile is gone. His hands grasp the stone until his knuckles are white. Zeph stands on the east bank, looking as pale as he is.

Therion and Primrose stand a bit away, knowing themselves as outsiders. Sadiq stares a bit, with slightly widened eyes. Though he cannot possibly see the spectacle from where he is standing, he nonetheless is shocked silent.

Primrose averts her eyes a bit from the scene, instead focusing on Alfyn. She and Therion both look a bit at the other man's face.

An elderly man in the crowd shakes his bearded head and clears his throat, "Ahem… clear out of the square now… Goren and the other woodsman will help to clean up."

At his rather quiet declaration, people slowly begin to move again. Zeph lingers, approaching Alfyn, who may not be registering his presence. He puts a hand on the other's shoulder, startling him. Alfyn looks to him immediately with the face of one who saw a ghost.

"A-Alf… you okay…?"

"Uh-… Zeph…" Alfyn seems to take a bit gathering his words, "Y-yeah, I'm… I'll see you … around…"

"I think you need a break…"

Alfyn's head nods absentmindedly as his feet shuffle away from Zeph clumsily. His wide eyes are kept to the ground. Don't look at anyone's faces. He pushes past even Primrose and the others.

"Alfyn…" Primrose murmurs only quietly, not trying to stop him. She looks a bit pained seeing him walk alone down the path deeper into the village.

Therion glances at the men who prepare to scale down the bridge sides and retrieve the remains. Not wanting to remain for that, he follows after Alfyn. Primrose lingers a bit before following with Sadiq.

"… Horrible…" The old man mutters nigh inaudibly under his beard.

"… are you lucid, Sadiq?"

"Yes…" Sadiq sighs, "Though I wonder if it is a good thing if heartache and this sort of disaster is all I awake to…"

Primrose says nothing more as they trail after the apothecary in silence. After some walking, they come to an elevation in the village, before Alfyn's home. A series of wooden steps are embedded in the dirt face as stairs. Alfyn climbs the hill slowly, still looking down. Therion espies the trees and gating at the top as he follows a little behind.

At the summit of the hill is the town cemetery, with headstones dotting the flattened earth. Old trees with semi-bare branches provide little shade around the edges of the fenced area. Alfyn walks up to a tombstone in the back of the graveyard. It seems rather old. Wordlessly, he drops down, sitting heavily before it. The thief, dancer and old man stand some rows of stones back. Therion ducks slightly behind one of the larger stones, appearing to be praying.

"What are we doing, sneaking like rats…?" Primrose whispers as she kneels down beside him.

"Shh. What does it look like I'm doing."

"Why do we have to resort to this kind of spying…?!" Primrose sighs, "It makes it seem like we suspect him of something…"

"Maybe I do," Therion shrugs and peeks over the stone, looking at Alfyn's back.

The perky self he had gotten used to is now slouched over. He can't really blame him. Straining his ears a bit, he picks up the first word over a slight breeze passing by.

"…Ma…"

His mother's tombstone.

Primrose leans against the stone, drawing her knees to her chest as she sits a bit more comfortably. She whispers, "That poor girl… I hope Alfyn isn't blaming himself over that…"

Therion shushes her again. She gives him a slight stink eye on the side in response. The thief only keeps his eyes and ears tuned to the low voice of the apothecary.

"… thought I could have saved her… But I guess… what she went through…"

The other man suddenly gives a loud yell of frustration, startling the hidden trio. Therion nearly falls over from his position. Alfyn flops on his back in the dirt, looking up at the sky.

"I keep lettin' 'em slip through my fingers…!" Alfyn roars, "What'll it take… until I can finally…"

He is heard sighing loudly. Therion suddenly stands and walks out from the rows of stones. His steps make Alfyn look up from his prone position with slight surprise. With a weak smile, he greets the thief standing over him.

"Ehe… Oh, hey, Therion."

"Don't…" Therion sighs and tries again, "You don't have to keep smiling after something like that."

"… I guess yer right…" Alfyn still chuckles lightly, smile yet plastered, "'M jus'… a bit outta it, y' know…?"

The man on the floor drapes his arms over his face and gives a bitter sigh. Therion detects a bit of a quiver in his voice as he inhales.

"People… they're gonna keep dyin'… no matter what we do…" Alfyn mutters, his voice somewhat brittle, "'S the price we pay fer livin', as Ma always said… But 's always so hard…"

Therion stands there awkwardly, just listening. Primrose now peeps out at him and slowly stands from her sitting spot.

"… Can't save them all."

Therion's terse words make Alfyn flinch. Primrose stands brusquely and walks over briskly. She slaps the thief's arm hard, though his poncho provided ample buffer from the strike.

"Gods, did you really have to say that?!"

Therion shrugs, "It's the truth."

"… Aye, it is…" Alfyn murmurs quietly.

"…Alfyn…" Primrose kneels a bit and lightly touches the other's strong arms folded over his face, "… you don't have to hide your face if you're crying."

"Ehehe… I know… 's healthy to have a good cry now an' then… I…" One arm pries off and rests at his side, "I just wish… I could've saved her… Didn't even get to say goodbye…"

"Her mind is not something that could have been easily touched by tinctures or salves," Primrose says carefully, "I have… seen the faces of those who have been broken in my line of prior employment… Her face was… very much the same. You did your best with what you had, Alfyn…"

"… She could've gotten better if she… I mean… why choose death…" Alfyn grits his teeth a bit, "Doesn't make any sense… now ya got no shot of gettin' better!"

The dancer has no response. The thief stands, looking out to the beautiful scenery accessible from the hill's vantage point. Sadiq slowly makes his way over, speaking softly.

"When one's pain is so great in the moment, one believes they may never heal. It is something healers cannot see with their eyes."

"Sadi?"

"Since I have lost my daughter… I find that I am slipping away longer and further away now. I believe it is a reflex to shield from the heartbreak that will never heal… So, my mind will take refuge in the inane gibbering thoughts of fools."

Primrose can only bear to look at the old man from the corner of her eye as he approaches. Alfyn takes his remaining arm off his face, showing his reddish eyes. He sits up, slouching, and sighs.

"So… is that how you're going to deal with it, Sadi…"

"Aye. But as my daughter gave her life for Primrose… I have faith in her as well and pledge my spear and what is left of my old body to her."

Therion stiffens slightly, and so does Primrose.

"… Was it because Fiona didn't have a reason like you do that she…" Alfyn looks down at the dirt between his legs a bit pensively now, "Poor ol' Fredger…"

"... Come on," Therion extends a hand to the apothecary before the dancer can, "We just took a bath, so get outta the dirt."

Alfyn looks up with slight surprise and pulls himself up with Therion's help. The thief eyes his pants, which are brown, so the dirt camouflages anyway. Alfyn wipes at his running nose and reddened eyes a bit.

"... Thanks Therion..." Alfyn takes a big breath before letting out another loud shout. Unlike the last one, this does not seem to leave any trace of frustration in him, instead letting it all out.

"... You certainly know how to release some steam, Alfyn," Primrose checks to make sure she can still hear.

He gives a small smile, "I gotta go see if Fredger's alright. Can't let any more slip through my fingers by moping, not if I wanna be able to heal everyone."

"Heal everyone?" Therion nearly rolls his eyes at that ridiculous dream. Primrose shoots him a look clearly saying 'don't you dare.'

"Yep! That's why I became an apothecary! Well, more like, I met a guy who did that and I wanna be like him! Don't you guys have dreams like that?"

Therion had never modeled himself after a particular role model. Thieves were as far from role models as you get. A lot of people back in Bolderfall aspired to be like Marta, with her tough guts and wrangling spirit. But he couldn't handle all that. She was a leader type who didn't crack under the trust everyone put in her. So he just tried to be the best master thief he could be.

"No. But it's wonderful that you have a role model, Alfyn," Primrose smiles, "Now, shall we be off? I daresay I ought to get my clothes dry once more."

"Sure! Hmm..." Alfyn thinks a moment, "Maybe we can all have dinner tonight at the tavern!"

"That sounds nice."

"Do you have the leaves to afford that..." Therion side-eyes Alfyn, who laughs it off.

"It'll be great! I can at least get us drinks!"

Sadiq smiles slightly under his thick facial hair, "It certainly helps, to have spirits to drown in."

"Hmm, maybe I'll see if I can get Fredger to come... or does that seem a bit insensitive..."

Therion was surprised he even thought of that. He thought himself the least tactful of them all here, not counting the old coot.

"Well... yes, maybe waiting a bit is wiser," Primrose shrugs slightly, "It is still the same day after all."

"Yeah... Y' know, I always dreamed of some kinda tonic or somethin' that would cheer people right up. Like a salve for your heart and soul," Alfyn scratches the back of his neck, "Then I could help ol' Fredger a lot more..."

"That sounds totally like something you would think about," Therion says dryly, unamused.

"It's a fine sentiment," Primrose follows up immediately, "I'm going back to dry my clothes... Shall we come meet you at the inn, Alfyn?"

"Yeah. I think I'll be done with my rounds 'fore the sun sets. You guys can find your way fine?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'll be fine," Therion sighs and already begins walking off the hill. Primrose waves a little to Alfyn before she goes as well, Sadiq with her.

Alfyn sighs as they vanish from sight. He's still smiling, but it isn't so plastered now. Yet there remained a heavy feeling sitting on his gut and nudging up against his heart. It was a very familiar feeling. He'd felt it every time someone passed away in Clearbrook, another life he failed to save. It was an ache he never let heal.

"... Well, off I go, ma."

…

Zeph and Figgs were among the men who remained close in watch on Fredger. The mayor had thought it prudent that he be watched closely, lest he hurt himself after such a shocking event. Goren is standing before the broken man sitting on the edge of his bed, trying to explain they found Fiona's halberd, but they cannot give it to him.

"So, we found the silver halberd, ol' Fred... but, er, mayor says you... you can't have it back yet..."

Fredger's eyes are glued at Goren's feet on the floor before him. His lifeless eyes stare out from his gaunt face behind stringy bangs of brown and white hair. Slowly, he speaks, hunched over with his elbows rested on his knees.

"...That was... her father's..."

"Aye... erh..." Goren flusters a bit, "Y-ye'll be back on yer feet soon, mate..."

With that awkward exchange, Goren pushes past Zeph and Figgs, scrambling for the door. The apothecary rubs his arm uncomfortably and tries to find the right words. Fredger's voice can be heard in low mumbles, laced with despair and dark emotion.

"...kill 'em... kill 'em all..."

"Fred..." Figgs sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose. He looks to Zeph, "I'll see if I can't rustle up something at the bar for 'im. Mind keeping watch alone?"

"No... I think spirits will give him something he needs," Zeph murmurs, eyes still on Fredger.

Figgs nods and leaves. Zeph slowly walks up to the muttering man.

"You need any water, Fred?"

The older man shakes his head limply. He clasps his hands to his face and sniffles quite loudly, as though to clear up his sinuses. Then he speaks, no longer muttering. His eyes remain looking ahead, not at Zeph on the side.

"Oh Zeph... I suppose ye'd know what it's like..."

"Uh... what?" Zeph reluctantly takes a seat beside him on the bed.

"Ye'd lost your folks at a young age... had to take care of yer sister," Fredger sighs, "When Malleus died, Fiona was but a wee lass. She still 'members 'im of course... I took her in. Raised her like I woulda my own."

"Yeah," Zeph nods along. Everyone knew everyone's business here in the village.

"Of all the things she coulda thought of 'er old man... She just had to want to be a watchman like 'e was..." Fredger clasps his hands together and rubs his forehead with his thumbs, "An' now look. Only that damn axe stick left... Cripes..."

Zeph awkwardly rubs the older man's back. His father had taught him to do slow, circle motions to best ease vertigo or discomfort. But this was different. It was inner pain. Zeph didn't know much of anything about that. When Nina cried, he just relied on his gut. Now, it was no different.

There is the sound of the door opening. Zeph looks to see Figgs enter with Alfyn. "Alf!"

"Yo, Zeph!" Alfyn positively brightens the room with his usual grin. It is a sympathetic smile though, "Ran into Figgs as I was gonna come help!"

"Here, Fred," Figgs hands the downcast man a wooden cup of strong spirits. The man downs it in one go. He sputters and shivers slightly as it goes down. He hands the bartender back the cup before promptly lying down on his side.

Zeph looks at the now sleeping man before turning back to Alfyn, "... Sleepweed?"

Alfyn chuckles, "Well... I didn't have any better ideas. He's liable to stay up all night wearin' himself out otherwise, y'know?"

"No, you're right..." Zeph sighs, "I would have done the same, probably."

"Well, it's getting late you two," Figgs sighs, "What say you both get some food and drink down. If you can keep it down after today, that is."

"I'm up for a good ale," Alfyn smiles.

Zeph sighs with a light smile, "I'm not one for drinking. And someone needs to keep an eye on Fredger..."

"Well, holler if ya need the whole village. I'll pick something up for ya, okay?" Alfyn gives his best friend a grin, "Ya never even got to finish your nap, I'll bet."

"Gee, is it that obvious?" Zeph chuckles lightly as he stands and draws some covers over Fredger, "I just hope it doesn't induce night terrors..."

"Naw, slumberthorn is the one that does that, remember? Sleepweed is a bit lighter."

"Right, right..." Zeph stretches, "I must really be wiped out..."

"Hehe, need any plum juice?"

"You don't have any, Alf," Zeph sighs, "You wish you did."

"Hehe, yer not totally out of it!" Alfyn salutes slightly, "See ya in a bit!"

Alfyn and Figgs make their way out, leaving Zeph with the slumbering Fred. It is slowly turning into dusk, and the moon can be glimpsed distantly.

"Aw yeah, I should go check on Melody's grandpa and see if he's alright..."

"Old Grummet just cannot give up that pipe of his, eh?" Figgs looks to Alfyn, "But he's not the only one with bad habits."

"No worries, I'll be quick!" Alfyn gives him a grin and goes off for his other patient.

…

Alfyn was not at the tavern when the dancer, thief, and old man arrived, dressed in their finally cleaned and dried clothes. The sky was dark outside, but had only been so for less than an hour now. There is a decent crowd here, all abuzz with hubbub after the day's happenings. It takes a crisis to unite a village. The trio make themselves scarce and sit down at a table.

Figgs comes over, having seen them enter and places a flagon of ale before each of them. Primrose smiles sweetly at him in response.

"My, service comes fast."

"Well, Alfyn told me to be expecting you," Figgs chuckles, "He's off-"

"Seeing patients again, right?" Therion sips his drink.

"Yep. Classic Alf," Figgs chortles lightly, "So, you're his outta town friends."

"Yes. He's been very hospitable, putting up with us," Primrose glances about the scene around them for now, before looking to her drink, "Is it always so busy?"

"Naw. It's just because of Fiona's death... people wanna get together a bit after something so horrible and talk a bit."

Sadiq seems to fancy his drink, having lost his lucidness once again. Figgs eyes him oddly as he tries to suck up stray droplets of ale that dribbled into his beard. Primrose merely chuckles, taking out Yusufa's cleaned handkerchief and wiping the old man's lips like a mother would her child.

"Hey guys!" Alfyn bursts in the front door and marches right over to their table, "Sorry I'm late!"

"Who was it who said they'd be done before the sun sets?" Therion cocks an eyebrow at Alfyn.

"Ehehe, guilty as charged. But ya can't rush health ya know," Alfyn takes a seat, "Speakin' o' which, I need to do a final check up on your wounds still!"

Figgs hands him a flagon of ale before leaving their table with a small smile.

"You are a very persistent doctor, Alfyn," Primrose giggles playfully, "There is no more pain in my leg, thanks to you. We'll be fine to go at sunrise."

"Ehe, I see!" There is a small dampening of that smile, but only for a moment, "You're goin' north right? Be sure t'dress warm, Primrose! Ya could freeze t' death in that dress!"

"The cold doesn't bother me very much. But thank you for your concern, Alfyn," She sips her ale slowly, not caring much for the taste. It was almost all the same, the cheap stuff.

"Gee, y' know, if I think about it... travelin' around sounds pretty swell. I'd get to help everyone an' all... just like he did..." Alfyn gulps down his drink, "'Course I gotta keep everyone's health up here. Zeph... Well, I'd be too worried t' leave him alone!"

Therion rolls his eyes.

"You and Zeph are almost like brothers if I do say so myself," Primrose says to distract from the thief's reaction.

"Aye, we'd grown up together here. Hehe, his old man taught us both everything we know. After his folks died, well, me and ma helped out with Nina and the job an' all. Then, when ma died, he helped me," Alfyn seems to fondly recall those moments, "He's like my family, yeah."

"How sweet," Therion mutters, finishing his ale. His ears are tuned in to other conversations at the moment. But there isn't much gossip about rare treasures or steals here. Just backwater country banter.

"Say, ya both left yer folks to go out into the wide world eh?"

"In a sense, yes..." Primrose looks down at an interesting squiggle in the wood grain of the table, "My parents are both dead."

"Never knew mine," Therion quickly says before he can be asked.

"Aw, shucks... Sorry," Alfyn's expression falls a bit, "Well, uh, hope ya find that stone y' need to get that chain off, Therion... er, Prim, why're ya goin' up to the north, if ya don't mind me askin'."

"I am looking for someone, simply put..."

Therion side-eyes her. She's still wearing that mask. But it seems a lot less guarded than when he'd first seen her. She didn't seem to face Alfyn.

"But enough about us, Alfyn. How is the girl's uncle?"

"He's sleepin' a bit," Alfyn sighs and downs the rest of his drink, "I still dunno how t' salvage that kinda illness. A broken heart, or a busted soul..."

"You're overthinking it a bit, Alfyn," Primrose lightly pats his shoulder, "You helped me last night after all, but not with your medicine. It was your presence and words."

"Gee, really...?" Alfyn chuckles shyly, "I mean… I always try t' treat with a smile an' all cuz I know… I want my patients t' be happy, y' know? 'S just… is that always enough, I gotta wonder sometimes."

"It'll come to you, Alfyn," Primrose sips her ale, "You are a kind person to whom helping is already second nature."

"Shucks, thanks…"

Therion averts his eyes from the scene. It was suddenly a bit warm, and a bit much in the tavern. He stands, plunking his empty flagon down.

"I'm going for some air."

Before the two can say anything in response, he walks out of the tavern. A cool breeze from outside greets him when he swings the door open. He doesn't stray far into the dark from the light of the tavern. The rest of the village is rather quiet and dim in comparison in the clouded moonlight. He still listens half-heartedly to the loud voices that reach even out here, but with little interest.

His hand goes to absentmindedly feel at the bangle. There was an easy way out of this for sure, but he'd never do it. Not on his pride as a thief. The mere thought of losing one of his hands … it was basically suicide for anyone in their profession. It was one of those superstitions again, stemming from the story of how Aeber was the one who gave humans hands as prehensile as his own, so they could outwit dullard beasts with their clumsy claws and hooves.

He knew it partially had a note of cowardice, the reluctance to lose one of his precious hands. That doesn't matter to him. Looking up at the moon as it returns from a brief cloud, he lets a long sigh drag from his lips.

Why am I still here...

For the second time today, he hears a scream. But it's not loud, certainly not loud enough to reach into the rowdy tavern. There are also small, light footsteps coming from the road. They're rushed, followed with panting and the tired screams. He looks to see a small shape in the moonlight running towards him. A hand goes to the hilt of his sword when he sees something following behind it.

"WAAH...!" The incoherent scream is rife with terror. The small shape, a little girl, runs into him, wrapping onto his waist, "AAH-Aaahhh...!"

"What- Hey-" He keeps the little girl's head away with a hand before looking up at the shape she ran from, "...What..."

The shape following her does not move with urgency to catch her, probably because her short little legs could not carry her too quickly. As it approaches, Therion sees it is yet another frog-snake hybrid creature. His eyes widen slightly as he sees Nina's little body in one of its arms, its rubbery fingers holding her head. And she isn't moving.

"Kerooo..."

Therion's eyes narrow now as he unsheathes his sword, "... Let her go."

The frog thing blinks at him. Then its face twists in a grotesque mockery of what could be a human's sneering grin. It drops Nina where it stands.

In the next half second, Therion has leapt forth from the little girl's grasp, straight at the amphibious being. Sword in hand, he slashes with ferocity at where the neck ought to be. The creature's bulbous body does not resist, and the squishy flesh is torn asunder. The thief had not realized his own strength, as a majority of the creature's head went flying from that hack, splattering onto the ground meters away.

Therion wastes no time going to pick up Nina's listless body. The other girl meanwhile is still wailing, collapsed onto her knees in a puddle of her own piss. With a scowl, Therion bursts back into the tavern scene. Heads turn and stare at the blood-flecked thief with the child in his arms. He ignores them and looks for Alfyn. Luckily, the apothecary and dancer have already jumped from their seats and come to him at the doorway.

"What happened?!"

"A frog thing..."

"Egads..." Alfyn gives the girl a quick visual checkup, "We need to get to Zeph's, stat!"

He glances past Therion and sees the girl crying outside, "Lily?! Lily!"

As Alfyn runs to gather the other one, Therion starts for the main apothecary's office. Primrose has Sadiq follow. Several others from the tavern scrape their chairs and tail them.

"Alb..Alfwyn...!" Lily clings to him as he gathers her and her wet skirts, running after Therion. Her face is very red and puffy with tears and snot from a long bout of crying, and her voice is hoarse. Alfyn rubs her back and says as much soothing words as he can while he legs carry him down the road.

…

Nina twitches in bed, palimpsest of the convulsions from earlier. Her face remains pale and in a slight grimace, cold sweat slicked over her skin. Alfyn wipes up the last of the froth that was foaming out of her mouth. Her breath hitches at his touch and is irregular overall. The apothecary looks to his friend beside him, whose face seems as if the world has given away under his feet.

"...Nina..."

"Zeph, you should sit down..." Alfyn glances at the girl's leg, where a pair of puncture marks from a snakebite is painfully obvious, being tumescent and surrounded with slightly greenish pallor.

"N-no... I … gotta... get an anti..." The brown-haired man wobbles as he makes for the door out of the house. He stumbles upon opening the door. He would have fallen face flat on the dirt if Sadiq were not standing there. The old man swiftly catches him in a kneeling position.

"Zeph!" Alfyn runs over and feels the other's trembling shoulders. A look of bottomless worry crosses his face, void of any mirth.

Therion and Primrose, along with a few of the villagers crowd about the building vicinity. The two are acutely aware of some suspicious eyes from the villagers. It certainly seemed like bad timing that the two of them came right when there were multiple attacks from the wildlife here. When Zeph bursts out, they all stare at him instead.

"Ngh...!" Zeph pushes away from Sadiq and Alfyn, forcing himself to stand, "I need... to get the antivenom!"

Primrose winces slightly at the torn tone of his voice and the tears that follow as he sobs, collapsing into a pile outside his house.

"No, you gotta stay here with Nina, buddy."

Alfyn gently places his hands on his friend's shaking shoulders. A look of determination shines from his eyes and a slight smile has returned, "I'll go get the antivenom."

"... Alf..."

"The snakes now too... First it was the frogs and now the snakes. Gods, the beasts of the land are coming..." An old lady, assumed to be Ulinor, laments amid the crowd.

Alfyn frowns slightly. He had Therion retrieve the mangled head of the frog-snake creature so he could extract venom from its sacs. However, when he administered it, Nina merely got worse and had a slight seizure. It wasn't the right antivenom. Poor Zeph came running from Fredger's to see his sister thrashing on the bed. What a sight that was.

But... What else could have bitten her?

He furrows his brow as he walks Zeph back inside the house. With the candlelight around Nina, it was almost like a vigil. Alfyn goes to touch Nina's leg and concentrates his cooling touch on that swelling. The skin near the bite remains a sickly grayish-green. He then sits Zeph down on a stool by the bedside.

"Alf... Wh-What am I gonna do..." Zeph grips the hem of Alfyn's vest, "I-I can't... lose her..."

Alfyn could remember his same reaction when he saw how his mother wasted away in her last days. He'd blubbered to Zeph in the same way, unwilling to accept reality. A lot of other people in the village called him a bit of a crybaby. Zeph never did.

"Hey, it'll be alright buddy..." Alfyn pats the other's back with as calm a voice as he can manage, "You just watch Nina and I'll be back with that venom. Then we'll be able to cure her, no sweat."

Zeph barely nods. Alfyn says a few more words of encouragement before walking to the door.

"I'll be back before you know it, ok?"

"Alf..." Zeph murmurs, barely above a whisper, his features drained and fatigued, "Thank you..."

"Don't sweat it. You guys are my family."

He exits the house, closing the door behind him. The crowd outside has largely dispersed. Primrose, Therion and Sadiq stood outside, waiting.

"...So, you're gonna go find the thing that bit her," Therion folds his arms slightly, "You sure you won't get bitten yourself?"

"Haha..." Alfyn laughs a bit tiredly, "Did Lily's mom come?"

Primrose nods, "She took the poor little one home at once."

"I gotta go see her and ask what it was that attacked them … She was the only one with Nina."

The trio follow the apothecary through the night to Lily's hut. Alfyn had checked the little girl over. Save the hysteria, she wasn't bitten like Nina. Just scrapes and bruises from running and bumping around blindly probably. Alfyn knocks at the door. It is answered immediately by the distressed looking mother. Despite the time, it was unlikely she'd been asleep.

"Alfyn..."

"Hey, Elnora. I... can I talk to Lily for a bit?"

"I-It's been a long day, Alfyn... and she's..."

"I need to know what she saw. Nina's life depends on it."

Elnora gasps slightly. She mulls for a minute before sighing, "She's crying. Won't go to sleep."

She steps aside and lets Alfyn pass her. The trio remain outside once again.

"... You know, I thought you were going to leave when you left the tavern," Primrose says crisply, "It was good timing you did."

"Right... Aren't I such a lucky person," Therion mutters on the side.

"So, what's stopping you?"

"... What about you? You seemed in such a hurry back in the desert."

"I don't think I can leave Alfyn to go and get hurt on his own," She smiles slightly at nothing in particular, "... It's odd. I don't like it when he isn't smiling."

He's like a breath of fresh air, said something deep in Therion's mind. He knew what the dancer was feeling, probably. The two of them seem to have lived in the shadows for so long that something as … sickeningly nice as this guy here... it was radiant, refreshing even, to know decent people like him were still of this ugly world. For a moment, he is reminded of that other girl, Yusufa.

"So you're gonna help him then," Therion leans back against the wall.

"Aren't you?"

"Hmph." The thief says nothing more on the matter.

Alfyn emerges in a moment from the house. He thanks Elnora and bids her a good night before turning back towards the road with a sigh. Primrose places a gentle hand on his shoulder.

"What is it, Alfyn?"

"Uh, s' just the thing that about Nina. Erm..." He rubs the back of his neck and sighs, "They went looking for waterblooms. Those grow mainly 'round Rhiyo at this time of year..."

"Rhiyo? You said that's..." A look of realization crosses Primrose face as she recalls having seen the creatures on those trails.

"Those dumb kids..." Therion scowls slightly, "They actually went to the monster's den."

"But I thought the antivenom from those frog snake things didn't work..." Primrose starts.

"Lily said it was an actual snake that bit her. Ughh!" Alfyn musses his hair with his hands, "Gadzooks this has gotta be the gods laughin' at me!"

"Alfyn, what? What is it?"

"She says they got caught by those frog things and there was a cavern in the caves full of snakes and frogs. Heck, there was a large snake that talked."

"...Well that's not normal," Therion says as-a-matter-of-factly, "She hit her head or something?"

"No, I didn't find no signs of concussion... Get this though, Lily said the big snake mentioned something about its brood being destroyed and its babies being killed... so it-"

"Wait, did those damn things...!" Primrose tenses, "Did they... do that to Nina too...?!"

"Thankfully no... At least, I saw no signs of it..."

There is some slight relief among all of them once that horrid thought is cleared.

"Destroying its brood..." Therion mutters. His eye widens slightly when it dawns on him. Alfyn seems to have come to the same conclusion.

"That nest we destroyed..."

"...Tsk," Therion growls, "When do we head out?"

"Wait, you guys are still injured!" Alfyn balks a bit at the dancer and thief, who suddenly seem awfully determined.

"Let us help you, Alfyn," Primrose goes to hold one of his hands, looking him in the eye, "It's the least we can do after your treatment and hospitality."

"Uhh..." Alfyn glances at Therion. In the moonlight, he cannot see the thief has averted his eyes in the shadows.

"... I'm not gonna apologize to any stupid monster, so let's just get this over with."

"He feels bad he may have contributed to the problem," Primrose adds cheekily. The thief bristles, turning away. She'd read him so easily.

"...Hehe, gee, thanks," Alfyn rubs the back of his neck a bit sheepishly, "Ya both are great fighters, so I'd be lyin' if I said this doesn't help with my butterflies a bit."

"You don't have to be awkward about asking us for help, Alfyn. We're glad to help after what you've done for us."

Therion thought the oaf was going to cry at her words. Instead, Alfyn grins and loops his arms around Primrose and drags Therion into it. The thief merely growls and rolls his eyes.

"So, we going or what?"

"Right! Let's! Not a moment to waste!"

Following Alfyn, they walk to the east of the village, near the path where they had taken to the bathing lake. It is a wide, spread out area with not many trees, so the moonlight illuminates much of what is on the road. Alfyn leads with the lantern, with Sadiq watching the rear. At the perimeter of the village limit, they see three figures seemingly waiting with their own lanterns shining.

"Huh?" Alfyn squints, "What the- Gertas! Magg! Fred?!"

The three men turn to see the party along the same road. Alfyn eyes the halberd in Fred's hands, and the axe and pitchfork in the hands of the other two.

"Fellas, what're you..."

"We're goin' snake-huntin.' S' what bit lil' Nina right?"

"That thing was not just a snake, it was some sort of horrid snake froggen before the tavern..." Fredger mutters.

"Uhh, Fred, what're ya..." Alfyn rubs the back of his neck as his voice trails off, "That's Fiona's halberd…"

"... I'm not going to do anything reckless with it but slaughter those monsters..."

"Yer headin' out too right? All the better. We'll quash those slimy scaly things together," The man in a tan tunic, Gertas, wipes his nose with a thumb, "They been hoggin' those caves long enough an' freakin' out the folk. As if I didn't already deal with enough in this village."

"Ah, Gertas. Ya always have some occasion t' complain about," Magg, a younger man with a ponytail, laughs lightly, "But yeah, c'mon, let's all go huntin' together!"

Therion couldn't believe they might be treating this like some sport, "This isn't a game. Those things can kill."

"We can kill'em right back," Gretas growls. He then looks at Primrose and Sadiq in the lantern light, "Lass, ye should go back with the other women. Twill be a bloody path. Ye as well, old man."

Primrose looks the man in the eye with light dismissal, "I'll be fine coming to watch you boys."

Sadiq salutes rather goofily, "Watchman!"

"She's one of the ones that killed those froggen near the village outskirts," Alfyn points his thumb at Primrose, "I'll reckon she kin' hold her own as good as any of us."

Gretas shrugs, "Suit yerselves."

They start down the moonlit road, lanterns in hand. The moon is intermittently covered by passing dark clouds. As they pass the grassy fields, there is the distinct noise of croaking nearby, like the mating songs of frogs in wetlands. Therion and Primrose do not carry their weapons in the open as the others, instead keeping a steady hand on the hilts.

The shadows of the mountainous area of Rhiyo comes into view above the sparse trees. The sound of the river running nearby means it goes towards the mountains. There is the sound of longer, louder frog croaking intervals. On the trodden path before them, their lanterns illuminate what seem to be tracks of monstrous webbed feet, as well as small steps of something like a child, running towards the village. A perturbed look crosses Alfyn's face but is quickly gone. Prim silently places a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Eventually, their party comes before the openings into the cave systems of Rhiyo. Before they entered very deep into the cave entrance, there is a loud croak that overcomes the sound of the river running nearby. It is followed by the sounds of something wet slapping about. The men stop and hold their lanterns up high. The light glints off the slimy, jewel-like orbs that are frog and snake eyes.

"Here they are..." Fredger growls.

Alfyn scans the group of enemies closing in around them. He sees the cave leads deeper inside, along the running water.

"The waterblooms are usually in the deeper caverns... We need to go past them."

"We'll take care 'o these froggen."

"Sadiq," Primrose says to the old man at her side, "Hold the fort here, ok?"

He nods and salutes stiffly before taking a stance with his spear, "Clear the way I shall!"

With a savage cry and a sweep of the polearm, he drives several of the monsters back, swatting others aside. The path onward is momentarily open. Alfyn, Therion and Prim slip through before the amphibious reptiles can regroup. They run on, away from the sounds of battle beginning.

"Frog at three 'o clock!"

Primrose throws one of her daggers, striking the ambusher deep in the stomach. It falls back and they rush past. Prim counts her remaining daggers silently, having not recouped the last one.

"How much further," Therion scans about warily, "They seem distracted at the door, for sure."

Alfyn pants a bit, "Not far... I came here sometimes with Zeph's old man to gather herbs."

Portions of the ceiling seem to be thin and eroded, allowing pale moonlight to drift in softly. Ahead, they see a large shaft of light beaming down on a cavern where the rocky ledges slope down to the river running by. There is plant life seen flourishing in the gentle light, and the great coils of some great serpent lying about it. Its skin is a color of orange and yellow, similar to those frog-snake hybrid creatures.

"That must be..." Alfyn draws his axe and steps closer.

The thing's head instantly rears and hisses vehemently, espying the trespassers. Suddenly, like a shroud of madness, they could hear something like a voice in their heads.

Prepare to die, humans!

Several other rather large serpentine creatures slither out. These are more clearly snakes, though there is a mix of some froggier ones among them. The main viper's body uncoils slightly, revealing more of those eggs Therion and Alfyn had seen earlier. Its red eyes glare down at the three.

You... my children... YOU killed my children! For that, your own children shall PAY!

Therion remembers that mocking look the frog gave him when it just dropped Nina and let itself be cut down by him. He growls and draws his blades, "You fucking..."

"Nina's done nothing wrong!" Alfyn, axe in one hand, spreads his arms a bit, "Hey if ya can talk, can't we do jus' that and talk this out?"

Blood will be paid for in blood!

The asps and smaller vipers lunge for the three.

Therion deftly nails one on the head with a quick strike of his dagger, cursing a bit, "Beasts don't negotiate, idiot!"

Alfyn swings a bit slowly, missing many, but driving them back nonetheless, "But...!"

"The night calls..."

The bunch that just retreated from the axe are suddenly blasted by a dark force and sent tumbling off into the waters below, where they scatter. Primrose's hand is enveloped in dark energies and her eyes are once again alight.

"... You're right. Blood can only be paid for in blood," Her eyes narrow, "And what you've done will be repaid dearly in full."

My young will be avenged!

With frightening speed, the great serpent suddenly slithers straight at the party. Prim sends a blast of dark magic at its face. It abruptly changes course, but its heavy tail swings and slams against all three of them, sending them flying against the hard cave walls.

"NGAH-" Therion coughs as he slumps down, his chest stinging harshly, having been previously bruised. He narrowly avoids the subsequent lunge from a mottled asp by ducking and then cutting the head right off with his sword.

Alfyn inadvertently squishes against Prim on the wall, as he leapt to protect her at the last second. They both land in a pile on the cave floor. Alfyn scrambles to regain his bearings.

"Ow..." Alfyn looks up to see a blood viper inches from his face.

"Kh... Alfyn!" Primrose pushes him out of the way. The serpent sinks its teeth into the hem of her dress but catches no flesh. She promptly stabs into its head.

We will go and feast upon your village... and your women will bear our new brood...

Primrose glares at the serpent with great malice at what it implies. Therion scowls and retakes his stance.

"You really just fucking animals, whether you talk or not..." The thief retakes a stance with his blades.

"Stand back for a second Alfyn..." Primrose says with a low voice.

"Uhh, guys...?" Alfyn looks a bit nervously at them, then at the serpent preparing to strike. His free hand slips into his bag and fingers one of the many vials inside.

With another great hiss, the snake lunges at the two before it. They easily split and sidestep the brash frontal assault. Primrose sees Therion stealthily make a shallow stab across the creature's side. It attempts to smash into him with a swing of its head. He half expects not to be able to dodge as he jumps anyway. A flurry of darkness trails his feet however, and he makes the jump easily with grace. Upon landing, he glances at Primrose. The dancer slings another dagger at the snake, with a motion like fluid dancing. As she does so, the thief not only feels lighter, but a feeling of strength comes to him as well.

"Don't mention it," Prim gives him a slight, snide smile on the side. He grumbles something incomprehensible.

The slung daggers slice into the snake's skin, making it rear and hiss as it pulls itself out of the indent in the wall it made when it missed Therion. The side of its body where Therion had shallowly stabbed seems to be corroded or molting and sloughing off.

"...Corrosives?" Primrose keeps her eye on the thing.

"I see its weaknesses," Therion tenses, eager to try out this new enhanced power.

Suddenly, some of the scattered snakes from before appear before the dancer and the thief. For the moment they are distracted, the big snake goes to strike.

"Guh-" Therion swears under his breath. He is probably going to be able to dodge it with the new speed. But the dancer-

"Guys, hold your breath!"

The two embroiled in the fight see the glint of moonlight on a glass as it sails across the air and lands on the big serpent's head, breaking with a delicate sound. A cloud blooms from the point of impact and envelops the cavern. Primrose and Therion quickly take a breath and hold it as Alfyn had instructed them. There is a loud cacophony rising around them, full of violent hissing. The air clears but a moment later.

The snakes seem to have been startled by that cloud. They act oddly, some attacking their own, others biting themselves or tying into knots. The great snake blinks with slight confusion, baring its fangs here and there.

What have you done?! You...!

Despite its dazed state, its tail thrashes and snags onto Alfyn, coiling him into its constriction.

"G-GYAA!" The apothecary struggles in the muscular death grip threatening to break his bones.

"Alfyn!"

"Tsk!"

Before they can go to the man's aid, the snake breathes a venomous vapor from its mouth and sprays the thief and dancer with it. They both flinch from the burning and stinging colloidal substance and the snake whacks them both back while they recoil from the gas. Therion cracks a stalagmite in his crash, and Prim is sent sprawling onto the shallow water nearby.

Therion shakes himself off, wheezing and growling. Then he sees the damn snake go for Prim.

"Oh come ON!" He scrambles to his feet and runs to intercept the attack. The speed she had granted him can be felt fading as his normal feeling of weight returns. His heart is pounding out of his throbbing chest. But he won't stop.

Why...why the hell do I care...

Primrose manages to pull her aching self together and look up. She sees Therion throw himself before the snake's maw. She hears Alfyn scream. Stop it... Stop it...

She saw Yusufa's dying body in the sands again.

No... not again.

"RRGH!" Her glowing red eyes flare with defiant determination.

Therion could feel the grazing prick of the fangs and the puncture when they break his skin. With a grimace, he jams his dagger into the snake's head as a last resort. There is a sudden dark gale, however, which blasts the snake head away before he could fully be chomped on. He doesn't let go of his dagger in time and is flung into a stalactite. After crashing down, he just lays there now. The snake hisses and hisses madly to no avail, slamming its head around the cavern to try and get rid of the pain embedded in its skull.

Alfyn sees Therion's prone form and pales, "Therion! Ghh-!"

He strains with all his might against the crushing grip of the coiled body. One of his lower ribs were definitely broken, but he doesn't care. The air suddenly feels cold in the cavern as his touch spreads frost along the snake's skin. In the cold, the skin bursts. The snake writhes from the frosty burn and relinquishes its hold on the apothecary, who runs to the thief's side.

You... You heathens...!

Primrose growls at the snake, a flurry of darkness encircling her, "Says the barbaric beasts!"

The serpent lunges to strike at her once more. She counters with a volley of dark magic. The snake evades several of the lashes, only to realize too late that the lashes were not for attacking, but restraining. Ethereal chains like that of darkness hold it captive and trussed to the ground despite its writhing. It spits venom wildly, violently trying to escape.

"Ngh..." Primrose repeatedly fixes any broken chains by nailing them down with her thrown daggers in a dancing motion. The strain of keeping this magic up is exhausting, "A-Alfyn! You need to kill it... now!"

Alfyn looks up at her plea. Swiftly, he grabs his fallen axe. A dull film of ice forms over its old blade, giving it a new, sharpened edge. With a cry, he runs to where the snake head is and brings down his weapon with all his might.

The blade hacks into the thick trunk, hitting the spine almost immediately. The next moment, there is a crack. The snake hisses loudly and spits at the dancer standing before it. Prim yelps and is thrown back by the sudden and forceful burst of air from the snake's breath. She falls off the ledge into the river, out of sight.

"Prim! Ugh-" Alfyn grapples with the serpent as its bonds begin to break, "C'mon, c'mon!"

He presses harder and harder onto the axe embedded in the snake's neck. Reptilian blood oozes and spurts as the snake flails wildly. Ice bursts from the wound like flowering icicles as Alfyn pushes all his energies into the swing.

Finally, there is a dull snap.

With a rattling hiss, the snake's body slowly goes limp as the gaping maw falls silent. There is further cracking as the old axe finally gives away from all the ice magic poured into it. The handle snaps in Alfyn's hands, and the blade seems to have cracked, embedded still in the flesh of the snake.

Alfyn's panting breaths come out in small puffs of vapor. His hands shake, still grasped stiffly onto the weapon handle. Sense returns to his numbed and tired body and his legs turn to jelly. But he wills his body to trudge to the ledge, tossing aside the handle and grabbing the fallen lantern. The snakes have snapped out of their confusion. But seeing their leader fall shatters their morale and they retreat into their holes, leaving the path open for Alfyn.

"Prim... Prim?!" He calls out as he peers over into the river. He sees the dancer's prone form lying among the rocky riverbank. Her upper body lies in the breaches of the shallow water, motionless.

Did she hit her head...?

The apothecary moves down to her side and gathers her in his arms. Despite his tired self, he can still carry her, being that she is rather light. Slowly, he hauls her over to where Therion hasn't moved an inch from where he lay. As he does, he takes note of some acidic burns from the snake's fumes and thanks Dohter that the water seems to have washed off most of it.

When he lays her down on the cave floor, she convulses and coughs up some water before taking some painful, heaving breaths. But she doesn't seem fully conscious yet. He sees a thin trickle of blood from her head. Other than some minor burns from the poison and bruising from the scuffle, she is not in terrible shape.

Alfyn now directs his attentions to Therion. He lifts the poncho to properly see the puncture wounds on his abdomen. The fangs seem to have gone mainly into his side, missing his stomach and liver. It luckily was not too deep or bloody of a wound, since the bite lacked all its intended force. But the pierced skin is turning a sickly hue of gray and green, just like with Nina's wound. The thief coughs, some blood rising to his lips as he groans.

"Don't worry, Therion..." Alfyn says breathlessly as he pulls out his portable mortar and pestle. He said that reassurance partially to himself as well as he stills his shaking hands, "I got just whatcha need..."

...

The weak sun is beating down its sickly rays on the dull and stone hewn streets. The white-haired boy runs by with loaves of stolen bread in his arms. He's already this far away, and only then does the angry howl of the baker sound from the other side of town. Chuckling, he makes for the hideout.

"Hehehe, not bad, Therion!" Darius greedily noshes on the fruits of their plunder, "I'll reckon we're good fer a few days after this."

"Probably. But I was thinking we could use some cider and new shoes," Therion looks down at his worn-out opanci, "The cobbler's a whiney ol' snitch."

"Pshaw, let's hit up the tannery then, eh? I'll reckon they won't miss a hide or two."

Old man Buford owned the only tannery in town. It constantly reeks of the curing solutions needed to preserve the animal skins and temper them for wear. The two tea leaves scurry around to the back entrance, where the rancher would usually haul in skins fresh from kills. They hold their breath slightly as they slip inside the establishment.

There are a variety of tools here for the trade hanging on the walls. The large form of Buford lumbers into view and the two thieves hide behind a nearby barrel. They watch as the man starts to sharpen his tools. While he is occupied, they dash past him for the vat room.

In the acrid-smelling enclosure, the little thieves cut down their pickings. Darius goes for a large swath, the biggest in fact. Therion cuts smaller patches off.

"Got 'em? Ok, let's go."

"Darius, that's a bit heavy isn't it..."

The ginger shakes his head and just points for the door now. A bellow sounds from the front of the tannery. Refyn, Buford's assistant, spots them.

"THIEVES!"

Therion and Darius make a mad dash for the back exit, only to be blocked by Buford, who stands menacingly at the doorway, filling it with his porcine shape. In his hand is a wicked looking knife. His eyes glimmer with malice at the children.

"Why, they be mere babes... an' ya know what they says about them devils growin' up..."

"They need to be taught a lesson."

Therion's visible eye flashes open. A hand goes to reflexively touch his covered eye. The scar from that knife throbs, or so he feels. His breath slows as he calms down a bit from the nightmare. The fear and adrenaline are replaced with disgust and some anger as the throbbing ebbs.

I hope that old man burned in the afterlife...

He now looks around a bit at his surroundings. He's on a bed back in Alfyn's house. Daylight streams in from the windows. The last thing he remembered was that dark gale that blew past him while he was in the jaws of the serpent. He sees Alfyn sitting on a chair nearby, head nodding. The idiot's asleep. Therion sighs loudly and feels lingering pain where the damn snake bit him. He thought he was quiet with the slight grunt, but Alfyn stirs anyway. He blinks his tired eyes at Therion, breaking into a dazzling smile.

"Hey Therion! You're awake!"

"No, I'm not. I'm just sleep talking with my eyes open."

"Hehe, you sore? Ah, I have some water. Ya must be parched!"

He helps Therion sit up and fetches some water for the thief. Therion looks down to see he isn't wearing a shirt anymore. Alfyn bandaged him up and left the clothes off so the wounds could breathe a bit. He doesn't see the dancer or Sadiq anywhere.

"...Where's the flashy one and the old man?" He asks as he drinks slowly.

"Oh, Prim went for a bit of a walk with Sadi a few hours ago."

"How long were we- was I out?"

"It's been about two days. Mebbe a bit less," Alfyn grins, "Ya recovered real nice, Therion! I was afraid for a minute that nasty venom would getcha."

"...So you saved the other girl too then?"

"Other... Oh, Nina? Yeah, she's fine. Fever broke yesterday and she woke up just this mornin'! We're havin' her take things slowly o' course but," Alfyn chuckles, "Seems everyone's pretty fine now!"

"What about the frogs and snakes?"

"Erm... Seems t' be less of 'em fer sure. Gretas an' the others came in after us and kinda dispersed 'em. Broke the main nest too."

"Good riddance," Therion scoffs and looks out to the road outside. His stomach gurgles, much to the thief's chagrin, and the apothecary's glee.

"Hehe, I got oats!"

…

There was a pretty big party in Clearbrook after the whole snake and frog fiasco. Figgs and Magg were running about the tavern supplying food and drink. Gertas was regaling other villagers with his version of events, and often arguing with Ulinor's interjections. Fredger seemed to have dealt with some of his demons through the copious amounts of liquor that rendered him a giggly mess. When Zeph finally walked in, everyone surprised him with a great yell. He looked near ready to faint from the recent stress. As he was being coddled by the other villagers over the events of the last few days, Alfyn grins and raises a toast. The dancer and thief join in the festivities a bit quietly.

"Is Nina asleep?"

"Y-yeah... Elnora's watching her and Lily both."

Alfyn pats his best friend on the back. Zeph had cried when he came back with the antivenom. His nerves were still pretty frayed from the experience as he sat by Nina dying, waiting for Alfyn to return. Alfyn worked double the shifts to keep an eye on Nina, Therion and Primrose after that kerfuffle in Rhiyo, as well as his usual patients.

"Those damn froggen'll think twice 'fore messin' with Clearbrook again!"

"Oh, oh, speakin' o' which!" Alfyn stands and thrusts out his tankard, "Another toast!"

He gestures at Primrose and Therion sitting beside him, "To my two friends from outta town! Without 'em I woulda probably ended up with waaay worse than these bruises!"

Therion slumps further into his seat, trying to disappear. Primrose smiles a little and sends a kiss or two towards some ogler. The tavern heartily raises its voices to Alfyn's toast.

And they all drank and made merry. Goren ended up so drunk that he tried proposing to Ulinor. Gertas was no better. Despite the scratch on his arm, he and Goren end up arm-wrestling for the old widow's affections. Amid the laughter at the spectacle, Primrose had slipped out into the night. She stands at the bridge where Fiona had jumped, looking up at the moon.

Therion walks over, having finally gotten away from the rowdy scene. He sits by the side of the bridge quietly. The both silently acknowledge each other's presence.

"...Thanks for that," Prim speaks first, "What you did back there in the cave."

Therion grunts. She tosses something to him. He catches it.

It's a dagger shaped from a snake's fang. The handle of a normal dagger is fitted onto the base. The fang itself is about the length of one's forearm, with a lightly tapered edge to the otherwise smooth body. But this thing wouldn't be any good for slashing anyway. Its deadliest feature is the sharp point where the fang is slightly hollow, meaning it has venom injection.

"... Where did you..."

"Alfyn removed both of the snake's fangs, but he only needed one to save you and Nina," was Prim's simple answer.

Therion tests the feel of it in his hand and holds it up by the moonlight. He does a few air jabs with it before giving a satisfied grunt and pocketing it away. "...Thanks."

They resume their silence. Then Alfyn comes skipping by out from the tavern.

"Whew! Hey, you guys are missing quite a party in there! Sadi's doing a neat jugglin' routine!"

"Is that so? Perhaps I should go and dance for them in there," Primrose laughs airily and goes to re-enter the pub, "You boys behave now."

"Hehehe... You tired, Therion?" Alfyn takes a seat next to the thief.

"It's stuffy. Go back on in. It's more your party than mine."

"You're just shy, ain'tcha?" He playfully pokes the thief. Therion rolls his eyes. Alfyn sighs and leans back with a slight look of contentment, "That whole thing in the cave... it's got me thinking."

"Oh yeah?"

"I wanna go on the road with you guys."

Therion looks at the apothecary with a slight start. But it doesn't take long for him to find his tongue, "I said we weren't traveling together."

"Well, why not? You and Prim work real well together! And ya can cover way more ground safely in a group!"

"I work alone," Therion grumbles.

"That sure doesn't mean ya gotta walk alone! C'mon!" Alfyn gently nudges him with an elbow.

"Did you even talk to her about this?"

"Uhh... I was gonna tonight!"

Therion rolls his eyes.

"So, whaddya say!"

"... I'm not gonna stop you if you coincidentally go my way," Therion sighs in exasperation.

Alfyn grins, "Well that sounds like a yes!"

"What in the hells do you want to go traveling for anyway? Aren't you needed here or something?"

"Well..." Alfyn runs a hand through his hair, "I realized that I gotta be loads stronger t' help people. Heck, Nina woulda died if y'all weren't helpin' me with that snake probably. And I still couldn't save Fiona..."

"...That girl was beyond your help. And you would've been fine in the caves," Therion rubs some of his own bangs with two fingers, "You had those guys helping. And you can use ice magic, can't you."

"Ehehe, so ya knew?" The apothecary chuckles sheepishly, "I thought ya were knocked out the whole time."

"Wasn't hard to guess from your cold touch and all."

"Yeah, I'm a Gate. Ain't much of a good one though, hehe. As far as makin' ice fer fevers an' coolin' down swelling, I can't do much more than that."

Those who use magic are sometimes colloquially called Gates, as in Gateways. It is believed that they serve as conduits for the latent powers of gods still in this world, hence the name. As stated before, they were rare, a diamond in the trough of humanity no matter how miniscule their powers seemed.

"But... other than that. I wanna help people outside o' Clearbrook, y' know?" Alfyn's eyes have a faraway look of something like a fond memory, "Like he did."

"...Your role model?"

"Yeah. You know the Great Pestilence?"

Therion nods. Who didn't? People just dying left and right from a ravenous illness said to have come from the gods as punishment for the sins of man... It wasn't something you needed an education to know about.

"Me and my pa were both struck with it when it came to Clearbrook. Nobody knew how t' cure it, and Zeph's old man was at the end of his rope. We were sure we'd all die..." Alfyn's voice drops slightly before regaining vigor, "But then this guy came to town outta nowhere! He had this cure that no one had ever seen, and he saved me."

Therion noted the starry-eyed look in the apothecary's eyes. He looks away slightly and says, "But your old man died, eh?"

"...Yeah. He did," Alfyn rubs the back of his neck, "I never saw that guy again, or even got his name. But what he did was inspiring. You know what he told me?"

"What." Therion full expects some sappy quote.

"He saw a guy in a bind and he helped. And that was it. He didn't charge us or anythin'... And that's what I think real apothecaries do, y' know?"

"Even if you end up dirt poor and starving, hm," Therion shrugs, "I guess if you don't mind living like that..."

"Hey!" Alfyn playfully punches him on the arm, "I ain't exactly hurtin' fer money! I make enough to get by!"

"Right, right... so you seriously want to go around traveling, helping people who're sick, and not collecting money. Do you know how much travel costs?"

"Well, no... But I can learn!" Alfyn gives him that can-do grinning attitude, "If yer younger than me and ya can do it, I got no excuse!"

"Yeah right. I'm 22," Therion states flatly.

"Oh... Wow, you're a year older than me!" Alfyn laughs with slight initial surprise, "Ya gotta eat more, Therion! On the road, I'mma make sure to feed ya more nutrition!"

"Oh gods, not those oats," Therion dramatically rolls his eyes.

…

That night, Prim could not sleep. She had taken the bed over again after Therion recuperated. Her necklace lies in her hand as she looks to her birthmark with her dagger as a mirror in the moonlight. The mark has spread again, extending another line out. It is not wholly noticeable, but her face shows worry. Perturbed, she steps out into the night to gaze up at the stars.

The raiment of Sealticge is not seen tonight.

"Couldn't sleep?" Alfyn trots up behind and sees her twitch slightly, "Oh, did I scare ya?"

"...Just a little, Alfyn."

When she had awoken after the cave fiasco, he told her he saw the birthmark spreading. She dismissed him yet again.

"Ah, shucks," He chuckles lightly, "Well, I can't sleep either. Even all that booze couldn't knock me out!"

He laughs and rubs the back of his neck. There is a pause before he speaks again, "Say, Prim?"

"Yes, Alfyn?" She doesn't fully look at him.

"I was thinking that we all could travel together. All four of us," He folds his arms behind his head, "Now, before ya say no, I already asked Therion and-"

"Alfyn. You don't know what you're getting into traveling with me..." She sighs, "I was reminded of that when we fought that viper."

"Eh, but that wasn't your issue. You guys were just helping me..."

"You had a worried face on the whole time, because you couldn't bear to see those who help you get hurt. It's no different for me. I can't have that in my way... my business... is something very cruel, Alfyn..."

Her voice is firm, toneless.

"Hey, don't worry. Me an' Therion can take care of ourselves no problem," Alfyn steps a bit closer to her, "But... are you alright?"

"...?" Primrose turns to look at him, impassive, "Fine, why do you ask?"

"Well, because it sounds like ya got some huge burden t' carry... I was wonderin' if ya'd like to just chat and get through it, at least for now..."

Primrose searches his body language and face for a reason or an answer, anything. A reason and answer to why he could see through her like this. He had none of the guile and deceit of most men, nor was he cynical and nasty like that thief. He wasn't manipulative … He was just open. She closes her eyes and sighs bitterly.

"It's not business you should get into lightly, Alfyn," She mutters, "You could get hurt."

"Hey, c'mon, we're jus' chattin," He reassures her.

She looks down and inhales. He asked for this.

"... The reason I'm traveling … the people I'm looking for... I want to kill them. They... murdered my father 10 years ago. I lost everything," She tries to keep it brief as she recalls these painful memories, "For 10 years I endured this line of work and became a willing slave to men just to find the murderers. And now that I have a scent, I will track them to the ends of the realm and end them."

Now Alfyn seems a bit stunned to silence. Prim sighs.

"See, it's not pleasant. And you would only get involved unnecessarily..."

"... Gee, Prim," Alfyn takes a breath and starts, "If we're going north, Therion says we oughta go about the south of Middlesea and detour around."

Primrose blinks at his comment in surprise. Had he just ignored her story?

"Did you... did you hear what I just said about traveling together?"

"Yeah, totally!" Alfyn folds his arms, "That's why I'll protect you!"

That momentarily takes her unawares. Her eyes widen. "You'll... protect me?"

"You and Therion. I know I'm kinda a greenhorn compared to the two of ya, but I ain't a slacker! An' I know ya definitely didn't have cakewalks in life until now... So I'm gonna come along t' help ya both!" He flashes that confident smile, "I wanna help everyone across the realm!"

Prim doesn't have any response to that. In her head, that image flashes by, along with that voice.

"We're... friends, right?"

"Alfyn..." Primrose lowers her voice. A small breeze blows by. Her voice quivers just slightly, "Are we... friends?"

"Yeah! You and Therion are my friends!"

Her hands clench at her sides for a second. She had been bracing for the rejection. He surprised her once again, though she shouldn't have been taken unawares this time. This is just the kind of person he is… Quickly, she turns away and looks up at the starry skies once more. She speaks, trying to keep her voice level, "I think the idea of going south is fine."

"Hehe, great!" Alfyn smiles. They both see a star pass overhead against the backdrop of the starry cosmos.

By the doorway of Alfyn's house, Therion can't help but smirk at no one in particular.