{"id":328,"date":"2024-11-22T19:44:04","date_gmt":"2024-11-22T19:44:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=328"},"modified":"2024-11-23T02:28:50","modified_gmt":"2024-11-23T02:28:50","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-23-the-justice-pass","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=328","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 23: The Justice Pass"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you find him before I do, save a poke for me,\u201d I pretended to jab an imaginary rapier into a hypothetical former ally. Trying my best to show more anger than confusion. \u201cI can\u2019t believe we had a child murderer walking among us for so long. Ya think ya know a guy. Then you remember you don\u2019t know anything about him. So it can\u2019t really be all that shocking. Still, fuck him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This wasn’t the first time I’d been interrogated since my former ally’s night of child murder. Security has only doubled since two nights ago, when Koph Mana’s own The Assassin Danny, turned completely rogue and killed 9 of the richest business owners in a single evening. Nobody knows why, but nobody was surprised.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The human guards I was yelling at didn\u2019t appear amused at all by my explanation. Not that I was scared of a few men with bronze chain mail armor. Especially not with my friends around me. But fighting them meant fighting the city and I\u2019d rather not do that. My homies would love it, but we\u2019d die. Thankfully, the investigation was being led by a hafflin named Carmichael\u00a0 who was far more open to hearing me out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you say this assassin has been with your team for quite some time,\u201d The tiny detective wearing bright pink pants and an orange shirt with blue gloves stood on a counter examining my whole gang, \u201cBut never truly revealed any information about himself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll fucking eat him if I see him,\u201d Verg shouted. We didn\u2019t prepare him to say anything, apparently he\u2019s just as passionate about not killing children as the rest of us. Maybe that\u2019s because of us. Maybe it\u2019s because he thinks Glish is a child. Thankfully, the tiny blacksmith wasn\u2019t around at the time because I imagine he would have fucked things up for us some how.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle patted Verg on the shoulder while addressing our small interrogator. \u201cWe promise you. If we find him first, all you\u2019ll ever see is his head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll cut his fucking dick off\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe get it,\u201d Carmichael raised his arms. \u201cI believe you. But if I have a reason not to,\u201d He gestured to the well armed guards around him, \u201cOur men will be happy to throw you behind bars. Don\u2019t forget, you\u2019re in Koph Mana. This air isn\u2019t as free as it is in the rest of Kayos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then they left us alone, but we were confident they were keeping an eye on us after that. Thing was, all we wanted to do was hunt down that fucker Yarrick for the shit he was causing all of the crew. Not a single one of us was lying about what we were gonna do to that child killing sack of shit.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Unless our early suspicions that he didn\u2019t really do it were true. Everything about the accusations seemed suspect. Mainly the fact that they saw him. That doesn’t sound like the Yarrick I know. But, I suppose the reason he was spotted by the guards is because they\u2019re a lot better at looking for people than we are.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And, the more I thought about it, the more I remembered I don\u2019t fucking trust him. So we were ready to join the hunt if it meant saving kids and our own asses. Though without any leads I didn\u2019t really know what to do. None of us had even seen Roan since the first day we were here. So I just went back to the Arcane Spire in the morning to learn from the healers that would teach.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I found myself under the tutelage of an old woman named Blayne. She was incredibly kind and patient. There were several other people in the classroom as well along with me. We began by learning to focus what little magic we had into the tips of our fingers. That was the end of the first lesson.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And from there, I began to struggle very much. Blayne was very kind in her guidance. \u201cI\u2019ve seen many talented magicians struggle at the start. Men and women that appear talentless in the beginning only to discover what works for them and exceed even me. Who knows what your future holds, it\u2019s on you to find your focus.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019m not good at focusing.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My classmates started learning to massage their whole bodies and lightly work out their soreness as I was still figuring out how to pull the mana from my mind to my fingers, send it to my toes and back again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I trained for five days straight. Starting the morning after the crappy story. On that fifth day I returned to the inn with Syrille and Vergusson. She was trying to give me advice about how to be better at healing. But she wasn\u2019t good at giving advice on topics outside of fighting with swords, so she\u2019d get super pissed when people wouldn\u2019t listen to her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg didn\u2019t really contribute to the conversation, he was still grumpy that Glish just sort of wandered off the day after we fought the poop goblins. Not that he would have drank any less, or been any help in the conversation about magic.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri and Zorthos hadn\u2019t been around for a while either. The devilman spent most of his time studying in the spire, but also apparently had been mingling around town. Vergusson said he saw him one night when Syrielle and I went to a different tavern. The wood elf, on the other hand, I had actually seen around the base of the spire hanging out with other elves. Also Syrielle hung out with her a few times around town, but I wasn\u2019t there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was growing quite curious and perhaps worried about Roan, until I saw him come sauntering in the door. And much to my surprise he was not alone. He wasn\u2019t with the tiny one we wanted to kill so badly. He was however, with someone only slightly taller.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Maybe the first enemy I met in Kayos.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t count Sam.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Or Glish.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHey guys,\u201d Nosikol waved, showing great excitement to see his friends. \u201cWould you like some more riddles? I think you got it this time Elrin. You just need to take a minute and think it through without rushing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRoan!\u201d Syrielle shouted, \u201cI\u2019m gonna kill all your friends.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis ain\u2019t my fucking friend,\u201d He angrily walked away from the fight the was coming.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Her katana flashed straight out towards the trickster, but Nosikol picked up a knife on a nearby table to block her attack. The blade in his hand glowed just a slight tinge of silver in his hand, and my eyes could just barely see a flair of magic.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before she could attack again, he snatched her arm with his free hand, and swiftly judo threw her to the ground. The whole time holding her wrist, never once touching her sword. Verg lunged from behind him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nosikol\u2019s free hand extended, and he blew a purple smoke into the half-orc\u2019s face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Verg missed his strike. Then began to stumble uncontrollably. Then he collapsed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He really was adorable when he snored on the floor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was trying to wrap her feet around Nosikols head, but he flipped around, throwing her through the air crashing into a table. \u201cOkay!\u201d He shouted. \u201cCan that be enough, or do you need to nap like you’re a large friend here?\u201d The elf pointed to the half-orc. \u201cBecause I\u2019m not killing you. That\u2019s not why I\u2019m here. I would fail at what I\u2019m here for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPiece of shit saved me,\u201d Roan announced as he sat at the bar.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d Those of us still conscious asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The bartender had begun to complain that we were causing a problem but I quickly offered to pay for the damage. To which Nosikol insisted that not only he be the one to reimburse the business for the mess. In fact he was going to replace it with a finer table, from a quality carpenter in town. Then he insisted on purchasing everyone’s drinks.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Once all that was squared away he gestured to Roan, \u201cI\u2019m sure they were all eager to hear what the hell you\u2019re talking about.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI spent most of the week hanging around Westville,\u201d The sailor had never looked happier. \u201cSome of the best times of my life. Then, I pissed off the wrong people. Ended up with a bag over my head and tied up in someone\u2019s basement.\u201d The scoundrel stopped telling his story to order a drink.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Knowing he might forget to continue, I asked, \u201cAnd that\u2019s when he saved you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roan was offended. \u201cI broke outta there just fine.\u201d He grabbed and chugged his drink asking for another immediately. I pressed him to continue and he explained, \u201cI can do that because I\u2019m good at stuff. Then someone else snagged me. A fucking magician. Powerful shit.\u201d He snapped his fingers. \u201cThat\u2019s when Nos over there came in. Saved my ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

N<\/span>osikol nodded, \u201cThere are those who really don\u2019t like you and the friends you\u2019ve made.\u201d He titled his head, closing his eyes like I saw him do before. \u201cAnd there are those who have plans for you. The latter doesn’t want the former to ruin their plans. That\u2019s where I come in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This whole conversation was pissing me off. \u201cSo you\u2019re here to protect us?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFrom some\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He took a step backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy jurisdiction is quite limited. I wouldn\u2019t take my eyes off the shadows, simply because I’m there protecting you.\u201d He began to walk out the door, \u201cEspecially since, as my employer knows, I do have other obligations in town.\u201d With a bow he said, \u201cPerhaps next time you\u2019ll be calm enough for a riddle.\u201d Then he exited.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson woke up abruptly. Syrielle was furious about losing another fight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was irritated by the fact that he was just saved by someone he didn\u2019t like, and that his other friend was a child murdering psychopath. Something I was very relieved to see he was furious about. He insisted we go find some sort of adventure for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo,\u201d I remembered what we talked about last time without ever actually following up, \u201cYou guys wanna go fuck up the criminal underworld?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle grabbed hold of her sword, \u201cYes.\u201d She began to pray to Artemis, the goddess of hunting, not the douchey Apollo lover I hate so much. That\u2019s Fartemis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUhhh\u2026\u201d Roan hesitated. \u201cI\u2019m a part of the criminal underworld.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cEverywhere.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo\u2026\u201d I pondered on my sketchy friend. \u201cYou can help us get in?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head. \u201cNo, you misunderstand why I told you that. It’s because I don\u2019t want to do that.\u201d I had known for a long time my friend Roan was a sketchy piece of shit. My hope was that I had rubbed off on him. It\u2019s more likely the other way around.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay?\u201d Syrielle was growing as eager as I. \u201cWhat do you wanna do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The scoundrel thought about it. \u201cWell did we do what we came here to do?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded. \u201cYeah we delivered the trunk and spread the word about Grumbsy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d He was very much in the mood to turn down. \u201cYou don\u2019t want to take down the criminal underworld, because the corrupt politicians will just take over. There\u2019s a balance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan\u2019t we just take down a shady faction?\u201d I tried my hardest to find a compromise, \u201cI\u2019m a bard, I exaggerate everything I just wanted to wreck a few gangsters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI mean,\u201d Roan rolled his eyes, \u201cCriminals kill each other all the time. I\u2019m sure we could find the type of work you’re looking for.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo be bad guys?\u201d I nodded begrudgingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was also not so excited about being shady, but wanted to work and preferred metaphorically dirty missions over one\u2019s with actual poop involved. \u201cAs long as these people have done something wrong\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell everybody\u2019s done something wrong,\u201d The sailor has seen the world. That is a fact no one can deny. I just wish he\u2019d be less of a wienr about it.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m willing to wrong the wrong people,\u201d I patted the sailor on the back. \u201cIf they want us to go fuck up some other gangsters I\u2019m down to go fuck up other gangsters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After a while of bickering Roan decided that before anything else it was time he checked out the Arcane Spire. Lucky for him, we had another appointment with Monty today. Verg didn\u2019t want to go back, so it was simply Roan, Syrielle and myself. At this point I knew how to get there pretty quickly. When we arrived at the base of the spire, Nydorri spotted us and started chatting with Syrielle. Suddenly she was joining us on our walk upstairs. Apparently she hadn\u2019t gone inside yet which I found odd since she hung around outside of it with the other elves the whole time.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We made our way all the way up to Monty\u2019s room where we were greeted ecstatically. \u201cNew guests,\u201d The head mage hopped up upon seeing us. \u201cWe are honored to have you,\u201d he shook hands with the two new people. \u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to have you here? How have you all been?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCrappy,\u201d I quickly took hold of the conversation. \u201cI don\u2019t know if you heard, but some dude we thought we were friends with just killed a bunch of kids. And I don\u2019t care whose kids they were. You kill children, you are not with me. Also we dealt with poop, so me replying crappy was technically hilarious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty acknowledged the humor then grew upset about the first thing I said, \u201cYes, we did hear about that.\u201d He shook his head. \u201cSuch a shame. The only fate I wouldn\u2019t wish upon the Prince. Those children of his didn\u2019t deserve the wrath of his ignorance. And this rogue friend of yours\u2026\u201d He trembled, but it didn\u2019t look like fear. He was impressed. \u201cWhat a crafty little bastard. He\u2019s been completely able to avoid my vision. Along with the eyes of several of my students. Every Investigator in the Royal District is stumped.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wanting to change the subject, but not really, I asked, “What about The Assassin Danny? Has anybody figured out his motivation yet?”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Money,” Monty shrugged his shoulders. “The question was who paid him to do so? The city paid him quite handsomely to take out our most dangerous threats. Without him, none of our enemies fear us any longer.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle licked her lips, “This guy sounds awesome.”<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Who the hell is he?” Nydorri asked.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cA freelance rogue,\u201d He explained, sounding both impressed and a little scared. \u201cA magician and a former student of mine. Though, he hadn’t been for many years. The Spire barely called for his help. But I admit we have a time or two.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan also liked the sound of this guy, \u201cIs he a powerful magician?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf I taught the samurai here a magic trick would you call her a powerful magician?\u201d We all understood his point immediately. \u201cHe might be the deadliest man in the city,\u201d Monty explained. \u201cHis skills as a magician are a bit limited, but with his other skills they are quite potent. Not too mention, he has quite a few friends himself. And with the way we\u2019ve paid him. He\u2019s got the resources when he needs to move mountains.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat about Nosikol?\u201d I just assumed he\u2019d heard of my old nemesis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My assumption was correct. \u201cIs he on your team?\u201d From the way he asked the question, I could tell he knew we didn\u2019t like Nos at all. But he also clearly knew him well enough to understand that people who know him probably don\u2019t always get to decide the nature of their relationship with him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe said he\u2019s protecting us from people in the shadows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan interjected, \u201cI was kidnapped by some ninja and Nos got me out. I\u2019d rather have nothing to do with him, but he\u2019s not going away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019d play along until he leaves you alone,\u201d Monty sounded quite frustrated to explain this. \u201cWho knows who he\u2019s working for. Sometimes I wonder if he\u2019s ever even had an employer. But he\u2019s incredibly well connected. Not only is he one of the most gifted magicians I\u2019ve ever seen in my life, he has more friends than any I\u2019d ever seen. We treat him as royalty, as much of his power operates the same as that of a king.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWould you have any idea who is pulling his strings?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019ll tell you when you need to know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The wicked elf of riddles wasn\u2019t the part of the story Roan was interested in. \u201cWhat about the people that took me? The ones that Nos saved me from?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty shrugged. \u201cThat\u2019s\u2026 A confusing question. Koph Man has been known to attract warriors of the shadows. You’re the one that would know who your enemies are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan nodded, \u201cMost people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell we don\u2019t have any idea who hired Yarrick,\u201d I inquired. \u201cUnless he\u2019s secretly got a thing for killing royal children or some shit like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty stroked his slight goatee. \u201cMmm\u2026 That\u2019s an interesting question. Most believe it to be the request of the Whyld Heimr. A conglomerate of elven tribes that populate much of the peninsula to the East of here. We\u2019ve tried multiple times to set up mines and ports over there but with little success. Conflict has arisen through the years. We have done our best to minimize it, but things are only getting worse. The Church has been advocating for a military counter for a long time now. I have been opposed to war. The prince for years was undecided. And now he has decided.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri sounded horrified, \u201cKoph Mana is going to war?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot if I can help it,\u201d Monty declared. \u201cThe Master of Games received his wish. The spire will no longer stand without a champion. I have challenged Grand Warden Prince Lindhart Sargon to resolve our conflict on the day of 8 duels.\u00a0 Our most powerful War mage will face his Champion.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle stepped forward, “You have the best fighter in Koph Mana right here.” She’d been eager to join the festivities since she heard of them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty laughed, “A confident one you are.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I was almost surprised to hear it, “The day is still on?” At this point we’d learned a lot about the Day of 8 Duels around town. Basically a lot of rich folk settle some of their most petty grievances by offering up champions to fight in an arena. Thing was a lot of the rich folk were just murdered by Danny The Assassin. “I assumed with the sponsor’s gone…”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“Many of the sponsors had families that picked up right where they left off,” Monty explained. “And with power vacuums comes even more conflict. It wasn’t hard to get a couple of somewhat rich folk to fight for the chance to be richer.” The magician crossed his arms impressed. “He really worked for it this year. Especially with the Church refusing to participate in any conflict.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan snidely mocked, “Probably scared.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty shook his head, “The high priest and his family are some of the most powerful fighters I’ve ever seen. And they always have powerful warriors under their employ. They recently hired an elven swordsmen that many fans were sad to hear is in town, but not participating. But, the church has its reasons to stand down.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I frustratedly said, “They’re probably secretly funding half the fights anyways. They always have skin in the game.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan wagged a finger at me, “My man’s got a point.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

For now. Let\u2019s discuss the many things you brought me,\u201d He poured out several of the trinkets on the table. \u201cAfter checking it thoroughly, it is quite clear to me these cursed items have nothing to do with Reija. In fact I believe this may be connected to something I\u2019ve been dealing with out here.\u201d He flicked a mirror until it glowed several colors. \u201cThere\u2019s been some graveyard robberies up North. Along with some suspicious magical activity happening around here. Also one of my best mages strayed off the path. A few years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My eyes scrunched, \u201cThat sounds like the thing you should have started with.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s his name?\u201d Syrielle asked, almost foaming at the mouth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I knew his name. We all knew his name. It wasn\u2019t a heavily populated world, there could only be one man who is doing this. Unless it was someone else, because it\u2019s actually a very populated world, but there\u2019s not that many powerful sorcerers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHave you heard of\u2026\u201d Monty began to talk and wobbled his head. \u201cYou\u2019ve probably never heard of him.\u201d Then he straightened his head, \u201cDo you know the name Malfeasance?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I smirked arrogantly. \u201cWe have heard of Malfeasance.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty raised his eyebrows. \u201cI trained him about 50 years ago.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe fell into one of his lairs. Among other things\u2026\u201d I was just as eager to get some answers as the lady of the forest. We may finally put an end to a member of our rogues gallery.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The master mage had a face of perplexion. \u201cWhere?\u201d He pulled up a map of the realm, and handed it to me. Roan pulled out the spell book we found in the dark sorcerer\u2019s little dungeon to give to Monty for further inspection.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The head mage examined the book curiously. \u201cWould you mind if I look through this?\u201d He started doing so before giving an answer.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo go ahead,\u201d Roan told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Why would Roan hand it to him if he didn\u2019t want him to look at it?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He skimmed through it, \u201cYeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.\u201d He closed the book. \u201cThis must be a pretty out of date book, he knew way more spells when he worked with me, and he\u2019s gotten a lot more powerful since then. What\u2019s worse is he has several powerful Apostles. Students of his dark magic.\u201d The elf rolled his hand about in frustration. \u201cMany of them are even gaining acolytes of their own. I\u2019m afraid dark forces may be rising.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I cracked my knuckles. \u201cSo you want us to do the fighting?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou can try.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhere can we find him? Or where do we start looking?\u201d I\u2019m crossing a name off the list.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty then gave us all the info he could. The dark wizard started going in the restricted section of the library, though he had access. Began doing experiments that they could not condone, experiments on the living in unsavory ways. And then after the head mage confronted Malfeasance, the dark sorcerer fled. Never to be heard from since.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We explained our encounters with black magic in the last year. I gave as many details as I could about the sorcerer in the cave. When we told him Zorthos was there, he said he\u2019ll ask the helkin for details himself later. After that, he just discussed with Nydorri about Helen. Then he talked to Nydorri and Roan regarding what happened at the Hades temple.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He wasn\u2019t sure Helen had anything to do with Malfeasance, but the other two were quite suspicious of him. The Grand Mage was quite insistent that someone deal with these problems sooner rather than later.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Of course we don\u2019t turn down.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Except any future poo related missions. We don\u2019t want any more of those.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He offered to do more research on the topic and get back to us someday down the road, when we are more ready. The master mage didn\u2019t want to stir the pot too much for now. The last thing he wanted was a sorcerer declaring war on this city, and having an undead army storming the gates. Especially with the Whyld Heimr threatening assassins. Not to mention the nearby Doomrock orcs that could be causing problems any time now.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mere mention of them got Verg all riled up.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We thanked him for the information and asked if there was any work he could give us while we were in town. \u201cPerhaps anything involving fighting crime?\u201d I slipped in before Roan could phrase it a different way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe have more options now that we don\u2019t have the heathens with us,\u201d The sailor didn\u2019t seem at all bothered by the way I asked the question at this point. He just wanted work.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I do,\u201d Monty informed us. \u201cThere is a shopkeeper in the uh\u2026 Merchant sector. With the name of Hawkle. He\u2019s been illegally importing a little something something. Magically. And I would like you to stop that as I\u2019m worried he\u2019s bringing unsavory items to town.\u201d He took a brief pause for us to take it all in but it wasn\u2019t that much information. \u201cSo I would like you guys to fine him 100 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if he attacks us?\u201d Syrielle asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDefend yourself,\u201d was the reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan we kill him?\u201d She asked slowly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf he breaks the peace you can dispose of him,\u201d Monty assured us. \u201cPlease don\u2019t cause any undue damage to the town. My fellow Hierarchs tend to dislike my lack of organization, but I really feel like I can trust you guys.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I raised my hand. \u201cSo are we acting as the law of the city?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

T<\/span>he older elf nodded to me. \u201cI will write you a law enforcement pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat is my favorite term I have ever heard,\u201d I exclaimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was perplexed. \u201cSo you can just deputize people?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The higher mage shook his head incredibly annoyed. \u201cI am one of the 3 Hierarchs of this town. I can write whatever fantasy passes I want to. Eat it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe should tell Trant about this idea,\u201d Syrielle was extremely giddy at the idea. \u201cBecause we should all be allowed to write passes for whatever we want when we get back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Monty grew annoyed and wanted us to leave. So we left, heading to the merchant district with our law enforcement passes, ready to find a criminal.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We spent a couple of hours looking around to no avail. Though it was relaxing and peaceful to walk around town. Until Syrielle started arguing with some protestors of The Labor Coalation. Not that she had a problem with their movement, she just wanted to know where their champion was. Sir Dorney Yellow was considered by many to be the greatest swordsman of Koph Mana. It came as a great surprise to many that he chose to represent the people.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Investor’s Union attempted to pay him off, but he insisted his decision was to be honorable. They did their best to hire as powerful a warrior as they could find.\u00a0 In their desperation they sent scouts to try and hire a nearby Orc from the Doom Rock tribe. The scouts didn’t return.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Ultimately, they were able to hire, Viper, from far to the South. A royal warrior, well protected by dozens of guards at all times. There was no way she was getting close to him. Which was in stark contrast, to Sir Dorney Yellow, who had a habit of dueling with a new warrior every day.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Also, there was no way I would morally allow her to fight for the Investor’s Union. So she’s definitely not challenging their champion and replacing him.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The protesters explained at nauseam they have no idea where the swordsman was. So we were able to pull her away and continue on our lawful mission.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

A few hours later we found where we needed to be. Roan took the lead, don\u2019t know why he wasn\u2019t before, and led us straight to a 1 room vase shop where our intended target worked at.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHello sir,\u201d I announced walking in. \u201cWhat is your name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is McNeil,\u201d The man working the counter replied.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Elrin,\u201d I shook his hand. \u201cI\u2019m looking for a fellow named Hawkle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He seemed worried. \u201cI have an assistant manager named Hawkle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan placed his hand on my shoulder. \u201cI got this.\u201d I stepped aside and let my sketchier friend take over. \u201cAs said, we\u2019re looking for Hawkle. And it would be in everybody\u2019s best interest, above all Hawkle\u2019s if we found him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s his day off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you know where he lives?\u201d The sailor pressed forward.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWill you tell us where he lives?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

McNeil shook his head, growing extremely uncomfortable. \u201cI don\u2019t want to impede on the privacy of my employees, how can I help you?\u201d He said the last part as if he was going to will the reality in front of him out of existence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell sir,\u201d I slammed the new beautiful piece of paper Monty gave us earlier down on the table. \u201cYou are impeding the investigation of people with a law enforcement pass. And we demand to know where Hawkle is.\u201d I was very persuasive<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWow,\u201d The shop owner was amazed. \u201cI\u2019ve never seen a law enforcement pass before.\u201d He picked the paper up to look at it. \u201cIt\u2019s quite powerful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt holds the full authority of the gods,\u201d Roan told him, possibly telling the truth.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

McNeil nodded in acknowledgement. \u201cHe stays at an inn in the merchant quarters.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAn inn? What a fuckin loser,\u201d Syrielle interjected.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The man then began to hype up his vase shop and Roan kept telling him, \u201cI\u2019m not here to buy a vase.\u201d Of course the shop owner persisted, so Roan smacked him, and we left.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJokes on you. We’re gonna tell everyone not to come to your vase shop now,\u201d Nydorri taunted on our way out the door. \u201cAnd we\u2019re really popular.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah fuck you,\u201d I added. I get really weird sometimes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We only walked about a minute before Roan came up with an idea. \u201cWe should threaten to fine this guy, until he brings Hawkle to us. It\u2019s his vase shop after all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle liked the idea. \u201cHe is the sole proprietor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t love it as much. \u201cYou wanna walk back in after we already walked out?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d Roan exclaimed, marching towards McNeil\u2019s vase shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I let out a sigh. \u201cFine I\u2019m down.\u201d We turned around and walked back towards the shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh you guys decided to buy a vase I see,\u201d McNeil exclaimed as we reentered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut up,\u201d Nydorri yelled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle handed him a slip of paper that read, \u201cFine, 100 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat?\u201d The shopkeeper was justifiably angry at this point.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Placing my hand gently on the counter, I politely explained. \u201cThis is your shop. You bring us Mr. Hawkle and we\u2019ll make him pay the fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t pay 100 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell,\u201d Syrielle shrugged without any sympathy. \u201cYou can\u2019t import illegal vases either.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

McNeil was furious. \u201cWhich one of these vases is illegal? I paid a tariff on every vase in here.\u201d He held out his arms presenting his shop.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The samurai began pointing at Random vases. \u201cThat one looks illegal. That one looks illegal. That one\u2019s kinda iffy. I mean the shape of it looks kinda illegal to me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He shook his head, \u201cI\u2019ll call the real guards here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWE HAVE A LAW ENFORCEMENT PASS!\u201d We all yelled in perfect unison.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCall the guards,\u201d Roan urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ll get Monty involved,\u201d Syrielle threatened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s see what the guards think of the illegal activity,\u201d I added.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah, bring more eyes on this,\u201d Nydorri mocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re being such bullies,\u201d Syrielle observed with delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know,\u201d Nydorri snickered like they were on a sleepover. \u201cI don\u2019t even care.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t have a 100 gold, I did nothing wrong, this is bullshit,\u201d McNeil whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo. You are responsible for your shop,\u201d Roan told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNothing in my shop is illegal, you’re free to search it,\u201d He offered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

So we began to search, of course none of us knew what the hell we were looking for but we sure seemed confident in what we were doing. Roan, who I realize is a very experienced smuggler, checked the books to see if all the numbers matched up.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri, who I know is good at detecting magic, pointed towards several different vases asking, \u201cWell what about these vases?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He tried to claim there was nothing wrong, but when Roan pulled the vases down to inspect them, he found vials of magical potions inside. \u201cThis looks illegal,\u201d The former smuggler announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThose are small clear vases,\u201d McNeil told us clambering to cover his ass. \u201cThey are uh\u2026 Decorative liquids.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s not a thing,\u201d Syrielle criticized.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you wouldn\u2019t mind if I just dumped them out?\u201d Roan asked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes I would mind,\u201d The shop owner was growing more fearful. \u201cYou\u2019re messing up my merchandise. What\u2019s wrong with you people? I\u2019m just trying to make a living here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI see no record of these in your books,\u201d Syrielle countered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I bought the vases,\u201d His eyes darted around the room as if he was going to find an answer somewhere within his stock. \u201cAnd they came with free sample size vases.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh so they\u2019re samples. So we can take them?\u201d Syrielle grabbed the vials.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all gestured towards the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked like he was going to cry. \u201cNo, they’re my samples. I don\u2019t walk into your blacksmith shop and start taking your daggers samples.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDon\u2019t own a blacksmith shop. Your reference is irrelevant.\u201d I spoke quickly and firmly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan inspected the vials closer. \u201cSo if you opened one of these up and drank them you\u2019ll be fine?\u201d He held it closer to McNeil\u2019s face, almost forcing it down his throat.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay go ahead,\u201d Roan held one out to the shop owner.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d He began to clamber harder. \u201cYou guys are illegal, get out of here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I felt like I was talking to Glish. I was so frustrated. \u201cWe\u2026 Have\u2026 A law enforcement\u2026 Pass.\u201d Holding the paper in front of his face I yelled, \u201cDo you know what this means?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

None of us did.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThese are clearly potions,\u201d Nydorri challenged him, holding the glowing vials.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle grabbed one as well. \u201cI have a friend up North who owns a haberdashery and he says the vials of potions require crazy taxes. I don\u2019t see anything like that in the inventory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAight guys,\u201d McNeil relaxed, clearly ready to start giving us actual intel. \u201cHawkle lives in Poseidon’s Point. On the 3rd floor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about you give us the potions and we won\u2019t tell the guards?\u201d Nydorri told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI can\u2019t give you the potions,\u201d The man was clearly exhausted. \u201cI can give you one potion if you promise never to come back again.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow about\u2026\u201d Roan began and I knew he was gonna lay down the long dick of the law. \u201cWe confiscate the potions and don\u2019t give you an additional 100 gold fine for having this illegal merchandise.\u201d He crossed his arms proudly. \u201cBecause clearly you knew about it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll just declare them and pay taxes on them,\u201d He slammed his hands on his desk. \u201cI\u2019ll do it today, that\u2019ll be cheaper than just giving them to you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s fair,\u201d I said.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s true,\u201d Roan agreed. \u201cCan\u2019t do anything if you do things legally.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll do it.\u201d McNeil assured us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be back to check on you,\u201d Roan told him, though he probably won\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou are welcome,\u201d I exclaimed. \u201cSome asshole coulda came in here and fined you for everything. And you know what we did. We were nice.\u201d With that I spun around and walked out the door.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMaybe I\u2019ll buy a vase,\u201d I said loudly as we left. Then I didn’t buy one.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We climbed down the docks. On the second to last floor on the way down, there was a landing area, with several shops around. And that is where we found The Poisedon\u2019s Point. There were merchants, and little girls selling clams.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hastily, we walked past all the shops and directly to the living space of Hawkle. Roan approached the counter to speak with the innkeeper; Brutis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat can I do you for?\u201d The grungy man asked us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking for a man named Hawkle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI got men for sale upstairs,\u201d Brutis replied. \u201cAre you a seaman by trade?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like boats,\u201d Roan told him. \u201cI\u2019m asking you if you can tell me where this man is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This guy was definitely not the narking type. \u201cWhy you asking for him?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re vase enthusiasts,\u201d Roan told him. \u201cAnd we would benefit from some potions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell maybe for a couple a coin I can tell ya where he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOr\u2026\u201d I reached into my pocket. \u201cYou can just tell us where he is!\u201d I held up the Law Enforcement Pass believing it would get me through the door. It did not.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSorry,\u201d Roan said, \u201cThat\u2019s a toy we gave this kid to make him feel special. Just ignore him. Unless you need a singer. Boy can sing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Apparently we were in a seedy bar, and these people are unlikely to respond to law enforcement. This information was allegedly explained earlier when I mostly wasn\u2019t listening.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan of course challenged the man to an arm wrestling competition for the information. Brutis, who despite his bad ass name was not a big man and had no interest in the competition. But Roan was persistent. \u201cIf you win, I\u2019ll give you 15 gold. I win, you tell me where he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Brutis pondered for a moment. \u201cThis sounds ludicrous. I am no arm wrestler.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cPick your champion,\u201d I challenged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The inn keep took a moment to think about the offer. It was a suspicious offer from Roan, but one too good to pass up. \u201cWhat if I have my barback arm wrestle you?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat if I have your barback wrestle my samurai,\u201d The sailor pointed to Syrielle.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that doesn\u2019t seem fair,\u201d Brutis replied. \u201cArm wrestling a lady.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle laughed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll the more reason to give it a shot,\u201d Roan told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The seedy inn owner stroked his chin. \u201cAlright, but if I win you give me 25 gold. If you win, I\u2019ll tell you where Hawkins is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDeal,\u201d I declared.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This big burly human looking guy came walking over. Syrielle plopped down on a bench, sticking her arm across the table. \u201cAre you ready?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026 I am ready,\u201d He told her as he sat down across from her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Not long after he sat down, they locked up their hands, and the match began. It was back and forth at first, both of them so strong. It went on for several minutes, and it was dead even. But then Roan shouted, \u201cOver the top!\u201d And with a nod, Syrielle changed her grip on the thumb, so that her hand was completely over his, and slammed his mighty arm on the table.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barback rose in shame, before sauntering away while Brutis shook his head. \u201cWow you\u2019re all pretty strong.\u201d I don\u2019t know what that meant. He saw one person do something and three people watched.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBet my tits I am,\u201d Syrielle exclaimed, pumping her chest.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Begrudgingly, the innkeeper informed us that Hawkle does business in the basement of the establishment. Literally the building we were in at the time. We thanked him and headed downstairs. Taking note of all the warriors around us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were a lot of them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As we got to the basement there were two burly men standing there in thick heavy armor guarding a door. \u201cWhat are you guys doing here?\u201d Said the one to the right holding a battle ax.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re here to see Hawkins,\u201d Replied our man on the left. Roan.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The other guard was holding a broadsword. \u201cHe\u2019s right back here. Do you have an appointment? Is he expecting you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYes he is,\u201d I told him. \u201cYes he is.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay go ahead,\u201d He exclaimed, letting us through.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There were a lot of barrels of whiskey and shipping stuff down there. As we walked through the hall it kinda opened up and there was a darker skinned human sitting at a desk. He looked up at us surprised. \u201cHello, what can I do for you guys?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cDo you go by Hawkle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI go by a lot of things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat sounds like a yes to me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d He asked, changing the subject.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe were just at your vase shop,\u201d Syrielle looked very pretentious.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d He nodded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you had some interesting things in the vases,\u201d I told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe spoke with management,\u201d Syrielle continued. \u201cThey referred us to you. That you\u2019ve been taking in some shipments that weren\u2019t 100% by the books.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hawkle raised his shady eyebrows. \u201cSo that old man squealed on me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d I told him. \u201cHe tried his best, but we searched the establishment and he kept trying to tell us he didn\u2019t know what was going on, but we knew what it was we found.\u201d I try to save lives when I can.<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The dark skin toned man leaned back in his chair. \u201cWell what can I do for you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I held out my hands, \u201cGive us 100 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roan raised his hand. \u201cWe\u2019re fining you 100 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle instructed, \u201cNow you hold up the law enforcement pass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I stuck it right in his face. \u201cHave you seen one of these Mr. Hawkle?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The gangster looked at the paper very closely. \u201cNo.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s super legit,\u201d Nydorri claimed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt sounds like you made that up,\u201d Hawkle argued.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMe and Monty have some serious issues,\u201d I whispered to my friends. Turning back to the criminal in front of us I loudly asked. \u201cWould you like to take this up with Monty? At the Spire?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d He didn\u2019t think about the options we gave him for too long. \u201cSo if I give you 100 gold you\u2019ll go away and forget you saw all of this?\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAbsolutely,\u201d I told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Roan and I were not on the same page. \u201cThe 100 gold doesn\u2019t come to us, it gets paid to the Arcane Spire.\u201d It was as if he was replaced by a different and completely honorable man out of nowhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We looked around the seedy basement at all of the crates and realized Monty completely underestimated the amount of contraband being smuggled into the city. But we are not taking a bribe from him for 100 gold. We are fining him for his crime, and we can still report more crimes.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSir we are just here to get the 100 gold from you,\u201d I told him. \u201cBy the power invested in us by this very legit Law Enforcement Pass. I demand you hand it over and we can be on our way for now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBut\u2026\u201d Syrielle raised a threatening finger. \u201cYou should probably move your business elsewhere, because we\u2019ll probably have to come back. Once Monty is aware.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBecause when we tell Monty about this,\u201d Roan declared. \u201cIt\u2019ll be an even higher fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He looked at us confused by the offer we were giving him. It was definitely good on his end, and he wasn\u2019t likely to get this offer from any other law enforcement officers. \u201cYou\u2019re not worth cleaning my sword over.\u201d Syrielle assured him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hawkle looked at his short sword on the desk in front of him. The warrioress laughed. \u201cCute,\u201d She noted and he made sure to keep his hands in eyesight. Then she concluded, \u201cYou might want to find a new town to be shady in.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d He shrugged casually. \u201cWho\u2019d you say you are paying?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMonty,\u201d She said suspiciously. \u201cOf the Arcane Spire.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I collected the gold and turned to walk away. \u201cTaking down the criminal underworld one smuggler at a time.\u201d Badassly, I began to walk out the door, but Syrielle wasn\u2019t done.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThis isn\u2019t good enough,\u201d She told us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan tried to ease the situation. \u201cLet\u2019s go back to Monty\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Syrielle objected. \u201cI can tell he lied to me. Now I just wanna kill him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIf you kill him we can\u2019t get more money out of him later,\u201d Roan argued loudly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFine\u2026\u201d She whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExactly,\u201d He snapped his fingers.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe can\u2026\u201d I said looking around at the barrels that we could, \u201c…sell\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan looked at me in disbelief. \u201cDo you have the vast knowledge of the underground criminal network on Koph Mana in order to properly move all of this product?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201c…We can\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLet\u2019s go back to Monty,\u201d Roan urged.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Syrielle agreed as we began to walk.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But when we turned to depart, I heard a yelp of pain from the samurai. The shady bastard holding his short sword in her back. It was a devastating attack from a weasley assassin that dropped our most fearsome and battle tested soldier to the ground.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGUARDS,\u201d Hawkle screamed.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I dove at him slashing so that he couldn\u2019t stab her again.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhatever we do just don\u2019t ruin everything in here,\u201d Roan casually told us, before the battle began. \u201cWe were ordered not to make a fuss.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m useless,\u201d Nydorri whined before she became a squirrel.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Battle always makes loud noises, and loud noises often result in reinforcements. The two guards came running into the room, one of them jumping on a crate. I could hear more men shuffling down the stairs. I should have focused on the assassin in front of me, but I took my eyes off of him to see what was going on for only a split second. He took the advantage and forced me back to the wall. With nowhere to go, I had no choice but to attack, my stab missed, and I just barely dodged his slash.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

My foot drove into his gut. But he was on his feet slashing again before I could do much. With no regard for his own wellbeing he dove again, I parried and feinted. But he didn\u2019t fall for it. He quickly slashed at my stomach, but I just barely dodged in time to poke him in the gut.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were both hurt, but I stepped through the pain to slash his chest. As I blocked his next weak strike I kicked him to the ground again. \u201cYou know my friend\u2019s say I\u2019m not that good, so, looks like Koph Mana\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Suddenly my mouth stopped working. Every muscle seized up, and the wound he created burned like the center of a volcano. My legs collapsed and I slumped to the ground realizing his blade was poisoned.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Mr. Hawkins chugged vial of green liquid at his desk. I quickly saw the wound in his chest begin to close. \u201cSee the thing about Koph Mana, is like all things, our warriors are the future.\u201d Standing right in front of me he prepared to end my life. \u201cWe care little for fighting the honorable way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just as he finished his monologue, a squirrel scurried on to my stomach. He took a second pause of confusion as the critter hopped up, transforming into Nydorri, smashing her staff into his chin, \u201cLEAVE MY BEST FRIEND ALONE!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hawkle flew through the air crashing into his desk with a loud thump.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

“What?” Was the only word my poisoned body could muster<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The elf knelt next to me and blew a powder in my face before dashing away. It smelled of fresh lilies and roses. My body slowly returned to normal. When I was able to turn my head, I saw Syrielle was standing to her feet. Nydorri must have gotten to her as well. Also she was just a lot stronger at fighting poisons than me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Hawkle was getting up from the debris of his work desk. While the vial had done quite a bit of work, the wounds I created weren’t fully healed yet. And now he looked pretty banged up from Nydorri\u2019s attack. The elf was now off fighting thugs upstairs, from what I could hear, leaving the gang lord to focus on the samurai. \u201cOh you want more pain bitch?\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like that word bitch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He put her right on the back foot. And she was growing exhausted immediately. But I was growing stronger. Not that strong. Just enough to throw my rapier. I didn\u2019t get a cool neck shot but it grazed his shoulder enough to pause him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From where she was, she only had one angle to attack. Bringing the sword upwards between his legs. Her sword got caught on the metal buckle of his waist though, leaving him in the most painful position I\u2019ve ever seen.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNot cool,\u201d I shouted.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I didn\u2019t mean for him to be alive,\u201d She responded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cJust kill him then,\u201d It was the most humane thing to do.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She pulled her sword out and beheaded him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Near the stairs, another thug had Roan in a headlock. A vine wrapped around the goon’s neck forcing him to release the sailor. The gangster was unconscious in a moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay\u2026\u201d Roan coughed, catching his breath, \u201cWhen will these boys learn the law is here to protect them? They need to obey the rules. Tisk tisk.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After inspecting the office, we found a wanted poster with Hawkle’s face on it. The bounty wasn\u2019t large, but we already had his head so we didn\u2019t have much reason not to go collect. We didn\u2019t find anything else of interest, so we exited the Poseidon’s Inn. I tossed Brutis a coin and said, \u201cThere\u2019s a few dead guys down there.\u201d And just kept on walking with all of our goods and the head of Mr. Hawkins in a sack.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho am I showing this too?\u201d Syrielle asked, holding up Hawkin\u2019s head in a burlap sack. \u201cWhere am I taking this?\u201d The sack was leaking a little.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having spent time around the bars, and having read the poster, Roan knew the answers. \u201cThe Inquisitive Tap. it’s an adventuring bar, near the Olympic Corridors.\u201d He led the way, and of course we had to use the back door as we were holding a human head.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI haven\u2019t seen you guys here before. How can I help you?\u201d A man with zero notable descriptions greeted us inside of the back door.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe slayed the Great Villain Hawkle.\u201d I announced.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle held up the head. \u201cWe\u2019re adventurers. My name is Syrielle, and these are my compatriots. And Mr. Hawkle is no longer a problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cVery natural,\u201d I informed her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We gave him the flier, and showed him the head. He pulled out a little booklet of wanted pictures and flipped through it to find the correct page. \u201c25 gold.\u201d The man said. \u201cWe\u2019ll pull it up in a second.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems a bit low,\u201d Roan complained.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell we don\u2019t exactly have a lot of money,\u201d He told us.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cCan you even it up to 28 for us because there\u2019s 4 of us,\u201d Syrielle requested.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

This unnamed gentleman was amused. \u201cI\u2019m a jolly man. I\u2019ll tell ya what. For every joke you tell me that makes me laugh I\u2019ll give you a piece of gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a pause. Syrielle patted Roan on the back, \u201cYou got some sailor jokes?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The seaman scrunched his face. \u201cOh so now it’s on me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got a joke or 2 but I\u2019d like to see what the sailor has to say,\u201d I\u2019m lying. In all my years of education I didn\u2019t learn dick about comedy.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m gonna go pee real quick,\u201d Roan said casually. I knew he was stalling, but now I couldn\u2019t use the same tactic lest me look weak.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle turned her attention to me. \u201cDo you have a joke?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUh\u2026\u201d I thought. I heard one not too long ago. \u201cDo you know what an agnostic, dyslexic, insomniac spends most of their time doing?\u201d There was a pause. \u201cStaying up all night wondering if there is a dog.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHa,\u201d he barely laughed and tossed us a gold. He probably heard that one before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle tried to argue that she is so ugly that it was a joke, but he insisted he\u2019s seen much more hideous women than her. She blushed and thanked him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri became a bear and danced for him. We got a coin.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan finally came back from urinating having already laughed hard.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you keep a barbarian from drowning?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUhm\u2026\u201d The man thought. \u201cA raft?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo\u2026 You pick his head up out of the water.\u201d Roan smirked with pride.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHahahahah,\u201d The man was very entertained. \u201cIt\u2019s because barbarians are stupid.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle was content, but I just thought of another joke. \u201cAn orc with no odor, a dwarf with no beard, and a douchey haflin walk into a bar and there\u2019s a chest in the middle of the room. Who gets the chest?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no response.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I gave the answer. \u201cThe douchey hafflin because the others don\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNice,\u201d He laughed a little and handed me a fourth coin. Which ruined the point of us evening the gold out. I wished Glish was there to get hurt by my burn. He\u2019s such a douche.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We departed from the nice bar, and went off to the Arcane Tower to tell Monty of a job well done. He wasn\u2019t there though, so we just went back to the inn. Vergusson was at the bar as drunk as could be. And Blondos was surprisingly with him. I hadn\u2019t seen him since the spire. Everyone else had, but I hadn\u2019t. Not surprisingly, Nosikol was also drinking with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGuys!\u201d Verg shouted. \u201cWhere\u2019s my short dude?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos looked upset as well, \u201cWe haven\u2019t seen Glish since we got here.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBoth tiny men disappeared,\u201d Roan sat next to them and ordered a drink. \u201cAt least yours didn\u2019t slay children. Although knowing him he might have gotten into a fist fight with a few.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With petty curiosity I pondered allowed, \u201cI wonder how the little fucker would have done against Hawkins?\u201d The thought of the hafflin smashing that rogue effortlessly drove me insane. \u201cMan was fast and crafty. I barely out maneuvered him.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou lost,\u201d Syrielle mocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt was poison,\u201d I whined.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri looked the samurai in the eye, \u201cHe kicked Hawkins ass. Dude cheated.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThanks,\u201d I appreciated the elf who still wouldn\u2019t look me in the eye.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We all sat there for a while enjoying the evening. Insults were thrown but always with a laugh as the six of us bonded without the little shit to ruin everything and the slightly taller little shit to say nothing. Thankfully Nosikol was hanging out with somebody else so we didn\u2019t have to talk to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Long before the evening was coming to a close, a small group of people walked in. At first glance none of them caught my eye, but on second glance there was a pretty girl. And on closer inspection it was none other than the girl with auburn hair in the crowd on the shitty day a week ago who stood up for us in front of that angel of pretentious cruelty.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHi!\u201d I said a little too loudly, locking eyes with her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She smiled very comfortably and waved at me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri had risen to her feet and glided over to them. Quickly giving all of the people in the group a hug. Syrielle took a deep breath, \u201cMan she sure does love you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWait\u2026\u201d I spun around to look at the rest of my friends. \u201cShe said I\u2019m her best friend earlier?\u201d It had happened so fast I barely even noticed when it happened. And there were a lot of other things to think about in that moment.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos nodded, \u201cYeah\u2026 She talks about it all the time.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re her buddy dude,\u201d Syrielle said as if it was obvious.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat the fuck?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As the elf mingled I observed for a moment. Growing curious about what was happening. \u201cWait\u2026 Are you saying she brought that girl for me? She wasn\u2019t there that day. How did she\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe saw her at the market the other night,\u201d Syrielle smiled. \u201cI pointed her out, told Nydorri the story and she was talking to her before I was done explaining what happened. Which is annoying because you were such a dick.\u201d By the time she finished explaining the story Nydorri was pulling the girls towards us. Syrielle decided to say something for some reason, \u201cCan I give you some advice?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before she could give it to me, I asked, \u201cTry to be her friend?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah but actually try it this time\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSeriously bro\u2026\u201d Zorthos agreed with her. \u201cJust relax dude.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cFuck you\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Syrielle raised her hands, \u201cThat\u2019s the opposite of what we said to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhen have I ever actually panicked you losers?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Before they could retort, Nydorri and the girl arrived.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I\u2019d hopped to my feet. \u201cHello\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a curious face the pretty girl asked, \u201cElrin Daun of Gladland the Fighting Writer?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYeah\u2026\u201d I was astonished, \u201cYou\u2019ve heard of me.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNydorri was making fun of you and said you\u2019d say it so I just said it first\u2026\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri giggled with the other girls around that came along.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell Nydorri didn\u2019t tell me your name so I can\u2019t give you a fancy title\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGo for it\u2026\u201d She crossed her arms.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe lady who fears no shit and respects all names. The Dean Of Queens.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She nodded, very impressed, \u201cOkay really solid on the spot. Mad respect\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI had very little to go with\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI know, well done,\u201d She clapped and one of her friends did as well. I tried to smile at Nydorri, but she looked away. Though she wasn\u2019t the one whose attention I wanted right now. \u201cSo what is your actual name?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSandy Larson,\u201d She shook my hand. \u201cAnd I do appreciate what you and your friends did for us the other day. It was costing an arm and a leg to purify the water until you did what you did.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I pointed at Syrielle and Vergusson who were arguing about who could kill a dragon faster, \u201cI\u2019ll be honest. These guys pretty much do most of the actual work. I\u2019m just kind of there to help as much as I can and talk about it later.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell\u2026\u201d She smiled, \u201cI don\u2019t want to make you think this means anything\u2026 yet, but I\u2019d like to buy you a drink.\u201d After a pause she emphasized, \u201cAs a thank you. You deserve to be treated well for what you\u2019ve done. And maybe you\u2019re worth getting to know. I\u2019ll figure that out later.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I could tell from her eyes I wasn\u2019t completely out of the game, but I could also tell she was getting a little uncomfortable flirting. Which sort of confused me, and I don\u2019t usually react well to being confused.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But, she never really looked away. She never seemed uncomfortable. Never seemed off even if I was a tad awkward. And so, no matter how anxious I grew, I remained as calm as I\u2019d ever been. And soon there was no anxiousness whatsoever. No awkwardness to be remembered.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In fact, there never was. We just enjoyed each other’s company.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And nothing really interesting happened.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Except we had sex that night.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

But there\u2019s really nothing to say about that.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter : Next Chapter   \u201cIf you find him before I do, save a poke for me,\u201d I pretended to jab an imaginary rapier into a hypothetical former ally. Trying my best to show more anger than confusion. \u201cI can\u2019t believe we had a child murderer walking among us for so long. Ya think […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-328","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/328","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=328"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/328\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":343,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/328\/revisions\/343"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=328"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=328"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=328"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}