Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

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The Roaring Rapids:

“If you can entertain the crowd you’ll have earned yourself a free meal and night,” says Thackery winking as he turns back sliding the fish onto a wooden pallet and handing it over to Terra who then takes it out to a table. “Just go ahead and step on the podium over there and see if you can scrounge up any sort of response. I think you'll find this crowd a tough sell but sometimes when the mood is right and the winds are blowing... you never know.”
 
Bernard watched Derek, displeased with his reaction. He turned back to Annabelle, "Of course Annie, I'd love to catch up some time, especially if you learned to summon swords. That's a trick I could use from time to time. Fortunately for both of us I didn't spend that much time studying to be a priest while I was away or it would be a very boring exchange." Bernard smiled at her then turned his attention back to Derek.

"Mr. Einhorn, I did not mean to upset you. I was rather hoping that it might have been comforting. Loss is difficult, especially when you're tangled up in it. You seem to forget that only a week ago I had to plant a tree for my father. Days later I return from a quest to protect this town to find my Uncle dead, the next day his wife. I've had to burry the entire remaining Hathoway line in less than a work week, and I am still making house calls." For a moment Bernard sounded upset but it quickly grew to pity. Derek seemed a weak man when it was all said and done. More than losing his wife he'd lost his will to fight, a drive that kept Bernard going despite his tragedies.

He put on his best understanding Father voice and continued, "Now, I have a proposal for you, Derek Einhorn. I think you're hiding things from yourself, there are feelings you haven't come to terms with, you don't want to accept the truth. I can give you access to that truth, but I'll only do it if you are willing and do not resist." Bernard placed a hand on Derek's shoulder. "It's your life and your choice, but I find often it's better to know."
 
Per frowned she wanted to ask if there ever was but she let it go. What was the point right dredging up feelings and there she was angry again, but it was better than painfully sad, at least until she departed. “Oh the usual as of late. Doom and all the wonders surrounding it.”

Fiddling with her fingers she huffed. “Bear is still searching for answers about your mother, James and Léone I believe are researching his family. We’ve managed to get some decent but cryptic information about the snake monster Kallisto is hunting and Momma.” Pausing she looks back up into Jon’s face. “Momma hasn’t come out of the book yet, but we believe she is safe for now.”

Hugging her knees once more, “Are you in a lot of pain?” She frowns, “Your papa put special tonic in the soup.”
 
Arissa winked to Thackery and slid off the counter. “I think you will find that despite all appearances, I know my way around a rough crowd.” She walked over to the podium that he had indicated, removing her elegant flute from its case as she did so, and stepped on to it, waiting a few moments for the noise to die down. After it became evident that it was not going to happen, Arissa glances over to Thackery, shrugged, and then began to play.

Arissa started off with an even tempo tune that was intended to do little more than to draw the crowd’s attention, and then allowed an eerie silence to fall over the tavern in order to build anticipation. “Thank you. I now present to you a beloved song from my homeland: De Dame en de Zoute Zeehond. I do hope that it sounds as lovely in your tongue as it does my own.” The noise in the tavern began to pick up once more, and so Arissa simply gave the audience a winning smile before beginning her performance. The song was a wickedly fast upbeat sea shanty about a rich noblewoman who had fallen in love with a homeless man she had mistaken for a pirate, and the various ridiculous methods he maintained the facade in increasingly vulgar situations.

Although she was only performing in order to get in to Thackery’s good graces, Arissa found herself enjoying the performance as well, briefly forgetting it all as she enjoyed the music that had been her only solace for most of her life. At the end of the song in which the man had been caught and arrested by the woman’s husband, the sheriff of the town who mistook him for a pirate as well, Arissa curtsied with a bright smile to the audience as most of them erupted in cheers. She then put her flute back into its case before she returned to the bar, grinning to Thackery. “I do not mean to over assume, but I would consider the audience entertained, ja?”
 
Einhorn Haus:

“I’m not sure any of that has anything to do with me,” said Derek deflecting from the conversation. When Bernard continued offering the truth he shook his head. “I come from a different country were we say what we mean. En hest lyver ikke. Its meaning is roughly a horse doesn’t lie. You can believe what you like Father Hathoway, but do not pretend such a service is for me. I am well aware of my situation and its probable resolution. Now please, speak no more of this. I do not need my current situation to be exacerbated by a misguided attempt at an inner truth.”

“I’m sorry Bernie, for your losses but maybe we should wait for Peri to be done outside for now,” suggested Annabelle getting up from her seated position. “I will pray for Jonathan’s recovery from this mysterious illness.” She then looks to Bernard for a moment her blue eyes attempting to meet his and a slight shake of her head before heading out the door.
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"Now who's the sarcastic one," says Jonathan smirking when she talks about the many wonderful dooms. He nods along to the rest of it as if expecting it all to be going in that general direction. "It's good to hear that you all aren't running head long into hunting it, and I hope you all play it safe."

When Peri shifts the topic to soup he laughs. "And here I thought I was just being polite about Bernard loosing his touch," said Jonathan looking over to the soup. "It's more a feeling of fatigue, both physical and mental. My body's willingness to listen is receding like it doesn't want to listen."
 
"I hope things turn around for your son. There are a lot of people who care about him." Bernard turned and followed Annabelle out the front door.

Once he'd caught up with her he leaned against a wall, "There's something wrong with him Annie. I think he did it. I just wanted to be sure, one way or another." Bernard frowns. "So, what's next?"
 
Peri chews on her lip a moment, “Does this have to do with your deal with Legba?” Peri frowns, “You lost a part of you that day, is this your price, to fade away like your memories.” Tears reappeared, “He told me you traded your memories and your power.”

Hugging tighter to her knees, “What if you had forgotten everything, all of us. Bear doesn’t remember you had a gift at all, what if I had forgotten too. What if we were made to forget you and we were never friends.” She was mad at him, Legba and the world. “I had meant to come see you, cheer you up and look at me, I’m so mad and so terribly sad. You know how much we all love you for who you are and what you are and even with your stupid sarcastic jokes.”
 
Einhorn Haus:

"Technically if you had forgotten me you wouldn't be sad right now," said Jonathan putting that bare fact out there. He looked over to Peri afterwards watching her reaction which he guessed wasn't going to be good. "I don't even know what gift you speak of so whatever it is, worked. I'd guess it's something too painful to remember. It doesn't feel like I've forgotten them either, it's just whenever I think of specific points my mind kind of slides over the issue. It's there but I can't acknowledge that it's there."

Jonathan leaned back against the frame of his bed, he took a moment before responding again. 'I'm fairly certain it has to deal with what I asked from Legba, Arissa seems to think I took on her payments, and it sounds like something I might do. I'd do it for you, Bernard, James, or Annabelle as well," said Jonathan smiling at this. "I guess in the end I was less a weapon, than a shield. It's a piece of equipment that isn't romanticized as much but still very important."
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Annabelle turned to Bernard when he spoke and she looked briefly confused. "Think he did what? Killed Maria? I don't think so, I've seen my dad bring in plenty of people, and Derek doesn't seem to have that in him," says Annabelle before she shrugged. "Guess everyone has their own gut feelings, but mine is that he didn't do it. If you ask me, that sword is sending a message, just one that no one knows. I don't even think Derek or Jonathan get it's meaning. It's like the fish strangler up in Mordentshire, he used to put fish in people's mouths when he killed them. He believed this returned the souls of people back to the sea, where he thinks we all came from."

Annabelle stopped at this point looking at Bernard gauging him for a moment as she let the silence continue for awhile. She wasn't sure what to do next, truth be told but she didn't want Jonathan's father and Bernard getting into trouble with eachother while Jon was still alive and in the next room over.
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Roaring Rapids:

"It would appear so. Terra my daughter definitely liked it, and even Crooks here enjoyed a bit of it. I saw his foot tapping along," said Thackery pointing to Terra for a moment and then holding a hand over his mouth and cocking a finger in Crook's general direction. "So what would you like me to cook you up? The fish is fresh from the sea, nothing too fancy but after you've cooked enough of it you seem to get a feel for how to make it just right."
 
Bernard shrugged, "I think there's a reason your dad never asked me to be on the force. That's the only gut feeling I've got left. I just, everything doesn't add up. The sword was so specific and so detailed. It fooled Jonathan. Jonathan's willing to... Do a lot to find his mother's killer. Maria's dead, and Derek... He's the third." Bernard sighed. "I'll let Simon do his job, I should've just stayed out of it."

Bernard looked over to a stack of barrels and moved to take a seat. "So, what've you been up to? I've hardly seen you since..." It had been a little over a week but he didn't want Annie to run off again. At the time he had just heard Paulina's soul and it haunted him, now he knew she was at rest and he had moved forward and happiness had once again found its way into his life, as unexpectedly as it had left. "Since James' small dinner party." He smiled trying to diffuse the uncomfortableness as his mind screamed. Please don't run, stay and chat. I need a friend right now Annie. My sister might be a soulless body, my mom's missing, the rest of my family's dead, and I just need a friend.
 
Peri huffed, her brownknitted at him though it didn’t last long. “Your just a stupid idiot, and I have no more energy or will to be mad. I’m just going to miss you terribly.” Scooting closer she wrapped her arms around him half leaning on him. “I’m sorry for being stupid myself.”

Pulling back she gives a pained smile, squishing his face between her hands she leans in and gives him a kiss then giggles sitting on her feet. “I needed a reference.”

Blushing now she half regrets her decision laughing again as she stares hoping his reaction isn’t terrible.
 
Arises smiled at the two people indicated by Thackery. “Well then it seems that Terra and Crooks have very good taste.” Her eyes linger on the small man for a moment. What kind of name is Crooks, anyways? Is it common for sportwagen to have such odd names in this land? She then turned back to Thackery. “Fish would be lovely. By any chance does this meal come with a drink and a man to share it with as well? If I am to be honest, there was a second matter with which I had hoped to speak with you about.”

Arissa’s warm smile dimmed considerably. “I am sure you have heard about Maria Einhorn’s recent passing. I have become quite close to Jonathan Einhorn during my time in Blackburn’s Crossing, and was looking to collect some stories about her from her youth to share with him... perhaps it might cheer him up. I asked Thomas Von Brekker about who may have known her, and unfortunately the list of people was rather short.” Arissa looked to Thackery hopefully. “I am afraid you are one of my few options. Well, I suppose I should have started by asking you this before my long-winded explanation. Did you know Maria at all growing up?”
 
Einhorn Haus:

Annabelle shrugged. "I don't know, it's good that you are wanting to find the killer but sometimes pushing too far doesn't do anyone any good," said Annabelle. "I mean if Derek was the killer for example don't you think he would have left the body somewhere inconspicuous? He doesn't seem like a foolish man, and from what I can tell he's been tolerant of the questions people have been asking but I think he just wants to spend the last days with his son alone, despite the reminders of every time one of Jon's friend shows up. It's like they are visiting his grave rather than a living person..."

Annabelle trails off towards the end and is glad when Bernard changes the subject. She laughs for a moment, "Yeah I wasn't expecting him to be quiet the open about what he had told us before he left. In fact I had wondered if he had lied to us just to get us to hate him so that we wouldn't miss him while he was away," said Annabelle shaking her head when remembering back to the night. "Listen, I'm sorry I had a poor reaction that night to you're return. I could have been a bit more receptive to your feelings, but... last I had remembered you being around, Paulina was always hanging around you and when you hugged me I only wondered how many times you had done so with Paulina. I'm sorry I know it's not your fault that she's gone, but I don't think I was ready at that moment."
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Swamplands:

Yelcan as he sat there meditating waiting for Papa Legba to show suddenly felt a shift in sound, the smell of his surroundings, and the lighting of his surroundings. Papa Legba stood nearby meeting Yelcan's eyes for a moment, and his yellow eyes turned from Yelcan to the surrounding area he had wrapped Yelcan in....
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Einhorn Haus:

Jonathan held up a hand for a moment closing his eyes and attempting to look self important. "Now now, Perian. If you're going to address me by my proper name it must be the title of 'Stupid Village Idiot' otherwise my many non existent servants might faint from your audacity," said Jonathan as he opened his eyes as she hugged him and he smirked down at her. He was about to say that she wasn't stupid when she put herself down but then Peri did the unexpected squishing his cheeks together which he was already reforming his retort when she leaned in and kissed him.

Instead of words at first he just shook his head smiling. "Well... you are silly, I'll give you that. For reference though, you shouldn't kiss everyone it just makes things awkward, and then you should make it much longer next time," says Jonathan holding up two fingers.
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"Mortals are such interesting creatures, driven my a myriad of emotions and motivations. Lust, Greed, Love, Pain, Hatred, and Hope to name a few. So tell me Yelcan what is it that drives you to seek me out? I continue to be fascinated with you're kind and how fragile your lives truly are. Be warned however, I do so tire of making house calls.... and your time is limited."

Papa Legba leans against a white marbled wall, that curves up in the shape of a large dome around both of you. It seems to be decorated with drawings of a child all over the walls giving this place an odd sort of vibe. Papa Legba's gaze continues to watch Yelcan unblinkingly. The private scene between Perian, and Jonathan had faded from Yelcan's sight but he could almost recall it perfectly here.
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The Roaring Rapids:

"Ah Maria.... pity about her death. She's still come by ever week or so to check up on the place here," said Thackery frowning about the subject. He seems to think for a moment and then perks up. "I can tell you that Maria was confident of her strength and quiet often challenged the scallywags down here to arm wrestling. She made quiet a bit of coin from doing it too, with all the newcomers that passed through. That's how she eventually met Derek too as odd as that is. Back when he was a Journeyman smith he thought he was going to win an easy date with her. She played him too until the last moment."

He chuckled remembering the scene, then goes to fill some drinks from people requesting them. "Not sure if Jonathan's heard it but it might bring a smile to his face," says Thackery shrugging his shoulders. "I've not seen the lad in a few days meself... wonder what he's gotten up to...."
 
Peri chuckles and nodded. “I’ll remember, don’t worry, I won’t be kissing anyone else, and I’ll tell Yelcan that he gives me butterflies. Any other lessons I should know, oh master of fluttering hearts?” Peri rest her hands in her lap feeling good, she knew now that Yelcan was special, and that Jon would always be in her heart even though she didn’t want to lose him from this world he would never be forgotten.
 
Bernard let out a small uncomfortable chuckle. "Yeah, I get that. It was a little weird, I just needed a friend. I still kind of do, but I'm figuring it out and there's always Arissa" He smiled, "Things have gotten very serious between she and I. We don't have to discuss it though, I get how it might be uncomfortable. Instead, why don't you share what you've been up to. It's not like I've been hiding under a rock, we're you?" Bernard grins, amused with himself, glad that she hadn't bolted and making a mental note to avoid Paulina where possible and maybe don't give her a hug.
 
Arissa raised an eyebrow at Thackery’s description of Maria. “That is rather odd. Thomas described her as a gentle girl back in the day. How long ago did she begin to frequent the Rapids? Also, what was it that Maria did that granted her such strength? I was under the impression that she typically handled the enchantment, and left the smithing to the Einhorn men.”

Arissa felt a slight tremble in her sword hand at the mention of Jonathan, and quickly grabbed the mug before her, draining it without complaint to drown out further thoughts on the subject. She smiled to Thackery. “Your drink is lovely, by the way. Perhaps another to go with the fish when it is ready?”
 
Einhorn Haus:

"Don't worry about it too much Bernard," says Annabelle as she looks out to the setting sun, and the colorful sky. "I'm doing some studying still that Alanik Ray suggested, as well as still working at the Tangled Thread. Other than that there's a few other things I've occupied my time, I promise to tell you some day soon. You might be able to help me with it."

"It was nice to stop by my house for my dad, it was good to see that your relationship isn't too broken up about it," says Annabelle looking out to the sunset. Her blue eyes pull from the sight over to Bernard. "I never imagined that Jonathan would.... die so young in life. There's no way to stop this is there...?"
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Jonathan nods his head sagely at Peri's accusations before smiling. "Oh you want my best advice...? Well that cannot be uttered very loud, for it is a trade secret," says Jonathan as he cups his hands leaning in to have Peri lean in close. Then he whispers some words into her ear and then pulls back with a bit of a grin. "Say that when it feels right and there's no way you won't snare their heart if they feel the same."
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Roaring Rapids:

"Figured out her secret already did you?" asked Thackery leaning in close. "An enchanter often gives items extra ordinary abilities. A belt of incredible strength for example. I remember when she retired from being the tavern champion, and suspiciously no longer had that belt. Someone else had bought it off her I suspect."

As he looks to Arissa he shakes his head. "Lass, if you think this grog is good you haven't been shown a good time before and someone is severly lacking in their duties. That is assuming you've already had someone in mind, but if you don't I hope you're not here looking. There ain't anyone here that is respectable. Save maybe Crooks over there," said Thackery pointing to Crooks who seems to be enthralled with Arissa from afar. "Made quiet the impression indeed. I've only seen him stare that long for when he's about to knife someone. Don't worry he knows there's a strict no stabbing policy here."
 
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"I honestly don't know. Arissa said there was something, but the price was too steep, it would impact too many people, more than just the one." Bernard looked back to the house. "I think I might have another way... Isaiah, Jeremiah's brother and a distant cousin to Perian and I, was a practiced necromancer. After he fell at the ball last night, his spell book was recovered. It is incredibly powerful and holds a great deal of knowledge - potentially the knowledge of how to save Jonathan." Bernard looked at Annabelle, meeting her gaze. "I was meant to destroy the book, but it is such a temptation to use it. I know the danger is corruption, it was literally on Isaiah's face. But, if I can save Jonathan, do I try? Is it worth that risk? Is that my responsibility?"
 
Einhorn Haus:

A conflicting movement of emotions displays over Annabelles, features before she shakes her head. "I don't think that would be wise.... I don't want to trade one friend for another Bernie. Arissa wouldn't want that either, if it really came down to it I could attempt to.... I do have some arcane training from going to the University though I did not study... Necromancy," she says for a moment shivering as if the very word sent a cold wave down her spine. She steps a few paces away for a moment facing away and seems to think muttering to herself as she thinks. She then turns back to Bernard and seems contemplative. "What is the likely hood that the book is Isaiah's spell book?"
 
Yelcan stood up quickly as the vision formed in front of his eyes, and he stared in surprise at the exchange between Peri and Jonathan. Although they had not discussed anything, nor had he vocalized his feelings towards her, he could not help but feel the pang in his heart as he saw Peri kiss him ‘for reference’, whatever that meant. As the vision faded, he looked around for Legba, seeing him propped up against the wall. Consciously avoiding looking at the creepy drawings on the wall, Yelcan met Legba’s gaze, although he allowed himself to blink freely.

“Ah, so you are the infamous Papa Legba. It is an honor to finally meet you in person, I have heard many great and terrible things about you. You told my friend Tarragon that you were not some evil fiend who only set out to hurt people with your deals and your powers, and yet...here we are having you try and hurt me after not even getting to know me.” Yelcan starts to shake his head as he paces back and forth under the arch, breaking eye contact. “I came here to try and learn something from you, to get an opinion of you formed by myself, but as I might have feared, it was likely a waste of time. Those pesky emotions that you described? That is what makes this life of ours special, even if it is short in comparison to yours, being a...god? Demon? What exactly are you?”

Yelcan falls silent as he looks back at Legba, trying to keep his face an unreadable mask. “If you were not driven by love, hope, or even hatred...what is the point? What is there to accomplish in life that makes it worth living?”
 
Arissa smiled, although she felt disappointed at the lack of information Thackery was able to provide. “I must admit, I am unfamiliar with the art of enchanting magical items. Do you know when Maria obtained that ability? I would have thought it to be one that was learned... or is it one that you are naturally acclimated to?”

As Thackery continued, she laughed and nodded at his estimation of the drink. “Very well, I will admit that I might have exaggerated my appreciation of your drink, but it does the trick well enough, ja? I would also agree with your assessment of the patronage of your tavern, but luckily I am not looking for one to warm my bed, merely to keep me company for my meal.”

Arissa followed Thackery’s gaze and gave this “Crooks” a smile and a wave. “You can invite your friend over if you wish, although I do not mean for him to get the wrong impression. The knives are not a problem for me anyways. I believe that mine would be bigger, after all.” Arissa patted the large cutlass by her side and grinned.
 
???:

Papa Legba lets Yelcan talk and that he does. At the end he shakes his head before walking towards Yelcan a few steps as his voice remains low and even.

"Did that hurt you? Curious, as I have only shown you the truth, but how you interpret it that is curious to me. There is only one way to know what I am Yelcan and I'm sure you're very aware of what that entails. A Prize, and a Cost. Something yearned for, and something taken away. Are you prepared for something like that, or have you come to throw air to the wind."

Papa Legba began to circle the room, though his form would some times become hazy almost as if drawn by a child in the background.
 
Roaring Rapids:

"As far as I know the towns had plenty of powerful enchanters throughout the years, all throughout the main family lines in fact. Some say it's a learned thing, and others say it runs strong in blood lines. I couldn't tell you one way or another, but many people thought Jonathan might be the next enchanter to be trained," says Thackery for a minute as he finally finishes Arissa's food, and slides over another drink. When she shifts to talking about Crooks, comes up to block his view.

"Hello," she says sliding in next to Arissa. "I see your talking a lot with my dad. I don't suppose he's told you he has a daughter has he." She looks to her dad for a moment before Thackery holds up defensive hands playfully. "Of course not, it was a pleasure to hear you play and sing. My name is Terra, and I along with short stuff over there help my dad run this place. Did you happen to play at the Ball? I think I remember you escorting Father Bernard to the Ball right?"
 
Bernard gave Annabelle a puzzled look, "Isaiah was definitely the last owner, but it's possible it's older than that, it was warded in some way by a presence when Leone tried to identify it. That is how I know that it is very dangerous. You're right though this is not a risk I can take and you cannot either. I'm sorry but this book is not falling into the hands of another. Perhaps we will discover another way." He smiled as best he could trying to instill Annabelle with hope.

Bernard put on his best mocking priest voice and asked, "So tell me, what help could I possibly be to you? I am but a humble servant of Ezra, and you are a skilled student of the great Alanik Ray.
" He laughed, "Or, just tell me about your studies. I'm curious, and in return I might tell you about the last thr- five years." Annabelle was right, there was no way Bernard could use the book. He needed to find a better way - a safer way - to save Jonathan. He smiled at her, trying to keep the mood light and positive.
 
Einhorn Haus:

"That is.... very unusual. At least from what I've read," says Annabelle while listening to Bernard's description of the book. "I think in the end you are right but our options aren't the best right now."

At the mention of being a student of Alanik ray she bursts out laughing, her cheeks growing a hot red. "Umm, no. I don't think he takes on students, and I'm afraid any student he took on would probably pale in comparison to that Elf's brain. He would probably even outlive my legend if I were to even make one...." said Annabelle looking then up to Bernard. "Have you considered that with... you know. You two? I can't imagine it is a pleasing thought to think about but won't you live significantly longer than her?"

"Anyways.... my studies were for learning the sword. Dad wanted me to know how to protect myself so he sent me off, it wasn't easy for him to let go like that but he did. It was after... well it was after a bad time," said Annabelle clearly avoiding some painful memories. "I've been back for a lot longer than you however, and I dabbled a bit into magic. Apparently I have some small knack of it," says Annabelle as she lifted her hand into the air in a stance and a rapier appears in her hand flashing into existence and pointed down at Bernard. She smiles a moment before looking at the blade. It was different than the one she had left behind at the crypt. She knew it had been the right thing to do, but she missed the blade Jonathan had originally forged for her.
 
Arissa looked the new girl who had just approached her up and down before smiling to her warmly, deciding to simply go with the flow at this point. “Well, hello to you as well, Terra. Please, forgive your father for his failure to mention you. I had been talking his ear off the whole time, I doubt he could get in even a word. I am Arissa, although it sounds as if you already knew who I was given your knowledge of my presence at the ball, as well as my fine escort. I had actually hoped to perform, but I believe that I had missed the opportunity due to the arrival of some unexpected company.”

Arissa hesitated as she began to think of the horrors of the night before, and took a large drink from the mug that Thackery had just brought over. She then gave Terra a mischievous smile. “I imagine that quite a lot happens around here, ja? Gossip, opinions, conversations being held away from the public eye... Any news worthy of note that would not have reached the pearly gates of Blackburn Manor?”
 
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