The Last Vampire

Clean cloth was rolled out across the dining table in one long, winding spindol. With a plain feather, and dark ink from her personal stash, Sunny meticuously poked out a sigil into the fabric. Triangular at times, curved squares at others, with dots and deltas placed seemingly at random. When the set of shapes were finished, the end was torn and the piece placed neatly with a row of similar wrappings to dry. And when the ink bled away from where she'd meant it to, the entire section was torn from the whole to join the few discarded on the sandstone. Her feather dipped, and hovered over the next length of cloth.
"So."
Sunny raised the tip just before it landed. She looked to Siiva sitting slumped and lost. Seemed he didn't get enough sleep last night. "Yes?" A smile was tossed. He mirrored it, both knowing her focus was utterly spoiled.
"Glad you're not dead."
"Thank you so much. Means a lot."
"Would've checked on you, but sounded like you were handing the matter pretty well."
As well as a one armed juggler, maybe. Sunny went back to her work, judging she could handle multitasking a delicate task with some small talk.
"You're in some deep waters now, aren't you."
She misjudged. A tear here, and the cloth with a streak of ink across one end was discarded. "We. We're in deep waters." Siiva didn't seem to object, only mockingly apologetic as he raised both palms. Perhaps he wasn't trying to get under her skin today. She eased the tension in her tone. "Where'd Ivara go? Afterward."
He scratched his neck. "Who knows. I let her go when you didn't come out for an hour. Got to talkin'. Someone with that skillset could be really useful..."
Her brows furrowed. Just a tad. "Seriously?"
It took him by surprise. "What? What'd I say?"
She abandoned the ink and cloth, setting the feather away to stare Siiva down. "That's all it takes for you to fancy a girl? Really?" She mimed her finger hooking and pulling just above her linen shirt. "All it takes?"
It was a solid several seconds before Siiva mustered up her meaning, his face bursting with surprise. "Aye now! Aye!" His Hamlet accent thickened as he spat an excuse. "I ain't that easy a mark, Lady! She told us what she does. It's just business. Gods know how much I need a competant one!"
Sunny wasn't playing ball here. He was lashing out, while she stared with complete disgust and blatant distrust for 'just business.' "Why are all men so simple." She went about collecting the drying cloth scrawled with sigils.
"Oi!"

Good morning.

Estella rubbed at her eyes as she presented the page to the both of them, her appearance sudden and undetected with how caught up they were. For perhaps the first time in a while, the lettering was neat, even, and properly punctuated.

She stood near Sunny, affectionately wrapping her arms around her neck from behind, but she offered a smile towards Siiva as well.

"Wah!" <inserted> Sunny and Siiva both striaghtened, Siiva moreso. His hand was lowered for something near his waist. Had Sunny noticed, she might've shot him a more spiteful glare. But she was much too occupied as she chuckled and finally settled on letting Estella hold to her neck. He gulped, relaxing into his seat. "N-nhaow, that's a proper hug. Great improvement on last night! Good morning."
"Good... morning." The fisher offered.
Sunny kept on tidying her stack of carefully inked cloth, but then got an idea. She took Estella's tiny hands in hers, scooting out of her seat a bit. "Hold on~ Hee-Up!" Estella's weight wasn't anymore than the ol bucket of ale or stack of hay. Sunny took it all on her back as she rose to a sudden stand, making sure she stayed wrapped around her neck.

Though the sudden motion caught her off-guard Estella didn't resist, instead locking her arms together as to not lose her grip over the woman's shoulders. She couldn't help the excited squeal and set of giggles that followed at Sunny's maneuver, her shoeless feet kicking out in playful protest.

"Huahahaha! Like that, huh? How about..." The little kicking feet floated about the room as Sunny spun them both around, keeping a firm hold. The dizziness came around the sixth spin, and her circling wavered over to an aghast Siiva. He barely ducked from the high flying weaponized feet, though neither noticed in the midst of their laughter.
"Okay okay," Sunny wound down, catching a corner of the table to keep balance. She knelt and shuffled Estella off. "Go and get your boots on. And eat- er- or not if you still aren't hungry. I'm going to need your help today." She watched her go, feeling a wide grin threatening to ache her cheeks. It was a good thing she had her trusted partner to always keep check on how her fun.
"What was all that?"
Sunny stood and went back to collecting cloth. They'd been thrown about by the impromptu play, but it didn't seem too steep a price. "I don't have much a clue either, really." She chuckled. "I can't remember the last time I gave a piggy back ride."
Her business partner was quick now with coming to terms with ridiculous circumstances. Almost as quick as her. He'd have to be. The mysterious monster they'd been warned about by a Dreamwalker was now more giddy and alive than ever, and that was just the most recent. This strangeness didn't seem to be ending anytime soon.
"I'm about ready to call it quits and become an acolyte." He pinched the meat between his eyes, a great deal calmer than expected. "Where you two off to today?"
"Market." She bent and brought a bundle of straight wooden rods atop the table, all various shades of dark dirt and none too quality. Then, she went about wrapping the cloth on one end, binding it tight and keeping the tension with a little strip of tied leather.
Siiva watched, putting together her plan but still not looking any convinced she'll bring home squat. "Again?"
"Worth a shot. You ready Estella!" The second bundled cloth to rod was done, and she was onto the third.
Siiva's voice lowered to a hissing whisper. "Are you seriously not worried about what was said last night?"
She faltered, the rubbery tie smacking loudly against the wood and falling away. There was a brief stillness where only the twang of bell rung from the far off pier. Sunny's smile soured. "I am. I'm worried this girl, this child, has gone through hell with no one in a long time to show her any kindness."
"I think we've shown her too much, for what she-"
"That's enough, boy."
"We are not equipped... You are not equipped to care for some, some... Vampire, whatever that bloody means! If the Inquisition has it out for her kind, then I say-"
"It's a good thing," She fastened the last with a bit more force than necesary. "It doesn't matter what you say. I'm responsible. Just me. I'm holding you hostage in your own home, I say. Embarrasing, but it's the truth."
He grimaced at that, but Sunny wasn't letting anymore.
"Estella! We're heading out."
-
The girl was propped higher, now. Legs around Sunny's shoulders. Much more manageable, even with holding her bundle of crafts at the same time.
"You alright, up there?" Sunny kept her eyes on forward. It was all downhill from the hideout to market, and she didn't want to send them all sprawling from a trip or bump on the walk over.

"Mm." She nodded wordlessly, the Hood of Shadows pulled over her head to block the sunlight. There was still a certain tenseness to her body when it came to being out in the light, but Sunny's engagement seemed to distract her well enough that she stopped pulling at it whenever there wasn't a pregnant pause.

As the pair continued down the street, a sudden shout pierced through the calmness of the morning. "Watch out, it's dangerous! E'ryone move outta the way!" The woman who'd screamed was at the top of the slope, hands cupped over her mouth to enhance her volume as much as possible. Most of the townspeople seemed confused, albeit alarmed, but it was only when a large wooden wagon thrice what you'd pull rice with rushed past them so fast they were nearly hit.

The wagon also careened towards Sunny and Estella, but the warning had given her plenty of time to step out of the way. Despite the abruptness of the situation, it wasn't hard to figure out how dangerous the wagon actually was, at least for those who knew that the bottom of the sloped street bled right into the heavily-populated market.

"Shar, keep spreadin' the word further down," The woman's second shout was much closer, as she and a group of people sprinted down the street. A cloaked figure immediately leaped forward to pursue the wagon, calling out as she had to the people that hadn't heard her before. "Sher, Orku, try ta stop it if ya can. Meat, yer the last resort. Git in front'a that thing an' do whatcha have to, ya hear?" Orders received, the group of people sprung into action around her.

A teenage girl who looked to be around the same age as Ivara removed a large bow from around herself and quickly nocked an arrow with several hooks on the tip in addition to the pointed end. Taking aim with a calm stoicism to her expression, she let it go, a thick rope attached to the back end sailing along with it. The arrow smashed right into the back of the wagon, the hooks keeping it locked in place.

Without a word, the teen passed the rope to the massive orc standing next to her, who yanked on it with his full strength in a clear effort to pull the wagon to a stop. However, in his struggle to do so the hooked arrow came undone, slipping away and allowing the wagon to return to its path of destruction towards the market.

Strangely enough, the newly created hole in the back of the wagon had begun producing white feathers, the objects fluttering in midair and creating a line as the large vehicle made its way. "Bakuuuuu!!!" Animalistic cries of terror could be heard from within.

"O-Oh no, the chickens!!!" The woman seemed to anguish at the sight, gripping both sides of her head with worry.

With their attempt now foiled, many of the townspeople began to look worried. The wagon was dangerously close to the unsuspecting people down in the market, but there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.

That is, until a small black blur zipped by them. Only Estella's eyes could pick up the details of the dog-eared child's form as she ran, jumped, and slid past people and obstacles, navigating her way down the street at speeds not quite rivaling her own but still impressive nonetheless.

Though the cloaked figure had done their best to warn everyone, the reaction was still delayed until they actually registered the danger themselves. One such case was a mother who'd been walking with a young boy, a younger infant craddled in her arms. The shouting had alarmed her, but it was only when the wagon had come into sight that she ran for the side of the road, instructing the boy to do the same.

But what she hadn't expected was for the poor child to trip on himself in his panic, falling over right in the wagon's path. Estella's eyes widened as she saw this despite it being so far down that very few actually could.

The dog-eared child seemed to see it too, as she instantly picked up the pace in order to get there first. As agile as she was, it still took a while for her to catch up with the speeding wagon, passing it to stand in front of the boy like a shield wall a few meters from the spot where the road bled into the market.

As the wooden behemoth approached, she spread her arms out, ready to receive it with a look of determination on her face despite the beads of sweat falling from it. Barely registering his mother's screams, the boy looked on in surprise at the child's back as she stood fearlessly in front of him. However, he couldn't help but shut his eyes right at the impact, the sickening crashing sound making him fear the worst.

At the surprised gasps of the people around him, the boy peeked open one eye to see what had happened. Both eyes shot open at the sight of the wagon, perfectly stopped just before it had reached them. However, the dog-eared child looked just as shocked as he, and it was then that he registered the tiny hand pressed against the wagon's front, a large dent spread around it from the force of its weight against the appendage.

All of their features save for the lower half of their face were hidden under a dark hood, and not a single bit of skin could be seen on their form, but it was clear that a third child had miraculously appeared behind them and stopped the wagon with a single hand, reaching over both of them to do so.

Only Sunny would know that child as Estella, who'd vanished from her shoulders in a flash of speed so fast that she'd only notice when she came upon the sight herself. Not a single person had seen her move, and if Sunny herself hadn't known better, likely would have assumed that she teleported.

"Baku?" A single chicken peeked its head out of a hole on the side, swiveling as if checking if the terrifying ride was over.

"Estell..." Her voice faded off as she searched around, just to be sure. It was true: that second blur had indeed come from her shoulders to the base of the hill. I knew she was fast, but I couldn't even blink in that stride she took.
She rushed forward, torches bundled tight to her chest, apologizing as she slipped by others doing the same. A particularly wide green fellow lumbering down the way almost made her drop her bundle. "Sorry!" She said, not even sparing a moment to see if he would sock her. The last dozen or so curious of the children in the road were easy to slide between as they lobbed hearty cheers and whistles. "Estella?"
The small blob Sunny had seen from her earlier vantage turned out to be a small boy. His eyes were glued to Estella, even as he waded to his worried mother, who clasped his arm with a clam's grips. Sunny allowed herself a sigh of relief as she found the little girl standing upright next to a beastkin, and not caught beneath the still tires.
She moved closer. "Estella! Are you okay?"

"Hm." she responded with a nod, a smile breaking out at the sight of Sunny's approach. The Beastkin girl blinked at the two of them in confusion, ears and tail pointed straight as the adrenaline had yet to wear off.

The pounding of several sets of footsteps caught up to them soon, the woman leading the way panting heavily as they came to a stop. "Damn good work, Meat! Ya had me worried there fer a sec, but ya pulled through-" She cut herself off as she rounded the wagon's side to come upon the sight of a child holding the wagon's weight with a single hand, though not the child she was obviously expecting.

"Er...huh?" She too blinked at the sight, not quite believing it at first glance. Estella did not show any sign of strain, but instead looked confused, troubled even--at least from what could be seen of her face caked in shadows. Her head swiveled around, and it soon became clear that she had no idea what to do with the vehicle against her palm.

The woman realized it too, and quickly snapped out of her surprised stupor. "Right, ya'll. Let's take them wheels off so the little one 'ere can get that weight offa 'em." On her word, the group set about taking the wagon's wheels off. In moments the situation was resolved, and bricks had been placed in front of the axles to make extra sure the crisis wouldn't repeat itself.

"Phew," The woman combed her fingers through her dirty-blonde hair, her grin contrasting her sweat-soaked face. "That was a scare an' a half, now wadn' it? Ya'll'er okay right? No injuries or nothin'?" She was particularly focused on Estella, who nodded meekly from her hiding spot behind Sunny's leg. The hyper-focused gaze from the dog child had her feeling nervous, and she hugged herself closer to the woman when the black tail behind her began wagging furiously.

After confirming that she was okay, the thick accented woman turned her attention to Sunny herself, a wider smirk forming on her lips. "Ya kid's a damn monster, Sun. I ain't never seen strength like that before, and I seen all sorts'a characters o'er the years. Where'd ya find 'em?" Her conversational tone was one of familiarity, like catching up with an old friend. Which was just as well, considering the two had met several times before now.

And though she obviously hadn't meant it maliciously, Estella visibly tensed at having been called a monster.

"The Market. I got so jealous of you and your handy knave here, I just had to buy my own." Sunny's tone was that of a distant, uncaring step cousin at an unwanted reunion, despite the deadpan sick of a joke. It wasn't so grand a meeting. Sunny had spoken to this woman clad in similar light armors a few times before. Or rather, she'd been the one speak to Sunny. Her lip curled sourly at "monster", but for a completely different reason now than all the times Vernal tried to recruit her, what with Estella around her legs. "Always finding trouble to solve, aye Vern?"
"There's always trouble." Came a deep, rumbling quake of a voice from Sunny's side. The wide, green man she'd passed (and now recognized as the hulk of an orc who'd tried to wrestle the elf's tied arrow-rope), gave her nothing more than a squinty scowl. His eyes were that of healthy yellow piss, so tiny set in such a massive skull. She didn't linger to long on those, as she wavered down to the twin tusks rising from his jaw curving all the way to be in-line with his flaring nostrils. When he shifted his thick neck to Vernal, Sunny saw it was discolored from the neck to the chin; all a deep purple. Not paint. It was a shite paint job if so, for how spindly it was, with veins coming away from the stripe like tiny streams off a river.
"I'm heading back." He spat the last word like it insulted his mother. "I've to shore up the tools for our next venture. My irons rot to rust so near the sea..."
Sunny did her best, but couldn't quite help a dry gulp.

"Haha, don't mind mean ol' Orku there," The woman, Vernal, leaned down to Estella's level to whisper, mistaking her unease to be at least partly his doing. Not that she was entirely wrong either. "Deep down, he's just'a big softy. Cuddly too."

"Crowd's gathering." The elf teen muttered as she slipped the hooked arrow back into the quiver on her back, eyeing the ever increasing mass of citizens staring at them--Estella in particular--in awe. "We should go."

"Ah, right right. We finished the quest as directed, so we'll let the watch take care'a the rest." Vernal stood straight, arms crossed as she sized the duo up. "Say, how's about we head out fer some drinks? On me. Ta thank ya for keepin' my little girl outta trouble." Her hand went down to pet the Beastkin by her own side, the pair practically a mirror to Estella and Sunny.

Though the offer seemed friendly and considerate on the surface, Sunny could easily see through the hidden angle she had. And if they were about to go where she thought they were about to go, then a new opportunity to make some coin had presented itself, no matter how much she'd been avoiding it up to that point.

After some consideration, "Only if you buys these off me too." And she shifted the bundle of torches in her grip, just to bring attention to how desperate she was for coin to be selling crafts. They both knew she had to be strapped, if she was really accepting.

Recognizing that her bargain wasn't for the drinks, Vernal answered immediately. "Deal. Lord knows we ain't got the funds ta spill, but the payout's more'n worth it. This way, now." The group from before had now gathered with her save for the orc, and tailed her as she turned to leave. She beckoned the pair to follow.


The large three-story building they'd entered was hard to miss in the busy town center. A large crest of a disembodied fist gripping the handle of a steel sword caught Estella's eye as they passed through the front door, and as they slipped through the threshold of the doorway it felt as if she'd entered another world entirely.

Loud, boisterous laughter echoed off the oak walls of the building's interior, decorated strikingly similarly to a tavern save for the various lovely wool tapestry strung about to give off an inviting image. Tables filled with people of all shapes and sizes littered about the room, and the smell of alcohol hit the group like a brick wall.

Vernal seemed to revel in the lively atmosphere, her smile warm and nostalgic. "I'm home," she whispered. Other than Estella, only the Beastkin's dog ear twitched in indication that they'd heard it. "Okie-dokie, right this way, ya'll." She led the way past various tables, exchanging greetings with almost everyone they passed.

"Oi, Vernal! You gonna join this game or what? I'm feelin' good about my hand today."

"Eh, not this time Renald. I ain't quite in the mood ta make like yer ex. Even I get bored'a stealin' all yer coin, ya know?"

"Vernal, you still owe me twenty-five gold! Don't think I forgot, ya damned harpy!"

"Hey now, Orzan. What'll yer wife think if ya keep callin' people other'n her that? Relax, yer pay's comin'. Sooner or later..."

"Egyaaahhhh~!"

"Careful, Lottie! Some'a these boys be gettin' too antsy waitin' for ya to fall like that. They prefer the eye candy ta any chance a' landin' a real woman."

"Fuck you too, bitch."

"Hahaha!" She barked out a laugh at the last comment from a man in the corner, winking as he flipped the bird at her. Without stopping, the group ended up at an empty table. She glanced around for a moment as they filled in the seats, before turning her attention to the front desk located on the opposite side of the room from the main entrance. "Oi, Dolly. Where'd the big guy get up ta?"

"Upstairs~" A dainty hand drifted up to thumb towards the set of stairs behind the desk without looking. The other supported the drowsy head of the girl sat behind the desk, the two white rabbit ears on her crown sagging as low as they always had when she was on her shift. "Went up complainin' about tools or something. Want me to call him?"

"Nah, that's fine." Vernal finally took her own seat, pulling an extra one from a nearby table to match the number present, the Beastkin girl plopping down in it next to her.

"It'll take a hot minute fer Lottie ta pull herself together, so let's get introductions outta the way, yeah?" She thumped a fist against her chest proudly, eyes on Estella. "Name's Vernal, sweetheart. Call me Vern if it pleases ya. Me an' Sunny've been pals since she saved my ass three steps inta town." She chuckled as she recalled the story, but didn't elaborate.

Instead, she gestured to the Elven girl who'd been quietly observing Estella the entire walk. She straightened up her posture before speaking in a low whisper, barely audible over the noise of the tavern. "Sherii. Hello."

Not unperturbed by her attitude at all, Vernal continued. "Found this one when she tried ta pick me, up in the capital." The girl in question turned a slight shade of pink in response to the woman's pointed smirk. "Quite the shy one, this girl. Be lucky ta get two words outta 'er, but she's a damn good shot with that bow. Deadly with a knife too. Me an' Orku pulled 'er off the streets first chance we got when we saw how good she was. We ain't gotta worry 'bout gettin' ambushed in our sleep now with good ol' Sher-bear around."

"Hate that name," she muttered in response.

Her gaze passed next to the hooded figure on her other side, opening up the floor to him.

Out of all of the rabble and commotion walking in, her brow had finally hiked to the young elf's demure blush. She was at that half step between child and woman, Estella and Vernal. Along with her demeanor, it was a wonder anyone like that would try to flirt with someone like the loudmouth thrill-seeker, until Sunny recalled that about elves. Never could really tell their age. All those she'd ever met had that same youthfulness about them as "Sher-bear" had across the table, be they twenty winters or sixty.
She passed her a curt nod, deigning to keep a lid on the prying questions for now. Maybe she's just a short one. Live and let live, anyhow. The last at their table was already speaking, the sound Sunny could imagine how a tamed bobcat would speak if given an ample sum of tutoring.
"I am Sharah, one of the ninety-nine litter of Greatmother Nya Nyakan, and seasoned traveler of all Eprelia." The red robed stranger bowed at his seat, the white circles of what was thought to be only a still mask closing with unexpected expression. They opened as he bent up, winking in and out of the otherwise black mask.
"Sunny." She said, looking off in search of anything to add. Nothing came to mind, so her fingers just rolled thoughtfully on the bundle she'd laid out on the table. There was too much to look at, all things considered. She found herself glancing to the dog-kin's floppy ears, and then to the twin points atop Sharah's hood, finding a similar twitch of movement just beneath the fabric. When she met those estrange circles on his mask, they'd lowered to her hand.
"My..." Sharah said, peering closer. "What have we here?"
She stopped her tapping, and didn't see the harm in rolling one over to him. It rolled awkwardly to be met by a black furred claw that came out the robes. The arm was thin, the fingers articulated like a feline but with an opposable thumb. "Knock yourself out."
"Hmm..." He brought it close, then far, twisting it this way and that, paying close attention to the scrawled cotton. It was then Sunny saw his own robes were scrawled on at the ends, be they too difficult to quite read at from cross the table. When he didn't say more immediately, and no more eccentrics to half-heartedly trade pleasantries in sight, she regarded Vernal once more.
"I'd dare say you have half the town's kin all in one building. Not that I mind." She flickered to the smallest so near Estella's age, wondering if she really didn't with her in particular. "What'dya say Vern? I'm an able fighter. But no orc. I'm quick. But not as quick as a hound." She leaned in on the table, planting her elbows and making a little tent for her chin to rest on. "What could such a boring beggar of a woman like me offer you? I just don't see the appeal."

"An' this," she placed a firm hand on the back of the Beastkin child next to her, as if to nudge her forward. "li'l darlin' is Meat. Ain't she just the cutest darned thing ya ever seen? Say hi, sweety."

"..." Rather than doing as she was told, the girl's response was to nudge her head into Vernal's side, begging for attention exactly as a dog would.

Laughing from the gesture, the woman obliged by running a hand over her head as she'd done a few times up until that point. "Ahahaha. Don' take it personally if she don't talk to ya. Meat 'ere ain't said more 'n ten words since my group an' I rescued 'er from a slave caravan a few months back. Poor thing was shiverin' harder 'n a virgin hittin' climax 'till we got 'er back ta town."

Estella tilted her head in confusion, not quite getting the comparison, but also not opting to interrupt and ask about it. "Got 'er fed, bathed, 'n dressed proper. Ya wouldn't believe the rags they had 'er in. Nothin' more 'n a dirty, torn dress. Her eyes were the worst part though, no different 'n a dead fish; no life at all in 'em." Her expression narrowed in anger, the memory obviously not quite pleasant for her. "Found out about her skills when I tried ta give 'er a bath once she got more comfortable 'round us. Kid can run, that's fer sure. Strong as all hell ta boot."

Meat purred under Vernal's petting, seemingly disconnected from the conversation entirely despite being the center of attention. Vernal continued her ministrations for only a few moments more before turning her attention to the last member at the table. "And who's the cutie over there?"

Estella.

The girl already had the page ready, having written it in advance. She still hadn't put the hood down, and looked as nervous as when she'd first awoken in Siiva's place, her nose wrinkling as she took tentative glances around every so often.

If Vernal was curious about why she chose to write instead of speak, she didn't show it. "Ah, a pretty name fer a pretty lass. Hope ta get along witcha, Stella."

Blinking in surprise, Estella looked down at the page, as if to remind herself of what she'd written. "Ahaha, don' worry, don' worry. If I give ya a nickname it means I like ya." Vernal winked at her to sell the point. "You can call me Aunty Vern if ya like."

"Stella," Meat suddenly spoke, her tail wagging rapidly as her gaze once again settled on the hooded girl.

"Yup yup, Meat," And Vernal nodded along with her, not at all surprised by what she'd implied was a rare occurrence. "That's Stella. You and her are friends now, ya hear? Get along with her." The child nodded absentmindedly, her eyes still trained on the girl in question.

With all of the introductions formally made, Vernal took only a moment to consider Sunny's question. "It ain't as much about whatcha can contribute. My crew's already got more 'n enough in muscle an' manpower, made double since we picked up Meat." She leaned forward to mimic Sunny's pose. "Maybe I've just gotta soft spot for the less fortunate folk. Nah... Maybe it's cuz I saw a bit a' myself in ya, since we met at the gate that day. We got a similar air 'bout us, don't we? Even more so now thatcha gotta kid a' yer own ta look after.

"People like us? Well...we ain't got much goin' fer us in terms of a future. Ya spend all yer time wanderin' 'round from town ta town, lookin' for a purpose right? I'm sure ya got yer ways of keepin' yerself fed an' rested, but how many nights've you spent in some barn you could barely 'ford, starvin' yer guts out waitin' fer the sun ta rise?" The look she offered was one of sympathy, of understanding that hinted at her own experience in such circumstances.

"Orku an' I went through lotsa shit before we joined the AG, just tryna figure out what to do with our lives. Travelin' like nomads, livin' job ta job ta fill our bellies. And when things got real bad, I even had ta do..." Her gaze flickered between the youths listening intently. "Well...things I ain't rightly proud of. But survival is survival, an' even though I try ta tell myself I wouldn' ever do somethin' like that again..."

She chuckled, but it was devoid of the humor it usually had when she did so. "When yer starvin' an' feel like yer runnin' outta options...suddenly everything starts ta look like a good idea. That's reality. That's 'survival'." Her eyes hardened as she stared into Sunny's, making her look many years older than she was. A few seats over, Sherii suddenly stiffened, her own eyes looking similar. "And that's not what I wanna see happen to ya."

She made a note to smile at her companions to calm their worried gazes before facing Sunny once again. "Don' take this the wrong way, though. I ain't tryna pity ya or make ya think ya cain't manage on yer own. An' if ya don't think my reasons're good enough ta earn yer loyalty, feel free to walk on outta here whenever ya please." Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms as a more natural grin returned to her face. "But I seen ya fight, Sun. I know what it is ya do fer coin, an' I can't help but think, 'What a damn waste' everytime I see ya down in the pens cleanin' shit with the farmers, or scrubbin' floors in the town hall."

Vernal leaned forward once again, palms flat against the table. Her smile was one of confidence as she prepared to deal the coup de grace. "Someone with yer skills don' deserve ta be sleepin' on hay with the animals, bellyachin' day in an' day out. Nor do they deserve ta be on the streets beggin' fer scraps like a beaten dog. All I want is ta help ya put those skills a' yers ta better use, and fer the kinda coin that'd make ya wish you could go back and punch yerself fer ever pickin' up a shovel or a hoe. And if yer skills end up puttin' food on my table as well, then that's even better. So whaddya say? Join my party, an' you an' yer girl ain't gotta worry 'bout another hungry night again."

"Nice to meet you... meat." Sunny winced not only at her choice of words, but also at Vernal's crude phrasing. Her crude everything, really. That'd take some getting used to. She found the urge to cover Estella's ears for the rest of this conversation curious, and ultimately pointless. She focused again when Vernal continued.

Charity

All throughout the band leader's pitch, Sunny studied her as if she were the most fascinating snake oil salesmen. She was trying to sus-out the bullshit, for it was as just Vernal said herself, they were alike. Sunny agreed wholeheartedly. And she didn't very well like the idea of working with people like herself: A good talker, a friendly demeanor. Someone good at convincing others of what they wanted them to believe. Sunny had met people like that, learned from people like that, was betrayed by people just like that. And all throughout, there was something being left unsaid between the sound talk that would excite a poor wayward into action. Charity. That was enough to soil any thought to taking Vernal earnestly. It was the flimsiest of lies. Anyone living out here knew charity was as rare as a three headed pig. When someone gives you something (an apple, a bed, or an opportunity in this case) it was just something else being bought that might not be apparent. In this case, judging by the little beastkin nuzzling so fondly to Vernal, it was unbridled loyalty. Not so bad, but was that all? She couldn't be sure.

Give it up. She's right, Sunny. She thought grimly. The Keep was a bust. Selling knick knacks? Mopping up dung off stall floors? It was all just supposed to be cover. Always has been, but now it's all you've got. There's nothing in those dungeons. Nothing. How many weeks worth of peddling would it take to earn a ride out? Two? Maybe three? She flickered to the child beside her, not lingering too long. With the both of them, maybe even months, even if she didn't seem to eat much. Those she owed would be hounding for her soon, and even finding something to eat herself will be a hassle once Siiva's patience wears thin.

Sunny sized each of the guild members present. To the robed figure who'd unwrapped a torch, now peering deeply at the inked script outstretched to his furred arm's length. To the equally furry, small beastkin, and her human guardian eager for Sunny's answer. To the archer, who's sharp ears brought Sunny's thoughts veering to the market, or at least one section of the market that rattled with chains. To Estella. Sunny was one to always consider alternatives. She'd been thinking on that particular venture far before this morning, far more recently than she'd like to admit even to herself. She'd stuffed it away to be considered for when she was truly starving, truly on the brink. It was revolting that she thought she'd ever be able to go through with it. At least with this, I'd be able to sleep at night.

"You drive a hard bargain," She said, the tone of a relenting merchant parting with wears far below their worth. "Why not? It's as you say. It's not as though I'm bound to anything if I accept. I would like to see a contract, though. I'm not one to get stunted out of my pay after a job's done." Her own tone hardened after a slight nudge toward her companion. "She gets a menial's share, too. She can handle some labor. Carry some supplies. Fetch water. She can read, and is a phenomenal writer, if there's any work for that here. But. She's to stay out of harm's way, got it?" She extended an open glove across the table.

"..." Vernal's lips pursed as Sunny listed Estella's skills. "I guess 'stoppin' a speedin', three-ton wagon' ain't one a' them? With how she handled that whole thing earlier, I'd've assumed harm should be stayin' outta her way, hahaha." she joked. It was obvious from the slight disappointment in her tone that she'd been intending to make more use out of the girl than simple errands, but she still extended her hand to meet Sunny's regardless. "Much obliged. I'll have Dolly write somethin' up fer ya. Look forward ta workin' with ya."

The two shook on it, both with equal amounts of strength in their grip despite their almost opposite expressions--Sunny's hard, even stare meeting Vernal's easygoing, cheerful smile.

"U-Um," A shrill voice broke the stillness that fell upon the group after they had separated, and Vernal grinned at the sight of the woman who'd fallen earlier; The one she'd called Lottie. Upon closer inspection, she was quite clearly a Beastkin, with a soft, white material puffing out of her back, the top of her head, and various other parts of her body. It wasn't quite fur, but fleece, revealing her to be of the sheep subspecies.

Despite her stutter, any nerves she'd had seemed to be geared towards the odd tension she'd needed to break to get their attention, and she quickly offered a gentle, welcoming smile after they all faced her. "Welcome to the Hamlet Adventurers Guild. My name is Charlotte Graham, but please call me Lottie." She bowed politely as she spoke, her sudden introduction making it clear that she'd recognized new faces among those familiar. "What can I get you today?"

"We'll take the usual, Sunny gets the same as me, an' her girl gets the same as Sher." Vernal answered for the group quickly and with clearly practiced ease. "Oh, an' can ya bring Orku's up ta his an' Shar's room? I'm sure the big guy's workin' himself to the bone right about now instead a' takin' it easy like I said. Tell 'im to at least take a break every now an' again, yeah?"

"Of course. I'll be back with your drinks right away."

As Lottie left to get their orders, Vernal turned back to Sunny and Estella."Lottie an' Dolly run this place all by themselves as seneschals. Big word, ain't it?" She wiggled her eyebrows at Estella. "It just means that management, care, an' any other responsibility in between is completely up ta them ta handle. Lottie there takes care a' us Adventurers an' any other guests that visit the Guild, kinda like a waitress at a tavern. Oh," She leaned in, one hand blocking her mouth as she whispered. "Just a word a' advice. I know she's got the kinda knockers ya just wanna bury your face in, but Lottie's completely off-limits. The last guy that tried ta make a pass at 'er had his balls crushed an' healed repeatedly until he apologized a thousand times. In front a' the whole Guild too."

"The last girl that tried it, well, that was me." she continued, grinning at the memory. "I reckon I got off easy since me an' Dolly hit it off, but I ain't forgot what she said she'd do if I tried it again. No siree. Though this one time, I walked in on 'er changin' by accident, and goddamn-"

As Vernal continued chatting away, Estella meekly tugged on Sunny's sleeve and passed her another note, the power of the hood still masking most of her features in shadows.

It's hard to understand her. What is happening?

Estella didn't seem to know what exactly they were doing there, or what the nature of their discussion was. It was a testament to her manners that she politely sat and listened regardless, but it seemed that her patience had worn thin. And perhaps as a result of not understanding the situation, she still hadn't deemed it safe to remove her hood and expose herself, her demeanor still guarded and anxious next to Sunny.

Sunny rubbed at one twitching brow, already feeling in her gut and temples that this would all turn out to be a misstep. She'd closed her eyes somewhere in that slurry of sober speech, the wayfarer wondering hopelessly at how she'd ever stitch out meaning when the adventurer was drunk. Estella's note was waiting for her when she opened them, Vernal still going on while making curvy outlines with two hands and a devilish grin.

You and me both, kid.

"Say," Sunny interrupted, dropping her trade-face for now in the hopes of speaking Vernal's language. "If we two are to do a job for you." She glanced to Estella as she sounded out the clearest way to put it. "What exactly would it entail? And please no worries about me flirting with management. I won't pretend I'm a professional, but I have my manners." She smiled right as Lottie returned balancing a plate of tall drinks. It was hard to ignore what Vernal had mentioned as the kin to sheep served the guests first. Sunny didn't linger long, though, as she got a whiff of what Vernal had ordered for both of them. This early in the day? Why should I be surprised. Lo and behold, Vernal was already enjoying as Lottie moved around the table. She cupped it warily, whiffing as non-chalantly as she could at the smaller cup before Estella. Finding nothing outright worrying about the aroma, she sipped at hers and suggested for to the girl to do the same.

"Orkku said he wasn't thirsty." Lottie gave a meager laugh to Vernal as she hefted the ginormous cup, tapping it as if not sure what to do with it all. "You must have picked at him a bit too much, Vern." Yellow, vaguely goat-shaped eyes flicked to Sunny. It would be unnerving, if Sunny hadn't dealt with some with eyes far more bestial. Compared, Lottie's were just a hair's off from passing off as human. "So it's as I thought! Potential hires, I'm so glad."

Sherii sipped at her drink silently as the conversation continued, but after noticing Estella twitching her nose at hers, she offered a small smile. "Fruit juice. No alcohol." Estella still didn't seem interested in drinking, but with encouragement from Sunny finally picked up the cup and put it to her lips. It went back down almost immediately as the girl cringed, her face twisting like she'd bit into a lemon.

"Don't like it?" The Elf looked slightly disappointed at her reaction. Estella waved her off and took another sip, this time with a less vivid reaction. The way her body shivered as she swallowed was hard to miss though.

"Damn that guy," Vernal shook her head as she clutched her cup a bit tighter. "Least he could do is accept a drink from a lady. Ahh, forget it. I'll take his share, Lottie." She nonchalantly gestured for her to hand over his cup, swiping her own empty one through it and downing the contents in one gulp. Sunny's concern was waved off. "The quests we undertake're almost always based on what's available, so I can't give ya a clear answer. Most I can say is that we try not ta accept quests that're too hard or above our skill level. Coin's our top priority after all; glory can go to hell for all I care."

She swiped again, downing two more cup-fulls before she continued. "Another rule is that we only take on a quest if we all agree on it. Even if we split off into smaller groups ta tackle more of 'em, we still wait fer a consensus before agreein' ta anythin'. That rings true fer both of ya, now that yer a part of the team."

A loud belch silenced the whole table. Next to Vernal, Meat shook happily, her tail wagging with vigor as she gripped her own cup with two hands. Having been silent the whole time, it was easy to miss what it was she'd received, but the smell and color were unmistakably the same as Vernal's. The child with younger features than Estella was gulping down alcohol with a smile on her face.

"All done? That was quick." Like before, Vernal looked unperturbed at the sight, and instead grinned as she slid over the massive cup in front of her. "If yer still thirsty, split this with me. 'Fraid even I have a hard time keepin' up with Orku. Still delicious though." Rather than scooping with her cup like Vernal had, Meat simply picked the whole thing up and chugged it straight, much to the woman's disappointment. "Or, ya know, just drink it all. That's fine too, I guess..."

Sherii snorted, earning a rueful glare. "Well anyway, thanks as usual Lottie. You'll be seein' these two around more often from here on, I bet. Dolly'll probly pitch a fit, but I bet she'll be glad too. Whaddya say, Sun? Like it here so far?" Her eyes landed on Sunny, the same charming smile brightening them.

"Here's to leaving glory to the. To the..." It was right as Sunny was raising her generous pint in commendation to Vernal's mode of operation, she came to realize where all that slurping was coming from. A tiny "Pwah~" and a thump of the emptied orc's serving, and Meat had downed it all. She felt the brow of her eye twitch again.

"Oh dear! Meat!" Lottie snatched the barrel of a cup away, a pout none too serious but all the more worried. The tension in Sunny's shoulders relaxed. She took another swig, now more acclimated to the taste. Someone else would be responsible for getting all that alcohol out of the girl's stomach before she killed over. Only, Lottie just wagged a finger to the girl. "It's rude not to share!"

Sunny choked down the ale, nostrils stinging as it threatened to surge out in a spray. That's all she's worried about?!

"And you know how weak of a drinker she is, Vern." Lottie added, her scowl pointed to the woman herself. Vernal could only offer her palms up before the Seneschal went on. "I'll go get something to fill your belly, Meat. Just wait here." Her voice had softened almost immediately, focusing on caring for Meat than chastising Vern. She went off behind the bar, disappearing behind a swing door.

Sunny managed to regain herself in that time, and thought on it. "Speaking plainly," her empty fingers splayed at the nape of her neck, touching the myriad of symbols beneath her shirt as some absentminded plea for help in the trying times to come, "We have our differences, I think. But... keep your ends, and I'll keep mine. I think we'll make great partners, Vernal." She raised the pint "Hope we aren't waiting too long for a gig. Gotta feed my own drinker here, you know?"

Vernal raised her own pint to mimic her gesture. "I hear ya. We'll wait just a few more minutes 'till Meat here either passes out or chucks it all up, then we'll pay Dolly a visit ta get y'all registered. Sound like a plan?" Estella, seeing what the two were doing and not understanding it, also raised her cup with both hands. Soon after, and Sherii did the same. As if to follow the general mood of the moment, the whole table suddenly found themselves toasting to the new partnership as a happy mood pervaded the six of them.

---

Meat did, indeed, chuck it all up. Even now, she wobbled slightly in place as the group of four headed for the front desk. Lottie had delivered to her a large plate of food true to her namesake, which she'd gobbled down almost as quickly as the ale as the waitress set to work cleaning her bile from the floor.

Vernal had asked Sherii and Sharah (she seemed to love playing with their nicknames, Sher and Shar) to stay behind and help while she took Meat to help the two girls register. As the group made for the front desk, they caught sight of a group of men speaking to the rabbit Beastkin from before. Though by the sounds of things, it was hardly a pleasant conversation.

"Oi!!! The hell d'you mean we failed the quest?!" The large, burly man heading the group slammed his palms on the desk, rattling all of the items, but merely earning a yawn from the girl.

"Fuaaaaa...~ I told you already, sir~" Though her words were polite, the bored look on her face and her lethargic way of speaking revealed the hidden spiteful undertone that only served to anger the man further. "The quest prerequisites specified that you were tasked with bringing back a pristine dragon's egg. This doesn't look very pristine to me." She gestured down to the large white egg sitting on the desk, the tiniest of cracks barely visible on its surface.

"What?! That's horseshit! We nearly died trying to get this egg!"

Her head lolled to one side, coming to rest on her hand. A keen observer would notice the slightest roll of her eyes. "I understand that sir~ But the quest made its requirements very clear, wouldn't you agree? There's nothing I can do here but suggest either procuring another dragon's egg, or choosing another, easier quest."

"Why youuuuu!!!" The man bellowed, frightening even his own party members but still failing to get a reaction from the girl. "Are you insinuating that my party can't handle even an A-Rank quest?!"

"Not at all, sir~" she replied, eyes drifting closed. "I was merely suggesting that if you aren't able to read a quest sheet in enough detail to notice the requirements and adhere to them, then perhaps selecting an easier, lower-ranked quest would be preferable for you."

"Y-You bitch...! How dare you insult me and my comrades like that! And open your damn eyes!!!!" Seemingly reaching his limit, the man brought his fist down against the desk, smashing a large dent into it and splintering the wood.

"Damaging Guild property is against Guild regulations, sir~ I'll have to fine you for the damages, and if you aren't able to pay, deduct them from your future rewards gained through quests." she recited in a monotone voice, as if reading off a card.

"That's the least you deserve for what you said! And if I decide not to pay?"

Her eyes suddenly opened once more, now glaring daggers at the man. Somehow, the sight made all of them tense up, similar to Estella's own death-glare from the previous night. "If you refuse to pay, I'll have to suspend your Guild license until you agree to. If you continue to refuse, the Guild will be forced to take action in order to procure the funds necessary to repair the damage. In short, you'll be giving me more work to do."

Slowly, she rose to her feet, her previously-sagging ears rising to stand straight up. "I understand that you're new around here, so I'm willing to overlook your actions this time. But-" In a flash of movement rivaling Estella's at a glance, the girl had reached out and snagged the man by his collar, yanking him forward to come face-to-face with her. "My name is Dorothy Misham, Dolly for short. I'm a former S-Rank Adventurer and former member of the most famous Adventurer duo in Eprelia. My lifelong dream is to live an easy life where I can sleep as much as I want without being bothered with troublesome things. So if you ever try to make me work more than I have to, I won't be held responsible for what happens. GOT IT?"

Startled by her sudden display, the men could only meekly nod in response.

With an angry pout, Dolly released the leader's collar. "Hmph, well as long as you understand. Here," Sighing, she passed a hand over the dragon's egg. With a small flash of green light the crack in the egg was mended along with the desk underneath it, to the group's amazement. "The Hamlet Adventurers Guild is supported by your continued patronage as Adventurers. Consider this a token of our gratitude. In exchange, please continue to take on quests and increase your rank~" All at once, the lackadaisical way of speaking had returned, as did her bored expression as she handed over a sack of coins to the man.

"Er, y-yes! Yes, of course! Thank you very much!" All of the men bowed in respect before quickly leaving through the front door.

"Yo Dolly," Having waited for the exchange to finish, Vernal and company approached the front desk, the former grinning from ear to ear. "Workin' easy as always, I see."

"Hm...?" Dolly--as the card clipped to her shirt identified her as--opened one eye to see who had approached. "Oh, it's just you. It's such a pain dealing with newbies. I'm about ready to end my shift early and go to sleep. Anyway, what's up?"

"Nothin' much, just gotta couple a' recruits that need registerin'." She thumbed to Sunny and Estella, and Dolly's gaze passed over them disinterestedly. With a sigh that was more like a yawn, she reached down and procured a few items that she placed on top of the desk.

"Sure, why not. But after this I'm done for the day. Ever since the Guild in Calico was put under investigation by the Inquisition a couple of weeks ago cuz of that rumor about illegal quests being administered, everyone's been flocking to Hamlet like flies to dog crap."

Her eyes passed to Meat, one of her hands held firmly by Vernal in case she got distracted and wandered off. The dog Beastkin tilted her head at the sudden attention, obviously having not paid attention to anything going on thus far.

Where she'd intended to apologize for the analogy, Dolly discarded the idea when it was clear that the girl didn't even have the capacity to take offense to it. "Well it's certainly made my workload increase, that's for sure. And it's damn annoying. I only got around eighteen hours of sleep these last few days. Can you believe it? EIGHTEEN. And I spent most of my shift just registering Adventurers from Calico."

"Sounds rough," Vernal nodded sympathetically. "At the very least, these two ain't Adventurers. They're green--don' know much about how all this works."

"Hmm, fine. At least it's a change of pace. We haven't had any real newbies in a long while." Dolly slid one of the items, a large thick tome, over to them, along with a quill and ink to write with. The book was open to a page filled with names listed one after the next in a grid-like pattern, with other information such as age, measurements, and Guild rank listed next to them. Meat's own name and information was the last in the list--the latest to be filled in among the group:

Meat: [Real name: Unknown ("Meat" derived from her former title as a slave)] [Age: 8 (roughly)] [Gender: Female] [Race: Beastkin (Dog subspecies)] [Former occupation(s): Slave (Meat)] [Notable Skills: Extremely agile and strong; Acute sense of sight, smell, and hearing]

"I wanted to make a Guild registry using magic since it'd be easier to manage and update, but Guild regulations say there needs to be a physical copy as well. Write your names and relevant information in the two lowest free spaces and pass it back." she instructed as she turned away to dig through a drawer behind her.

"Hmp." Sunny couldn't help a stiffened chuckle at the mention of Calico, despite the news. Had everything gone swimmingly, she would be there by now fencing off ancient trinkets and priceless heirlooms centuries old, instead of paddling in a neck high tide she had no business diving into. No way to learn how to swim otherwise... Just sign right here, and take the plunge into becoming an Adventurer! Oh, how her sisters would cackle and snicker.

She lingered on that free space, drifting up to the choppy block text of that latest entry. Me-eat. She sounded them out slowly in a breathy whisper, curiosity getting to her as she placed some meaning to the symbols. After becoming aware of the lengthy pause after Dolly's invitation to sign, Sunny gave a small embarrassed wave. "I'm not the smart one in the partnership. Can't read." She gave a toothy smile before motioning Estella to the fat ledger. "Could you help me out? Just fill in our names on these spaces here..." Sunny eyed that entry as she guided Estella through. Slave. Meat. As she thought.

She knew from the collar, of course. Most know the bonds of Eprelia's slaves, even if the exact color of their caste was less so. Still, there'd been some hold out that her soon-to-be partner wasn't a slave owner. It was silly to think it a fashion statement, but hey, she's seen sillier.

She turned to Vernal, and let her thumb ride the pages' ends from top to bottom. "What place are we? 600? Where's your name in this big boy?"

'Eh?? Eh??' Estella's face was one of surprise as she was guided to stand in front of the large tome, the question marks practically visible above her head at the unexpected situation. Almost without thinking, she removed the quill pen from the ink container and neatly printed her name on the second free space, and Sunny's above it. Even in the midst of her panicking, she'd had enough sense to ensure that Sunny's name had gone before hers.

As she started filling in the other information, Vernal shrugged her shoulders. "Ain't gotta clue. I think there's somethin' like two or three hundred names in there. Hamlet ain't that big, so the AG don't have as many Adventurers as the bigger towns like Calico."

"You guys are 415 and 416," Dolly answered as she tossed a pair of cards onto the desk alongside the book. "And that's including those that have quit or died, since their names don't get erased. Still doesn't change the fact that our Guild has the lowest member count in Eprelia. Now if only it'd stay that way..." She muttered the last part before pointing to the cards. "Anyway, those are your Guild Cards. Think of them like personal identification for Adventurers. Some towns will offer rewards and freedoms for Adventurers that most people don't get, like access to restricted areas, discounts at stores, and the like. It also displays your name and Guild rank. I've already put a spell on it, so just pick up the card and it'll read the information you put into the registry and fill out on its own."

After her lengthy explanation, Dolly threw her head back in a large yawn as her rabbit ears twitched this way and that. "Fuaaaa...~ So...that's basically it. Welcome to the Hamlet Adventurers' Guild. We hope you continue to support us by taking on quests and ranking up as much as possible, and we humbly look forward to working with you~" Almost before she'd finished speaking, she'd crossed her arms over the desk and nuzzled her cheek into the makeshift pillow as she shut her eyes. "You guys don't mind if I take a quick nap while you're filling it out, right? Niiiight...~"

*Snore* *Snore*

She'd fallen asleep so quickly that it was honestly hard to tell if she might have been faking it. Vernal let out a chuckle as she raised her free arm behind her head. "That's Dolly fer ya. Guess she musta reached 'er limit. Ah well, the rest shouldn't be so hard to finish on our own. How's it comin' along, darlin'?" she asked Estella.

The girl in question had long gone into full-concentration mode as she scribbled various bits of information into the book. Not only had she accurately guessed Sunny's height and weight, but her own section was full of a plethora of things about her.

Estella: [Real name: Estella (No last name)] [Age: 8] [Gender: Female] [Race: Vam Human] [Former occupation(s): None] [Notable Skills: Reading and writing, Labor]

About halfway through, she seemed to realize something and began changing all of the information that linked her to being a Vampire. The age space that had been left blank at first had been filled with the same age as Meat's, and the 'Notable Skills' section had been filled with the tasks Sunny had described earlier during their conversation at the table. In addition, both of their Guild ranks had been written as 'F-rank', which she'd added to match those of everyone else on the page.

Once she was done, she picked up the book to show it to Sunny and Vernal, a big smile pulling at her lips as she proudly displayed her work.