Helena was outside in the grounds, working with a wooden doll.  She much preferred hand-to-hand than sword fighting, but she practiced both regardless.  Her right forearm hit one of the upper sticks while her left arm "blocked" a possible rib shot.  The vampire repeated this, only in reverse, her left arm struck and her right blocked.

The sounds of Mahzun's killed broke her concentration, making her miss the post and stumble.  She had heard the screams of his victims many times, but they were still surprising every time.  Everyone's screams were different, everyone's pain different.  She took a deep breath and continued to work with the post, increasing her speed as she continued.  The sound of the wood knocking against her arms clicked across the grounds.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Adam took a bucket of water and poured them in the troughs for the horses.  He knew ordinary horses liked to be awake during the day and sleeping at night, but this species had been bred for hundreds of years to be more nocturnal.  The man grabbed another bucket, now feeding each horse oats and other grains.  There was nothing he loved more than taking care of the horses and considered himself lucky to have his dream job.

Screams echoed from the castle and Adam knew these were from Mahzun.  He didn't flinch, but a few horses bucked up and reared, flailing their hooves in the air.  "Shh shh shh!" Adam said, holding his hands our and clicking his teeth a bit.  The horses calmed a bit, but still stirred.  He went to each startled one, petting its face and whispering it comforts.  They didn't understand him, but that was okay because the tone of his voice calmed them.  "Better now?" Adam chuckled, patting the nearest one.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Diane walked through the city, carefully noticing everyone.  She noticed a girl innocently splash in a puddle, a woman enter a store, purse ready to have money taken out of it, a man sitting on the corner singing.  He didn't seem homeless or in in need of help, more singing for others to hear.  Regardless, Diane tossed a coin at him, causing it to land on the rim of his hat.  "Thanks!"  This was the city she loved and strived to keep safe with everything she did.