After the cup of Aaerynn’s strange mixture and a bowl of broth, Serna felt a bit better. The pounding in her head had receded to a dull throb and she was able to lean back a bit more comfortably. Setna however continued to buzz around her like a mother hen, checking her forehead, fiddling with her pillows and blankets and constantly asking her if she needed anything else. Eventually she looked at him with a smile. “I’m alright Set. You don’t have to do this.”

The boy frowned as he finally sat down and gave her a disapproving look. “You nearly died. Of course I have to do this. The amount of magic you let go of nearly killed you. And why didn’t you tell me it was building up like that in the first place?”

Serna grimaced at his tone of voice, while her small hands fiddled with the blanket that covered her lap. She bit her lip as the guilt ate away at her. Either way she was a burden. Nothing she did was ever right. How long was her life going to make her brother suffer? 

“I’m sorry.” She said it softly, her voice cracking.

She felt her eyes water and she clenched them shut, trying not to cry. Setna turned wide eyed at the reaction and immediately grabbed his sister’s hands. “Hey...hey...c’mon Serie, don’t cry. It’s going to be ok. I didn’t mean that. It’s going to be ok, I promise. I was just…I was so worried. I thought I lost you and…I couldn’t deal with that. I’m sorry. It’s going to be ok. Just smile, ok?”

Serna looked up at her brother and the tears overflowed. Setna lost his voice at that and instead wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly, burying his face in her hair. “It’s going to be ok Serie. I promise. We’re gonna get through this.”

The girl clutched at her brother. “How?” Her voice cracked as she held in her sobs. “What if it happens again?”

“It won’t.” This time Setna pulled back, his hands on his sister’s shoulders. His face held that stupid look of determination he usually had when he figured something out. Or was about to do something reckless.

Serna just stared at him, sniffling quietly and wiping her eyes. “It won’t?”

Setna grinned. “You’re not the only magic user. Tirian is too. You should have seen it! Fire came straight out of his hands and boom!”
The boy clapped his hands together. “A troll was toast!”

Serna just blinked as she stared at her brother in confusion. Setna became more hyper as he remembered the events of the fight. “And he says he was just like you! The first time he used magic it was a burst like that. And he got taught magic later in life and look what he’s like now! He’s super powerful, and he said he’d be willing to teach you!”
At that, the teenaged girl paled before looking down at her lip. “Girls can’t use barrier magic Setna. We aren’t supposed to, and it would just be a waste of time. We shouldn’t bother Sir Tirian’s time like that.”

Setna took his sister’s hand and squeezed it. “C’mon Serie. At least let him teach you some basics that way it won’t build up and if you ever use it, it won’t burst out like it did. You have to try. We’re not in Syndarea anymore, screw the stupid laws, ok?”

Serna glanced back at her brother, her face revealing her uncertainty and nervousness. Setna just gave his cheeky grin, knowing she’d have to give in to him. “C’mon,” He said. “We’ll train together! If Elrithos’ offer still stands, we’ll train side by side. You with magic, and me with swords. It’ll be fun!”

He was so eager and happy, Serna didn’t want to say no. She bit her lip a bit until she finally conceded. “Ok…But I want to talk to Sir Tirian first…”

“Yes!” Setna shot a fist in the air in triumph.

Serna sighed and hoped that this wasn’t a mistake. There had to be a reason women weren’t allowed to practice barrier magic. That’s why there were laws and punishments. The young girl had already gone through enough pain, she wasn’t exactly looking forward to having to face any more of it. But if it made her brother happy and if Sir Tirian didn’t mind….

Serna frowned, but she let it go as she looked at her brother who was rather pleased with himself. He grinned at her and suddenly stood, feeling triumphant. “Do you want anything from the kitchen? I’m gonna get something to eat!”

The girl shook her head and smiled gently as her brother practically bounced out of the room. Once he was gone, Serna frowned once more. What was she going to do? What could she do? Her small hands clutched the blanket. If only there was a way her brother could return home, safely, and not as a traitor. It was obvious that she was meant to die. The signs were obvious. She was full of magic that would kill whether she kept it in or used it.

Her head was beginning to hurt with her overthinking and she leaned back against the dozens of pillows her brother had set up for her. Perhaps now wasn’t the time to think of such things. She should just focus on the now. And right now she wished she had something to change into. The white dress of the religious sect was now stained with blood and torn in places. It also felt sticky and Serna would give anything for a bath.

But that was when she noticed the package. Her foot bumped and as she opened her eyes she finally noticed the neatly wrapped package that sat at the foot of the bed. Slowly the girl sat up and reached out to it, bringing it closer and began unwrapping the parchment paper.

Inside was a dark navy dress, just a shade darker than her hair. It was soft to the touch and well made. Serna felt her eyes fill with tears at the sight of it, and she finally began to cry as she buried her face into the cloth.

---------

Aaerynn submerged herself into the warm bath water, slinking down until her head was completely under. She sat like that for a good while, hearing her heart thud in her ears as bubbles of air crept out from between her lips. 

Whenever she would do this, she would often think about what it would be like to die like this. Submerged in warm bath water until all the oxygen left her lungs, until nothing was left at all. 

Eventually she sat up, breathing in air as she ran a hand through her hair. She was full of excitement, so much so that for once she was able to forget the rot in her chest. She had a mission and a purpose: to trick, flirt, and make as much money as possible.

She stepped out of the bath water, drying herself off with a few rags, and wrapping a large one around her body as she tiptoed out of the bathing room and back towards her own room. Thankfully the old pervert of a dwarf was nowhere to be seen. 

Once inside she began opening the parcels that she had bought earlier in the day, revealing parts to a white dress. It had long bell sleeves, petticoats and long skirts. The bodice though, was what she was most excited for. It was a deep wine color, and was pulled together by black cords. 

The wood elf knew her audience. In the hundred or so years of conning people out of their money, drunken men were the easiest. The pattern never changed. They all wanted the same thing, the sanctity and submission of the virgin, and the sexual prowess of the whore. To get the most attention, you always needed a bit of both, and Aaerynn knew how to deliver.

Sure, she’d have to deal with indecent touching, and disgusting language, but it would be like taking items from children. All she had to remember was to never get caught by their grips and to always be prepared.

The wood elf dried her hair and dressed herself. She unrolled a few of her secret weapons, a small jar of pigment and a pair of earrings. She painted her lips and hooked the earrings in as she began to pin up her hair. It was like a ceremony. 

Once she was finally dressed and ready, she strapped her elven dagger to her upper thigh, making sure the skirts concealed it entirely. Next she attached a leather strap, which had inserts for three vials, onto her forearm, close to her elbow. One vial was her strongest made sedative and tranquilizer, the second vial’s contents became smoke when it hit the air, and the third vial was a corrosive substance capable of burning through clothing and into the skin.

The final touch was adding rose and lavender oil to her pulse points, the rose to smell sweet and the lavender to soothe.

She was ready.

-------

As she stepped outside of the inn, Aaerynn immediately displayed the elegance of the rich woman and the allure of the coquette. Her usually wild blonde hair was now pulled back into an intricate up do, with a few strands that curled and framed her face. Her full lips were painted with a red pigment, and dangling from her elvish ears was a pair of gold earrings, shaped like rain drops. The bodice of her otherwise white dress was a deep maroon with a neckline that plunged down just enough to reveal the slight curve of her breasts but hid the rest. Her neck and collarbones were left bare, just enough to entice. Her bodice curved along her slim waist before it met the flow of her white skirts. 

Aaerynn knew her market, and she knew it well.

She expressed a touch of coyness, and an elegance that was contested against her fiery blue eyes. She gave away, and yet hid the perfect amount of skin. It was the right amount of prudery and lewdness that was meant to entice and allure. She’d have no trouble selling tonight. 

She shut the door to the inn, adjusting the strap of her satchel that hung by her side, filled to the brim with vials and jars of lotion and salve. She finally picked up her eyes to see Vordan standing and waiting for her. Her eyebrows raised in slight awe at the cleaned up scribbler, free from all the armor and leather straps. He actually looked like a rich man, like he was worth a lot of money. She hadn’t expected him to actually look this good, and it would certainly help the set up.

She stepped closer to him, giving him a once over. One of her eyebrows quirked up as her eyes and face shone with her amusement and curiosity. 

“Not bad.” Her lips were trying not to smile. "I'm actually surprised."

She didn't mean it in a cold or mean way, but she was obviously amused.

--Whistling a gentle tune, he was leaning against the walls of the Inn, looking around and waving at the young, lovely ladies walking around. He had a keen eye for many things, and women were one of them. A few young maidens had walked by, their flattering smiles stretching as they crossed his path. Of course, Vordan wouldn’t even dare start a conversation or even get lured into another event. He wouldn’t let Aaerynn down, especially not when he could make some money and a few new recipes.

He also is keeping a look out for damn thieves that would want to swipe his pouch off… His eyes were wondering the streets for a little while. Well, until his eyes fell upon the one he was waiting for. Well I’ll be damned by the creator… She reminded him of the Wood Elves he visited in the North of Furus: Elegant and beautiful beings. It went as much for the men as the women. His whistling stopped as that grand smile rose, a light chuckle escaping his lips.

[b]‘’As surprised as I am to see you like you are right now. Wouldn’t think a dress would do you justice like that.’’[/b] He chuckled once more as he pushed himself off the wall. [b]‘’I am a gentleman at heart Aaerynn, and plus, I needed to make a good word for myself when I am not carrying a sword and a crossbow.’’[/b] His eyes turned away from her, watching those eyes wondering upon them. They would surely be prime targets.—

Gently holding the edge of her skirt, she curtsied for him. "I assure you I'm a woman beneath it all."

She was a little bit pleased with herself for making a joke. She was getting excited. It may have been deceiving and greedy and selfish, but it was fun. It was like putting a mask on where she didn't have to be herself. She wasn't a wood elf, dying from grief and guilt. She wasn't Aaerynn Lightweld, the fool, the whore, the adulteress, the victim or the heartbroken. She was someone completely different. She could revel in dresses and perfume. She could enjoy doing her hair, wearing jewelry and applying makeup. She could flirt and sell and trick. It was nice, for once. 

But the amusement simmered down as she noticed Vordan's cautious glances towards the people around them. Her lips pursed slightly as she adjusted the strap once more on her satchel and gave him a curious look. "I hope you aren't unarmed... It's also not very wise to carry that bag on your belt, I'd be careful if I were you."

Her eyes held a hint of teasing as her lips tilted up into a slight smile.

--Well, wasn’t she just a different person. No cold-hearted comments, no being stuck-up, nothing of the sort. It was a pleasant surprise and a well appreciated one. He couldn’t help but to keep a great smile on his face as he stopped looking around. His hand reached inside his vest, pulling out only the hilt to show. [b]“Never leave anywhere without one… And even without a blade, I am always armed.”[/b] He winked at her and set it back.

[b]“Besides, a nasty surprise awaits anyone who tries to steal my pouch… But that is a later story. How about we go to this place you speak of, Lady Aaerynn?”[/b]—

Aaerynn quirked an eyebrow in curiosity at the mention of a nasty surprise. But she let it be, the scribbler was filled with surprises anyway. She was glad he was intelligent enough to be prepared. "Very well. It's not too far from the market. Do you mind if I take your arm?"

It would be easier to express that he was indeed her escort that way, and Aaerynn knew the risks. She knew very well the dangers of her sex, dressed up as she was. Tonight she'd have to deal with groping, harassment and lewd comments. But in a bar she could control her setting. On the streets, the last thing she wanted to do was get caught before she even made it there. She could take care of herself, but it would be a lot easier sticking close to the scribbler, who looked rich enough not to mess with.

--Vordan had many tricks up his sleeve, it was simply to wonder what crazy thing he had for this kind of situation. He had a lot of simple inventions for simple counter-measures in the city. From his coins to his backpack to his equipment, everything. He knew the tricks of the trade himself, so he could be prepared for them.

At her request, he simply nodded and approached, presented his arm. [b]“Please, Lady Aaerynn, it would be my great pleasure.”[/b] Again, a light hearted laugh escaped his lips. He had a good idea what he had walked into, but it was a question of how hurt he would be in the end. [b]‘’ I imagine you have no idea who the people inside are?’[/b]’—

Aaerynn took his arm in her own and began leading Vordan to their destination. Her eyebrows furrowed in thought as she contemplated his question. Finally she answered, "No. I wasn't allowed to even take a peek."

She thought over what was in her bag and the last impression of the bar. Generally a bar wasn't the best place to set up business anyway, but it was certainly the easiest. "My only advice is to try not to piss anyone off, don't get too drunk and stay away from women."

Aaerynn looked up at him with a teasing smile but it faded as she weighed the seriousness of the situation. "If you get caught into trouble, feel free to bail. I'm paying you to escort me. You don't have to play baby sitter or wait around if you wish to leave. I'd rather you not get hurt, and please try not to put yourself into that position, alright?"

--Her answer only made it clear that whatever what inside the establishment they were heading to, Vordan would have to be careful with everything he does and says. That would prove to be quite a challenge for someone who usually speaks his mind. Yet, it did not worry him one second. IT would be one of those nights…

As she mentioned a few tips to not get into trouble, he couldn’t help but think that at least one of those things would happen. It was clear that this would be one hell of a night. And so, his smile only grew wider. Even her serious comment had not flinched away his expression. [b]“Please, do I look like a man who gets himself in trouble?”[/b] Of course, there was a hint of sarcasm as he looked behind them then back forward.

[b]“But do not worry about me. I have a plan for every problem that can show itself. It is not the first time I go ‘steal’ some coins from these kinds of people.”[/b] —

Aaerynn was surprised to hear that. "A veteran, I see."

Vordan was turning into quite an interesting person. His introduction had been strange, hatred for the twins, detachment, and his head stuck in his book. But there were more layers under the surface. He was funny, and inquisitive. He also smiled a lot and laughed. She hadn't seen it before. But then again, it wasn't like her introduction to the group was any better. It was probably about the same. 

"You're certainly interesting." She complimented him, as they drifted through the market, and began to hit the alleyways. She was surprised the words even came out of her lips, and her back straightened a bit. Perhaps she was hitting her character too early. Or maybe she was doing as her brother suggested, and changing just a bit.

--[b]“Well, when I couldn’t get a contract for my mercenary skills, I had to get my money somehow. And honest work is for those who want to make their lives harder.”[/b] Oddly enough, like he had said, he has never sold any of his inventions or creations. The reason was simple enough when you understood that everything he made was magic. Tools created from the hands of a Maker was priceless years back, but now, it seemed to either be very rare or the items found were destroyed for obvious reasons. 

With her comment, he couldn’t help but look down upon with a soft, gentle smile. [b]“Well, under the plates, the leather and the creations, I am still a human being who enjoys life… Although your proving to be quite the lady yourself Aaerynn. The contrast from before the other night and now is quite remarkable. You are a lot more approachable with a smile.”[/b] He didn’t mean that in an insulting way, but she probably understood what he meant. They alleyways were dark, but it was nothing Vordan wasn’t used to. He had a pretty particular past, but nothing that would traumatize him. He simply had it rough for a year or two before really going off into mercenary work.—

Aaerynn blinked and found herself speechless at his words. She didn't know what to say. More approachable, huh?

She frowned as she rubbed her scar with her free hand. There was a time when she used to be like this, where she smiled often and laughed even more. But look what being approachable gave her, nothing but fear, guilt and grief. The rot inside her had turned quiet with the excitement of the upcoming excursion but at her thoughts it pulsed, pushing against her skin and lungs. It was like a constant reminder, keeping her stuck in the tangled web of the past, so she could never forget. So she could never move on.

The wood elf shook her head silently, pushing everything down into her gut. "Well, you can't exactly sell anything without a smile. The easiest way to trick someone is to act like you are the kindest being in the land. Being approachable with smiles, garners quick trust. They won't expect you to betray them."

She was frowning as she said the words, her mind in another place and another time. But she pulled it back, a small smile returning. "We should be there soon. There."

Aaerynn pointed to a large sign, lit up by old lanterns and revealing the name Luck's Sanctum with large cursive lettering.

--Vordan noticed the sudden change in moods. Yes, he was good at reading people, per say. And when she reached to her scar, pieces started to come together. The affliction, that curse she bared… It seemed that every time her past or an allusion to her past surfaced, she became a lot more closed and fragile. He wondered if… These ideas were set aside. It wasn’t time to think like that. They needed to have a little bit of fun.

He lifted his head back up, his smile still on his lips and he listened to her explanation. True, a small was always needed. She knew what she was doing and he actually found that amusing. Very rarely do elves from the forests do these kinds of things. And so, he nodded to confirm he was listening and looked forward. He could see the place in question before she pointed it out.

[b]“Alright. Once were inside, I imagine you will be going up. Don’t get caught up in things in there and if anything happens, I’ll be making good money on the tables.”[/b] He simply said as they approached. The man at the door seemed to give them a second look, but Vordan continued smiling. [b]“Heard there’s good games for coins in here. Minimum amount of currency needed or do I simply walk in and make the money I want?”[/b] The man at the door seemed taken aback by his direct words. [b]“Entrance fee and then you do whatever the heck you want.”[/b]—

"What's the fee?" Aaerynn asked as she poked her head around the taller Vordan, to look at the guard. 

She watched as the man's eyes narrowed, scrutinizing her appearance and wondering if he had seen her before. She just smiled, stepping into character as easily as slipping on a mask. The guard seemed disgruntled and looked away. "Just 2. 4 fer the both of ya."

Aaerynn kept a smile on as she proceeded to get the entry fee out of her cleavage, for the both of them. She dropped the coins into the guard's hand and gave a saucy smile. "Enjoy."

She then led Vordan inside, holding his arm firmly for a second as she stepped into the bar. It was larger inside then what she had expected. There was a large bar set up along one wall, while the rest of the room was filled with tables. Most were being used for gambling, card games and craps, while the others held parties drinking together. Women loitered around, table to table, all made up like porcelain dolls and wearing dresses that didn't leave much to the imagination. It was loud with talking and yelling, as well as music being played by a few musicians boxed into a corner of the room. The wood elf looked up at the mercenary beside her. "Well, shall this be where we split up? Should we have a meeting time or would you like to leave at our own discretion?"

--Two each? That was it? It was an easy deduction that whatever the costs in there were pretty high. Not that it mattered that much, but it would mean a little less money at the end of the night. He needed a few drinks in him to make things interesting. And so, he was about to reach to pay at least his part of the fees, but Aaerynn simply pulled some out from her cleavage. Well, at least she had her role down. 

They entered the Luck’s Sanctum and immediately, that smile turned into a grin. Oh the ways he could make money that night. Of course, he could see who the hired muscle in case of trouble was and they were definitely under control of one of the people playing cards. The who was the question. He looked back down at Aaerynn and smiled.

[b]“Do what you have to do. I’ll keep an eye on the door for whenever you leave. If you don’t come back after a few hours, I’ll come check up on you… If the drinks haven’t gone down too much. Good luck.”[/b]—

Aaerynn bowed her head slightly, a new type of smile gracing her lips. “You as well.”

She let go of his arm and made her way to her first stop of the night, the bar.