The Artist's Sketchbook

[Flannery]

Unlucky Arrival

It has been a few weeks now, since Flannery had arrived. Oh, how mad she had gotten, as those dimwits of dock-workers dropped her precious two wooden chests into the harbour basin. All her costumes, her instruments, the stage equipment and her trickery gadgets and accessories – all gone for good.

She came here to put on a show, to entertain and amaze people. But now, she was ruined. It would take her ages to replace everything, that’s for sure. But she also could not leave and return to Gynk empty-handed. All she had left, was what she was wearing and little coin. She had to do it the hard way and start all over. For now, she was stuck with doing menial jobs…

[Flannery]

Luckily, people here weren’t what she was used to from Gynk, at all. She had met some people who were willing to help, some did not even ask for something in return, like this druid, Yridia, who was obviously all lovey-dovey with a man named Guir. But she also met some crafters who were willing to give her a good deal for what she would need to restore her equipment.

Now, she took her time to sketch her costumes. The first one to restore would be an ensemble she used to wear as a dancer…

[Flannery]

The past days had been quite busy – and interesting! She spent most of her time collecting materials, mainly rare herbs, she could trade with the countess for her stage outfits. She couldn’t wait to try the first outfit, since she received a letter to meet her, in order to do so. However, she hadn’t been able cross paths with her, yet. What a strange deal anyway, and even more strange: having a countess as her tailor! That was something new!

On top of that, she had met a man who obviously had fallen for her, instantly. Oh, yes, again! They didn’t call her flirty Flannery for nothing, back then, with the showman gang. She didn’t want to hurt him, so she told him right away, she might fly away again, someday. But he seems to be eager… Well, at least, the whole story inspired her to a new song…

Now, she was sitting in Runewick’s tavern with a good cup of wine, working on the next sketch…

[Flannery]

Mas… Sheerina once told her, she considered Mas to be an inspiration for an artist and it certainly was in a way. But to Flannery, it mainly meant dark and depressing, even shocking motives for the most part. Subjects, she experienced enough in her life and didn’t want to share with her audience. Fortunately, the days of blood passed Runewick rather quietly. However, she chose to remain within the safety of the library, as she had been advised by Aswe, who did an awesome job removing the little scar crossing the left side of her torso, after an unfortunate visit with Cherga.

Sitting at the Inn again, she shooed her dark thoughts away, preferring to work on a new sketch…

[Flannery]

The lights of the candles flickered, tinting the tavern in a warm glow. Flannery was sitting at a table in the corner, letting the past weeks travel back and forth in her mind. Raxus, the man who seemed to had fallen for her was gone, leaving her a letter about a going on a journey of which he never returned. She chuckled to herself. Normally, it was her, flying away, so being left was something rare.

Her attempts to find an audience to perform a little had been futile. Either she felt like being unwanted or people just didn’t seem to like to be entertained. A new and admittedly, slightly frustrating experience.

However, she also met some interesting new faces as well. There was Sigumari, the warrior with a dark past pressing on him, struggling to leave it behind. True, showing him her true self might have been a risk, but she felt he was in need of the help of the veils… and he made a quite good drinking buddy.

And then there was this elf in Galmair, Renar. She had to admit, she enjoyed the time with him in a refreshing way. Not only had they shared some stories but she felt understood – maybe for the first time in decades. She was looking forward to see him again…

Emptying her cup of wine, she took out her drawing supplies, to sketch out her next costume for the show…

[Flannery]

Shadows of truth

Flannery was just out in the woods, gathering wool from those stubborn sheep of Runewick. Again, one of those damn menial tasks but it brought her some coin which she was really in need for. A lot had happened in the past months… lots of it rather unpleasant und she had been glad to be able to flee Gynk and the shadows of her dark secret once more and return to Illarion, even if she felt like dying of boredom, as her day had turned into less more than a daily training routine of her artistic skills. Well, that was until she had a most interesting encounter…. Reflecting the past days bewitched her lips with a mysterious smile.

The cracking sound of a twig under a boot called her back to reality. She turned on her heels and the smile on her lips just died as she saw the broad shouldered figure, right in front of her. How was he able to sneak up on her like that? She jumped backwards – or tried to – but it was as if the dark hulk was able to read her very movement in advance. He smirked under his deep drawn, black hood and grabbed for her arm in an incredibly fast move. Before she even knew, she found herself in his grasp, his heavy gloved hand holding her by the throat as he turned her left arm on her back. Surprised, she took a sharp breath as he was holding her by her still slightly injured wrist. She tried to break free by wiggling out of his grasp and tricking her way out, as she had done so many times, before.

“Don’t even think of it, little angel…”

His voice was a mere whisper but as cold as ice. Flannery froze that very instant, her eyes widening in sudden panic. It was him?? Why was he here? Her resistance faded instantly, yet he did not give her free but instead tightened the grasp on her twisted arm, drawing a suppressed sound of pain from her lips. She knew very well, there was no way to escape, and even if she did, her punishment would be even worse.

“Why? There was no message, no order… I did not neglect….”

“Silence! You know exactly why I’m here.
Do you really expect me to believe there are no solicitants on this cursed peninsula?
You were not sent here to play the happy entertainer!
Was the last lesson not enough?!”

His words made her unconsciously reach for her thigh with her free hand, right to the spot where there were still faint traces of bruises, right over her knee. Traces of the chain, he had wrapped around her leg, back when she was summoned to Gynk by the Veils – wrapped around so tight, that every single link of the chain had been visible for almost a month.

“I see you remember…”

He whispered right into her ear, with a dark chuckle.
Defiance flicked within her eyes for a moment as she found back to her cheeky, daring manner.

“You are a Blade of the Veils!
You serve the Veils as I do!
We serve a greater cause!
Not to satisfy your damn bloodthirst!
If I tell…”

He grumbled in anger and twisted her arm further up behind her back. The young woman gritted her teeth in agony. Just a bit more and it would break, that she was sure of. His low, cold whisper turned into a hissing.

“Shut up! Don’t you dare to contact them beyond my back!
Don’t think, you are not watched!
I don’t care for the rules!
Who do you think would the inner circle believe, hm?
You are nothing!”

She felt the cold metal of his heavy glove tightening the grasp around her throat to the point when she could barely breath anymore. His ice cold whisper pierced her mind like a knife.

“Hide behind your silly masquerade as much as you like!
You can’t change who you are!
Never forget who you belong to…
and to whom you own obedience!”

With those words he tossed her onto the forest ground. Her vision was getting blurry for a moment and she was catching for breath, coughing. Without any further word, he vanished as sudden as he had appeared…

[Flannery]

Flickering candles drew dancing shadows on the wall of the tavern. Students were enjoying their free time over some wine and games of dice, filling the room with their low voiced chitchats. Flannery was sitting over her sketchbook and was barely able to focus, which was highly uncommon for her. It has been only a few days, and yet, so much had happened. During all those years, she never forged any bonds, friendships, yet alone relationships. Always free like a bird, she never had settled down. She never had stayed long in one place and certainly never allowed anyone to get close to her. Always escaping before anyone could really reach to her. Not that anyone had ever really cared for her anyway, before. It had always been just games, distractions, so she could forget about the shadows of her secrets.

That had always been her only way…
She always denied herself to have any feelings for anyone.
It was dangerous and must not be…
And that’s it!

Right?

She browsed through her sketches, until she reached an empty page which was only holding two dried blossoms:
A Heartblood and a Tybald Star.
A soft smile crossed her lips for a moment.

Wait! What?
What was she even thinking?! She should know better and leave, right away and for good!

But…
The memory of last night kept lingering on her...

She took her quill and began to write.
As so often, it felt like her feelings were just flowing onto the parchment…

[Flannery]

Old Wounds

The hour before sunrise is the darkest, they say… and as so often, this was exactly how it felt. Yet, darkness was not necessarily something bad. Sure, horrors may dwell within, but it could also be a welcome blanket that covers what we don’t want to see or just want to forget. Darkness was indeed most welcome to Flannery, today.

Actually, her visit in Cadomyr should have made her absolutely happy. She made a quite good deal with Inara, which would relieve her financial problems for a while. And, even more importantly, the Countess had finished all her long lost costumes, some of them even more pretty than her old ones and on top, she gave her a pretty good deal on them. All was perfect. A day that would have called for a bottle of wine to celebrate.

If it wasn’t for the Countess, who suddenly opened long banished wounds…

Why by the gods did she have to ask her about that cursed slave traders guild? Seeing the drawing of their emblem brought back memories she thought to have banished in the deepest corner of her mind. But suddenly it all came back. Their so called hunters, catching her… more than once… their so called trainers… which she preferred to call mind breakers. Men who relied on various methods to train an obedient slave.

The countesses’ questions did not make it better.

If she would welcome that slave trading means a death sentence in Cadomyr?
For those hunter and mind breakers, certainly! They even made children like her going through hell without any sign of a heart, back then…

If she would agree that it should be a clean, quick death and not the same level of cruelty, they rely on?
Of course! No one should turn into a monster to punish a monster for it would make you the same!
True justice is not in the hands of the living, anyway, but awaits everyone, once they cross the veils for good!

Why all those odd questions anyway?
It just had brought back all the hatred and pain.
Memories she had banished over a 100 years ago, just to drown them in rum, now.

As she heard steps in the sand, she jumped of her feet, bringing the crackling fire between herself and the broad-shouldered man who was approaching. The man gave her a cold gaze from under his black hood. His voice was low and threatening.

“I hope you did summon me into this damn desert for a good reason, little angel…”

Knowing it was wiser to be obedient, she dropped on one knee and lowered her gaze.

“Yes, Master Blade.
I found a solicitant.”

She held out several parchments to him, without looking at him, but it took her all, to swallow her boiling defiance and disgust.

“The old man had lost his whole family to a Moshran Cult, who took them by force. It is most likely, that they were used as a sacrifice.
The inner circle has already approved. Your target can be found South West of the Citadel that lies West of the Hemp Nightie, somewhere in the underground.
These are the details.”

The dark, giant man snatched the parchments from her and as he studied them, his lips curled into a cruel, cold grin.

“Very well, they shall meet their punishment.
Too bad that it has to be nice and quick…
You are useful, for a change…
But don’t get too cozy in your new life, here!”

“Yes, Master Blade…”

She gritted her teeth, as he vanished into the darkness, just to let out a breath of relief.

Oh, how much she hated this!
She never wanted to be a servant of the Veils.
And that man was no longer a truthful Blade of the Veils, no loyal servant to the Grey Mistress!
In fact, she was sure, he had never been.
But there was nothing she could do.

She was just an Emissary, not a Blade…

[Flannery]

Threats

The light of the oil lamp had died and her senses felt dull. Flannery was somewhere between asleep and awake. Where was “here” again? Her eyes tried to pierce the darkness and as she tried to sit up, the sharp pain between her ribs brought back the memory. Right… She was at Runewick hospital. Malchus had carried her here after he had found her at the Hemptie Inn and Aswe had stitched her up, there. Why Aswe had been there, she could not remember, nor how Malchus came to find her there. She felt dizzy and the details were blurred. What had even happened? Pictures flashed up within her mind. A cave... Ratmen… Pain… darkness… the Hemp and Half-hung Bryan looking at her…

Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted as she heard a door and heavy steps from the room next door. Was it Malchus, coming to check on her? No… this were not his steps... these were…

Panic flashed up from deep within her. She tried to get up, her gaze searching for a way out, a place to hide, but it was too late. With a hard grip, a heavy hand pushed her down, sealing her mouth and smothering the low scream of pain on her lips.

“My, my…. Little angel… You are so silly…”

With a cold grin, the broad-shouldered man with the deep dark hood pressed her into the pillow and his other hand pressed on the stitched wound on her side, drawing a low sound of agony from her.

“What were you thinking?
Did you really even think you coud handle those rats on your own?
Or that I would leave you alone when you are wounded?
Ohhh! Wait! You did not do this on purpose, did you?!”

Her eyes widened in panic and she struggled to break free, yet it had no use. She could feel the warm blood slowly oozing from her wound and she secretly prayed the stitches would hold. He pressed on the wound once more and if he would not have kept her mouth shot, one would have heard her screaming outside. He just grumbled lowly and with an ice-cold voice.

“Useless little bitch!
Better recover fast…
And remember your job!
Or I will have to search on my own…
Got it?!”

With that he let go of her and she could hear his heavy steps, as her vision was getting blurry from the pain. And as sudden and secretly as he had come, he vanished again…

[Flannery]

The investigator

Deep down within the endless maze of the catacombs of Gynk, five hooded figures in grey robes had gathered under the eyes of the giant statue of Cherga. The mistress of the grey veils was watching over them, as a woman in black kneeled within their midst.

“We had word that a town called Runewick on the peninsula of Illarion has requested our services by one of our Nightangels. Obviously, they are dealing with a cruelsome murderer, spreading terror, pain and fear.”, one of the figures, obviously a man, had raised his voice.

“Though it might be rare, we decided to follow their call and will send you to investigate the matter. As one of our most promising Blades, you should be capable to handle whatever you will find.”, another one of them, an older woman, according to the voice, continued.

“For now, you will only investigate and report back. Contact the Nightangel the usual way. She shall await your orders.”, the third took over. By his voice and stature, he might be dwarf in his elder years.

“There is another Blade on that peninsula. Be sure to get not in the way of his duties”, the figure to the most left continued with a low, almost whispering voice, yet clearly to be heard.

“You have your orders. Get on your way post haste.”, the woman in the middle ordered with a stern voice that did not leave any room for questions.

“Yes, Masters of the Veils!”, the woman in black answered obediently, keeping her gaze lowered until she arose in a smooth movement.
Pulling her hood deep into her face, she left the chamber of the Inner Circle with swift steps and a flying cloak…

[Flannery]

Flannery was sitting at the balcony of the inn of Runewick, her sketchbook lying in front of her, and a cup of nice wine right within reach. A warm summer breeze gently played with her copper red hair and down below in town, the daily life continued, while people were chatting in low voices at the depot, just as if nothing had changed…

But for her, everything had changed, ever since that fateful night under the stars, hidden by the grape vines. Her fingertips gently touched the slightly glowing topaz amulet that was dangling around her neck and a gentle smile danced on her lips. Never would she have thought to ever allow someone to do that, yet making such a decision.

A decision that changes everything.
A secret, so sweet and yet so dangerous.
Holding a kind of happiness she had always denied herself.
Yet, she was well aware, that a single false step of hers could put it all at risk.

She browsed to an empty page that was holding a single Firnis Blossom. Another sweet little memento on what had happened. Grabbing her quill, she began to write, as the wind seemed to whisper the words to her, along with tender memories…

[Flannery]

Endurance

Protected by the shadows of the night, Flannery directed her steps deeper into the woods north of Runewick. She had been avoiding the towns the past four days, as she had fulfilled her accursed duty. Suddenly, a hand was placed on her shoulder, forcefully turning her around with a cold, hard grip. Her eyes widened instantly. How by Cherga was that giant man able to sneak up on her like that?!

In reflex, she managed to wind out of his grip, trying to bring some distance between them with a backflip. But he closed in to her with incredible speed and her resistance earned her a direct hit in the face.

“Who do you think you are?!”, he shouted at her in anger.

Torn between fear and defiance deep within, she hardly managed to sort her thoughts, but her common sense regained control, just in time. She instantly lowered her gaze and dropped on one knee.

“Forgive me, Master Blade”, she said obediently, secretly gritting her teeth.

The giant, broad-shouldered man gave her a cruel, cold gaze, raising his hand once more.

“I found another solicitant”, she said quickly, having him stop in mid-move. Slowly, he lowered his hand, his cold gaze fixed on her, as he answered in a deep, low voice.

“Spit it out!”

“The woman had to flee Albar, ten years ago. Leaving behind her younger sister who got married to a cruel noble. Her sister had died under unclear circumstances, but the solicitant as well as the Veils are sure, he was behind her death. The Inner Circle has confirmed the target.”

She holds out a parchment to him which he quickly snatched from her to study it.

“So, the target is that lousy young noble, eh? Albar…”

She took a light breath, nodding, yet trying to hide her relief. If all would go well, this could maybe buy her enough time…

Suddenly, he grabbed her by the neck, pulling her up on her feet and even forcing her to stand on her toes, struggling for breath. Her eyes widened in panic as she stared at him, both of her hands clenching around his mighty wrist. Suddenly, she held her breath for a moment, as she spotted the small tattoo at the inner side of his left lower arm, showing a blade, yet he did not seem to notice. Instead he stared at her and his face was distorted by a cold grin of cruelty as he whispered to her with a voice that made her blood freeze in her veins.

“Just one more thing, little angel!
You are mine! Your useless life belongs to me!
Play as much as you like, but never forget that!
Or else, he will be next…”

With that he tossed her to the ground, leaving her shivering and catching for breath. She watched him disappearing in the darkness as clouds covered the moons. She gritted her teeth, her gaze piecing the night with boiling anger and defiance, as she reached into her bag, bringing up the topaz necklace, she had hidden away, to put it back on.

“I’m not!
And you won’t touch him!“

Slowly, she got on her feet, and what had yet just been considerations now fostered into a deep resolve…

[Flannery]

A New Blade

Early in the morning, dawn had yet not even cast the first light, Flannery quietly snuck her way out to get some fresh. It had been a night of restless sleep, as yesterday, one of her deepest fears had become reality.

She had been busted.

Her dark secret was no longer secret, at least to two people within Runewick. After hearing the dreadful truth, it was agreed to keep it confidential, since the consequence would be no other than death. Should the Veils learn about her breaking the codex, they would act accordingly and would not only execute her, but also leave no witnesses. However, her destiny lied within the hands of those two now and she could only wait for the decisions made.

Slowly, she sat down at the table on the terrace, wrapping her arms around herself. How could this have happened? More than 150 years, she had lived this life now. A travelling artist and performer in the bright light, an emissary of death within the shadows. One side of the coin had been her decision and was making her happy, while the other one had been forced on her, pulling her deeper down into the darkness with every cursed deed in the name of the Veils.

The Veils.

When she joined them, she had been just a mere child of not more than 14 years, who had lived a life of pain and endurance. A circle of running away, just be caught and sold again. When she was led down into that underground chamber and learned about the Veils, her fate had been settled. Whoever sets a foot in one of those holy chambers would only leave them as a member of the order… or meet Cherga for good. Which was also the only way to ever leave them.

She had just been a child!
She had no other choice!

The only choice left had been whether to become a Nightangel or a Blade. And she had chosen for the lesser evil. Ever since, she had lived a life of deception and lies. It had been easier, while the showman gang had still been with her. She had someone to share the burden. But the curse of her elven blood outrun her… they were all long gone and turned to dust.

From there on out, she had travelled alone, whether where the Veils had sent her or where she could find a town to perform. Over time, she had grown numb towards the dark part of her life, simply enduring it, only feeling a glint of happiness, when performing in any way. With a perfect masquerade of the joyful, cheeky travelling artist. She had never stayed long in one place or allowed herself to make any bounds. Whenever she started to feel like getting attached to someone, she had just fled, in order to protect those around her. She was a lonely bird for a good reason. The risk of tripping had been too high…

But now, it happened.

She did not even realize the silent tears that ran down her cheeks in the cool, nightly air. She had not been crying for real in decades. Her time here had changed her. She had been granted a glimpse on happiness, but now it felt, like the shadows were trying to devour her.

“What a rare sight. A crying Nightangel.”, a woman said in low voice, standing right next to her.

Flannery jumped off the chair, being on high alert as she spotted the woman in black. When did she come up here?! It took her a moment to realize her situation.

The new blade.

Out of reflex, she dropped on one knee, lowering her gaze, as she had done so for over a decade to the cruel, giant Blade. But the woman just raised an eyebrow in surprise, pushing back her hood just as much that Flannery could see her face. A sign of trust and equality between Blades and Nightangels. The way it should be, according to the codex.

“What are you doing?!
Get on your feet!”

“Yes, Master Blade.”

Flannery inhaled sharply, as the words just slipped her. Again, a reflex. Slowly, she raised from the ground. The woman folded her arms, gazing her with suspicion.

“What was that? What’s that nonsense?
I get the feeling, you’ve got more to tell than just those cases of murder…”

She motioned Flannery to sit down again and leaned against the table.

“Now, tell me… and I mean everything!”

And so, the Nightangel began to tell her everything. About the murder cases and her suspecting the Blade, but also about the years of abuse and violence. The woman listened quietly, not showing any sign of emotion. As the first grey light was boding daybreak, she vanished into the shadows. The upcoming days, she would gather intel in order to confirm the accusations. If what Flannery had told her was proven, the giant Blade was indeed a rogue, not only breaking the highest rules of the codex by spreading harm and terror but also posing a threat to the Veils by doing so.

Flannery took a breath and snuck back in, as quietly as she had left, locking the doors again and putting the key back in place. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she glanced over to the man who had caused her betraying her own rules. Whatever fate would await her now, she would not want to miss the time by his side, nor did she regret any of it.

Things had been set in motion…

[Flannery]

Safety Measures

In the late afternoon, Flannery made her way down to the underground of Galmair. Yet, the copper-haired artist was not out for any mischief, but was on her way to the children of Ronagan, the waifs and strays. She had begun to playfully teach them some instruments after offering them to help behind the scenes of the grand show, she was preparing for so long, already. She provided them with everything needed to do so and of course, there would be some coin in for them. That’s how she usually did it, when planning a show in a new town. But this time, she was not only there for practice, but also to give one of them a special mission.

Seth was a wiry, shrewd young man of just 15. He was something of a big brother to many of the younger ones down here and the children of Ronagan always came first for him. Although he was a rascal as they say in the book, he had proven to be extremely reliable when the coin was right. Flannery handed the blond with the watchful green eyes three sealed letters, instructing him with a very serious gaze and a calm voice.

“Listen well, this is extremely important.
I want you to keep those letters secret and safe.
They are my life insurance, and I mean literally.
If you don't hear from me every three dwarven weeks at the latest, in whatever way, or hear that I died or vanished under mysterious circumstances, I want you to make sure, that these three letters find their way to the leaders of all three realms.”

She also handed him a bunch of parchments in a sealed leather folder and continued.

“Further, I want you to make sure, these are spread all over Illarion, the very same day you deliver the letters. Make sure that everyone will know about what is written here.”

The young lad nodded and tucked it all away in his bag, holding up his empty palm, just to receive a well filled purse. He peeked in and gave her a satisfied grin.

“Sounds like you've gotten yourself into quite a mess, but leave it to me, lass…”

He confidently pointed to himself with his thumb and nodded at her. Flannery pulled one last sealed letter out of her pocket. She looked at it silently for a moment, with a gentle yet almost sad smile on her lips, before finally handing it over.

“This last one here is maybe the most important one.
Please… make sure it will find its way to Malchus, the Captain of the guard in Runewick.
Just, in the worst case…”

Seth bounced from the stone he was sitting on with a light smirk.

“Alright, alright… I got it. You can count on me, lass!”

With that, he vanished into the darkness of the tunnels to hide everything in a safe place. Flannery watched him leaving whispering to herself.

“Let’s hope none of them will ever have to find their way. Especially not the last one.”

She gently touched the topaz amulet around her neck. Memories came to her, memories of that fateful night, high up at the vineyard, causing a soft smile to fly over her lips.

“I gave you a promise. And I want to keep it…”




((A scene from said evening. A side of Flannery, only very few will ever get to see…))

[Flannery]

Schemes in the woods

Flannery followed the crow, that had called for her by circling above her, deeper into the woods. There in the shade, the bird sat on a branch and preened its shimmering black feathers. Still wearing the black high slit skirt and the wrapped black top that are usually her outfit for dancing practice, the artist blended quite well within the shadows of the forest and being barefoot, she moved as quiet as a cat that was sneaking up on its prey. She looked around attentively when she heard a familiar voice from behind the tree.

"Apparently, everything you've told me is true, Nightangel.
I was able to gather enough information to confirm the request.
But seriously, this place really does have some problems, even without serial killers."

“Yes, indeed. They are quite caught up in their quarrels, politics and intrigues. Even facing a common threat, they seem not to be able to work together. If they would at least share their information about the cases of murder, maybe they could protect their people better.”

“That’s not our concern and you know that. Even though he poses a threat to the whole peninsula, it was Runewick, that requested out help, without the other realms. Their politics must not matter to us.”

Flannery took a light breath, secretly gnawing on her lower lip. Runewick had never really requested the help of the Veils. In fact, when she had faked the request, no member of the council even knew about their existence. But when her lie was caught, she could be glad if her punishment was only a quick death. She was well aware, that she was playing a dangerous game. But it was her only chance to at least break free from the cruel grasp of the dark giant, she was already suffering for so long.

“I know. But this is a special situation.
We can’t take action, right away.
You can’t deal with him on your own.”

This was the critical point. Her hole plan was about to stand or fall, whether the Blade would buy it, or not. The woman in black stepped out from behind the tree, gazing her with an arched brow a glint of suspicion in her eyes, folding her arms.

“Why is that?!”

“They… request for the rule of exception.”

The Blade inhaled sharply, giving her stern and reproachful gaze. Keeping her voice low, it was yet filled with anger.

“You told them about that?! How could you!
He is a rogue and the Veils deal with the likes of him in their own way!
You know that very well! You had no right to do this!
Are you tired of living?! You know the rules of the codex!”

Now, Flannery was glad to be such a good actor. She was prepared for this moment. Despite knowing, her very life was at stake, she just shook her head and answered in a calm, low voice.

“I do. And I acted accordingly. As you said, he poses a threat to the whole region, not just one solicitant. He spreads terror and pain and has the peninsula in his murderous grasp. No one can know who his next victim might be, since he just acts on a whim! In such cases, the rule of exception does apply and thus, I was even obliged to tell them about it.”

Pondering, the woman in black slowly relaxed again, confirming her with a slow nod.

“You are right, Nightangel.
It just had been ages, since that rule was last applied.
So? How do they plan to act then?”

“The details have yet to be discussed.
Further, he is currently on a mission in Albar.
That buys us some time.
However, he should be back, soon.
It might take longer than that, to set things in motion.
So, I came up with a uncommon idea to make it harder for him to act, whiteout giving away that the Veils are after him.”

“Don’t talk in riddles, tell me about it!”

“As the realms fail to share information, I want you to snitch the details to everyone that was involved. Not to the public, that could cause a panic. But they shall decide on their own, what they will do with it. Maybe they can act accordingly, if they know the whole picture.”

Along with her explanation, she handed a list with names to her. The Blade took it, pondering about the idea.

“Quite a risky plan.
What if someone figures it out and will try to bring him down?
Are you willing to take that risk?”

“I trust in your abilities to prevent that.”

The woman gave her a dark smirk, but nodded then.

“Don’t push it too far, playing smart!
But you might have a point.
I’ll take care about it.”

With that she vanished into the shadows of the woods, as a breeze came up to play with the leaves. When being alone, Flannery let out a breath of relief. So far, everything was going according to her plan, at least concerning the cruel Blade...

[Flannery]

Return

It was the first light of dawn, when the copper-haired dancer unwillingly, but quietly snuck out of the flat of the Captain of the guard. Following the call of the messenger crow, she ventured deeper into the woods, where the woman in black was awaiting her in the protection of the misty shadows.

“I received your message, Nightangel.
Are you really sure you want to do this?
I can get it for you, but that plan is suicidal.”

“Please, I have my reasons.”

Flannery spoke with a calm, relaxed voice, while secretly being as tense as a bow. This was vital for her plan but if the Blade would get a hunch of her real motives to take this risk, all could be over before she could get to her final move. But the woman in black just gave her a smirk and nodded. Was she suspecting anything by any chance?

“Alright. But that means I will have to go to Gynk.
Stay careful, Nightangel. I’ll be back soon.”

Her last words were not even faded in the woods, when she already disappeared in the morning mist.

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A few days later…

It had been a while, since the new Blade, the woman in black had left for Gynk. Flannery was awaiting her return with tension and impatience and so, she followed the messenger crow to the small isle southwest of the wolf den, without thinking much about it. She took off her shoes and crossed the secret path that was hidden right beneath the surface of the sea, as the sun was sinking, setting the waves on fire. When the woman in black would have returned with what she asked for, all would be over soon. And with some luck, she would be free… well, almost free.

Thinking of the last night, a light smile brushed her lips as she set foot on the isle… just to die instantly as a shadow emerged from behind the Eldan Oak. Her eyes widened as she realised the truth.

This was not the Blade she was waiting for… not the woman in black! It was…!

She could not even finish her thought when he grabbed her right by her throat and pulled her up to stand on her toes.

“Got you, you useless, little bitch!”

He grawled with cold anger, giving her a gaze that would let her heart skip a beat. She clenched her fingers around his mighty wrist, struggling for breath, but he just kept holding her on the long arm, glaring at her while his grip tightened around her throat.

“Did you really think you would get away with this?!”

Her eyes widened. Did he learn somehow about her plans? About the other Blade? About the Veils knowing of his violation of the codex? Did he already know he was declared a rogue?? No! That was impossible! Right? Her thoughts started to race within her head as she stared at him in panic. He just nodded slowly.

“I see you know what you did…
Giving me false intel! It took me weeks to find the target!
Do you think I got time to waste?! Do you think, this is a joke?
Do you think …I… am a joke?! Huh?!”

With that, he tossed her to the ground.
Right, she had given him wrong information in order to buy some time and she knew, she would have to pay for it. But knowing does neither change facts, nor fears…
Coughing and catching for breath, she crawled backwards, trying to get away from him. He turned around at once, kicking her hard in the belly.

“No!, I’m not done with you!
You’re gonna pay for it!”

Her vision blurred for a moment but she grit her teeth, trying to suppress the pain. Another mistake, as it made him even more angry. For a moment, defiance flickered within her eyes, but she fought down the urge to resist. If she would reveal her secret training, she would lose her only chance to let him pay. All she could do for now, was enduring his rage. Somehow, she made it to the small column, trying to pull herself back on her feet, but he closed in to her with incredible speed and grabbed her upper arms. The next moment, he pushed her against the column and as her back hit hard against the stone, it felt like pressing the air from her lungs. While she still tried to get breath, he got behind her and twisted her arms behind the column. He kicked her feet off, letting her slide down the column while holding her arms in a tight grip, twisting them even further. She yelled up in pain as it felt like they could break any moment.

“This time, you won’t get away!
Better pray, someone comes looking for you!”

With those words, he pulled her up on her feet again, drawing another sound of agony from her lips. He tied her to the column with a thin rope made of thin, sharp wire. There was no way she would be able to slip out of it with her usual tricks, as the more she tried to move, the more the wire cut her skin.

“Struggle as much as you want, it will just get worse, little angel.”

He grinned at her before giving her a mocking bow and vanishing into the woods…

[Flannery]

It had been so long since the time, when Malchus saved her on that little island and soon after, she had descended to the underground of Galmair. Though what had been planned to be a short time, had turned out to become a little eternity. Sure, at first, she did it to train for the show and prepare, officially, while in secret it was meant to be a hideout until the fate of her gruesome shadow was settled once and for all, meaning safety for her and all of Illarion, though only few would ever know.

But that was not what happened. Instead, he stayed hidden and slowly, things went their normal way for the world outside. Soon, no one was talking about the murders anymore, obviously thinking that the threat had vanished into thin air.

But she knew better…

And as time had passed, she focused more and more onto her work with those children to prepare the show, in order to numb the fear that was getting a more and more tight grip on her heart. If HE would have been killed, the Veils would have told her so. And on top, the other blade, that was sent to take care of the matter, never returned from her report in Gynk. The more time had passed, the more fear crawled upon her and tied her down below in the end.
Yet at some point, something else finally got stronger. She felt more and more like being buried alive and was yearning for the warm sunlight on her skin, for her freedom… And though they had managed to meet on rare occasions, she was yearning for a certain someone, more than anything else…
Which was what finally gave her the strength to break free from her inner prison and her first night at that campfire of the Hemp felt like breathing new life into her. But she was not prepared for what would await her…

Now, keeping up her masquerade, Flannery slowly walked her way to the inn of Galmair, with her usual light steps and a cheeky greeting for everyone she might pass in this early morning hour. But it nearly took her all to hide the storm that was tossing all her thoughts and feelings into a mess. It had taken her quite some time to shake off that tears that suddenly dwelled up from a spot within her, that she did not know herself. Something, that almost never happened.

Why?
She felt ashamed to have nearly revealed such unknown weakness, although trying to hide it away, being thankful, that he obviously didn’t notice, as he just left her behind like as if he had not seen it. But then again, why did that hurt?

She was shaken from what happened, from what she heard and even more, she was confused by the yet unknown feelings that it triggered and that hit her off guard and unprepared.

She felt like a fool. So, this is what happens, if you are silly enough to break the rule and form bonds. This is how it starts... and before you notice, you are silly enough to cling your heart to meaningless things and places, making yourself weak.

Served her right.
She should have known better but now, she was caught in that dooming net of confusing emotions. But still…

She shook her head. No, she didn‘t want him to see her like this. She did not want to burden him with her silly thoughts and feelings. So, she took out her sketch book instead and sat at the table. Yet, as she browsed it, she came across the page with the Tybald Star and the Heartblood in it and shortly after, the Firnis Blossom followed.

More guided by feelings, her fingers browsed to the next empty page and she began to write, not even noticing how a last single tear drop found its way onto the parchment, leaving a mark for eternity.



When she was finished, she closed the book and hid it away again, without even glancing on what she had written. Slowly, she climbed down the ladder, listening, to be sure he was asleep…

[Flannery]

Flannery woke in almost total darkness, the past hours and the taste of tender passion still lingering on her. It was hard to tell what time it was, as the room had no windows and even the glowing amber of the fireplace had almost died, leaving neither warmth, nor much light for the room. Yet, she did not feel cold, nor alone as she could hear his calming breath and feel the warmth of his embrace. Unwillingly, she freed herself from the arms of the man who was the only one who had ever succeeded in making her heart beat, let alone conquering it. The raging storm that had been about to tear her innermost being apart had died down again. Right now, it almost felt as if she had never been away.

As her eyes slowly became accustomed to the sparse light, she quietly searched the room for her clothing and belongings, getting ready to leave, while trying not to wake him. Something, both had a perfect skill for… Her gaze lingered on him for a few more moments, as his words returned to her.

“…Wrap whatever business ya 'ave left in Galmair up. I shall do the same. An' once all's done…“

She smiled to herself. She was not as naive to belief; this would be a ‘happily ever after’. There was no such thing in the world. It would be silly to think so and it wasn’t in their nature, neither his, nor hers. But even more so, she wanted to just enjoy and dwell it, as long as it would last.

“Soon…”, she whispered softly as she left a nightangel blossom on the pillow, knowing he would understand the meaning. Grabbing her cloak and bag, she quietly ascended the ladder, to face her momentary routine.

Yet, in the darkness, she did not notice, that her precious sketchbook, holding all her thoughts and secrets, hidden in sketches, songs and poetry, had slipped out of her bag and was left behind…

[Malchus]

Malchus was woken up by the innkeeper's voice, who, as he lit a candle, found his guest lying sprawled out in all his glory on the bed. He informed Malchus in a curt manner about the time of day and that he had to vacate the room, before scurrying up the ladder again.

But Malchus was in no mood to hurry, and instead lounged for a while in bed. He stretched himself luxuriously with a satisfied smile on his lips as he reminisced about the last night and all its unbridled, wine-fuelled passion. He adjusted his eyepatch and turned to his side, where earlier his lover lay in his arms, only to find her gone. A single flower on the pillow and the lingering scent of orange and nightangel blossom was all that was left of her.

After lolling some more and being very much pleased with himself, Malchus lifted his towering frame out of bed and went on to collect his clothes which lay scattered about the room. As he reached for his cloak, he found underneath a book on the ground. It wasn't his, of course, and curious about it, he flipped it open. Sketches of flamboyant costumes and a familiar handwriting revealed its author and owner to be none other than Flannery. She would want this back, Malchus figured, and so he stashed the book safely in his bag, and left the Sleepy Bujhaar Inn to see to whatever work awaited him that day at the Chamber of Commerce.

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When twilight began to tint the sky in hues of rose, Malchus ensconced himself under a tree to rest after hours of work at the guildhall's construction site. Tired and hungry from the hard toil, he eagerly reached into his bag for his food ration, inadvertently pulling the book out instead. Though Malchus was averse to reading and took no stock in books, Flannery's private notebook piqued his curiosity, and in lack of any better diversion, he began to flip through it while enjoying his supper.

First came Flannery's sketches, depicting herself in various elaborate and revealing costumes. The latter were, of course, those which Malchus paid more attention to as he flipped through the pages with a naughty smirk, commenting on each drawing to himself.

“I've seen dancers in Gynk wear sumthin' like this. Good times. Hm, heeled boots, wonder how well she'd dance in those. She'd look good in that one. Oh, she'd definitely look good in that one! …”

Then there were the sheets of music — Malchus skipped those. He wasn't musically gifted, and tavern songs were no fun without drink and company.

Then, as Malchus clumsily turned a page, a couple of dried flowers fell out, once pressed between the pages of poetry which Malchus began to read. As Flannery's deepest feelings were laid bare before Malchus's eye, fond memories welled up in him, which were otherwise kept deeply-hidden in his hardened heart. A warm feeling overcame him, followed swiftly by gnawing shame and guilt.

“My Flannery, if only ya knew to whom ya really dedicated these pages,” he sighed abashedly and returned the fallen flowers where they belonged, recognizing them for the mementos of past, tender moments that they were.

“You'd prolly rip 'em all out an' throw 'em inna fire.”

Wishing to read no more, he closed the book and put it away.

[Flannery]

With haste, she had run away from the fireplace, deep into the woods of Galmair. That bat! That cursed mountain bat! What was just a creature that might be rarely seen around these lands to others, was a sign of doom to Flannery, a call from the shadows, as if the cruel reality was reaching out for her. During the past days, she had gone through a true maze of feelings, that turned her world upside down once more, just to dwell in a short, deceitful period of happiness.

Her masquerade, her true inner wish for the life she longed to live, had almost felt real, so real, that she was tempted to bury her true fate… almost. But now, it felt like this damn creature had just waited to show up, to destroy that illusion. No, she could not outrun who or what she was. No matter how hard she wished for it.

As she caught up with the bat, her heart was still pounding hard. She shook her head, scolding herself for being such a fool. She should have retreated without making a fuzz, but now, she might have to come up with another lie to cover up her haste and nervosity. Had she really become that careless and clumsy? Acting like a rooky?? Or perhaps… No, she had not been so naive to think she could just sit and wait and hope to be forgotten by the Veils…

She reached out for the animal, fetching the note it carried. To her own surprise, she found her hands shaking as she opened it. She read it carefully, just to let out a sigh of relief.

”Could have been worse…” , she muttered to herself, leaning against a tree as she finally relaxed a little. “As if losing my sketchbook was not enough…” The redhead sighed quietly while attaching a tiny, black ribbon to the bat’s claw before sending it off again. This would buy her some time, but this was a whole new problem. She might have to deceive the Veils directly… a dangerous game…

“And so the net of lies will grow, until I may strangle myself in it.” , she muttered quietly to herself with a dark smirk on her lips, as the note in her hand dissolved into sparks and smoke.

[Flannery]

Lively lute notes resounded in Yewdale and echoed back from the mountains, alternating with dreamy, even gentle melodies. With a gentle smile on her lips, the copper-haired artist lured them from the silver strings of the precious instrument, being lost in the music which seemed to be a mirror of her innermost feelings. The past few days had been filled with laughter, fun and moments of gentle passion and tenderness. A time, for just the two of them, as they had promised each other, echoing with sweet words and tender promises. A temporary retreat from the harsh reality, allowing them to just dwell in what they normally had to hide from the rest of the world. Even though she ought to know better, his caring and loving attitude had surprised her once more, filling her heart again with feelings yet unknown or forbidden, that would still overwhelm her after all this time. Once again, he had managed to turn her inner strengths into weaknesses, but she wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

For this short time…
She felt like being a woman instead of being a tool.
She felt like being loved instead of being used.
She felt like being free…
She felt like being happy…

Though both wished it was possible to stop time and be free like this with one another forever, reality knew no mercy. Eventually, he had to leave again, as he could not neglect his work without raising too many questions. Whenever he was gone, she used the time to relax, train her arts and hone her skills, hidden from curious eyes, until he returned. No one would wonder if she was gone for a while. Such was the nature of travelling artists. However, this time, she would not vanish. She wanted to dwell on this illusion for a little longer, before she would have to give up on their safe haven, for good. When he began to build this “nest” for them as a refuge to live their secret, she would have never thought, that the mere idea of a place she might call home would grow to her heart and even less, that losing it might hurt.

The tune of her melody slowly saddened and realizing it made her shake her head, scolding herself. No! It was foolish to think like that! He was right! Home is where you choose it to be. And neither of both was the type to settle down for too long, anyway!
She set the lute aside and left the balcony, wandering through the house, lost in thoughts and memories. She went downstairs, lighting up the fireplace again, before her gaze went astray again, just to spot something that caught her curiosity. There, on the bookshelf, a thick layer of dust was covering several books. She chuckled to herself. Malchus was certainly not into books at all and he was probably keeping this collection of seemingly random books there just in order to show off, without ever having read even one of them and by now, it would be absolutely obvious for everyone to see. However, there was one book that was not covered in dust at all, standing out like a sour thumb. With sparked curiosity, she just tiptoed and grabbed it from the upper shelf, staring at the book in her hands with wide eyes.

“But this is….!” Her precious sketchbook she had believed to be lost… Quickly, she opened it, checked every page carefully, but everything seemed to be in place. Her thoughts began to race for a moment. Why did he have it?! Did he read it?! And if he did, did he understand the meaning of the words that she kept well hidden within these pages? She could feel the heat of her blushing cheeks, hoping he would not just walk through that door and bust her like this! Like a normal, foolish girly being embarrassed about her love knowing of her diary!

Then, suddenly, she burst with laughter at the mere thought. Even if he read it, even if he got a hint of her feelings that were enclosed in black ink, he would already know, by now! To him, none of it was a secret anymore and there was nothing to be scared of or ashamed of! She was lucky it was him, who had it and no one else!
Her common sense kicked in again. In fact, now she could relax about the matter. She had it back and all pages referring to her secrets about her gadgets and tricks had been with the crafters who worked on the pieces of them, without ever one seeing the whole pictures. Looking at it, she had been more than lucky!

Her gaze lingered on the dusty books for another moment, as she took a breath. Actually, this place was full of fond memories and deserved better than being covered in dust and neglection. It felt like it meant neglecting the times they shared here. They still had some time, and they shared the conviction to seize it the best they could. Again, she wandered through the house aimlessly and before she realized – and she would deny that for sure –, she found herself freeing it from the traces of time, of dust and cobwebs, to bring the place back to life.

Later in the evening, she left for Runewick to refresh some provisions. Right on the bridge, the guard, Brassuis motioned her to come over, muttering to her: “Listen girl, I’m sorry, but I must take your key. Don’t try to fool me, I know you have it.” For a short moment, Flannery stared at him in surprise and in bewilderment, before she managed to regain her composure and return to her facade. She just nodded, secretly slipping the precious key into the guard's hand. The man nodded, giving her an understanding and apologizing gaze, but Flannery just smiled it off and shook her head. Without a word, she walked to the depot and stuffed a few things into her bag to leave the town behind, along with the shards of a dream, shattered way too sudden…

[Flannery]

The last flames flickered in the fireplace with a crackling sound, before finally losing their desperate fight and fading eventually, leaving the room pitch dark. Flannery was lying awake, her gaze trying to pierce the darkness to stare at an imaginary point on the ceiling and way beyond. The events of the past days circled in her mind. A moment of weakness at the shore, opening up to someone who caused such ambivalent feelings with her. Out of all, the one who threatened the only bit of happiness in her life beyond the stage, turned out to be the one who was probably the friend she was longing for. Strangely enough, she liked her to begin with and now wishes so badly, she could be friends with her the way both would probably deserve and need it. Yet, she was also aware that she could cause so much pain to her, just out of her mere existence. They both wished for the same, more than anything else. Even though it had never been truly admitted, Flannery could tell. But she could not give up on him. Desteny sure was a cruel, evil bitch. As if the fact that she would always have to lie to her in order to keep her save was not enough of a burden to their newborn friendship.

A totally new bond.
Foreign to her in all aspects.
A forbidden one, again.

Yes, right. She was about to do it again.
The rules of the codex rang in her ears like a threatening, demanding echo.

No bonds… no relationships… no ties...
You are not part of their world.
You are HER servant only and you belong to the Veils alone!

She shook her head and closed her eyes, as if she could lock out reality that way.

No! She wanted more! She wanted the nightmare to end, though knowing it never would. She wanted to live a life beyond the shadows, doing what she loved! She wanted nothing more than any other person could have. She wanted to be free to have friends! She wanted to be friends with Nala! She wanted to be free to love and be loved! She wanted to be with him!

Their bond had even deepened more during the past weeks, and she had finally been able to allow herself to really dwell within those feelings. However, he had been acting quite strangely today. When he gave her that ring the other day, she had been happy, but did not put too much weight on it, other than deepening the bond they already shared, as she knew, for him as a Serinjah, a ring had no further symbolic meaning. And Nala was behind it as well, after all. So, nothing to think too much about…

That was until just a few hours ago. When that lizard asked about marriage traditions with humans and the meaning of rings, Malchus had given her quite a strange gaze as she explained the tradition of betrothal and the exchange of rings at a wedding, making her heart stop for a beat. The way he had explained the Serinjah way of relationships bonding, confused her even more. Not exactly for what he said but rather how he did it. “…But sometimes they can last forever and even form a family”, his words echoed in her ear. And as if that was not enough, he had fled the room as if a demon was chasing him, suddenly having something urgent to do… right after those rings were mentioned. A part of her secretly began to panic. Did he just flee the situation as she had felt the urge, too? Or was he up to something?

She shook her head again. No… certainly not.
He was not the type for that, right?
And neither was she…. Right?
Besides, he knew it was impossible.
They would never allow it.

Out of a sudden, her dark secret felt like a weight on her chest, and it felt like the air was thickening. She opened her eyes and realized the pressure of something heavy. No… it was not something, it was someone! Her eyes widened in panic as she realized the truth. It was HIM! She tried to break free. But it was too late. No matter how hard she struggled, she could not wind herself out of his grasp. Her thoughts began to race. How was that even possible?! She wanted to scream, but she felt the cold edge of a blade pressing against her throat, coming along with the familiar smell of poison.

“Hello, little angel, it’s been a while.”
His dark voice was just a mere, grumbling whisper in the dark, yet as cold and cutting as ever. She barely dared to breathe, yet to speak. Her whole body was tense as a bow, ready to take the slightest opening. But there was none.
“Did you really think you could betray me?
Maybe even dreamt a silly dream of a happy life?
With him? And your petty little friend? Hmmm?”
His cold whisper turned into cruel delight what was even more frightening and right the next moment, she knew why, feeling the cold steel of another knife slowly cutting her skin, right between her ribs. She could feel the warm blood oozing from the wound, way faster than expected, as the pain drew a scream of agony from her lips.
“Hell’s Gate!”, she gasped with trembling lips. The poison of the reaper, inhibiting coagulation while enhancing the sense of pain. Again, another cut, slow and deep on the other side, again aimed carefully, to not damage a vital point. Her vision already started to blur due to the loss of blood, and her scream must have echoed through all of Galmair, yet no one came…

Was this how it would end?

“Exacty”, he whispered, as if he would have read her thoughts in her widened eyes, bearing his white teeth in the dark as his lips curled into a gruesome grin. By now, she was not even able to move anymore. Her body felt incredibly heavy, and she was shivering from the cold that was spreading within her body.
“And once I’m done with you, I will seek out your little friend. It is your fault, and you know that! The blondie shall be next. I’ll have her watch while I play with that chirping, curly friend of hers. …and then… I shall take my time to play with… him.”

In a sudden flash of a last wave of strength, she pushed him away, screaming out loud…

“NO!”

…and woke with a start…

[Flannery]

New Shadows

The sparse light flickered when he left the room. The last thing she saw was his black cloak vanishing behind the closing door, before her vision blurred and she drifted to a thin blanket of sleep.

Now, she was lying awake, staring at the ceiling of the hospital in Cadomyr. The wound on her left side was pulsing and aching under the bandage, ever since the pain had torn her out of sleep. Being all alone, her thoughts had enough time to spin a maze, a web of memories of past events, but also of feelings, of questions… causalities and connections, of convictions and doubts and fears… and of guilt.

He left her here in the safety of Cadomyr’s walls, knowing someone would certainly take care for her, to take things in his own hands. He had asked her to trust him in the matter, promising her to be back safely and taking her word to go hiding, once her wound was tended and she would be able too do so. He had been eager to protect her.

Just when it looked like things were going the right way… just when there was at least a glimpse of something, that was just hers and beyond the control of others. But one night, one fateful meeting was enough to shatter that illusion of faint freedom.

Again her wound ached and reminded her of the events leading to this.
They went to Runewick instead of the Hemp to avoid running into a certain Undead. But right at the teleporter, they just did – as if it was fate… Gray and his minion…

They managed to separate Malchus and her, as fate’s twist played into there hands, leaving her no choice but to play along, while leaving a trace to follow for Malchus. She thought she might be able to buy time and trick her way out, like she did so many times before. But unlike his watchdog servant, Gray was no one to be tricked or deceived easily. He tried to read her like a book and under other circumstances, he might even have reached something, but it seems like even he was not able to see behind her real play of masks.

He was right. She was hiding her true self. The truth behind her very existence. She knew, a false step here could lead to the Grey Mistress she served within the shadows. Of course, she was afraid to die… but there were fates far worse than death. What the VEILS would do if she had failed… But when his servants’ blade cut her down, her first thought was:

At least, I did not tell…

The Veils…

That ancient, secret shadow that had been there for over a millennium, well-hidden and behind the scenes, they cast the dice of fate from behind shadows. Always present, but never really there, like phantoms in the fog. Keeping their existence a secret at any cost, even going as far to have erased villages from the map in the long gone past. Just to be sure there was nothing leading to them.

What once might have begun as a secret order serving Cherga to bring justice and ease pain, had grown into vast, well-connected organization, spreading around the known world. They managed to stay a myth for all these centuries by a set of rules they call the Codex. And those rules were not only mandatory, but they were also enforced with every thinkable measure.

Well, almost.

The Codex was not only there to chain the members and keep the secret, but also as a clear set of rules for when, how and why to act. The Veils were never meant to seek power or rule from the shadows. They were not meant to be a bunch of sell-swords and killers. Either. No, they were meant to serve the greater good.
The first rule was to stay independent, above all. A “request of removal” was only considered approvable if certain rules were met. Political motives or plain revenge were not considered a valid reason, for example. Their original purpose was to help people to get out of pain and despair if there was no other way. A life was only taken if certain criteria were met… be it the life of the solicitant themselves or a target.

The recruitment of new members also followed a strong set of rules. No one was ever meant to be forced to join them, according to the Codex. Even more so, since there was no way to leave them, except for the final journey to the Grey Mistress.

But over the past centuries, corruption found its way, and some stretched the rules to their favor… Just like when she was tricked as a child and bound by the eternal chains of the Veils…Having no choice, she decided for the option which she thought was the lesser evil. At least, when she had just been at the age of 14. She had never been a Bade. She was not one of those dealing with justice or blood. Nor was she one of those who looked out for designated targets and any information. She had just been a mere Nightangel. At least, that was what she kept telling herself to endure her dark burden. It was her duty to find solicitants. People who suffered from fate. She had the delicate task of deciding whether they would need the help of the Veils and would not mean a risk and then forward the case to the council and the Masters of the Veils to decide. She kept telling herself that it was for the greater good and sometimes, the gratitude and relief of the solicitants eased the storm within her. But she hated it, all along

There were times, when she longed for death. But she feared Cherga’s final judgement too much to end it herself. And so, she grew numb over the decades, just enduring it all on her own, living to the rules of the Codex. Never form any bonds, never settle down, never ever trust anyone… Her disguise as a wandering artist grew to be the only role to feel free. It was the only thing that was not controlled by them and the only thing she really loved to do. If she had been free, that was the life she truly longed for. Yet, beyond the performance, her own life or death did not matter to her, as it did not matter to anyone else

Until she came to Illarion.

What was meant to be just another chapter by an order, another place to stay and leave again, had changed everything. She thought about all that happened. The people she met. The pain she endured but also the happiness she found... so many forbidden things.

Friendship.
Love.

She thought about the past months. About her mistakes and the risks she had been taken, about the trouble she had been drawn into. The trouble Bernie brought to her metaphorical doorstep, along with the rest of her past that kept haunting her and that she thought she had left behind. The dark shadow of the Reaper that still lingered somewhere, waiting for his chance.

She had broken the rules, playing a dangerous game for the tiny chance of breaking free from her chains. She had fallen for the illusion that even she could step out of the shadows and find happiness if she could only trick fate. She thought, once she succeeds, all could be good.

Until just now… Although she managed to hide it in front of him, meeting Gray steered doubts within her. Just a small seed, but she could still hear his words.
“… a worthless, empty shell…”

Suddenly, her past with the Golden Hand and the Veils and everything connected to it were no longer the only problem… The future she longed for, was at stake and she feared for those few that had gotten close to close to her. That’s what you get for breaking the rules… The thought crossed her mind with a sharp sting of pain to underline it. Her vision blurred again as she turned her gaze towards the door, her last thought a mere picture of Malchus, then Nala with the deep wish they would be well, before she drifted to unconsciousness again…