In the eternal darkness of the Cearian sewage systeem, with only here and there a beam of light with the thickness of a slender finger, piercing through the miasma of relatively warm wastewater, a woman crouched, leaning with her back and head against the wall.
The clothes she was wearing made her almost invisible, even though she also had the ability to ‘play with the shadows’. Her eyes were closed while a few fingers were absently playing with a dark curly tress, twisting it from time to time around her forefinger.
Every sane person knows that the circumstances in the sewer can be foul and deadly, with offal, sometimes a body, and vermin constant companions, but also the madness of the darkness which can become almost too much to bear if one were too long in it.
She was just finished with charting this section of the sewers. Next time Peter popped up, she would lead him in here and serve him a few surprises. To him it would look like she really had no choice but to run in here and since she was really good in the acting stuff… yes... the Fox would beat the Snake.
Esmeralda nodded a bit to herself.
She glanced at the water in the darkness. Of course there was a reason to all this… and perhaps with it also another way to get rid of these unremitting and tiresome chases.
Xander…
It was because of him she wanted to stay in Cear, needless to say why…, and since he owned an inn here, this city was more or less the reason they would stay here, and so she.
It also entailed a few other things...
For whole her life she has been a vagabond, traveling around and never trusted many people… well except her own people and considering even that after what her parents did… she simply didn’t make any real friends. Like she didn’t allow it. With Xander that more or less changed. Friend, boss and now even lover, heck..., the man even has no idea what he has opened within her. Considerations...
Reina for instance. Esme even left her coin behind when she approached her last time, and for once acted normal, or at least how she really is.
And when she heard Reina’s story, she even felt a bit sorry for her, but there was more. She even found a purpose, cheering this person up and discovered a hint of friendship. They even talked a bit about their past… not an easy thing for herself as she never did trust many people thus far.
Another was to end Peter’s hunt permanently. A few days ago she had suggested Xander to travel back to her parents… with him at her side and show them she would only be happy with him. The things Xander said to that were just heartwarming. About what he would do once they got there. It was more than just support, he had shown her his love for her.
She would settle down...
In the darkness just below the streets of Cear, while listening to the sound of what could go through for a flowing stream, with now and then wastewater coming out of the pipes, and without anyone knowing it, a girl turned eighteen.
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
She stared in the darkness of her room… a certain guilt and sadness had taken place in her heart. Not… something that happened a lot to her.
Perhaps it was now there because someone who she really loved was involved. She couldn’t be there for him and it struck her deep… she who rather cared less in life, or at least had managed to take things lightly most of the times.
Games, tricks, playing, acting… all her middle name. Even the fact she was hunted had been fun and interesting on occassions. What else did she had to do, go sit crying and whining?
No, except now the hunting thing prevented her from being there for him. Peter had found her near Cear and like all other times, she got away.
But she knew he would be around for a while, and until this thing with her parents wasn’t cleared out, she had no choice but to hide.
She would let Xander know though. Her hands brushed over her face as if it could help her to come with ways how to tell him. She imagined how he then would look at her with slightly sad eyes, telling her it was alright. She imagined how he would offer her a safe place, and a kiss on the forehead...
...she tried not to imagine how it would be here, without her… but oh well, ... who the hell would care...,
she wrapped her arms around her knees as the answer struck her,
... she would.
Esmeralda entered their room at the inn in Ravenswatch. Empty...
She turned around to Daenir and pulled him close in a hug. They stood there in silence for a while, both with probably one thought on their mind.
Xander...
Then she held Daenir at arm's length and spoke a few reassuring words before tucking him in for the night. She left the room quietly and went downstairs again for a drink, her eyes and ears open for Xander's return from Reina’s and Garet's place.
Damn you...
It still echoed in her mind.
He was going away after the inn opened, and he was leaving her behind.
She shook her head. No Esme, he is not... and he counts on you to take care of Daenir and the inn. He's very skilled for that mission and therefore needed. Just like you are for Daenir now.
But he promised after last time he disappeared! He would take me on his next 'trip'!! Besides I am skilled too! And I don't care how many pretty girls will accompany him on it, I trust him... but I just want to be at his side... just in case things go wro...
Get a grip on yourself girl, nothing will go wrong and Xander is at Phelan's side. He's safe. And your earlier behavior was almost if not pathetic! What will he think of you now... psshhh, ...saying you want to give yourself to him. Esme, Esme... patience like always, girl. He told you he would come with you to see your parents at the gypsy camp near Morell. But right now, his mission and the time you have left with him is more important.
She sighed, was she really a selfish little girl? She grinned a bit. Wel, she sure could act like one. And even silly girls in love should keep it together. Besides, her nickname was Fox and that was not without reason… perhaps she would come up with something by the time he left.
At least she would be close when Xander’s inn opened, albeit ‘hidden’ in the kitchen next to the new cook Fiona and her son Garet.
The door of the inn opened and Esmeralda glanced at the entrace… it wasn’t him.
Damn you, Xander...
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
After another inspection, she placed the dark leather backpack in the secret compartment, directly under the lowest shelf of the old bookcase.
There was no sign of regret, not the slightest hesitation in her actions while the shelf was closed with a firm click and books were set back in the same order.
She had played it well. Right now people thought she changed her mind about following Xander. The show with her coin had been perfect, yet she was surprised to see how that side of her coin favored her personal choice.
She had lied yes, lied about the outcome of the coin… and lied about staying home. But she hadn’t lied about her feelings, and the coin was with her.
Esmeralda left their bedroom.
Now she only had to find someone to watch over Daenir… and the first person that came up in her mind lived in Ravenswatch.
With the opening of the inn cancelled, it was uncertain how much time she had left. Preparing another bag she decided to travel to Ravens and back very quickly, since as of now… her eyes would be on Xander all the time.
After all, the postphoning could mean other plans might be rescheduled as well.
And she would be there, waiting patiently in the shadows, without disturbing him, letting him do his work while being close. Should he ever find out, he couldn’t blame her for doing so, he couldn’t blame her for the fact she wanted to be close to what was important for her.
With all do respect, but this inn… this place, it all meant nothing if he wasn’t around anymore.
“He might leave you for that…”
Esmeralda shook her head, and turned the coin in her hand to its other side,”That would mean he doesn’t know what love is… and believe me, he knows.”
“But Daenir is important too…”
She sighed,” Daenir will be safe and yes, he will miss me and Xander… but we will make it back, both of us...”
“Xander trusts you…”
A bit irritated the dark haired girl shook her head,” And I trust him, it’s not because I am selfish or anything. Blast, I mean well!” With her thumb she kept flipping the coin in the palm of her hand, a bit agitated. “He too did things behind my back! And he did it for the same bloody reasons as I am doing now, so SHUT UP and leave me alone!”
She looked down at the coin in her hand. Everything turned silent.
Then she flipped it...
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
Esmeralda just felt it, someone was following her, someone who didn’t want to be seen. The road in front of her towards Two Bridges was empty, the sun slowy descending and about to disappear behind the hill.
She could slip into the shadows, or even make herself invisible, but she was curious and would attempt to lead her chaser into some situation that would reveal him... or her.
All that looking over her shoulder made her miss what suddenly happened in front of her. Four men dressed in dark clothes stepped out of the bushes, the tallest of them walking towards the middle of the road and awaiting the dark haired woman with his arms crossed.
Trapped…. that is all what she could think. And all part of some plan too probably, one hunting her and driving her into the arms of fellow ambushers. She could perfectly imagine they were up to no good.
Good thing she wasn’t a scared little girl and!... she had enough tricks up her sleeve.
“Ait boyz, we got ourselvez a beauty thiz time,” the tall guy said glancing over his shoulder at his grinning comrades,” Whoz turn waz it to go fuuzt?”
Esmeralda stopped, a coin as if by magic, appeared between the fingers of her right hand. She rolled it across her knuckles and said,” Ya feel lucky … ‘boyz’ ?”
There was simply no trace of fear on her small beautiful face.
The spokesman smirked,” Yar one of thoze eey?” With a snap of his fingers, three more men stepped out of the bushes at the side of the road.
Right, that was less fortunate. Seven men plus the ones that have been tailing her since Tristan.
Time to flip her coin.
The tall man chuckled and said,” Are ya deciding who goez fuuzt eey?” His comment was immediately followed by laughter.
Esmeralda, all actress now, giggled as they laughed,” Noooo…. I’m ‘deciding’ who I will kill first.”
The group of thugs fell silent and several guys looked at each other. Their leader raised a brow and then shrugged before he said,” Ya know we’ll kill ya too. But if ya come with uz, ya juzt will ave a good time, aye?”
Suddenly a calm and familiar voice sounded behind her,” Leave her alone.”
Esmeralda turned around, just to confirm… and saw him… Peter.
The ‘Snake’ was standing not far behind her with two small crossbows, one in each hand, the points of the bolts aimed at the leader of the group,” How about you die first?”
Esmeralda blinked and then glanced at the bandit leader who said,” Eey, whatz thiz, tha girlie haz a boyfrind?”
Peter replied,” No, she has a husband-to-be, and I’m protecting her from getting… damaged,” he said it while his eyes shifted to Esme,” Right… Fox?”
For a moment all kinds of thoughts raced through her mind.. Would she pick a side, go along with one of the parties and see from there what would be next she could do? Or would she act independently from the start? She assessed several possible situations and outcomes only in a matter of seconds while she looked between Peter and the leader of the gang.
She could flip her coin again too, but that was too soon, she didn’t want her luck to run out. And besides, her coin already had decided before Peter showed up.
Standing with her back to the leader, she offered Peter a smile while she drew a dagger,” I could ‘damage’ myself, Peter. As you know I’m eighteen now and perfectly capable of making decisions on my own. Of course, I could decide to…” and suddenly, almost as quickly as lighting she turned around,”... damage someone else!”
Before anyone, even Peter realised, the dagger was in the leader’s chest and made him drop on his knees.
Using the element of suprise, Esmeralda leaped forward drawing her sword and striking another man in the stummick. She didn’t stop though and ran off in the direction of Two Bridges.
“Son of a !!” the men behind her yelled and she knew they came behind her. She only wondered if some would stay behind to deal with Peter.
The road below her blurred as she felt a surge of adrenaline. Forcing her legs to push even harder, she kept her sprint. Esmeralda rounded another turn in the road and realised that despite her efforts, the men were catching up on her. After a few more minutes her breathing hitched in her throat, making her already screaming lungs just about to burst. A bit longer and she wouldn’t even have the energy to defend herself when it came to that.
And she was convinced it would happen…
The cool evening air clearing her head, Esmeralda decided it was time to use one of her melodies. But first she needed a second to catch her breath.
In the middle of the road, the young girl stopped and turned around to await her pursuers. Less than thirty seconds later two men appeared, slowing down when they saw her. Ten seconds later the remaining three showed up.
She frowned, no sign of Peter. Was there a chance they… ? Then she shook her head as that was something she could find out later.
A soft melody escaped her lips and a few of the bandits tilted their heads, listening. Esmeralda’s music was soft, yet crystal clear, and it compelled the men to lower their swords. She witnessed how her song affected each and everyone of them.
Right, this would give her a minute, maybe two before they would realise and come after her. There was also a chance they would doubt the direction she had chosen.
Two Bridges wasn’t far anymore and she could hide in the temple of Peralia if necessary.
Ten minutes later she could see the first bridge, and no sign of her pursuers. Right, perhaps…
“Esme?”
The former gypsy girl froze, Peter… She stopped and turned around.
“You alright?”
Her hand was near her blade and she scanned the area behind him,” Where are they?”
He grinned,” Dead of course, it was easy to kill them.”
“Euhm… and you left their bodies on the road?”
Peter glanced over his shoulder,” Hm, you are right… ,” his intelligent eyes shifted back to her,” If someone recognized you, or perhaps later on… its better they disappear.”
Esme frowned, there was always a chance, and dead people were hard to interrogate. But she wasn’t a criminal, they were.
“I’ll help you out, lets go back and gimme a hand. And perhaps we can talk a bit while we are at it.”
Alarm bells started ringing in her head. Of course she didn’t trust Peter. But this situation was odd. The way he talked…
“Esme! Wake up girl, or have you forgotten everything I learned you? Don’t disappointment me now. Let’s go clean up there.”
“Heh, you trained me well, and I don’t trust you even if my coin would say so.”
Peter nodded with his head, almost unnoticed… but she saw it and she was just in time to see movement in the bush next to her. Two men… and she recognised them.
“You son of a... !!!” she yelled, but she also didn’t hesitate to turn her voice in some scream that made even Peter wince.
Esmeralda jumped forward and knocked the two men out with the flat side of her sword.
No idea where the rest of the gang was, she performed a string of backflips, leaping back out of combat… only to… almost end in Peter’s hands, almost.
The moment she felt his arms going around her waist, she countered his attack with a backward headbutt. The sound of his nose breaking was satisfying.
Only one problem though, it wasn’t the first time Peter broke his nose and he recovered quickly. As soon as she escaped his grasp he came after her and slowly caught up on her.
Thrall’s gate came in sight, but she knew she wouldn’t make it with Peter right behind her. She stopped and turned around with her blade ready to defend herself. Her other hand reached for a dagger.
“Alright, son of a bitch! Come and get me! Let’s see what you teached me and what I have learned myself. You sniffer, you…,” she switched to Cuhannan and lashed out with her tongue, losing all control over it,” … you overrated semen bollock, you inbred llama testicle plonker,...”
Esmeralda was all anger, her nostrils flaring, her eyes were flashing and closing into slits. More slurring words that were unintelligible came spewing into space like a volcano releasing its pent up emotions into the sky.
“ESMERALDA !!” Peter clenched his fist around his weapon,” THAT IS ENOUGH !! You worthless low-life bitch ! Your ‘kind’ words won’t hurt me, you keep forgetting I thaught you most of those and you know why ! But you are not taunting me, stupid whore !”
“Oh yea?” the girl bravely replied,” Perhaps I can teach you a new one… go suck your mother.”
And that was probably the worst thing she could say, striking the man in his gypsy honor. Therefore, his attack was not entirely unexpected, and she was able to defend herself.
“I’ll teach you, you ungrateful wench !”
His words were followed by a series of blows and Esme knew Peter was better than her, but at some point she got unfortunate and lucky at the same time.
When he closed in on her she could feel how his blade sliced over her belly. The pain came only a moment later, -after- she disarmed Peter by sticking her dagger in his hand.
Next he found her knee in his manhood and went down.
Esmeralda used the few seconds to steal his blade and made herself invisible.
What happened next all turned vague. She recalled stealing a horse near Thralls and escaping to Cear where Xander found her and healed her wounds with his magic before putting her in bed.
The next morning she could recall some of it though. Xander would go see her parents and would be preparing for a possible confrontation with the other gypsy clan.
Esme turned over to her side, she was scared. Something that rarely happened to her. But it was more because of him than for herself.
After all, yesterday he kinda had asked her officially and she only had had one answer to that. And that was yes. Bounded mates… and they would marry at the Grove, one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen.
Her belly did hurt less now...
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
Xander had found Esme hours ago somewhere in a dark corner of the backroom, and right now she was in his arms, her head on his chest. He was sleeping after a long night of hard work, but she wasn’t. Not after everything that had happened.
She felt guilty, guilty because Peter and his gang had disturbed Xander’s great opening of the inn, and who knows… perhaps even giving it a bad name from the start as a brawl broke out on their first night open.
She glanced up at her blonde lover, he didn’t deserve that, not after longing so long for this opening and after so many preparations and a huge amount of coin, just to get things started. For a moment she thought about running away, so that he didn’t had anymore trouble with her … but she knew better. Xander wasn’t like that, he would come after her since he cared more for her than for his broken furniture… furniture for which she would pay of course. Tomorrow morning she would go to the bank, as it was time for an even more active support. After all, he would soon be her husband, and even after Peter’s “intrusion”, she still had faith in that.
Then it struck her… Xander had told her Peter and his companions were now in jail… but for how long? She would have to start hiding again, certainly now since Peter just knew where she lived. The patrons yesterday all had her butt covered, saying they didn’t know an Esmeralda, but she knew how Peter was… he had the nose of a bear.
He wouldn’t give up…
Perhaps now that the opening of the inn had passed, it was time to focus on her parents… time to face them.
For a moment she wondered what had made Peter so boldly and daring lately. He took more risks than she’s used from him. It was almost as if her earlier mentor was promised an immense amount of coin, but she also knew that didn’t matter to him, since he was very loyal to the clan. Perhaps it was because of her parents? They missed her terribly maybe? Or it was Danio who just couldn’t stop whining about his lost… “love”.
She sighed, worries worries worries… yesterday was supposed to be fun, for once!
Esmeralda pouted softly and muffled against Xander’s chest. She hadn’t even been able to finish her performance yesterday!
But who knows,... perhaps she would soon have her biggest performance ever… both Xander and Peter had had their great moment, but she would play the last card.
Suddenly, she could feel the cold metal of her coin rolling between her fingers.
... Flip me ...
...
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
Esmeralda woke up and as she tried to sit, she noticed three things right away.
Her head was hurting, her hands were chained, and through her butt she sensed that the floor was slightly moving up and down.
She slitted her eyes just before squeezing them shut again as a severe headache overwhelmed her, despite the fact all around her was dark. She laid down again and noticed she was laying on bags spreading an odor of grain.
And just when she wanted to focus on her hearing when she noticed footsteps on the wooden floor above her, a hatch in the ceiling was opened, sending a fresh salty smell that reached her nostrills right away. She was on a ship!
A crouched person silhouetted against the square light source, probably the sky.
Esmeralda tried to shield her eyes from the light and blinked several times.
“I see you are up, my future love,” a familiar voice sounded.
A voice she hadn’t heard for a year… or was it longer? Suddenly something was dropped next to her and Esmeralda turned her head to see what it was. A thin round object reflected the light coming through her hatch on her face. Her coin…
“For luck, when we marry,” the man said.
Esme’s head snapped back and she narrowed her eyes,”Danio? Damn you! Let me go!” She rattled with her chains.
He chuckled,” Oh I will let you go. When we are in the middle of the High Desert, with my people.”
“Screw you, you were adopted! You have no people!!” she hurled at him.
Danio jumped down through the hatch and spit in her face just before raising his hand,” I’ll teach you some manners, woman! And something about honor! You have the blood of the tribes in you… and what do you do? You dishonored your clan!” He lowered his hand and started to untie his belt.
Esmeralda’s eyes turned big,” Whatcha think you are doing?!”
Danio grinned at her,” Making you my obedient wife. And I am warning you. If you don’t change, perhaps a life as a slave will make you think twice.”
He drew the belt out of his pants and started to wrap it around his hand.
Suddenly the place Reina’s husband had offered her in the Cathedral didn’t look so bad after all.......
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
Never ever in her whole life had she felt so defenceless and vulnerable, her upper body and scarred back still fully exposed and kissed by the cool breeze caused by the hatch closing above her. When all turned dark again, Esmeralda let out a scream of frustration and frantically tored on the fetters and chains holding her in place against the ship’s wall, forcing her either to stand or hang…
Her anger and increasing hatred for Danio seemed to override the pain temporarily. She now knew what it was like to be a battered woman, what it was like to be assaulted by the very man who considers himself a partner. How could Danio possibly even think that she would ever marry him? How could he even consider being the better man… better than Xander. Heck… no one was better than Xander! She stifled a sob and suppressed the tears pooling in her eyes, tiny lights of resistance and defiance flickering deep within them.
Insane. For a brief moment she wondered if she had been lucky. The fact he hadn’t sexually abused her showed there was still at least some decency left in him. He hadn’t crossed that line probably because of his honor.
Quit it Esmeralda, he is just holding off to take your virginity during the ‘wedding night’. But he won’t… we will kill him before he gets to that…
Esmeralda helplessly peeked down at her lucky coin left from her chained bare foot, not being able to pick it up... let alone to flip it.
Instead she looked up again at the wooden wall, as if trying to look right through it, to see where she was and what was going on out there in the outside world. Would Xander ever know? Would he be able to find her?
She knew he cared a lot and that he had a wide asset of skills and tricks at his disposal and she knew he was more than just a bard and innkeeper. She and him were… alike.
The thoughts of her boyfriend strangely enough seemed to calm her down. She would stay rational, she would stay strong. She wouldn’t panic, she wouldn’t start repeating things she already knew that didn’t work, like pulling on these chains for instance, or screaming, or crying.
No, the Fox would remain cool and calm, and she would lash out the moment she had an opening. Who knows, perhaps she would even find help from the outside.
She uttered his name very softly,” … oh Xander…”. And for a moment she worried about him, if he tracked her down and came after her... what they might do to him...
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
Weddding dress or not, she was harshly tossed back in the tent right after the so called ‘bonding ceremony’. With a thud she landed in the sand on her cheek. After spitting out some of the desert substance, Esmeralda wiped off her mouth with the back of her hand and while on all fours -with fierce eyes- she turned to face the tent opening.
Her ‘husband’ loomed in the opening, his masculine form lining against darkening purple tinged sky.
“You are mine now, bitch! And the next time you try to steal a knife from my belt… think again!”
Esmeralda rubbed her burning cheek, but it was a pain she gladly accepted for the opportunity she had had. Almost…
She decided not to push her luck… or rather misfortune and instead moved to sit, her back facing to Dario, showing she was not afraid of him. When she noticed she was absently dusting off her dress, she immediately stopped. Why bother? She sure didn’t had to look good for him, did she now?
With a cold heart she heard him snarl behind her,” You better make sure you are ready when I get back. And woe betide if it turns out you aren’t a virgin anymore.”
She closed her eyes as the tent flap fell back in place. Preferably she would love to jump up and tear the dress from her body. But that would leave her nude form at a display and lead to more undesirable situations. She growled deep, her teeth gnashing. Dario had no idea that she was still a virgin, and he also had no idea she had been saving herself up for someone else… wanting it to be something special.
She blinked a tear away and her eye caught sight of her coin on the desert sand, only half sunk. It must have slipped out of her pocket when she was thrown on the loose surface.
She growled again. I am not picking you up again, damn thing. If you really bring luck, how could you let things like this happen? Did you forget I found you and saved you from turning into an antique and oxidized future?
The round metal object only gleamed in the twilight.
I take it then this is your idea of having luck huh? But I tell you, I rather die than allowing him to touch me.
And with that she got up and searched the tent for things that could assist her in any of the choices she would make.
Good luck starts with good preparations… only idots and shallow people take it on blind faith.
Esmeralda narrowed her eyes and looked at the coin down at her foot. She grumbled.
Fine, I’ll give you one last chance. Now show me…
As she bend over to pick up the coin she noticed the small empty wooden box at the side of the tent. It had about the size of her head.
As her finger brushed over the edge of the coin and her eyes pensive on the box, her razor sharp mind weighed her options. You always had more choices, as long as you kept creating a few extra. Especially when your middle name was… trickery.
Falcon Knight Garet Mellan, Lucius Eberhardt, Madam Franciezka, Knight-Aspirant Depheant Makepeace, Magister Elvina Hellcat, Sirvius Darkmoon
