Guilty (Closed)

[Mask of the Warden]

Closed to Mari.

“Gods above are you stupid girl? Stand back, you’re just here as a show of force. Didn’t your dad teach you anything? No wonder he left you with us, stupid cunt.”

It was going to be one of those days.

The clearing before the mansion had been cut back to a much larger area. The house cleaned up by the few Cultists that were allowed to know of it’s existence. The fountain before it was cleared of vegetation to give the illusion the Dark Family actually cared. Truthfully the place looked better as a ramshackle mansion, Samantha just didn’t see the point, but Aerith had insisted on the show.

Samantha wore none of her normal gear, her chain shirt sword and daggers were left back in her room. She felt vulnerable exposed in such a way, but the rules were clear, she was never to be armed around the Dark Family unless they expressly told her to be. One of a myriad of rules that governed her existence now, all thanks to her father’s inability to rescue her. She had her Magic, but even that paled in comparison to any member of the Dark Family save Aerith, but with the other two she wouldn't be able to make a move on Aerith if she wanted to. The red hair of Aerith was pleated in a casual manner, as if she was merely interrupting a long day of events to accomplish her goals.

Jeb was cleaned up, for the hillbilly. His overalls and Jacket looked like someone had actually attempted to get the blood out of them. His attitude showed that he didn’t like actually washing and whoever had given him his bath had probably suffered for his indignity. He held on to his hook knife and Samantha knew well enough to stay away from his right hand. He had already lashed his tongue out a Samantha for daring to stand closer to the Dark Family.

Draug Remi was being Draug, patchwork clothes and muscle ripped body hid the myriad means of deadliness he was capable of. He seemed to be studying the area about and trying to busy himself, much as Sam was. Really there was no reason for Samantha to even be here, so there must have been something the Dark Family wished to discuss with her. The Daughter of the Demon remained boredly standing behind the family while Cultists ran around trying to appease their benefactors. She remained silent not taking Jeb’s bait, knowing the man would love nothing more than an excuse to beat her again. Without her equipment it wouldn't even be a fight.

The sunlight filtered through the canopy and it was a novelty to see the individual beams from all the dust. It was a pleasant day, in stark contrast to the winter. Samantha had dressed as formally as she could, in the pants she had been kidnapped in and a cleaned white button down shirt. Her boots showed a bit of polish as she had tried to look presentable, but as Warden of the Cult her presence was more desired amongst the members, to remind them they were not immune to the predation of the Cult’s higher ups.

In short, she was wasting her time.

She fidgeted slightly before Aerith’s airy voice rose up, “Don’t fidget darling, she should be here any minute. If you must find something to distract yourself I would advise you to go over the Devotions of the Warden.”

[Amari]

“We’re almost there, Scarlet.”

Noel, Amari’s companion held the reigns at the front of the lavish cart. No expense was spared. It was painted a brilliant vermillion with gilded golden trimmed edges. Even the horse that pulled it was the epitome of high statue, a pristine white with a mane stained a charcoal black.

Amari was dressed up in fine silks, cashmere and velvets. Things that she hated, things that reminded her of a past she would rather forget. Her lips were painted a cherry red, her eyes lined in dark makeup, and her eyelids shadowed in deep purple. Her hair, normally a tangled and wavy mess had been meticulously straightened by a doting demoness. Her nails were manicured, and painted to match the shade of her hair and lips. “I hate this…” She muttered. It was a damn shitting contest between the two factions. A sign of wealth and power, Amari could only assume the cult would do the same.

They arrived, the cart coming to a halt.

Amari’s black heeled boots were polished, and clicked against the cobblestone ground as she stepped off the cart, her hand on Noels to steady herself.I hate this so fuckin’ much She took a moment to smooth down the thick crimson skirt she wore, it had a slit that stopped just short of her upper thigh. Its hem was lined with silk ruffles that danced in the soft breeze. Her torso was tightly bound with a ruby red corset, her bosom was pushed up against her, but not so much so that she was spilling out. Thankfully, that was covered by a black cashmere shawl. Something Amari was sure that Ulroke would disprove of. Not that she cared. She wasn’t some whore for him to tote around.

Amari sighed, running a hand through her straightened hair as she approached the group.

She knew she had to be on her best behaivour, she was there as a representative of the hand, as Lye’s second in command. “A pleasure,” Amari said in a steeled tone, lowering herself in a bow. “The hand thanks you for your hospitality.”

A crimson haired woman in a wheelchair looked back to a white haired woman who nodded and carefully took the handles, moving the woman forward, “Of course, I am Aerith Remi, Cassandra’s Dark Daughter, this is Jeb Remi, the Dark Father, and Draug Remi, Champion and Son of the Dark Mother. We regretfully cannot be joined by my Mother, as her preparations have made her unavailable for awhile. However if you should have any needs. I will make sure they are tended to in her stead.”

My usual attire would be a good fuckin’ start… Amari thought bitterly to herself. She forced a small smile. “I appreciate it. As you are aware, I am here to ensure the cult is operating effectively, and is still a viable asset to the hand. I won’t be too much of a bother beyond that.” She paused, “Just don’t piss me off. I am aware my Master has made mention of my…” Amari paused, her eyes falling on Aerith, then to Draug, and finally Jeb. “My abilities.” It wasn’t intended as a threat, nor as a show of power. Lye instructed Amari to remind them of her usefulness to gauge exactly how they’d act, and if they’d try to square off the massive debt they had accumulated with the hand. Amari could do a severe amount of damage, but she could also aid them with alleviating some of Aerith’s symptoms, another thing she was instructed to do.

Draug seemed to bristle under the words as Aerith raised a slender hand and spoke, “Be still brother, you are embarrassing us. Of course we well remember the Hand’s role in returning my wayward sister, and the use of that Immortal Fool in the slaughter of the Ixian Forces. In fact that is why I brought my Warden here. Samantha darling?” She looked up at the white haired woman with a smile.

It was a vile one that seemed to take pleasure in thrusting the girl into the spotlight who carefully locked the wheelchair in position and moved to Aerith's side before kneeling, “Dark Daughter?”

“We have an issue, a member of the Mansion has not been back, and I wish you to silence her before she has a chance to whisper in the wrong ears. Lady Scarlet, would you be willing to assist our Warden, and see first hand the Forgiveness of the Dark Mother? I believe such a woman easily falls within your skills. If your Master has not embellished facts,” She replied keeping that damnable smile on her face as she turned it to Scarlet.

“Dead or alive?” Amari asked, eying Samantha warily. The girl looked like she would just slow Amari down. “Asking such a thing when I have barely stepped foot upon your doorstep. Surely you’d allow me to change into more suitable attire, or are you that eager to enjoy a good show?”

“The stupid bitch has to get her shit together too. You can use the east wing and powder your nose while useless here actually gets ready to try,” Jeb's words were coarse, thrown out more at Samantha than Amari. If Aerith was put off by the outburst, she didn't show it, keeping that smile on her face.

Amari inwardly grumbled, she felt like she was surrounded by a family of Lichensith Ulroke’s, and she wasn’t sure if it wether it annoyed her, or pissed her off more. “Jeb, was it? Escort us to the East wing.” Amari gestured for Noel to approach, he had unpacked a small suitcase. He silently approached, but kept his distance behind her, offering the family a lowered head, showing nothing but the utmost respect for the dark cult.

Jeb seemed like he was about to speak when Aerith rose her velvet voice in reply, “Jeb would be pleased to escort you. I shall give Samantha the relevant information, and the Warden will cooperate with you fully. Warden, she is your handler, you know what that means.” The tone held a harsh edge as the girl murmured her assent.

Amari could practically feel the tension in the air. “I trust there won’t be any problems?” Her green, gold and crimson gaze fell upon Samantha who quickly averted hers away from Amari’s, “Good, no point dilly-dallying then.”

[Mask of the Warden]

Jeb glowered at the kneeling girl before he turned to Amari and spoke up, “This way, my lady.” the words seemed hollow as he stormed towards the mansion. Shoving a cultist out of his way as he let his anger simmer.

The interior of the mansion had seen better days, but the Cult still managed to make it look presentable. Old dingy carpets were cleans as best as possible, though the occasional unexplained stain did appear. Paintings of a bygone age were mostly intact, though the decay of the mansion seemed to hide under the surface. Candles lit the hallways.

“Someone doesn’t seem happy to be escorting the diplomatic red headed bitch.” Scarlet chided, a wry grin on her features as she leant forward eying Jeb. Now away from the larger crowd she seemed more relaxed, and far less accommodating.

“What? No, I just can't stand Dahlios’ kid. If I could I'd have gutted her and faced her father myself,” Jeb grumbled.

“She’s a tiny thing, such hatred.” Scarlet shrugged, unlacing her shawl and throwing it over her shoulder for Noel to catch in one swift motion. “I won’t ask why she bothers you so much, because frankly, I don’t care.”

“Listen, you're her handler. That means you don't need to do shit. But that does mean you have one job, she does the job and she comes back. If she tries to bolt, you bring her back, in a casket if necessary. I'd really love if you gave me her corpse in a pretty box,” Jeb said bluntly.

Amari gave Jeb a small, and jovial slap on his back, offering a catty remark. “Now, now, isn’t it the mans job to woo the lady, not the other way around?” There was a slight pause before she continued, a more serious tone to her. “If she bolts, I cannot guarantee she’d be back in one piece then, but I assume you won’t care about that, and the others?”

“Mail her head to her father. Serves the bastard right for going after my daughter. Serves the useless cunt right for being so useless. I'll pay you if you do it, personally. I don't care the cost, I want to see her father's face when he snaps…” Jeb felt a perverse satisfaction of the thought of a dead Samantha.

The redheaded woman fell silent as they ascended the stairwell. “If it goes to shit, I’ll find him, and deliver it to him personally. Then I’ll come back, and shove that memory straight into that lil’ noggin’ of yours. Free of charge. Because I’m a nice person.” Scarlet offered Jeb a wry grin.

Jeb let out a laugh as he roughly turned a knob, pushing the door open. He pointed, “Three bedrooms, two guest quarters and your main bedroom.”

Before he had time to leave or shut the door Scarlet began unlacing the corset with one hand, signalling for Noel to pull out her regular clothes from the suitcase in the other. “Right, right. Just let me get out of this fuckin’ flimsy dress.”

A snort left his lips before he turned to leave, “Useless will meet you in the hall. Aerith should be trying to give her what she needs to know, I'd bet a gold coin it's in one ear out the other.” With that he left closing the door behind him.


~*~

“You understand the faith I am putting in you Samantha?” Aerith asked softly.

Samantha rose to her feet and nodded, “I'm keeping her from prying into the Dark Mother’s affairs.”

“Very good,” The reply was approving in its tone. Samantha unlocked the wheelchair pushing it back into the foyer. Aerith gestured for another cultist who immediately approached the Dark Daughter. A small scroll was handed to Samantha who took it, immediately reading it. She frowned, “She's an Ixian?”

“We thought she had a change of heart, we were wrong,” Aerith replied.

Samantha nodded a sigh escaping her lips, “She's heading for Castle Ixia or Radasanth. I can't guess which though. If she knew they crumpled after Eiskalt I'd guess Radasanth to report to the Witch.”

“That was my thoughts as well. Find her, make her suffer. You are the Cult's Warden. Give her the Dark Mother’s forgiveness, and be swift. I want you back in a week, I have other tasks which require your touch.”

Samantha nodded at the words before she rolled up the scroll. She bowed for dismissal and received it swiftly. Moving to her room with a practiced urgency she filtered through the cultists bustling about the mansion. Immediately her satchel was opened and a sigh crossed her lips. She had most of it ready to go. Pulling on her chain shirt she fitted her weapons appropriately. Grabbing the bag and rushing through the halls She made it to the foyer in time, her hair looked like a silver comet, and she moved in a practiced quick step to be as close to running as possible without actually doing so.

Aerith had admonished her that Cult Leadership didn't run anywhere, they walked like civilized beings.

Leaning against the wall by the doors she waited, and upon seeing someone knocking the east wing looked up to see a practically clad Amari come down the stairs. A flood of relief left her lips as she said louder than intended, “Thank the Dark Mother, you can fight.”

[Amari]

Amari paused in front of the girl, looking her up and down. “The Dark Mother?” She asked skeptically. “Really?” Amari didn’t appreciate the insinuation that she couldn’t fight, but she couldn’t exactly blame the girl. First appearances would suggest Amari was nothing more than a diplomatic visitor. “If I recall, I’m just to keep an eye on you.” Amari turned her back on Samantha and began toward the forest. “To make sure you’re the one that can fight.”

Samantha snorted at that fact before she said firmly, “Don't feed me a line. You're my chain. If you think I'm about to run you'll yank. I'm not stupid, I know a cage when I see it.”


Amari’s lip quirked up into an amused smirk. “More or less, but you’re to serve as a distraction too, no?” Amari shoved her hands into her jacket pockets as she slowed down into a more leisurely stroll. They had plenty of time, and Amari was in no rush. It was good to be away from Salvar once in awhile. She wanted to enjoy her time, and to do so, she had to at least try to get along with the girl. Even if it was just to fish for information. “You’re to stop me from snooping around in the cults business, I get too close and you’ll yank.”

Samantha shrugged, “Of a sort. The Dark Mother has been preparing for her ascension. Your visit came during a...delicate time. However, other than that I'm afraid I'm a mushroom.”

And there it is, that ascension bullshit. Master did warn me they were a bunch of lunatics, acting as though one could actually become a thayne. Do they all honestly believe that tripe?

Amari scoffed, but kept her thoughts to herself. “Sounds pretty stupid.” Mostly...to herself. Amari noted the look Samantha shot her and continued. “Not so much the....” Amari drew out her hand from her jacket pocket and rolled it around, “ascension thing…I mean you.” A brief silence fell between the two, sticks snapping beneath their footsteps. “You clearly have more use than that I mean. You look capable enough at least.”

“My capabilities don't factor into my treatment,” She replied truthfully, “I'm doing this to be afforded more freedom than I had before. Let's get to business shall we?”

There was no current ‘business’ to attend to, besides heading toward their destination, Samantha didn’t want to continue the conversation, and as curious as Amari was. She didn’t pry. She knew how annoying it was. Instead, Amari enjoyed the silence. She enjoyed the tree lined path. Unlike Salvar this place was filled with wildlife. Amari took in a deep breath, enjoying the scent of the loamy earth and the tickle of the green trees.

“My target is a former member of the Ixian Knights, Anastasia Rios. Not a capable combatant, but clever. She apparently moved her schedule around so by the time she was noticed a day had gone by. If she's avoiding the northern forest, it's two days till she's at the edge of Concordia. We think she's heading to Radasanth to report in to the Scarlet Witch,” Samantha explained, “I suggest we don't skirt the north, and cut her off before she leaves. If you are afraid, we can follow her, she may be clever, but she'll leave tracks.”

“I’ve only ever experienced fear once in my life, and I doubt some fallen knight will make me feel it again.” Amari muttered, kicking at a loose rock. She watched it roll across the dirt path.

“It's not the knight I'm afraid of, she's a doctor, not a fighter. It's the N’jalian Spider Magi to be afraid of, we skirt their territory, further north is their nests,” Samantha explained.

“That all?” Amari said, she wasn’t afraid of the spiders either but felt it better left unsaid. “No point in skirting around them, if we need, we charge straight through. Whatevers quickest really, you’re leading the way. I specialize in ranged attacks, and something like that shouldn’t be a problem for me.”

“I'm already in one fate worse than death, what's another?” She gave Amari a brave grin before she replied, “Honestly I should be able to tell if they're in the area. That's all we'd need to avoid them. If we catch her before she reaches the roads, we can make sure she isn't going to get anywhere fast. We might need to camp at night but I have till the end of the week to get back, unless you need to be somewhere….” She left the words hanging, as if she was fishing for a response.

“Not really.” Amari glanced back to the road in front of her. “To be honest, its nice. Being out here in the forest. We have forests in Salvar, one near where my compound is, but they’re riddled with things far worse than a few overgrown spiders.” Amari reached out and let her hand graze over a nearby tree trunk, its coarse bark prickled her skin and sent waves of minute energy up through her arm. Amari knew little of her race, but she knew that it thrived in the forest. No doubt a reason why Ulroke had her on such a tight leash.

“You know, I could say I am in a prison of sorts too, but I always slip through the bars, much to my Masters disappointment.” Amari continued to allow her fingers to traverse each tree they passed. “Far be it from me to judge someone who appears to be in the same position as I, but there is a difference between us. I’m content with where I am and what I do. You-” Amari paused. Her eyes shifting toward the silver haired woman. “You don’t. You’re in a cage of their design.” Amari sighed as she shoved her hands back into her jacket pockets. “I wonder how pissed they’d be if I were to take you back with me.”

[Mask of the Warden]

“We wouldn't leave Radasanth. I'm insurance, they made you a watcher just to get you out of there. I assure you, I don't run because I know it's pointless, not because of lack of effort. I don't need to see the bars to know they exist,” she replied truthfully. She looked about then forest and said, “They say a spider magi’s touch corrupts you with the influence of N’jal, makes you a living corpse. I wonder what that'd be like? Probably like being a hostage…”

“I’ve felt similar.” Scarlet muttered bitterly. “Let them come, I’m still not bothered by them.” The redhead paused, holding a hand out to Samantha before gesturing to a path off to the side, it looked like someone tumbled through there, broken sticks, freshly kicked up dirt. “Reckon that’s where she’s gone through, and in such a hurry too.”

Sam knelt by the tracks and snorted. Slowly she shook her head and spoke up, “I underestimated her. She was hoping we'd skirt so she could get out. That means one of two things, either she found the Dark Mother’s room, or she thinks she was about to be found out anyways. These tracks lead through the Spider Magi territory.”

“Good. That’ll slow her down.” Scarlet stated as she waltzed on through, clearly unafraid of the very real threat. Samantha raised an eyebrow at the cavalier attitude before she bit her lip and followed.

The trail moved deeply into the forest, and Samantha followed it carefully. She frowned however when they came to a small creek and cursed, “Clever little bitch. At this point it's a gamble. I'm thinking she might have doubled back a bit, cause we're reaching dangerously close to their nests. If we get much closer we're going to have to do a lot of explaining or fight...and I'm not interested in explaining to Jeb why I nearly got myself killed pissing off the neighbors…”

Her hand went to sword hilt when multiple tentacle like protrusions erupted from Amari’s back, they crackled and hissed and being in such close proximity to them made her feel a little nauseous. “A precaution.” Scarlet chided as she stepped into the riverbed, pointing to the other side. “More tracks- she tried to cover her trail.”

Samantha’s gaze travelled to where the redheaded was pointing. There were no immediate footsteps or broken twigs, but the ground looked like it had been dusted and a lone branch that could have done the job sat oddly over a hole in the shrubbery. Samantha looked at Amari, “You been hunting much? You're a natural at this, when I had to learn this it was a bit harder for me and I grew up in Berevar, to the north of Salvar.”

“Maybe I’m just lucky.” She quipped as she wadded through the waters, they weren’t deep, and only hit the girls waists as they made it to the other side. Scarlet spoke again. “I really hate the feeling of wet shoes.” She muttered as she did her best to shake the water from them.

Samantha carefully leapt across, splashing on the other side. She made a note of Lady Scarlet’s “luck” and continued forward following the trail. She grimaced before she spoke, “We're probably going to have to make camp, night is when the Magi get active. We need to find somewhere to hole up before they start looking for prey. Bad news means we aren't going anywhere fast, but the good news is neither will she.”

She followed the trails and shook her head, “Bitch has no clue how close she was. At least she's making for the forest edge now…” Samantha bit her lip and continued following the trail, it was less erratic, more measured. She had tried finding someway to evade capture and once she felt she was clear, had slowed down, taking her time. Obviously, this woman had no clue how willing Samantha was to go after her.

But was she?

She put up a tough front. She even said the words she knew they wanted to hear. She knew it was all platitudes, appeasing her captors and surviving, but how much was survival anymore? She could feel herself slipping, agreeing with the Cult Rhetoric, especially when it came to the hypocrisy of society. She had experienced it first hand, and it hurt to admit that the world did owe her nothing. However, she was determined to make those people who wronged her pay, and if it meant lip service to the Dark Mother for the freedom to pursue her justice, so be it.

Realizing she had been quiet for too long, she stuffed her bitterness back into its box for later. She struck up conversation with Scarlet as a distraction, “You ever have to do this for the Crimson Hand?”

“Multiple times. Although without all the bullshit underhanded reasoning and lies. Simpler, kill that person, done, dusted.”

“I envy you then, sometimes, I feel like arguing with a wall would be more productive,” Sam snorted. She shook her head before she stopped and narrowed her eyes. Kneeling she reach out and tugged a bit of cloth off a nearby bush, “Now that's just careless. I almost feel bad for finding it…”

[Amari]

“Makes our job easier.” Scarlet wrinkled her nose as they came upon sticky translucent webbing. “I suppose that belongs to the spider creatures you were worried about.” She turned her attention to a rock formation with a small opening. “There, it may lead way to a larger cavern?”


Samantha frowned looking at it before she said, “Don't touch it. If it is they'll know and chase us. They would rather die than lose spider silk…” she looked at the cave and shook her head, “I think we should just keep going, this is spider territory really.”

Amari frowned. “Isn’t that better? If we stay holed up in a cave close to their nesting grounds, would it not be away from their hunting grounds?” She shrugged, not exactly caring. She wasn’t as cautious of their predicament as Samantha was. “I don’t care. Lead the way then.” Amari was growing irritable, it was getting late, and she was getting hungry. She’d settle for camping right on top of a spider at this point.

“To be honest, we're winging it at this point. I have never gone in this area, this isn't going to be easy,” She looked at Amari and bit her lip as if in thought, “Let's just try to find a cave without some webbing, last thing we need is them coming back from a successful hunt and we're in their living room.”

Amari gave a heavy sigh as they continued forward, she thought the previous crevice adequate, but little miss perfect wanted a different location. The two walked on in silence. The further they walked the denser the webbing around them became. So they deviated from their path to one that was less travelled, by both man and spider magi. Finally, as dusk was turning to night, they found a small cave, The entrance was under an overhanging rock that they had to crawl under to get to, but the inside was large enough for the two to sit comfortably in. “Will this do?” Amari asked as she gestured around herself in near darkness.

“Yeah, thanks…” Samantha said, her tone distracted. The sound of things rummaging in her pack could be heard before a snap was heard, and with a hiss a small stick lit up in her hand, “Tindertwig…” she offered in explanation, “Let's see if we can have a fire down here…” she looked about and finally saw a crack that seemed to go deep. She held the twig up to it and it winked out before she laughed, “Yeah, it's an outlet. We'd be fine...one second.” Another twig was lit before she looked about, “You wanna stay here or come with me to grab some deadwood for a fire?”

Amari had already made herself comfortable on the cavern floor. “I should go with you, but I really can’t be bothered. I think I’ll stay here.”

Samantha looked at her and seemed about to say something before she shrugged, “Whatever. Not my place. I'll be back in a moment, if you need more tinder twigs they're in my pack.” she dropped to the ground and slid under the rock hiding their cave and disappeared into Concordia once more.

Amari sighed as the hot headed girl left, enjoying the moments reprise. “The hell am I going to do… babysitting Seth and now his daughter, bravo Ulroke, you really know how to piss someone off.” She muttered to herself as she stared at the dismal fire. A few minutes passed before she grabbed her own pack and pulled out a few slices of thickly cut bread, wrapped in rice paper to preserve their soft freshness. She then pulled out a small container of butter and a blunt knife, and began to get to work prepping their pittance of a meal. She had made the butter herself, and was quite proud of it. Amari would lightly toast the bread, then add the fresh herbs that she had collected along the way and cut them up and mix them into the butter. As the bread began to toast Amari chopped up the herbs and inhaled deeply. Basil. Thaynes above she adored the smell of it. After carefully mixing it into the butter she pulled out some cured meats. It’d be salty, but the creaminess of the butter should offset it. “That should do….” Amari mused to herself.

Samantha would return to a hot meal.

[Mask of the Warden]

“Looks like she is going to sandbag. Great…”

The words were muttered darkly while Samantha carefully checked about. Finding a few dead branches she broke them into more manageable chunks and checked a dead tree. A sigh left her lips, “Won't need too much more, also shouldn't give away there's someone around here…”

She pulled a knife from its sheath and in a lazy twirl reversed grip to stick the point where the branch met trunk. Sawing the blade back and forth she gently pried the branch off the tree and sighed dragging it back to her cave. Sliding the smaller sticks under she carefully went before the larger branch and dragged it under, no longer caring if twigs broke. She wiped some sweat from her brow and caught her breath when she smelled the food.

It reminded her of growing up in Berevar, where simple dishes were spruced up with a handful of spice traded from others. She smiled smelling it and spoke, “That smells nice, don't suppose you have extra? I have hard tack, but I'd rather not empty my water-skin trying to make that halfway edible.”

“I do.” Scarlet gestured to a neatly folded linen napkin with a golden brown piece of thickly cut bread, atop it glistened a golden creamy substance littered with flecks of green, and ontop that, the unmistakable pink of cured beef. “You provide light and warmth, and I food.” She paused and offered Samantha a smirk. “What, you think I was going to sit here and do nothing?”

“I won't lie, I have had watchers do just that. Jeb in a few cases made my job harder just to make sure I could do it,” Samantha replied, “I don't know you Lady Scarlet, so I have to take each action on its own for now.”

She felt like she was walking on eggshells, trying not to trample them flat. She was sure Aerith would have reprimanded her choice of words, but applauded the sentiment. Sam didn't have Aerith’s word play, she couldn't turn a phrase and bend words to her whim. Instead she had being blunt, and acting genuine. It got her through much of her training with Jeb, he didn't get nearly as annoyed when she spat out what she was trying to say, rather than dancing around it.

“Can you blame them? Their job is to watch. Personally, I’d find that boring.”

Samantha shrugged, “I can accept a certain level of that attitude. Some of them took it to an extreme that was frustrating. Still, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth, thank you for the food.” She added wood to the fire to make the cave comfortable and sat grabbing her parcel of food. She took a bite of the toasted bread and stopped, looking at it in disbelief.

“I haven't had something this good since the Night,” She mused. She looked over at Scarlet and lifted the toast, “Compliments to the chef.” She went back to the food, a soft smile on her face. She felt a bit more relaxed, and was grateful of the chance to let her hair down so to speak. She ate in comfortable silence before she asked, “So, you are Master Ulroke's right hand girl? When I met him he seemed a bit of a hard ass. How do you put up with that?”

Scarlet turned from Samantha and stared into the fire. She was quiet, a contemplative look on her face, as though she were trying to word the question correctly. Sam didn’t think it was that hard.

“He’s a cruel and vindictive man, but he and I have a mutual and beneficial relationship. He makes me stronger, and in turn, I won’t run him through.”

“Sounds like Jeb, except I can't stand Jeb. He trained me as the Warden, difference is if I thought killing him would stick, I'd have done it a long time ago…” Sam replied the heat of anger rising her cheeks. She shook her head, “Just gotta stay this course. Once Cassandra is a god I should be able to go, it's not like my father is a threat at that point.”

“Is that what you really think? You think they’ll let you go? They won’t.” Scarlet said rather bluntly.

“I know,” Sam replied quietly. She took a bite of the meat as she looked into the fire, “I'm their prize, they couldn't let me go, not anymore. The hope is what keeps me going when it gets too much though. Even if they don't let me go, I hope they'll just, forget I exist. Let me do my job in peace while they go fuck themselves.”

“Look. Samantha, I don’t think your little….” Scarlet waved her arm as she tried to find the right words. “Predicament….is very good. Course, I’d be hypocritical if I were to try and talk you out of it. People try to talk me out of shit all the time, tell me its for ‘my own good’ but that fuckin’ pisses me off. So I won’t do the same to you. Instead, I’ll offer you a piece of advice, from my own experiences. Don’t rely on hope, rely on yourself. They beat you down because they know you can be a threat.”

She looked into the fire for a bit before she shook her head and said softly, “You don't need to hear my sob story. Everyone has a sad tale,” she seemed to be telling herself that more than Scarlet and pressed on, “Let's just talk about something other than the Hand and the Cult. Just seems to bog us down in trite shit that ultimately means nothing.”

[Amari]

“Speak for yourself.” Amari snorted, the girl had problems. More so than her, and that said something considering Amari’s life was like something out of a poorly written fiction fantasy book. If she wanted to shift the subject, it was fine by her.

“You know, I don’t know what pisses me off more. Self righteous people who try to force their ideals of ‘what is good’ onto you, or people who are so incredibly powerful, and piss away their talents. I know someone who is both.”

Samantha looked over at her and raised an eyebrow, “Someone that useless?”

“Vincent Cain. Leader of the Tarot, a group I want dead. Fucker tried to trap me, tell me I was on the wrong path. That what I was doing ‘wasn’t good for me’ and it pissed me right off.” Amari paused as she glanced over at Samantha. “Honestly, it’s why I’m going to keep my mouth shut, I could prattle away about how I feel you’re wasting away, being some old lady's errand dog, but I won’t. Because it’s up to you. Cause and effect.”

Samantha frowned looking at her, “It's better than the alternative. You haven't seen that.” She crossed her arms and waited patiently.

“He has this pocket dimension, or something...that would hold such a use, throwing dead bodies in there for transport, food, weapons. Think he’d do that? No. He fuckin’ goes ahead and plays Masterchef. He wants me to listen to him, but he shits on my food and makes a song and dance, ‘look at me, I’m Vincent Fuckin’ Cain and I can pull metal pots out of my ass.”

Her shoulders shuddered as her eyes widened, she covered her mouth before she managed, “What the hell? He did what?”

“I’m being serious, fuckin’ pans and pots out of thin air, and he got all high and mighty about it too...I mean, if I had powers like that I’d-”

Sam interrupted, “God, sounds like my dad. All that power, fuck all he does with it…”


Amari turned her gaze back to the fire. That’s right, Seth was chained up below the sanctum. He wanted nothing more than to see his daughter, but it was clear she wanted nothing to do with him. Amari thought it best not to tell Samantha that the very man she spoke of currently sat in chains, lamenting her whereabouts.

“Well, his soul is pretty messed up. I should know, I touched it. Suppose he ran out of oomph. I ain’t wise to hex magic users, dunno if that’s what happens to them all. What would you do with it?” Amari asked, “If you had such a thing?”

“Wouldn't know. Only active Hex Magi I know about are him and his cousin Beatrix. Lady Freebird didn't know much on the topic, she just opened up my ability to use it.”

“I see.” They fell silent, and Amari kept her gaze to the fire. This was useful information to process. She wondered how Seth would feel, knowing his daughter was alive and well. It tugged at Amari, she wanted to help the man, but he was an enemy of the hand and a man that Ulroke hated with every fibre of his being. How much would he punish her if she gave Seth such information?

Amari felt a tangled mess of hair fall over her bare shoulders, and the warmth of another body. Amari turned to see Sam resting her head on Amari’s shoulder. Samantha spoke, quietly. “I’m sick of people telling me not to use it. No one understands. You seem to though.”

“As I said, it’d piss me off if someone told me not to do something, you gotta learn yourself.” I went to pat Samantha on her head but she flinched. I shifted my hand down to her shoulder, figuring she just didn’t like her head to be touched. “If you fuck up, that’s on you, least you know its on you and no one else.”

[Mask of the Warden]

Samantha nodded looking at the fire. The story had been exactly what she hoped for. Something to let her escape the fucked situation. She kept the smile on her face before she spoke, “Thank you.”

“Hey, anything that makes Vincent look like the dumb shit he is, is more of a favour to me than anything else.”

“Still thanks, takes the edge off the day. Having to stand around Jeb for an hour put me in a bad mood, it wasn't your fault. Sorry about that,” Samantha replied truthfully, “If I thought I could kill him and make it stick, I'd have gutted him a long time ago…” She shook her head and sighed, “Sorry, I'm bringing down the mood again, need to stop that, this is supposed to be for fun right?”

Scarlet shrugged. “Far be it for me, do what you want, say what you want. Just stop apologising for it. You do you, but don’t start saying sorry for your actions. Own them.” Scarlet shifted, being careful to still allow Samantha to rest on her shoulder and threw another log onto the fire. “How useful is he really? What if it were an accident? Far be it from me if he were to accidentally choke or had a heart attack.”

“Jeb has been blessed with immortality. One time I snuck a knife in when he was set to punish me, and I fought back. I got him in the throat. A few minutes later he got back up and well, it took me a couple of months to recover from that beating, I swore that was it, he was going to kill me,” She shuddered. She shook her head and said softly, “He's shit in a real fight, but he is the perfect endurance predator. He will win, it just takes time.”

Samantha felt Scarlets grip on her shoulder tighten. “Well yeah, if you have an attitude like that he will. He’s immortal, so what? Everything can die.” She paused, and repeated the sentence, it held a heavy weight Samantha didn’t understand. “Everything. Can. Die.”

“Join the Cult. You don't look like you belong with the Hand. You talk more like the priests and Aerith. You'd be happier with us, and I'm sure the Dark Daughter would be more than willing to accommodate you. I mean…” She looked at her hands for the way to say what she wanted to. She wished she had Aerith's silver tongue for this moment, “All the cult wants, is to point out the hypocrisy that suffocates society. They want people to be free, free to pursue their paths. I think you’re almost there yourself, but you seem to hold onto something. Like you can't let it go and you drag it with you…” She stopped and shook her head, “And now I'm preaching...which isn't right. Thayne bless it…”

“If you’re an example of what to expect, it doesn’t sound a thing like what you say.” Scarlet said bluntly.

Samantha shook her head softly, “I am paying off my Father’s sins against the Dark Mother, because he refuses to pay for them himself. I am the insurance that she will ascend, and that my Father will have no means to interfere. I suffer because once again, he insists on staying out of the cult’s hands and paying off his debt. It's why I'm the Warden, it's why they treat me so badly, it's why I did everything I could to spruce up my cage. I know my situation looks like a shit show Lady Scarlet, but I will make the best of it. I will endure it, and when it's done I will move on and close this chapter of my life. It will not be the first time I left a place and never looked back.”

Samantha expected some sort of snide remark from Scarlet, about her situation, and about her choices, but credit to the redheaded woman. She didn’t say a thing about it. She kept her eyes on the fire, the golden filaments in them almost seemed to glow in the flickering warm light. “I see.” Her words held no tones of judgement, they didn’t sound as though the woman pitied her, it was...it sounded like it was some sort of acceptance, as though Scarlet understood and was simply acknowledging this was the path that Samantha was taking. “It’s getting late.” She said, not questioning Samantha further.

“Yeah, night fell while I was outside, that must have been and hour or so ago,” she said softly. The change in Scarlet put her off slightly, and she was genuinely afraid she had put off the woman. She shifted off the woman and got up, carefully moving the extra logs to where errant embers would not spark them. Task finished she grabbed her pack and put her change of clothes atop all the harder items. She yawned, her body used to this ritual and looked to Red, “Sleep where you will Lady Scarlet. I -” she stopped herself from apologizing and shrugged, “If you wish you can snuggle up to me, I'm a warm body if nothing else.”

“I don’t feel the cold.” She shifted herself, and was close to Samantha, pulling her own sleeping bag from the pack she had worn, she unfurled it. “You can do as you wish.” A small smirk crept up onto her features, “I’d avoid killing me in my sleep however. More for your sake than mine.”

“Kill you? You're the first watcher I actually like,” Samantha scoffed. She moved closer to the woman and snuggled up to her, Scarlet lifted her arm to allow Samantha to come in close. “Promise I won't get fresh. I just worry that the fire will die and I'll end up a stiff body for the morning. We don't need me trying to limber up in the morning, we should just go and finish this, before I cry about how my parents didn't treat me like a princess or some crap.”

[Amari]

“I killed mine.” Amari said simply as she watched Samantha slowly open and close her eyes. Amari pushed back strands of Samantha’s hair away from her face and behind her eyes. Such a macabre sentence, and yet, it didn’t bother the woman one bit. She had come to terms with murdering her father and brother, both were monsters who deserved it.

Samantha tensed hearing those words before she shook her head, “I might not like my Dad, but I don't think I could kill him…”

“Your dad…” Amari wasn’t sure if she should continue the sentence, it was clear Seth Dahlios loved Samantha, but it was equally clear that she did not like him. That was the difference, Seth had a semblance of care toward her. Amari’s father did not. He cared for nothing but to further his hold over Salvar and to fatten his pockets. Scarlet continued to lightly stroke Samantha’s hair. “He loves you.” Amari whispered to the other woman. It was said in earnest, she had to know. She was gripping at lost strands and Amari would rather not see her fall deeper into the hands of whatever shit show the cult was.

Samantha opened her eyes and looked up into Amari’s. Pain was in those eyes, pain and frustration, “Well he has a funny way of showing it.”

“So do you.” Came Amari’s reply as her thumb gently grazed over the others cheek. It held a heaviness to it, one that the red headed assassin hoped Samantha would understand.

She hugged Amari tightly and whispered, “I need him. Thayne Scarlet when he was in my life I pushed him away, now that he's gone I wish he wasn't. I feel like I'm drowning, and I'm doing everything I can to keep above water…” she closed her eyes, “And here you are listening to me blubber like some child who misses her parents.” A hand went to her hair as she gripped it tightly and vented a sigh in frustration.

Amari pulled Samantha’s hand away from her face, detangling her fingers from the silver hair. The girl was right. She was blubbering and whilst part of it did bother Amari, she decided to let the girl vent. She so very clearly needed it and part of it resonated with Amari. “Keep your eyes closed. What would you say to him if he were here?” Amari asked, if she kept Samantha talking, eventually, she would drift off to sleep, it may not be a sound sleep, but it’d be a deep one nonetheless. One that the ‘warden’ so sorely needed.

“I...can't do this. I feel like I'm pushing through the darkness, and I'm using my sword to cut down the monsters that come for me, but I'm losing. I can't find my way out, they just keep coming….” She said softly. Pain entered her voice, “Get me out of here, I can't stand it. I try to pretend, but...I feel like I'm losing myself. There are moments I'm terrified of what I've done...mistakes I can't take back…” her voice drifted as the emotions burst forth like a dam from her mouth. She was slowing as the emotions purged from her system and the fatigue obviously gripped her.

Amari pursed her lips. She wanted information, and she wanted fodder to use with Seth, but not like this. Not at the expense of someone else. “Your father is going to kill me…” Amari muttered before falling onto a rather restless sleep.

[Mask of the Warden]

The next morning she stirred, she knew that she had been extremely vulnerable last night. Aerith would have chided her for being so sentimental, quietly she got up, and grabbed a few logs setting them in a square configuration. Lighting the fire she nodded and took a water skin from her satchel. Quickly changing shirts she carefully poured a bit of water and washed her face, hiding the tear streaks.

She had experience pulling herself back together.

Feeling like she had successfully freshened up, she ventured a glance at Scarlet looking at the woman as she slept. Her mother had told her once that you could tell more about a person by watching them sleep, than you ever could awake. People would hide things, even the most open person in the world would never reveal everything. Sleep, was when the mask came off, and if you watched carefully, you could get a glimpse of the person underneath. She studied Scarlet's sleeping form, knowing it was probably past the point she could get such a glimpse. When she saw nothing change she shrugged and moved to leave the cave to look for food, she left her pack behind, letting Scarlet know she’d be back.

The morning are was crisp a comforting relief to the woman who was still pulling herself together. Her father was a sore subject, and Scarlet had pulled quite a bit out of her. She didn't even know why it bothered her so much to hear a declaration he loved her. She knew he had cared to some extent, she just also knew that it wasn't enough to risk her life, like he couldn't trust her. She could feel the old cauldron of emotions inside bubbling and stamped it down. One night of blubbering and reminiscing was enough, any more was an indulgence and one she wasn't looking for. She shook her head and sighed looking for signs of wild game in the area and muttered, “Leave it to family to make me a wreck…”

It didn't take long before she spied tracks. Moving carefully she pulled her dagger, carefully stalking her prey. Reaching what looked like an empty log she moved carefully until she saw it, a dirty brown hare hiding in the hollowed out log. She smirked and moved slowly, trying not the startle it and got as close as she could, out of sight of the hare. Knife in hand she carefully gauged where it should be before she stabbed her blade down, wounding the critter and causing it to begin to flee. It was hobbled unable to move fast before she scruffed it and ended its life quickly. Moving back to the cave she smiled and said, “Rabbit for breakfast sounds perfect..

Careful not to drag the carcass against the ground she entered the cave and sighed looking to where she had last seen Scarlet and said. “Rise and shine Lady Scarlet! I caught us some breakfast, and we have a runaway to catch…”

Scarlet had already woken, dressed, and put out the fire. She had her own pack on and looked as though she were ready to leave. “What? Do we have time to be eating now?”

Sam looked down at the rabbit and sighed before she shrugged, “Got a point. She's already cut across territory I wasn't expecting her to go, I'll save it for dinner or after we catch her…” She grabbed a small bit of rope and tied it to her satchel, “Alright, let's go, I just want this to be over.”

Once more she crawled out of the cave and dusted herself off, waiting for Scarlet as she looked around her eyes now looking for signs finger prey. To be honest she felt the most herself while hunting, being free to chase down and capture her prey, it was something she was good at. Though a part of her was startled at how good she was at hunting her fellow man. It took her a moment before she nodded, “She's heading for the forest's edge, we don't catch her today, she won't be caught. Too many roads to double back and take. Too many crowds to duck and hide in, hell if I was her I'd be hiding in a caravan soon as I saw one, doesn't matter where it goes, so long as it's not Underwood.”

“Right. Let’s go.” Scarlet said. It was almost as if last night didn’t happen. She was either pretending it didn’t happen for Samantha’s sake, or was it something else? Samantha was a little worried, because all it would take is Scarlet telling Aerith about last night and it would be over. She'd be locked up and chained to that fucking wheelchair again. Thayne she hated Aerith's wheelchair.

Moving along she frowned seeing boot prints in the ground and snapped her fingers to get the crimson haired girls attention. She wrinkled her nose as the trail, moving out of N’jalian territory. If it was Anastasia Rios, it made sense. She followed the trail heading out of the woods and muttered, “Let's hope you aren't expecting us, or we're going to regret this…”

The trail continued for a couple of hours the prints deep, indicating she wasn't running, each step was deliberate and methodical. Finally she led to a small cave that Samantha explored. A fire ring had been built and a hand touching the bare ground beneath it indicated it was only slightly warm. It had been used this morning, and had they enjoyed breakfast they would have lost the trail. Samantha mumbled softly to herself and exited the cave to a waiting Amari and gestured forth, “She was here this morning. I think she's trying to not get caught and slowed down to make sure she could avoid the spiders. I mean it's smart, but she blew her days head start.”

[Amari]

“You shouldn’t snap at me like I’m a dog.” Amari warned, not appreciating the gesture. Who the hell did this woman think she was? Just last night she was a blithering mess, barely able to get a handle of her own emotions. Now she was snappin her fingers at Amari. The redheaded assassin sighed as she ran her hands through her hair. She didn’t sleep well the night before, if at all, and was irritable to say the least.

“Let’s just get this over and done with, I want a long, hot bath.”

“I'm sure you'll be able to go as long as you want,” Samantha replied softly. She seemed to be more enamored with the trail and following it, the words more distant.

The two continued through the forest, and it wasn’t before long that sounds of muttering and snapping twigs were head up ahead. It seemed that both Amari and Samantha had a strong idea on who it was, it was their target, Amari had forgotten the fugitives name, but found herself uncaring to learn it. must be pretty fuckin’ full of herself to be making such a racket, did she really think she wouldn’t be followed? Or that she’d have gotten away? Amari supposed that it could have been possible if Samantha were alone. She felt the girl was…. Somewhat capable, but her emotions were all over the place, whilst Amari didn’t like the idea of a ‘keeper’ she could understand why they had implemented such a thing.

The two slowed down as they closed in on their target, Amari signalled for Samantha to shift toward the left blocking off the woman. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail, though her clothes looked as if the forest had snagged them more than once, holes that would need patching showing in more than one place.

There was a burst of crackling energy as the four tell tale tentacles erupted from Amaris back, the immediate area began to decay and hiss, this caught the attention of the blonde haired girl. Her eyes widened as she saw Amari. “Who the fuck are you?” She drew up to her full height, but seemed unarmed, “You don’t look like you’re with the cult….”

“I’m not, but I’m hired by them.”

“Do you have ANY idea what they’re-” Her frantic screeches were cut off as one of the red tentacles whipped out and wrapped itself around the girl's throat. She gripped helplessly at the ethereal tendrils before falling to her knees, tears stinging her eyes. “Now… I can’t recall...was I supposed to bring you in alive, or dead?” Amari’s eyes rose to Samantha who was now behind their target. “Samantha?”

“Good morning Miss Ryos,” Samantha replied with fake cheer, “I had a little bird tell me you were an Ixian Spy, and that you left the Mansion to tell someone things. Now, I want to bring you in alive, but well you know how the Dark Family gets. You have a choice, you can do this the easy way, or the hard way. Personally I got some worked up frustration to get through, so I'm praying to the Dark Mother you choose the hard way. What did you find out that meant you had to run back to Lady Orlouge?”

The woman choked out a garbled reply, to which Samantha sighed and looked at Amari. She shrugged and spoke, “I should at least see what she knows, then we can finish this up.”

Amari loosened the hold her ethereal tendrils had on the blonde haired woman, they surrounded her, keeping her in close check. She knew that if she moved, she’d be burnt just like the angry scarring around her neck suggested.

Amari had her own questions running around in her head, first - Samantha was treating the dark mother like some sort of deity? It was completely absurd, she disliked that but kept that to herself. THe next thing was the mention of the Ixian Knights, people Amari had run ins with.People who had helped her and were kind to her, but also…. People who were a direct enemy of the Crimson Hand. Amari kept silent, acting as the stoic guard to ensure the waif would not escape whilst Samantha did her thing. Whatever it was.

[Mask of the Warden]

Anastasia Ryos, the right hand of Aislinn Orlouge, who had trained the medical staff of the Ixian Knights. The woman was a celebrated member, one panther thirteen original members of Aislinn's cadre. She had seen better days, with the dirt on her hands, and the mud on her skirt. Her hair was slipping from that perfect ponytail, looking like a frayed mess that attempted order. Her eyes locked on Samantha with an uncomfortable certainty before she sighed and spoke, “Thank the Thayne it's you Samantha. Please! Come with me, we can keep you safe-”

“Shut. Up.”

Miss Ryos recoiled as if struck by Samantha as she looked at the girl who had been hardened by the Cult. Samantha glowered at the woman as she pulled her sword and stabbed it into the dirt in front of the woman. It was how she reminded her victims what was on the line, while she decided how to kill them. She circled the woman and spoke, “You have guts, cutting through the N’jalian territory like that. It makes me wonder what's so important, you'd risk the Dark Mother’s justice to report back. You may speak.”

The hunt was over, the thrill of it dashed by this woman's poor ability to flee. Samantha had actually been excited about this hunt, until the sloppiness of her prey spoiled it. Ryos looked pleadingly up at her, and Samantha could see this woman was no warrior. Still she managed to maintain some semblance of composure when she spoke, “You, the whole point of me entering the mansion was to find you. I watched, and left when I thought I could get back, but they sent you after me. Don't you see Samantha? You can be free of them, free of this!”

Samantha's expression became unreadable as she looked at the woman. She had a point, this was by far her best chance at escaping the cage, however Scarlet, despite her sour mood was one of the nicer people in the Warden’s life. She would have to kill Scarlet in order to be free. She shook her head and clicked her tongue in reproach, “Did you honestly expect me to believe that tripe? You aren't the first spy the Ixian's infiltrated the Cult with. I've put down at least two myself. Further, why the shift to me so suddenly? No, while Taka may be a fool, he's not stupid enough to waste lives like that. For all I hear of the Dark Blade he'd rather save his strength for when he feels he should strike. So Taka didn't send you, Talen Shadowwalker doesn't care, William Arcus never cared about anyone in his life other than his dead wife, Kylanna is dead, killed in the Night of Debauchery, and Sei is hiding under a rock somewhere probably pissing himself for breaking his vow to preserve life. I just can't find anyone dumb enough to send one of Aislinn’s most trusted doctors into the viper's nest.

“Your father?” Scarlet interjected with a raised brow.

Samantha shrugged and looked pointedly at the woman before her who shook her head, “Your father remains in the shadows as he always has since the night. Aislinn sent me, said that if I could find you, we might be able to get that information to him. Let Seth solve the prob-”

A boot lashed out hitting the woman across the jaw. Ryos let out a cry of pain before Samantha carefully collected the simmering hot rage in her chest, “So I'm the carrot before the horse. How fucking fantastic. What else do you know? Keep in mind this determines whether I kill you or bring you back in alive.”

“I thought I saw the door to the basement, other than that, nothing,” Ryos replied fear obviously gripping her.

“Where?” Samantha barked sharply.

“The Main Foyer, behind the statue, there was a squared off alcove. Most of the servants stand in it to clean the statue but, I saw the back wall missing one day, or thought I did,” She replied.

Samantha sighed looking down, “Well, that’s that. It was a fun hunt, with the exception of your glaring blunders, but like all good things this too shall end. Any last words?”

“Sam, we can save you-”

A fist rocked the woman’s face as Samantha hissed, “Don't act like you care now. How many beatings Ryos? How many times did you watch that hillbilly fuck dump me like a corpse in my room? How many times did you stand there and watch Draug and Katherine threaten to kill me on the spot to get at my father? You did nothing! Just like the Knights did nothing. You rescued Akiv, and left me to rot.”

“We tried, please Sam, let your Lavinian pride go and-” She flinched as Samantha raised her fist to strike again. Samantha was seeing red and moved to lower it on the woman. As Samantha went to punch Ryos in the face again Scarlet caught her by the wrist. The Warden gave a hostile glare to the red haired woman and seemed to wait for her to speak.

The woman held fast. “You got everything you need from her, anything beyond that is pointless and you’d be falling into the behaviour of the very people you just criticised.” Scarlet let go of Samantha’s wrist, signalling that her words were just advice, and that she wouldn’t stop Samantha from continuing if she wanted. “Or did last night mean nothing?” It was the first Scarlet mentioned Samantha’s breakdown. “I won’t stop you doing what you want. Cause and effect.”

Samantha carefully fixed her clothing, before she nodded, “You're right. I have a job to do, and as much as I want to beat her into the ground I can't let my emotions get the better of me. I'd be no better than Jeb.”

“So secure her, and let's head back.”

Ryos was crying on the forest floor silently while Samantha narrowed her eyes, “You don't even know me, don't pretend to care. I was given your verdict before I left, and now it's time to carry through sentence. Anastasia Ryos, for the crime of spycraft, you have been found guilty. You are to receive the Dark Mother’s Forgiveness for your crime…”

Ryos looked up a look of fear on her face as she spoke, “Please, Sam, you aren't like this. You're a good person...like your mother. You aren't like them Sam, please don't…” Samantha pulled a dagger from her belt as the blade lazily began to play about in her hand. It was nowhere near as skilled as her father, but any who had seen the two with a knife, could tell one had influenced the other.

“You're ruining the moment, shut up and do nothing. That seems to be all you're good for anyways,” Samantha replied to the cries before gripping Ryos’ hair in a glove covered hand. She jerked the woman’s head back and sighed, as if tasked with something mundane.

Tears streaked the woman’s face before the woman blurted out, “Your father would be disappointed to see you like this…”

Samantha stopped upon hearing those words. Her chest went hollow, as she looked down at Ryos, who seemed to stare defiantly at her killer. She narrowed her eyes for only a moment and watched as the woman closed her eyes, accepting her death. Samantha felt something click and brought the pommel of her dagger down on the woman’s head, knocking her out. The dagger was sheathed in a practiced maneuver before she spoke, “You don't deserve the Dark Mother’s Forgiveness. No, now you get worse…” Her gaze rose to Scarlet before she spoke her voice hoarse as if she had been yelling, “Rope please, we're wrapping her up as a gift.”

[Amari]

“You really need to can it with that dark mother shit, it sounds a little like obsession.” Amari muttered as she pulled out the rope and handed it to Samantha. Amari watched as the white haired girl began to bind their unconscious prisoner. What kind of fucked up shit did this place indulge in? Amari knew her view of Lye was twisted, but the two had a somewhat symbiotic relationship. This? This wasn’t exactly healthy nor good for Samantha, and hearing constant mentions of this dark mother person left a sour taste in Amari’s mouth.

“It's an act, though don't tell Aerith that. I am the Warden and I have a job to do, I need to play the part of Cassandra’s enforcer, and that means platitudes to her,” Samantha replied tying up the woman tightly, “Sadly they're obsessed with her, so it means I have to lay it on thick they fucked up, and Cassandra is not happy, which is why I'm there to begin with.”

Course, whatsherface was right, Seth would lose his shit if he saw her like this. He’d get worked up and fear losing her, and in a sense, he was right. Even hearing Samantha’s words, Amari was not entirely convinced. “You know, I have half a mind to rip apart this ‘dark mother’ just to prove she ain’t the top shit everyone keeps going on about.” Amari muttered as the two began to backtrack, heading back the way they came. Even with Samantha carrying the other woman, they made quick time, since they were no longer tracking someone.

“I wouldn't try, she went toe to toe with Sei and only had a bloody nose. Taka went all out on her and landed one blow before she laid him out,” Samantha responded, “She’s not a victim.”

Amari shrugged, “Honestly. I don’t care, she could rip me apart and I’d just come at her again, and again. Or until I got bored I guess. People like her honestly piss me right off.” Amari shook her head, she knew she was treading dangerous waters, talking about killing off some apparently immortal woman, who was the saviour of the very people who hired her. Still, Samantha seemed to have a semblance of a level head on her, and Amari felt confident enough the other woman would keep Amari’s words to herself, even if it were to just avoid the punishment of not killing Amari for some sort of insubordination or whatever the fuck they’d call it.

“If we keep this pace, we should be able to make it to the manor by nightfall, unless you wanted to stop.”

“Just a brief one, I figure the locals might be a little hungry…” Samantha answered a bit of anger entering her voice.

Amari took the hint, it was so glaringly obvious. “You’re going to dump her with those Magi Spiders?” The red headed assassin shrugged, “I mean… you do you, I’d have preferred to have some words with her myself, for my own gain, but I won’t stop you. This ain’t about me, it’s all about you, sunshine.”

“If you want to talk to her we still got daylight. Even if we stop for a bit we might want to camp out before heading into the mansion proper so the delay won't be noticeable,” Samantha offered, “She isn't going anywhere, and not like any information she gives will be traced…”

Amari threw Samantha a wry smile, “Aww. You’d do that for lil’ ol’ me?”

“So long as she's alive, I don't care what you do to her,” Samantha replied a bitter smile on her face, “Far as I care she's already dead, the state of her corpse is negotiable.”

Amari shrugged, “The Ixians are a major threat to the Crimson Hand, any information I can pry from her would be useful. I’ve had a run in with them at their castle, but they were very amicable. It was unnerving honestly.” Amari sighed, “But honestly. We do not have the time.” Amari waved her arm toward the unconscious blonde. “Do what you need to do, and lets go.”

[Mask of the Warden]

They moved silently through the forest. Samantha could tell Lady Scarlet didn’t approve. She wouldn't have said anything otherwise. It was an odd hypocrisy that surrounded the woman, trying to let Samantha do her own thing, but placing her stamp of approval or disdain on the things about her, as if she were final arbiter on what was acceptable. Samantha let most of it slide, but the idea of feeding Ryos to the Spider Magi certainly threw her red headed companion for a loop.

Samantha wasn’t sure herself if she could see it through. However, she was determined to be left alone. If she did this, if she threw Ryos to the wolves, then her fears would be wholly founded. She was afraid that she would end up just like her father, a bitter husk of a man that fumbled about his life, not knowing what to do. She already felt emptier inside after taking Hex Magic and using it. Was this the decisions that tore her father apart?

She had seen the aftermath of her father’s rage, the destroyed enclaves of cultist, bodies strewn about with precisions blows to throat or chest. The legend of the Lavinian Demon was known by any who had spent even a modicum of time in the underworld. She had seen him, and even lived with him for a couple of years, but he always seemed not all there. She hadn’t understood at the time, thinking him just being aloof, and distant. Her mother tried to assure Samantha that Seth was just like that nowadays.

How painful hindsight was.

Ryos stirred on her shoulder as she threw the woman to the ground. The Warden’s back and shoulders ached from the exertion of carrying the former medical staffer. Looking at the woman impassively she sighed before she looked across the clearing to the cave. Already skittering could be heard as something monstrous made its ways out of the caves. The first thing Samantha noticed was the legs, eight of them. She should have expected it, but really so many tales were exaggerated. Looking over the creature she tensed, but managed to stifle the gasp as she looked at its face.

Where there should have been features, there was only smooth skin. No ears, no eyes, no nose. It looked about the area and settled on the three women before a voice, somehow went through the clearing. It is not everyday prey comes to my doorstep.

“I come to bargain,” Samantha said firmly. She trampled down the fear she felt, knowing it would do her no good. Her voice sounded firm, even as she made sure a hand rested on the pommel of her daggers.

You offer me nothing I could not already take. What reason do I have for not calling my friends and grabbing all of you. The Ar’Tuel would certainly please our Lady, The voice was obnoxiously smug.

Samantha let the anger carry her, anger was far preferable to terror. It moved forward slowly, trying to intimidate her with it’s very presence as she spoke, “If you had that power we wouldn't be talking. While the Cult of N’jal works together, that means they share the glory. You want to share three new toys?”

It paused in its steps and leaned down, bringing its flat face level to the warden’s. The voice spoke, a tenor of intrigue in it, Go on.

“Three new souls to play with is nothing, what if I could get you more than three? We’ve been having problems disposing with traitors and those who give in too much to their...vices. I’m sure you could use a few more thralls. COnsider this the first of a new line for you,” Samantha offered.

The N’jalian Spider Magi stood up at it’s full height and stroked what should have been a chin before it nodded, Very well, go back to your caretakers, tell them that so long as they give me a fresh thrall every full moon, they shall enjoy the protection of the N’jal. I have a new toy to play with.

Samantha nodded as she cut Ryos free and shoved her towards the Magi. The medic looked about and gave Samantha a panicked expression, “No, don’t do it Sam...you’re better than this.”

“Maybe when I was with you, time has a wonderful way of twisting everything in its grasp,” Samantha replied coldly. She gestured up at the N’jalian, “Have fun with your new master.”

The N’jalian laughed before it spoke You know her? Oh, how delicious. Are you to watch?

Samantha thought about it for a moment before she nodded. If she was going to execute the woman by handing her over to the N’jalians, she would need to watch. She needed to know Ryos wouldn't be telling anyone the cult’s secrets. Further, Samantha wasn’t comfortable sentencing someone to death without watching sentence carried out. She steeled herself as the N’jalian reached out, and gently touched Ryos’ head.

The woman hunched, holding her stomach as if a great pain suddenly erupted from it. Sh moaned softly and shook her head, looking at Samantha for help. Falling to her knees the moan rose to the pitch of a scream as hair began to fall out in clumps, her body decaying before the Warden and the Right Hand. Before their eyes her visage became that of a zombie before Samantha looked up at the Magi, “She’s dead?”

Oh no, she is alive, immortal, but alive. She will wander this forest as my servant, until I grow bored and leave her somewhere. She will be a fine prize, to add to my collection, The Magi replied before it gestured, When you see your Dark Mother, let her know that we approve of her indulgences. Even if she seeks a spot next to the Thayne, she exalts N’jal with her every breathe. We appreciate the corruption she births into the world.

“Very well, thank you. I must return to my home,” Samantha replied. She looked back over her shoulder to Scarlet and spoke, “If you don’t want anything we should go.”

[Amari]

Amari placed a gentle and reassuring hand upon Samantha’s back. This wasn’t exactly the assassins cup of tea, but she wasn’t going to chide or press Samantha to change her mind. Amari was confused, granted, but who was she to cast judgement? At least vocally, she could keep her thoughts to herself, and had a good enough mind to do just that.

“Well.” Amari said finally, “Fuck me.” She lazily glanced up at the magi spider, it knew what she was. It wanted her. She offered the spider a smirk. If it could see what she was, surely it could see what she was capable of, and Amari was confident that she would not fall to the same fate as their now useless companion. Her body maybe… but not her soul. Amari stared at the featureless flesh of its face. It reminded her of Gimmel.

If you wish to join us spirit, you need only say so. We can free you from your prison of flesh, The tone was wry, as if he thought he was being seductive. He reached a hand forward to Amari.

“No.” Amari said quietly, her lips terse. She batted its hand away, where her flesh hit it, her skin burned and necrosis flaked at her, but just as quickly as it formed golden light replaced it and healed her. “You offer a false freedom, we may have more in common than I am aware of, but our meeting here is done.” Amari took a step closer, almost challenging the spider. “Unless of course, you hurt Samantha, then I will return. Less than amicable.”

It looked between the two of them before it shook its bulbous head, No, the Warden of the Cult is a great enough temptation to let continue. So long as she continues her path, N’jal is pleased.

“Odd words, N’jal. Goodbye.”

Amari turned and joined Samantha. “I’m done now.” The two began their way through the bushes, less concerned about the spiders webs and weavings than earlier. “I admit, I didn’t expect them to be quite so sentient, or to know what I am. You bartered a wise deal, Samantha.”

“I couldn’t be a good Warden, if I didn’t know my neighbors at least a little. While Aerith was a little upset when she found out, I read a book or two on the Cult of N’jal,” Samantha offered, “They work together when they have to, but they hate each other. Offering him personal glory was the only way that was going to work…”

“He threatens you, you let me know.”

“Now you’re starting to sound like my father,” Sam muttered.

Amari smirked, then gave a small chuckle. Seth was right, she did have issues when it came to him. “Do I?” She asked, turning to glance at the silver haired woman. “I could say the same thing about you, but let’s not throw such insults at each other. I’m sure no one wants to be compared to that asshole.”

Samantha stiffened slightly before she spoke, “I sound nothing like my father. I can assure you of that, he would have had to have been there for me to know how he sounded in the first place.”

“Hmmmm….” Damn woman, that is exactly how your father would react.

“Well, shitty family aside; you did good. I mean, odd way of getting rid of someone, I admit, but I’d be hypocritical to judge.” Amari sighed as she pushed past, breaking apart sticky web, there was no fear of the spiders now, granted they probably didn’t appreciate Amari breaking apart everything, but what did she care.

After a few short hours they were coming into sights of the mansion. “So, Samantha, do they need to be aware of your deal with the spider magi? Or are we saying you killed her yourself?”

“Half the truth is worse than a lie. I’m not taking a punishment for that,” Sam replied firmly. Her hand went unconsciously to her arm before she continued, “No, we tell them of the deal. It would allow the Cult to actually have control of Concordia. To not tell them would be to squander that advantage.”

“Control of Concordia?” Amari bit her tongue, the cults influence surely was not that strong. “Mayhaps, but honestly. This is in your favour.” Amari stopped, and stepped in front of Samantha, if only she could convince the girl to keep the deal quiet. “You are their warden, you are no doubt tasked to be rid of people. You do that in a manner that benefits you. They’re nigh unrecognizable when they’re all decrepit like that. Why give them more power over you?”

Samantha looked at Amari her gaze unreadable. Finally she spoke softly, “The last time I withheld information, I couldn’t walk, and I had to crawl to my room. Aerith didn’t show up until the next morning, and I took a month to recover. I am not keen on repeating that mistake Scarlet. If I tell them of the deal, I might be done with fucking watchers. I might be a bit more free, and I can accept that. I can accept that I gave my power to them.” She opened her mouth to say something, then shut it and shook her head moving past Scarlet a couple of steps before she stops and slammed the side of her fist against a tree.

“Yeh, you look real happy about your predicament” . Amari thought about it, she didn’t want the cult gaining any more control than they already had, not over Concordia, and not over Samantha, but she was beyond reason, and Amari knew that pushing her would just result in her acting out. She knew, because Samantha was so damn much like her. Beyond that, Amari kept her mouth shut. There was little getting through to her now. “Let’s move on, shall we?”


Sam didn’t move before she spoke, “There you go again. You don’t want to push me but.... It’s my life but… You don’t look happy but… but… but… but…” Sam replied her tone turning mocking towards the end as she spoke, “Speak your goddamn mind and own your words. You told me to own my actions and I have tonight. You don’t say those things because you want to chime in on the situation, you’re letting me know you don’t like what’s going on. Don’t be so shy about it.”

“Says the blithering fuckin’ bitch.” Amari muttered under her breath, equally annoyed with Samantha. The sooner she got away from her, the better. “I just think it’s idiotic to let them have more power over you, is all.” Amari pushed past Samantha, heading toward the clearing that lead down to the mansion.

Sam watched her march towards the mansion before she muttered, “I may be a bitch, but at least I’m honest about what I am…” The warden shook her head shook her head and moved after the Ar’Tuel, before she spoke, “Look, I’m sorry about snapping at you. I know the last couple of days have been trying. Alright?”

“Mmmhmm.” Came Amari’s reply, she had no other response to Samantha, she knew it was an apology, but wasn’t exactly good with words, nor responding to people. “If you keep being honest. You’re going to loose yourself.” Amari sneered, using the same mocking tone Samantha had used “But, but, but, but if you want to continue to be Jebbs whipping bitch, be my guest.”

[Mask of the Warden]

Samantha reeled from the blow leaning against the tree for a moment. Scarlet had just taken the one shot Sam wasn’t sure she was prepared for. Sure she had confided in her, but to have her own words thrown back at her. Her rage was spent, her temper exhausted. In the wake, she felt the pain in her heart. Sure having the courage to watch sentence carried out was great, but in the end she had punished that woman to a lifetime of torment. She was becoming Jebb in action, if not in spirit, and that frightened her.

They moved down to the compound, cultists spotting them and rushing into the mansion proper. Samantha put on a passive face, one that adequately hid the turmoil under the skin. As they approached the doors the chime of Aerith’s voice rang out, “There you are Warden, I heard you were back.”

Samantha looked at Lady Scarlet for a moment and turned to face the Dark Daughter taking a knee and spoke, “Apologies, I literally just stepped on the grounds. It’s been a long night.”

“Report,” The tone was strict, and biting. Samantha nodded, knowing there was no avoiding it. Aerith had to know if the hole had been plugged or not.

Keeping her head bowed she spoke loudly, letting her voice carry, “Anastasia Ryos is alive.”

“Then why are you here Warden?” Aerith replied, her tone icy.

“She is a thrall of the N’jalian Spider Magi. I watched them turn her myself,” Samantha replied. Aerith’s eyes widened considerably.

The Dark Daughter regained her composure admirably fast and spoke, “I see. Very well, that is perhaps better than I could hope for. I see you are safe, so I assume you brokered some kind of deal?”

Samantha’s mouth spoke before her mind could react, “I was trained by the Thieves of Lavinya, I know stealth Dark Daughter.” It was fortunate her head was bowed. She didn’t trust her face to remain passive at the betrayal her mouth had given.

Aerith frowned, “Your tone needs work Warden, should I fetch Grandfather to give you a lesson in manners again.”

Samantha’s heart raced when she replied, “That won’t be necessary. My apologies Dark Daughter, it has been a long hunt. My tongue doesn’t know the grace Lord Remi has bestowed upon it.”

Aerith glowered at her for what seemed an eternity. Finally, she looked upon Scarlet, “Apologies Lady Scarlet, my manners escape me. I trust our Warden has been most courteous towards you?”

“Yes.” Came Scarlet’s reply as she shifted and crossed her arms in front of her. “So courteous in fact, she offered me a place within your...hallowed walls.”

Aerith gave Scarlet a radiant smile and spoke, “She has an eye for talent. I dare say she can be...overzealous in her recruitment. I apologize if she was too forward, but know should the Crimson Assassin ever turn on you, you can rely on the Dark Family to help you. I speak of course to you Amari L’Olfsden, and not to Scarlet the Right Hand…”

“You must be mistaken, that woman is a deader, I’d offer to pass the message onto her but the ability to speak to the dead is out of my grasp.”

She looked upon Scarlet for what seemed forever before she spoke, “Perhaps I am. My apologies. I know how rough it can be having people pry into your past. Shall I have bath drawn for you? Would you like to rest and meet with your servant? He has been most courteous but sadly restricts himself to the chambers we afforded you.”

“Yes. Please do.”

Aerith nodded and gestured a cultist appearing beside her. She spoke sternly, “Draw up a bath for our guest. You shall follow her instructions and ensure she is not barged in on. It is your head if she finds the experience anything less than pleasant.” The man nodded and bowed to Scarlet awaiting instruction. The Dark Daughter turned to Samantha, “I shall forgive your tongue this time, next time I will not hesitate to instruct you in manners. Are we clear Warden?”

“Yes Dark Daughter,” Samantha replied quickly. Aerith turned to go her hand waving at Samantha dismissively. It was at that moment the held breath was let go and Samantha stood carefully tucking the fear back with her hair. She bit her lip before she spoke quickly, “I should go to my chambers. I’m sure I’ll have a pile of work waiting for me. Scarlet….thank you.”

Scarlet seemed to give her a funny look before she commanded the Servant to take her to the baths and lead her off. Samantha meanwhile was trying to come to grips with the tiny rebellion she had perpetrated against Aerith, the only Dark Family member who seemed to give her the time of day. She moved into the mansion and too her room stiffly, more rote practice than any real attention paid. She opened the door and closed it before she leaned against it and sighed, looking at a table full of papers. Her room was mussed, and a few things were moved form where they were supposed to be.

They had searched her room.

Samantha was used to it by now, they always searched her room with regularity. Just one more bit of paranoia that kept her alive. She didn’t write things down anymore, she stopped keeping a journal. She didn’t even have trinkets to remember things by. Everything was a weapon, and she was loathe to hand Jebb one more reason to hurt her. While their mistrust hurt, it made sense. They weren’t sure how deep in the cult’s web the Daughter of the Demon was.

Taking off the chainmail shirt she stretched and felt bones pop before she sighed, “Well, hell sweet hell….”

[Amari]

Amari had bathed, and dressed herself. She weasn’t prepared to spend another night here, and she wasn’t prepared to brief Noel on what happened. Not what really happened. She had a strong feeling that the walls not only had eyes, but ears. Amari told Noel how they hunted their mark, speaking with feigned candid freedom that even fooled him into believing the tale was real. She spoke about how they found their mark, but the Spider Magi had twisted her into some deformed lifeless puppet.

“Beyond that…” Amari finished, “It was pretty run of the mill. The girl really wants me to join this place.”

“It is far more hospitable than your current accomodations, Miss Scarlet.” Noel mused, glancing around at the rich walls.

“Little too decadent for my tastes,” Amari muttered, then added. “Although it is not without its merit. Come on, let’s go.”

“Miss...is it safe to ride through the forest at night?”

Amari turned to Noel, he was worried about the spiders, she couldn’t tell him about the deal Samantha brokered, hell, even if they were act the Seventh Sanctum she doubted she’d mention it. Perhaps it was a stupid notion of trust? Amari wasn’t going to ruin it. “The warden and I traversed that forest all through the night, I have a good understanding of where the nests are. If we leave now, we can avoid the brunt of it before night sets in.”

“Right. Of course. Noel said, concerns till evident in his tone.

Amari turned on him and opened the door, turning down into the hallway. It was somewhat of a shame to leave without saying her goodbyes to Seth’s daughter, but perhaps it was for the best.

“You certainly act fast. Good thing I wasn’t allowed a bath or Aerith’s kindness would have cost me…” The words filtered through the air as Samantha finished rising the steps looking at Amari expectantly.

Amari blinked, genuine surprise on her features. “S-” She stopped and cleared her throat. “Warden? To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I owe you Lady Scarlet, and if there is one thing my parents drilled into me it was to make good on your debts,” Samantha replied looking about, “But perhaps the garden would be better suited for such a discussion. Less people running about.”

Amari gestured toward Noel. “Go back to our room. I will meet you there later.” Noel gave a curt nod, not questioning her. Amari replied to Samantha with a small nod, following her down the stairs. Continuing the conversation in a manner suited to their surroundings. “I merely watched you perform your duties, Warden. Nothing more.”

Samantha was quiet until she pushed open a door and lead Amari out into the gardens in the back, “Oh, is that what you call it? I call it watching my back where I’m from, but I grew up in Berevar, certainly uncultured before your Salvarian civilized manners…”

There it was, that bite, that hostility, the sharp tongue Amari knew. “Ah, but what do I? A former street urchin know about manners?” Amari mused. “Clearly, I do not have the manners to bite my tongue, so do forgive me when I ask, what is it you really want to discuss?”This was how they communicated, barbed words. Snarky remarks and tones dripping with sarcastic condescending jabs.

Samantha stopped for a moment and looked about, “There are some things I can’t discuss even here, but just saying that should tip you in the right direction. Your advice, it hurt, but it was welcome. I wanted to thank you properly before you left.”

Her words surprised Amari. She wasn’t expecting a heartfelt thank you. The red headed assassin stepped forward and placed a hand on Samantha’s shoulder. “Out there, you being this ‘Warden’ that’s Jebb talking. Not you.” Samantha stiffened and went to move away. Amari tightened her grip. “You’re welcome, by the way.”

Sam let a pained expression cross her face before she spoke, “It’s either I be warden, or I suffer worse than I do now. I mean, yes I can rebel, and that’s what I did for a year. I kicked I screamed, I yelled, I tried so hard, and it wasn’t until I stopped that my pain lessened even a little bit Scarlet. I wish I could be like you, the chained but free woman, but I can’t do that...I don’t get the slack you do.”

Amari sighed, reaching out for Samantha’s hair, the girl jerked slightly, but stilled when she realised Amari was simply just gently rubbing her long silken strands between thumb and forefinger. “Wishes are silly things. I think you have the potential to change that. That’s why you annoy me. I see myself in you, its why you piss me off.” Amari let go of Samantha’s hair, seeing that her action was bothering the girl. “No matter what I say,” She gave Samantha a lop-sided grin, again, almost mocking her words. “Or not say. It’s all on you. I’d be no better if I were to force your hand. One way or the other.”

Samantha nodded before she hugged Amari tightly her arms gripping the woman. Her face pressed into the Right Hand’s shoulder. Amari could smell the faint scent of lilac as it tickled her nose. The silence lasted for only a moment before she spoke softly, “Scarlet stay one more night. I feel better...things are less annoying, people don’t bother me as much. You take the edge off dealing with this shit hole.”

Amari wrinkled her brow, scoffing to hide the confusion she felt. “What?” ignoring the previous unease Samantha had with people touching her hair, Amari placed a hand on Samantha’s head and ruffled her hair, nails digging in slightly. “What the fuck’s wrong with you? You Mad?”

Amari felt her hand shift and the cool touch of metal against her skin. Amari grabbed Samantha’s arm and roughly pulled it away, ignoring the gash on her shoulder, and the blood that dripped from the blade to the floor. Amari’s hand shifted to the blade and Samantha allowed her to pry it from her fingers before it dropped to the floor.

There was another sting as golden light flickered around the wound, healing it. “Next time, dig a little deeper don’t waste your energy.” Amari wrapped an arm around Samantha’s shoulder bringing her back in. “And next time I’ll strike back.” What an odd woman...she wanted comfort, but she fought it so hard.

Damn… she really is just like me.. Amari thought to herself

Samantha gave a grin, “That’s why I like you Scarlet. You get me. You don't take my crap. Please, spend the night with me?”

“Suppose so.” She said with a shrug.

“Will you consider the offer to join us?”


Amari fell silent. There was no way in hell she would. “Doubt it, but I could entertain the idea for shits and giggles.”

[Mask of the Warden]

“That’s all I ask Scarlet. I want someone I can trust here, someone who actually cares about me other than Aerith. I know you don’t like my predicament, but well...I can’t help but feel we’re the blind leading the blind. Maybe if we stick together...maybe we can do something we weren’t expecting, you know?” Samantha offered. Their relationship was an oddity to be certain. The Warden had never expected to be friends with anyone, let alone the Right Hand of the Crimson Assassin.

They angered each other, pushed each other’s buttons, but in the end they stood by each other when it mattered most. Scarlet would have suffered right alongside Samantha had their lie been known. She nodded and gestured back to the mansion, “We should get back, we’re at roughly the point when some member of the Dark Family would yell at me to get inside. And don’t get it twisted...I’m not into women, I don’t even usually think on those terms.”

“Is that so?” Scarlet quipped, it sounded as though Scarlet was either into women, or had been with them before. Or maybe she was just fucking with Samantha. “Let’s go home then.”

Sam stopped for a moment and shook her head, “I may live here, but this mansion is not my home. I feel more at ease camping amongst the Spider Nests than I ever would here. Too many bad memories.” She looked at Scarlet and gently ushered her into the house. They walked to the east wing when Samantha said softly, “Your place or mine?” A soft giggle escaped her lips at the forward question.

“Depends, do you want a stoic man watching? My charge is waiting in my room.”

Samantha stopped and shook her head, “Oh god, that Noel guy? No thank you. I have hard enough time trying to get over the fact I’m always being watched, not sure I could stand it when I finally went to bed either.” She gently escorted Scarlet away from the east wing and brought her along the servant corridors. Samantha explaining, “I guess I’m in what you’d call the head servant’s quarters? It's the largest of the servant quarters, that much I know. The Dark Family has the west wing, and well guests get the east wing. I apologize for the mess…” With that she pushed open the door to her quarters and gestured, “Welcome to the little corner of the world I call my bed.”

There was a small table upon which her chainmail and weapons rested. As she entered the knife she had pulled on Scarlet joined the other. Both were Lavinian made, a nod to the training she had done. The sword was standard Coronian design though. Her bed was a small squat thing that was stuffed with straw. The footlocker was still open with things draped over the sides. With a sigh she kicked the contents back in and shut it with a boot and sat heavily on the bed. On her nightstand was a stack of papers that was laid neatly. The only tidy thing in the room, she shook her head before she spoke, “That is going to be a pain in the ass to go through tomorrow.” She then put on a brave smile, “So, I apologize for the state of my room, but make yourself at home.”

Scarlet glanced around the room, it wasn’t what she was used to, but it definitely beat what she had been given in the past. “Thought this wasn’t such a place?” She joked as she kicked off her shoes and sat on the bed, reaching behind her she deftly took off her bra without taking off her shirt. Scarlet pulled it out from her collar and let it drop to the floor next to her shoes. Samantha smirked before she reached under her shirt and slowly unwrapped her chest, “I don’t get the luxury of those things. Then again I grew up in a monastery town, then trained in a thief’s guild. I guess I just don’t get the whole worldly desires thing…” She then looked at the bra before she tossed the wrap with other soiled garments, “Guess it’s something for others more than you?”

“More or less, I own nothing. This all belongs to my Master.”

Sam looked at Scarlet before she spoke, “You have nothing that’s yours? I at least had my daggers and the shirt on my back...well not anymore..that shirt got torn up during training now that I think about it…”

“Nothing that’s mine.” Scarlet confirmed. “I don’t mind.”

Sam shook her head, “No, that’s bullshit. Everyone should have something...even if its a fucking pair of socks…” Samantha went rummaging around her foot locker and sighed frowning. She looked at her pack before her eyes lit up and she looked at Amari’s hands. “These are mine, so really they can’t give me crap for giving them away. Besides, I keep punching people, and I’m going to need gauntlets, my skin’s not tough enough for it and I’m not interested in making that so…” She produced a pair of gloves and tossed them onto Scarlet’s lap, “Happy name day, or day of the open hand, or whatever.”

She looked confused, “Thanks… I think.” Her words weren’t exactly grateful, but it was clear she had never been given anything before. Samantha giggled and sat back down next to Scarlet. She gently patted Scarlet’s back.

“It’s nothing. Just consider it part of my thank you if you need to rationalize it or something…” She yawned and stretched before she shook her head, “Thayne bless it it’s late. We should sleep…” her boots were finally kicked off hitting the ground with satisfying thumps. Her bed squealed slightly and she raised an eyebrow before she shook her head. Laying down she pushed herself against the wall to give Scarlet room and petted the bed next to her, “You wanna sleep now? Or you wanna talk some more?”

“Honestly, I’m tired.” Scarlet said, shifting into the bed next to her. Samantha nodded and snuggled up to her. Her head rested on Scarlet’s chest as she felt her reassuring warmth. Things were less annoying, her paranoia less pronounced with the red headed assassin. She felt a peaceful calm as she went to sleep finally ending the day.

[Philomel]

Name of Thread: Guilty (http://www.althanas.com/world/showthread.php?270-Guilty-(Closed)/page2)
Type of Judgement: No Judgement

Rewards:

Mask of the Warden (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?58-Mask-of-the-Warden) receives:
2860 EXP
330 GP

Amari (http://www.althanas.com/world/member.php?22-Amari)receives:
3564 EXP
342 GP

Inclusive of Althanas Day 3x bonus.
Inclusive of Amari's Noble Commerce ability.

“He said it would ward off evil spirits. That just left me the good ones to worry about.”
― Mark Lawrence

“The most introspective of souls are often those that have been hurt the most.”
― Shannon L. Alder

[Philomel]

All rewards have been added.