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.”