[b]Part one,
Alais, the city of wonders
[/b]

"Bloody weather, why does it have to be so hot." A thief mumbled under her breath. She was sitting on a roof, directly across an inn in the well known historical quarter of Alais. The place was swarming with tourists, but Sara, the thief knew full well that while most of these Estrians were well off they were not stupid. Everyone heard stories of the cutpurses in this quarter and few carried much money on themselves.

No, Sara was smarter than to be a mere cutpurse, she became a thief and the rooms of tourists were one of her favoured targets.

She swung across a few roofs, making steady way towards the inn. It was midday and by now, most of the foreigners were either having their lunch or were walking outside. The likelyhood of anyone being in the rooms was minimal. And if they were, well she was faster than anyone else.

The woman spied anopen window and and swung in. Just as she tought. Smiling to herself, Sara picked herself up and begin going trough a few of the cases in the room, going only for what were the biggest valuables. Money, gems anything else the foreigners might keep in the room.

0There was an audible sigh in the darkness of the room before a brief flash of light that revealed another figure; a short person in dark purple and black clothing. Bright pink magic circled its right hand. "Another thief falls for my trap it seems." said a hard feminine voice. There was a flicker as magic barriers surrounded the two occupants. "Now, will you surrender quietly or will this get ugly?" the figure said, pulling down her hood to reveal a mane of bright red hair and piercing eyes that reflected the pink of her magic in their irises.

"Ah it would seem that whores spawn from all hell's of life. Never seen one that was a witch as well. You plan to pull in some customers later?" The thief quipped quickly, already moving at the witch in a feigned attack.

A witch worried her. What in the names of the emperor was a bloody witch doing here. But with luck the rush would make her step away from the open window. Sara mused she could probably take the job. It was only two stories, roll at the end and you're free.

"Watch your tongue thief!" the witch proclaimed, "You face Lina the Banditkiller, Champion of Justice and Executioner of the Sinful! Now give one one good reason to not seperate your head from your shoulders as is my custom."

"Well for one murder and foreigners doesn't usually go well together and tends end with a coupla years in the brig."
Goddamnit move bitch, I don't want to hurt you and I definitely don't want to get hurt either
"And before you get getting any ideas, the station here got a drinker on them, ought to know, seen the inside 'ften enough"

The woman ducked under the witch and made a leap at the window only to smash her head right into the barrier and come crashing back down to the ground.

Lina laughed, "You have no idea who I am do you? I was there when the Lost Emperor died. I helped him fall. Besides..." The woman pulled her cloak back, revealing a rather large pistol, "We witches have adapted to the drinker issue." She smirked, "But you surprise me. Brave words considering the person you face and you're obviously skilled. I know many places who could put someone like you to honest work, so why the thievery?"

"Bloody hell, why do they make ethereal walls so hard." Sara whimpered softly before rolling back on her knees.

"Listen, I don't I don't question what customers you take at night, so don't question what I do in my spare moments." She growled before eyeing another way to get away.

She was still slightly dazed from crashing into the barrier, but she could still clearly see that the barrier was all around the two.
Bloody emperor, why does she have to do it so hard.
"Help!" She screamed like a small girl suddenly. "There's an insane witch trying to sacrifice me to evil gods!" Well if anything that might start a commotion Sara thought before trying to rush at the witch again.

She had to knock her out to get rid of the barrier.

"They can't hear you," Lina said with a smirk, "Now, you're obviously a smart girl but you're shaking so badly. Have a seat." She gestured to a nearby chair, "I really would rather not hurt a frightened child; that would be cruel. Sit down and let's work something out." Sara swung at the witch but found herself sitting in the chair Lina had indicated, unable to move. "Now, dear. I'll make you this trade." Lina said, holding out a hand. A bag appeared, gold coins spilling out of it, "Leave whatever you stole from here behind and I'll give you this in return. It's probably more money than any of these fools would carry on them."

The thief kept her distance from the witch. Rushing at her suddenly didn't seem like a good idea, at all. She didn't doubt that what the other woman said about the sound was true. No one could hear either of them.

Taking a glance at the bag of gold her eyebrows rose. She saw more, but not anytime recently, well not once since leaving home.
Probably just fools gold, gonna whisk into thin air once she leaves me go, but might leave me alive, figures, no way she'll find that silver chain I stashed up the boot though, there's still going to be a dinner tonight.

"Seems like a deal, but not one you'd make any dosh from, what's the catch?"

"A very simple one, my dear," Lina said, a slightly sinister edge to her voice, "If I catch you thieving again you'll wish to spend the rest of your life in a cold cell." She tossed the bag in front of the thief, "Besides, a Romaine witch doesn't need much in the way of riches." She turned to leave but paused, "And one last thing, leave whatever trinket you're still hiding behind. I know your type all too well." The barriers dissappeared along with the witch, who faded into nothingness. The thief was left alone with her thoughts and a bag of gold.

Somehow Sara got the impression that even when the witch was still gone, she was watching her. So she made a show of leaving the various small coins, gems and trinkets be, even taking a piece of scrap out of her boot to appease the witch. The chain though, the chain was her dinner. Once everything was done, the thief went out of the window, slowing her fall on a rail that she knew was there.

A few people yelped in surprise as Sara landed amidst them, but they couldn't follow up as she disappeared into an alley.

[b]Part Two
The city of Allais.[/b]

It was dark when the thief climbed out of her cot. She grabbed a smoke almost by reflex and lit it. I have to stop this the woman thought as she kept smoking. It's going to kill me one day.

For a moment she thought back on her encounter with the witch a few days earlier but quickly brushed it off. In her mind the witch was merely a bitch who didn't understand the world or the people in it. No one with a power to snuff life at a whim could understand life itself.

The begger's quarter starkly contrasted with richer parts, the parts that the tourists were shown. The war, the war may have happened fifty years ago, but echoes of it were everywhere here. The people didn't have the money to rebuild, to seek happyness exist again. The fact that so many decomisioned soldiers came here after Alo lost didn't help anything either.

The thief shrugged, it wasn't a home to her, but a place to survive. She thought that if there was anywhere no one could find you in Alais it was here amidst the sprawl. Thinking back at her true home from years ago she found the urge to grab another smoke. She was lost in thought like this when something bashed against her door.

The fuck? Sara thought even as she dived for her gun.
Moments later three giant men hurled in her hovel, each dressed in black and carrying a weapon. That ain't the bloody law, who the fuck is that. The truth is, she didn't know who these three were, but she knew who was paying them. Some men just carry big grudges.
"Hey meatheads, ever heard of private property!" She shouted at the three from cover, hoping to give them pause. It didn't even phase them as they spread troughout the room, clearly not run of the mill brutes.
"You can either come with us and it won't hurt you, or we will take you with us and it will hurt a whole deal. Your choice." The lead man said, peacefully.
"Yeah I don't think so bitch" Sara shouted from behind and upturned table and shot at the three, purposefully missing.

Whatever the three were told, they did not expect to see her armed and sought cover themselves, Giving Sara just enough time to make a dash for the window. The glass would hurt, but it was better than the alternative.

Even before she was trough, the men recovered and shot at her, thankfully the only thing their wide shots were able to do was graze her shin. It stung, made the landing a lot more painful but it didn't leave her lieing on the floor.

In an alley not too far the thief began going trough her possessions. Gun, clothing and thankfully the armour and a few pieces of silver. Not really the best way to get out. She grimaced and considered herself stupid for leaving so much unprepared in her room. It was definitely too dangerous to return there. It might be even too dangerous to stay in Allais. if they found her here... . She had to get out of the city, maybe even Alo. Some other place that favoured thieves might be in order.

But first she had to eat..and buy a few smokes.

[b]Part Three
The Grab
[/b]

The thief didn't feel too well. It was at least two days since she last ate and even longer since she last slept in an actual bed. She yearned to find herself in a city again. A place where there are so many eyes that the prying ones can't find you. A place where people trusted strangers, or if not trusted one where strangers were a common sight enough.

She knew she was a good thief, but it was almost impossible to be one in the tiny villages that dotted the landscape. Hell sara didn't even have a smoke for a few days now. That made her perhaps even crankier than the lack of food and rest.

The paused for a moment to reflect on her surroundings. This village was a bit bigger than the rest, almost a town she mused. Just as rural as everything else, but it did seem to have a bustling market. And where a bustle was, people tended to not notice their things as much. Hope gripped her again. Who knows maybe she could find a mark in the place, maybe even enough to sleep in an inn for once.

She looked around before spying two women dressed differently than most of the townsfolk. The cut of their clothing was the same, but the materials were better, far better and the clothes were completely clean. It was almost as if the two women knew how much wealth they had, but didn't feel like flaunting it to everyone without a good eye.

She spied an empty bottle in the waste and took it into her hand. Sara started to aproach the two women, making sure her steps were drunk and sloshy. People tended to be disgusted by drunks, women even more than men, but few considered them a threath.

The two were buying something from a street vendor as she brushed past. Sara quickly slung her hand into the handbag of one of the two women and pulled out a purse. It was a practised move, quick and hidden. One of the two women glanced at her quickly. Disgusted at first at the smell of the thief. But her glance turned to a quizicall one fast enough.

Sara grew nervous, it was rare for a mark to lok quizical, but she was certain that the woman didn't know what she had done.

0 Suddenly Sara’s world went black. When she awoke she found herself in darkness. Her arms and legs appeared to bound to a chair of some sort and she was blindfolded.

Finally awake are you? asked a female voice from the darkness, cold as steel.

Her head still hurt as she gathered her witts. The words spoken to her meant something, but it took her a moment to realise what it was.
"Hey who do you think you are, the slayers of Alais, kidnapping honest travelers on their roads? You do know all murderers get caught sooner or later. usually sooner. So why not save yourself the trouble"

Sara said, her voice being a whole lot more surer than she herself was. Oddly enough she felt as if the voice was familiar. Not exactly like one she knew, but close to it. She just couldn't place it.

"You do know what the punishment for stealing is in these parts, right?" the voice said, "I could cut your throat and be done with it you know. Instead, we're going to play a little game," Sara felt cold steel touch her throat, "First, I want your name. I'll warn you beforehand, you DO NOT want to try lying to me."

Sara gulped, whoever this woman was she meant business. "Stealing? What stealing." She said quickly before continuing." But to answer your first question this tired and sleep deprived traveler carries the name Sara. Or as some say slightly addled rainy arse."

Godamnit. Why do I have to run into all these bloody insane idiots. First the witch, now this one. What did I do to anyone to deserve it. Eitherway, she's not learning my family name. I'll be damned if I say that. The woman also isn't cutting yet, which means she's not ready to kill...I hope

Her mind ran, but for now it couldn't find a way out save for talking until she had an idea.

"You stole a purse from a very powerful person," the voice said as Sara felt another point tracing up one of her arms and stopping against her chest, "They could have you beheaded for it, but we might go easy if you admit your guilt. Hell, you may even live to see the sunrise." the was a pause, the daggers staying where they were. "Admit your guilt and present your full name so that the court may judge you!" the voice screamed out suddenly as there as a quick slash from the dagger resting on her chest, cutting her slightly as both blades were pulled away."

"The witches be damned" snarled Sara in pain. If there was anything that marked her as an Aloan it was this outburst. of course had she known who exactly it was that caught her, Sara might her thought more about that outburst.
"Alright I took the bloody purse, was hungry's all. And I told you my bloody name, are you deaf or something. Sara, Es, aaa, ar, aaa."

"So you admit it then?" the voice snarled, "Very well. I think a lifetime in a cell with your current bonds is suitable punishment for one such as you. Or would you prefer death?"

"Hey I digress!" Sara responded nervously. "There's a relatively big value difference in a life and a purse, and have you ever gone a few days without food? You might have a different outlook on the issue then. You're free to try. I cna hook you up with some folks that'll make sure of it."

"I already have," the voice said, gentler this time, "I know the feeling all too well. You see I was a street kid in Dinasio during the last war. I made the foolish mistake of breaking into the Magic Academy for food and was caught in the forbidden archives, but you, my friend are in a much worse situation..." Sara felt a quick flick of the dagger at the side of her head and the blindfold fell away, revealing a face leaning in closely. The girl had short-cropped black hair and very pale skin but it was her eyes that drew Sara's attention; dark purple irises and odd flashes of light in the pupils. By concentrating for a moment she could see that they were flashes of flame, ice, lighting, all sort of different elements. "No, you, my friend, are in a much, much worse situation."
the girl said, leaning back to reveal she was dressed in a black tunic fitting a thief or assassin. Sara took the chance to look around the room as best as possible; all the surfaces were made of a dark wood and the source of light was unknown. There didn't appear to be any obvious doors or windows.

The thief closed her eyes for a moment.
She showed me her face, that's a good sign, 's less likely to kill me now. But god damn are those eyes freaky. The thief mused reluctantly. Those eyes scared her more than she would ever like to admit. But showing weakness was a bad idea. So now that the dagger was further from her body she picked up enough courage to start mouthing around again.

"See you know what's it like, ergo you are far more likely to understand the drives which might lead one to go down that path, likewise the reasoning of going for you. You have to agree with me that there's certain pragmatic choices to be made. And I have to say you look like someone who can appreciate pragmatism, though black really isn't your colour. Red would make that hair and eyes stand out a whole lot more. Don't you agree miss..I don't think I caught a name yet."

Come on tell me your name, once you do it, you're less likely to kill me again so go on and tell me your bloody name.

"I have no name," the woman said plainly, "I am a demon who stalks thieves like you. A ghost who no one remembers. You won't either, if you live." The girl faded from sight before the knife was suddenly against Sara's throat again, "Now, since I'm a spirit you can share anything you want with me. So, tell me your full name; last and first. It's necessary I'm afraid if you want to leave here in one piece."

"Goddamnit did the witches send you on a holy mission or something when they caught you? I met one, nice show but in the end smoke and mirrors. And sure I'll give you my last name, just like to keep stuff private. You know names have power or so a lot of people say. Sara, Sara Kore. You fine with is? Are you fine with this?"
Sara almost shouted at the woman in a hysterical fit. Though that was an act. She wanted to make it feel as if the name was important, as it was real to satisfy this madwoman.

"Don't bullshit me." the girl said, suddenly throwing one of the daggers towards Sara, narrowly missing her head as it flew by to end up in the far wall, "But fine. Maybe sharing mine will loosen your tongue." The girl's anger seemed to fade in an instant as she walked over to take her knife. She took a seat in a chair opposite Sara and smiled at the prisoner. "Name's Charme. Charme Romaine, and you made the mistake of stealing from my sister; a kind woman who was just trying to help someone down on their luck. What happened to that gold she gave you, spend it all on stupid trinkets or something?"

"Oh you got to be plain fucking with me." Sara was taken back more than anything. For a moment her mind completely forgot about the danger and tried to cope with the sheer probability of this happening. It was virtually unbelievable.
"Is something in the world trying to send me some kind of weird plastared message or something. I have to say you make one hell of a bad messenger of god." She snorted, almost furious at the woman. How dare she act like a high and mighty bastard that she was, what gave her the right. If the story was to be believed she knows what it means to be a thief, there was utterly no way she could act like she was better than Sara.

"As to the bloody gold, I don't even know if it was real or not. Do I look like someone who had any dosh to spare? Do I? Why the bloody hell do you think I've not been sleeping in my bed and making a normal living? Heh, I can tell you it's not because I just decided to have a nice walk on the countryside on a whim. God damn this shit."

Charme sighed, �How about I tell you what happened with me then. I was only ten when my parents were killed for raising a darkborn in secret but by then they’d taught me what I needed to survive. I stole, I killed for food. I lived in gutters and ditches. I even was paid for certain…services,� She looked disgusted for a moment, �For four years I lived like that, always running away even when people tried to be kind. Being a darkborn meant death in those days and we can’t hide as well as other types of witches; the purple eyes give it away.�

�Then, when I was fourteen I got desperate and broke into the Dinasio Academy,� she continued, �I was in worse shape than you are now, but I felt I had no choice. I didn’t even care if I died in the attempt but I was going to find food and the academy always seemed quiet at night. I was fortunate in that Tessara and Circe were also conducting a break-in of their own at the time.

When I ran into them, I expected death or worse, but you know what Tessara did?�

Charme pulled out one of her daggers from the sheath, cutting the bonds that held Sara’s arms. She concentrated for a moment, forming a loaf of bread and a flask of water. She handed both over to the prisoner, making sure she kept her weapons out of reach.

�This is what she did,� Charme said, �She fed me. She promised me a new home and admitted she was also a darkborn to put me at ease. I get the feeling she would’ve done it even if I wasn’t a witch. It was similar for Lina. I doubt you believe me but we honestly want to help you if we can. Just say the word, though, and you can go on your way. We’ll even replace that bag of gold.�

Sara massaged her wrists for a while before speaking up.
"Do you honestly think I care about your mercy and charity. Do you honestly think that there are people with power out there that are as kind as bedbugs. Come on, you know better than that. Humans like to fuck others around for whoevers benefit. We just all have different reasons for it. And those that care, they just die on you."

Sara responded agressively, she knew what this woman had to do to get on in life. She probably did most of the things herself one time or another. Survival is not an easy thing.

Ones outlook on life changes though, when your biggest hope is running away and hoping to never be found. She thought back at the girl she used to be and the woman she was now.

"Yeah life sucks I know. So bloody already kill me or let me go. I honestly don't care anymore."

Charme reached out and grabbed Sara's left wrist forcibly, snapping on a metal bracelet with a single purple jewel on it. It locked into place around her arm. "Listen kid, you're obviously scared shitless of something," she said, "This thing will let us find you if you're in trouble and it's not easy to remove. It comes with some benefits though; you can use it to create food and simple tools. Now, one final offer of aid. I know a safe place you can rest up until morning if you wish. Or I can leave you were we found you. Or pretty much anywhere you want to be. It's up to you Sara."

"Goddamn, just let me go. I can manage on my own and don't need your help." Sara responded agressively.
The first thing I am doing once I get out of this runt is getting that thing off me.

"I don't need anyone caring for me. Just throw me out whereever you feel like it and be done with it. And bloody hell witches stay out of my life. I don't have the slightest clue how to cast a spell so leave me alone."

"If that's what you wish," Charme said, sounding disappointed, "But if you ever need our help just mention us at one of the academies." Charme and the room faded from sight and Sara found herself lying at the side of a country road. As she rolled, she heard the clink of many gold coins in her purse.

"Goddamned witches" Sara screamed into the air. The woman got up, kicked a stone in fury, finding out that stones are stronger than any anger and ended up cursing another few minutes in pain.

The two witches infuriated her. With their mercy, their matter of fact displays of power and their compassion. They were everything she wasn't and couldn't be. Sara saw herself as what she was - just a smalltime thief afraid of almost everything in the world. No power, no strenght and no friends, just the compassion of two witfches, two witches which made her realise just how afraid she really was.

By now the woman was too exhausted to be angry and sat on the side of the road crying.

[b]Part four,
The road to Dinasio
[/b]


With a cloak over his back and a large weapon as his only companion, the stranger walked the long and dusty road, til he came to a woman who was weeping. He stopped, and inquired "why the long face?"

"Oh fucking leave me alone. Can't you? Can't everyone just bloody leave me alone." Sara shouted at the man completely oblivious at who or what he might be. The man was a victim of her fury, a sockpuppet for the two witches, the world, the man she was running from and anyone else whom she both hated and feared. It was really bad timing on his part. The woman even managed to miss his red, balefully glowing eyes.

"whoa whoa whoa there tiger!" the stranger kindly said as the blows hardly injured him. He gently grabbed one of her arms in an effort to get her to stop punching fruitlessly, in part fearing that she may injure herself.

She didn't want to hit him at first, but as the man took hold of her arm she grew even angrier. Punching him was out of the question, but a quick jab with her knee was not.
Her leg crashed against his body, the only result being a jolt of pain for Sara. It was almost worse than kicking a rock.
"Bloody witches, is everyone nonhuman here!" She screamed and tried to wrung out of the man's grip.

"witches?" the stranger inquired. He finally removed his hood, revealing that he indeed was a nonhuman "sure, they're like weeds nowadays, but they are not all that bad of a lot" He released her from his grasp.

"Oh sod off. Next you'll tell me you saw them save the world during the war or some other bullshit Estrians keep mumbling about.." Sara kept massaging her knee, wondering just who this man might have been. She eyed a rock for a moment, but decided against throwing it.

"First of all, I have witnessed first hand them defeating that emperor asshole, and secondly, you are certainly not throwing any rock at me" the stranger commented, noting her gaze falling on the rock. "It won't do you any good"

"As if you’d know anything. You look what? Forty years at most? Hell I wouldn't be surprised if you'll claim you fucked with the Romaine herself next. You think I'm a bloody idiot? And hey to was worth a try. For all I know you might be a deamon, might be doing the world a favor." She snarked back.

The stranger blushed a bit before returning verbal fire "To be honest, I was a bit busy fighting a demon during that final battle. Boy did I hurt in the morning after that."

"The two sent you didn't they?" Sara growled. Once more thinking back at the likelyhood of all these things happening.

"two?" the stranger inquired "I saw you and two others doing... ...something a ways back down the road, and they were spellcasters of some form..." he trailed off, scratching his chin while looking up into the sky with a thoughtful look.

"Just bloody fucking tell them that I won't believe any stories a construct of their says. I want them to ignore me, forget I ever existed. Understood? Just tell the bloody Romaines that. I'm just a bloody thief." After finishing her tirade the furious Sara began to stomp away from the stranger.

Sighing, the stranger removed his cloak, his scales glistened in the sun somewhat, having been dulled over the years of fighting. Shifting his weight for a moment, he launched himself into the sky.

Sara heard the thumpas the cloak fell to the ground and fought the urge to turn around to look. Suffice to say the urge won. Her eyebrows went high as she noticed the airborne man, but her voice was as bitchy as ever once he landed.. "What? Ought I be impressed that witches use a freak as a messenger? You look like a bloody lizard that learned to fly damnit." She screamed at the man.

As the dust settled, it was clear that the stranger was not impressed with the Sara's sarcasm. He stood there for a few seconds with a cigar in the corner of his mouth, and his hands on his hips. After a few more seconds (dust completely settled at this point) he finally pulled the cigar out of his mouth "Now, I usually do a purty darn good job of either turn a frown upside down or murderin. I've done enough of the latter this week and I'd rather not go over my quota. And, before you get started missy, I ain't no construct."

"I'll take it as long as you're willing to part with a cig." The thief responded. "Emperor be damned I need a smoke."

The stranger perked a brow "I'm game with that, which way ya goin'?" he pulled out a second cigar and lit it with his breath, being careful not to frost the cigar as well "lightin these things was easier when I just had fire breath."

"Yeah we all wish we weren't human." Mumbled Saras as she took the cigar from the stranger. She pulled in deep and let a bit of smoke out before pulling it back in. "I don't know really. Plan to find the nearest city and see from there."

"Well, Dinasio is this a-ways" the stranger pointed in the direction he was going "though we could go to Linasel if you want a smaller town, its a bit further" he pointed in a direction that no clear road ran towards. In fact, it was in the direction of a farmer's field. The stranger then shook his head "man, thinking of Dinasio brings back memories, like that golem that I ripped its head off of and the emperor corrupting the orb. And that was 51 years ago? I'm getting old. 107 years..."

"Dinasio's pretty big, not Alias, but it should do. I've been going trough some many villages the past few weeks I can't stand to see another one." The thief said, languishing the taste of the cigar. It was stronger than anything she smoked otherwise, but it was the first thing to calm her down.

"A trip down memory lane it is then!" The stranger shouted as he marched out of the crater, still smoking the little stub that was left of his cigar.

“So how far from the city are we actually?" The thief quizzed.

"Not far" The Stranger replied "If we start now, we can get there by nightfall" he rested his weapon on his shoulder.

"In that case take the lead, and if you spy a witch give her a good kick from me."

"You want me to kick 'em or throw you feet first at 'em?"

"A kick ought to be enough. Just enough to make them stop meddling in lives."

The stranger turned around while continuing to walk "normally people catch the last part. I'm Radien Journal by the way."

"Sara, really just that." The woman responded enjoying the cigar.

"uh-hu" was Radien's only response as he turned back around and continued his march towards Dinasio. Hopefully, there won't be grandchildren that will want his head for their father's and grandfather's murders..

[b]Part Five,
Old stories
[/b]

Outside Dinasio

"...and that is how I helped bring down a demon the size of a castle." Radien finished as the two neared the gates of the mighty city.

"Aaaand, I still don't believe a word of what you say. Well maybe a word or two. But honestly? Most of it smells of bullshit. Not saying there isn't a true story here and there, a true gem that grew with time." The thief countered. Most of Radian's stories were the stuff of fables to her, not something to be taken seriously. "So is this the fabled Dinasio?" She asked as they neared the gates.

Radien simply rolled his eyes "yes this is Dinasio. I remember it during darker days, but it is nice to see it has made a comeback."

"Yeah apparently big parts from the reputation package flowed down here. But hey that's the stuff of wars ain't it. Gold that could have been useful in Alais was used elsewhere to build.” Sara mentioned, remembering what her tutors tended to teach.

Radien nodded as they both walked through the gates without harassment. The streets were packed with tradesmen, guards, and many others. Some stared at Radien periodically, all with mixed emotions. "Just as busy as it was so long ago."

Sara offhandedly assessed the people. They looked rich, they even seemed to hardly mind their own coin. Easy picking in her own mind. The only thing odd were the female teens around. All of them in black red uniforms. She even spied a few drinkers in their typical black and white armours. "Who's the kids? Any clue?"

"Tess's" Radien replied "they are to-be witches if they make the cut. I'm sure you'll like them in a few years" he joked.

"You got to be kidding. This looks like a rat's nest of them. They keep shitting them out of some hole here or something?" Sara said dejectedly. Her assessment of the city falling a whole lot.

"well, given the newfound popularity of witches in this day and age, this is not surprising." Radien continued "Tess is a very atr- charismatic woman." he verbally stumbled.

"Bloody witches. At least there's not a lot of them in Alais, makes the place a whole lot clearer" Commented Sara, not even noticing Radien's comment.

"don't see why having a lot of wannabe witches rolling around makes things less clear..." he looked around but the passive auras of magic being everywhere obscured his view "... actually yes, I agree."

"So where do we go on from here? Part ways?"

"Meh, I've been wanting to roll on to Linasel to meet someone."

"Feels like ways from here. What's up? Plan to start sacking cities again or something?" The thief asked jokingly.

"Maybe if I was as twisted and powerful as my former master" Radien responded, nodding slightly.

"Excuse me," said a pleasant female voice, "But are you Radien Journal?" Both travellers looked over to see a silver haired girl wearing a uniform similar to the Academy witches, except purple and black instead of red. On the right breast the Romaine family crest was visible. But her most distinguishing feature was the silver scales that ran along the lengths of her bare arms.

Radien couldn't help but stare into her face in bewilderment. It was almost as if he was staring at the ghost of his mother, from what he could remember of her. "Yeeees?" Radien slowly replied.

"I'm Nicole," the girl said, "Mom told me a lot about you. Are you here for a visit?"

Radien glanced over at Sara before replying "yes, though I was heading for Linasel eventually. Would 'mother' happen to be Tess?"

Sara looked quizically at Nicole for a while before recognising the crest and groaning. "The gods be damned, are you some sort of massive clan or something? One can't take a step without one of you popping up."

"Yes, Tessara Aforthnai Romaine," she looked confused for a moment as she glanced at Sara, "Who's your friend with the big mouth?"

Radien thought quickly "She's a weary traveler that I met on the road."

"At least you have the decency to introduce yourself first." Grumbled the thief.

Radien nodded as he placed his hand on Sara's shoulder "this be Sara."

"Pleased to meet you," Nicole said as she offered a scaley hand to the woman, "Be careful with the insults around here, though. Some of the girls might take quite the offense...or were you referring to my family?"

The thief looked down on the hand without taking it. "Yes I am referring to the Romaines. Three times the charm." She scoffed.

Nicole frowned at the slight. "Oh really? Who else have you met?" she asked.

"The Lina and Charme tag team." Sara growled. "Say you wouldn't know how to get rid of this." She rattled her newfound bracelet around.

Radien simply straightened up, the look on his face telling the both of them to play nicely.

"Oh, those two," Nicole rolled her eyes, "I apologize for them as they can get rather pushy and Charme does love her cruel games," She eyed the bracelet closely, "Do you even know what that does? Here." Nicole touched the bracelet gently and with a flash several cookies appeared in Sara's hand. "Now, I can remove it if you really want but I get the feeling being able to summon small meals on a whim is something you'd like. If you don't like that thing being on your wrist I'm sure I could give you a necklace that performs similar functions."

Radien eyed the bracelet "at least they are not vicious..."

"Kid, I'm probably older than you are and I am really really getting tired of every bloodty witch treating me like an idiot child. If you know how to get rid of this then please do. By now I'd rather starve." Growled Sara profoundly.

"Great. Another witch hater," sighed Nicole as she touched the bracelet. It snapped open, "You people fail to see us as anything but monsters it seems. Even the ones who try to help out." She turned her back to Sara, preventing herself from saying anything too vicious. "And to think I was going to offer you a place to stay for the night and a hot meal, but sorry. I've dealt with enough witch haters today..." she said without looking at the thief.

"Oh get a grip you two!" Radien roared over the din of the crowd, causing everyone nearby to stop and stare. After a tense minute, Radien apologized to the crowd "you two are complaining about each other like two children from different sides of town. Man up and screw differences, be awesome despite adversity!"

Sara almost couldn't believe to see the bracelet gone. She was a free woman again, and with some luck free of any witch's meddling. that is unless she was dreaming, or if after she slept she'd find the bracelet on her hand again - a sour thought followed.

Still freedom!

The woman threw the bracelet as far away as she could, drawing some eyes.

"Kid nothing against you personally, but bloody try getting your head bashed against invisible shields, your body towed around places the gods know where, and finding out a witch is a better thief than you are. That's clearly not a good way to lead a life."

"Thief? That explains a lot." Nicole stated flatly, "Lina and Charme do their damndest to try and help people out of the lifestyles they used to have. Still, I will not have you slander my family name further. I'll see what I can do to get my sisters to leave you alone, okay?" She turned and smiled, offering her hand again.

Sod it, a witch or no, she did get rid of that infernal device. I'm certain they used it to eavesdrop.. Sara took the hand and shook it, it was only right to do so. "I'd like to contend the lifestyles people used to have. One has to eat somehow."

"If you want the offer of the necklace still stands," Nicole said, "But come with me for now. I'll get you a couple rooms at the Academy dorms for the night. I'm afraid mother is currently busy but she should be available in the morning."

"I'm afraid I'll have to decline, thanks for the offer though. I need to figure out what to do first and foremost."

"At least join me for a meal?" Nicole asked the two.

A loud growl emanated from Radien's stomach "I may eat you out of house and home in one sitting, but I'll take it!"

"I'm certain the two of you have a lot to tell to each other." Sara said finally seeing the certain semblance of the two. "In private…"

"Oh! one thing." Radien blurted out before talking away. From his robes he produced a curious object. It looked like a very large tooth that was attached to a handle "here's something that you can do whatever you want with it."

"Uh what is it?" Asked the thief

"A dagger that likes the blood of dragons. Very rare but the local pawn shops don't care for dragon-slaying equipment around here. Guess it must be the lack of dragons."

Without saying another word, Sara disappeared into the crowd.

“That was rude” Nicole jeered “not a ‘thanks’ for an act of kindness?”

“She at least lives life as how she chooses.” Radien stated “She deserves a bit more respect, especially in this world where the magic users rule the lands. Now, how about that meal?” Radien began to make his way to the academy.

“Wait!” Nicole called out “do you even know where its at?”

“I’d wager it’s where the library stood before Tao knocked it down.”

“That’s a safe wager…” Nicole replied, following the hybrid cavalier.