_{by jaymamma.}

I wanted to tear the guards throat out. I knew it wasn’t his fault or well at least I had no reason to suspect it as being his fault as of yet. He was just doing his job in bringing me back to the tavern. Still, I did not like being ordered ever, especially not so now, as thirsty as I was for blood and vengeance. 

“Come children, I would have you wait just outside the tavern. In ear shot we live in dangerous times.” Lillian and Annette helped me gather them, and the chain of children trailed me to the outside of the tavern.

Lillian still wept maybe more so now as Harbin’s death settled in over her. Annete still seemed to be in shock. I pulled them close. 

“You two can keep an eye on the other children?”

“Yes, we can Annette replied, I felt Lillian nod.

“It is going to be ok, I am sorry this happened and sorry you had to experience it firsthand. I never should have thrown a party, I made this possible.

“No”, Lillian replied. “This was not your fault, you tried to do something good, someone just took advantage, it is what bad people do. This is a nice little town I have always enjoyed visiting here, I fear I will never be allowed to again”

She looked down. 

That much was probably true, besides now not having a reason to visit, her parents were danger adverse.  If this didn’t scream danger I don’t know what would.

“I will talk to your parents when they return to claim you, and see if we can continue your lessons if that is what you mean? I can be very convincing.” I smiled as much as I could, I am sure it looked a little fake.

She did the same in return. “I loved my grandfather and loved visiting him. My parents also will not let me keep a horse, I am pained greatly by grandpa’s insidious way of passing, and will miss him dearly. I would not lose my horse again as well. The only time anything makes sense if when I am riding.

I knew that feeling well and related and resonated strongly.

“I will see what I can do” I caught her glancing up to the top of my head. My horns. The glamour was wearing off.

I smiled. “Don’t worry I will hide those when I speak to the parents.”

The guard tapped his sword to the gravel on the ground impatiently waiting for me to go back inside.

I twitched my fingers and an eldritch blast hit his sword and flung it down the street. Another twitch and a darkness spell took hold its focus his sword. The girls giggled.

I Will see you shortly ladies. Good luck finding your sword, putz.

As I entered the room my senses were assailed by the fear and uncertainty. Dare argued with a guard nearby. He wanted to hunt down Grissle or gretel, Grista? Whatever the hell her name was. Just then I heard Harbin speak.

Perched upon his chest Was Reidolfs bird. Light spilled from the bird as it sat on Harbin’s throat. A very neat application of a speak to the dead spell I presumed. His main concern even in death was his granddaughter. 

I knelt and held his still warm hand. “I will care for her until her parents return for her. Worry not” 

“Thank you he replied weakly and don’t let them her horse”

With that he again departed. We questioned the dead, and the staff. There was no definitive answer as to what did this. Only that it didn’t necessarily occur at the party. They ate different things, some things that were also eaten by the still living, even amongst our party.

    Did Chase seriously just appoint Dare as lead investigator. He was as likely to shit on evidence as collect it. Hopefully the smoking arrow we needed was in the “Shitter” he would definitely find it there. He to my surprise as he often did stepped up. He doubled guard, and intentionally was trying to make people nervous. Trying to flush out a culprit.

    Looking about though either the guilty party was stone cold or not here. I detected no Guilt. Grista the prime suspect too seemed more in shock than fear of being accused. I begin to suspect that my want to make things right is making me a little blind to the hidden machinations of others. My want to believe in others is dulling my edge. Probably not the best time for it, when “My guard should be up” 

The town would be sealed off while we continued our investigation. Finally, well into the early morning hours people were allowed to return home. Outside I bid a good night to Annette and the other children.

Reidolph looked a little lost. 

“Sorry for what I walked you into” I said.

He gave a tired smile.

“You do well with the children, you are not as horrible as you think you are.”

I was not expecting complements nor did I deserve them.

“I know you will put this on yourself too, don’t you tried to do as I instructed. Be more of a part of the world around you and not slink amongst the shadows”

Lillian staggered up her eyes swollen. she wrapped her arms around my waist and leaned on me almost sending us both tumbling. 

“You ok Doll?” I asked.

“I think I ran out of tears, I’m so tired, I can’t go back to Grandpa’s not tonight not alone”

“I wouldn’t have expected you to, you can shack up with us tonight. I promised to take care of you when you were in my charge, I would honor that promise to Harbin till death if necessary.”

“Reidolph you gave us food and shelter once I insist you join us”

He nodded. “I would be honored lead on”

I glanced around for the others. Mystic carried Droop like she would a small child his little goblin feet dangling.

She rolled her eyes.

“He just passed out like a child. Mercarri pulled off his hat and monocle. He twitched and spun his head and rested it on mystics chest.

“Aww tired little bugger he’s so cute like a baby”

“A heavy little baby” Mystic replied. “Would you mind carrying him since she think he’s so adorable.

Mercarri jumped in excitement one of her boobs nearly bouncing out of her dress

“May I please!!” 

Strange that one. Droop woke briefly looked a little startled. Mercarri smiled at him and his head went to chest again and he was out. 

“Like running a daycare Dare chimed in”

Mystic swatted him. “Yes mmm hmm running a daycare from the biggest child here” 

He looked around like someone was going to stand up for him. He caught amused smiles.

“Ugh I miss Ajax” He muttered.

With that we headed towards the ole manor. On the walk past Grista’s the door was ajar. 

I wondered if the guards had left it open as they dragged her out previously.

I looked at dare. “Should we?”

“He put his hand to his chin, as if in deep thought. It was a silly look for him.

“Would technically, potentially be part of the crime scene?”

I winked. “I sure think it would be.”

Mercarri grunted trying to keep hold of the limp form of Droop.

“What about this one should we wake him”

Just then Droop spoke.

“I am awake” He said. 

Mercarri looked down at him his face still smooshed into her way out in the open cleavage. 

“For how long?”

He shimmied free and fell to his feet.

“Since The tavern?”

“Then why make me carry you?”

“Cause you wanted to and I was comfy” He smiled his mighty toothy smile.

“Ha you should have paddle boated those things ha ha” Dare bleated out.

Mercarri blushed. Lillian laughed and Reidolph looked a little I don’t know shocked.

Dare patted droop hard on the back. 

“Its good to have another Male in the Party.”

“I would not have you Corrupt my fine green gentleman Dare”

Droop blushed his cheeks turning brown.

“Ok follow my lead I am lead investigator after all” 

I fought hard not to roll my eyes or accidently twitch and send an eldritch blast up his arse.

I turned to Reidolph. Would you mind waiting here with Lillian for a few moments whilst we take a quick look.

I knew he was tired probably exhausted from gravelling here. Then into this whole mess, wait not mess tragedy.

“Yes but please be swift lest I pass out. Not a spring chicken anymore”

I bowed in thanks. we will be quick.

We went in and began rummaging. The quick rundown was something like this.

Dare shit in a drawer, we found out Goat blower is Grista’s landlord,  a drill that smelled of peanut butter was what was used to drill for rats at our tavern of choice, and one last something else that I recognized.

A special poison that only killed at the stroke of midnight, and now it all made sense how this was done. Droop walked Reidolph and Lillian to the manor whilst we reported our findings. We took a crack at Grista as well, who dam near came close to drinking the poison. I did not believe she was responsible. I also didn’t believe Freda was a black widow. It just seemed way to convenient. We needed to know if the door was left open by the guards, or someone visited there after and before we would knowingly pass by there.

Either way everyone was spent. Well, except me. I wanted nothing more than to sleep this away even if it took weeks. My desire for vengeance had been quelled for the moment by dwelling in the sadness this had lain upon the people of Phandelvir. People, some anyways that I had become fond of. The idea of sleep now did not seem plausible

When we returned home, Reidolph was on the couch snoring gently. His bird had found a pillow to his liking and nested there quietly, one weary eye opening and taking us in as we entered. Droop sat nearby, gently holding Lillian’s hand in comfort and barely holding his eyelids open. Lillian just stared blankly and it took her a moment to realize I was there. 

“Go on Droop you can head to bed now thank you for walking them here, you did good today little buddy through everything.

He hugged my legs and squeezed and held tightly.

“It will be ok Droop. Yes, us supposedly more civilized peoples are just as horrible, if not sometimes worse than the foul things you have encountered. All we can do is try to make it better and right the wrongs heaped upon us. Go now rest.”

He looked at Lillian. “Good night Lillian I see you tomorrow or later today now”

“Night droop ” she said and smiled weakly.

“Did you want to use my bed and get some rest Lillian” I asked.

“No, Im not even tired really”

“Ok, you want something to drink maybe?”

“I would have something of a stiffer variety if you could?” Reidolph responded.

I smiled. “Yea I didn’t think you were sleeping”

He gave a sly smile in return. 

“How old are you Lillian? I asked.

Then I stopped her before she could respond.

“I would assume you are old enough for a drink all things considered, one moment.”

I poured a glass of the rum that Traubon was so fond of for Reidolph. Two glasses of wine for Lil and I, Ha Lil and I. I then decided to just bring the bottles of both what the hell.

Reidolph drank the rum like a champ. Lillian sipped gently at the glass. I swallowed the whole glass in one gulp. 

“Is that how your supposed to drink it ?” She asked.

I laughed my face flushed and warm. “No, it is more of a savor, relax and enjoy kind of drink.

“If you want to end up sloshed on the floor drink like Lilvari” Reidolph added. 

“I looked at his empty glass. And look who’s talking”

“Touche” he replied with a smile. 

“I am proud of you Lilvari” he then added.

My face flushed even more. He had that effect on me.

“In my conversations since returning to town, I have heard many things about you and your party. Some really odd things, but mostly good, at least far more good than your own opinion of yourself.

“Yes, Lillian said. I don’t think my Grandpa liked you very much at the beginning but for him to trust me to you. He barely trusts my parents with me.”

I just sat in silence not knowing how to accept such praise. I poured more wine into my glass.

They both laughed.

“What? I’m sorry I don’t know what to say?” Thank you?

“That will be fine Reidolph replied. As long as you accept being worthy of the words that’s my intent not to embarrass you.” 

Lillian finally finished her glass. 

“Another ?” I asked. 

“No, thank you it was good, I think I want to take a ride?” Maybe clear my head?”

At this point I doubted I would be sleeping anyways so hell, why not. I drank my glass and stood.

“Come, we can ride mine to the stable and grab yours.” 

“Try to get some sleep Reidolph and thank you again you are always wonderful to be around, you should visit more often.

“Maybe I shall, at least things as they are I may be here longer than intended.”

I smiled. You are always welcome here as often and as long as you would like.

He held up the bottle of rum. “Mind if I keep this? He smirked.

I smirked back. “Of course and there’s quite a few more where that came from.

“Oh joy I do like Rum, even better than sleep. He was pouring another glass as we stepped out.

I climbed upon her back and stroked her gently. Then reached down for Lillian’s hand. I pulled her up.

In a few moments we trotted gently down the road.

“I am surprised she didn’t buck not even a little when I got on. My horse would never accept two riders.”

“I am good with horses, I speak their language, plus you girl have the soul of a rider, they can sense that you know.”

she leaned into my back and squeezed. 

“Thanks Lil”

I tilted my head.

“Your welcome Lil”

We arrived at the stable. First light was beginning to seep over the horizon. I hopped down and removed the saddle while Lillian got her mare.

She led her out and the mare beamed with excitement at seeing her rider. 

“Your going to ride without a saddle.?”

“Its my preferred way to ride. I scratched my horses’ cheeks gently. “Also it is their preferred way to be ridden.” Its about trust and closeness. They can feel your warmth and pulse and heartbeat and you theirs. Being able to sense if the other is fearful or angry is a great benefit to both rider and mount.”

“Doesn’t it hurt you know down there ?”

I laughed. “You get used to it, and the horse moves smoother and more gently without the saddle”

She bit her lip.

I walked over and removed her horses saddle.

“Up, Ill show you”

Her horse leaned forward and bent one leg and lowered its head to accept her.

“How did you get her to do that”

“Like I said I am good with horses, well I lied maybe a little, I’m not good, I’m amazing”

She got on and the horse stood up straight again. 

I remounted and led us on a slow trot letting her get used to riding in this manner.

After a few minutes I willed my mount a little faster and hers kept pace.

She was a born rider like me. She gave no indication of fear or discomfort.

“How is it? I asked. 

“It doesn’t hurt its like I’m moving with the horse so its not bumpy or rough at all.

“See Lil I told you a soul of a rider, a natural rider riding the horse, in a natural way. 

She smiled. We rode until people were starting to rise and go on with their daily routine or at least try to. We took her horse back to the stable and remounted mine and headed towards the manor. 

“I think I will have my stable built onto and house your horse there, so I may see to her care when you are not present is that ok”

She squeezed me again. “Yes that would be great plus our horses seem to be good friends.”

“That they do, I think we should try to get some sleep now” she didn’t respond.” I realized she had passed out. 

I smiled. Tears ran down my face. I felt so bad for her. I feared she would never be allowed to return here. I had grown fond of her in a short time, united in grief. Grief always formed powerful bonds. Story of my life.

I Summoned eldritch energy and used small beads many many times smaller than what I focused for a blast and used them to help carry her. Using them to almost induce weightlessness like a gentle massaging breeze of eldritch. Mystic was staring and shaking her head at the passed out and probably hammered druid on our couch. Empty rum bottles surrounded him. 

“Little help?”

She helped me carry her up to my room and we laid her down and tucker her in. Droop snored gently in his little bed.

“Where did you go? Mystic asked

“She wanted to go for a ride ,so we did.

“You got no sleep?”

“No, and I’m good don’t you dare”.  I said as I noticed a flicker of green that came before knocking me out as she had done before.

She smiled. “Just trying to help”

“I know if you really wanted to help, you could help me finish off that wine I opened and maybe another or two, hell maybe three”

“Sounds good to me” She replied