‘This was fun,’ Bethany said, brushing the snow out of her hair. ‘We should do this again sometime.’

  Vivian shifted some of the bags she was holding, trying to balance the weight equally on both arms so that she could pop a few roasted nuts into her mouth. It was a tricky task, but she managed to do so without dropping anything.

  ‘You did invite me to spend time together because you consider me a friend, right?’ Vivian lifted the numerous bags she was holding. ‘It wasn’t just an excuse for you to use me as a pack mule?’

  Bethany shrugged. ‘Well, you can do something for more than one reason. Besides I paid you with food.’

  ‘Fair enough.’ Vivian cracked a couple of nuts between her teeth. ‘Feel free to call me whenever you want to buy out the city. You’ll need a stooge to carry your things.’

  They had left the market district behind, the noise fading as they moved further into the residential district. Vivian upended the contents of her small packet into her mouth, finishing of the remaining nuts before crumpling and pocketing it. The action earned her a few distasteful glares from passersby which she promptly ignored, choosing instead to pay attention as she carefully climbed up the porch steps of Bethany’s townhouse.

  ‘You want to come in for a cup of tea?’ Bethany held the door open for Vivian as she crossed the threshold. ‘I’m sure Yula wouldn’t mind.’

  ‘No, thank you. I think you’ve fed me enough for today. Besides it’s almost the fifth hour. I should get going.’ Vivian shook the bags she was holding. ‘Where do you want me to put these?’

  ‘Oh, you can just set them down right there,’ she said, gesturing to one of the settees in entrance hall. ‘I’ll have Yula carry it to my room later. Ah, speak of the devil...’

  A female goblin came scurrying into the room just as Vivian carefully set down the bags, quickly catching one as it almost slipped off the seat. She stretched her arms to work out some of the kinks, glancing around as she did so. A large chandelier spilling warm light onto the floor hung in the double height space. There were interesting and sometimes quirky pieces of decor placed around the room and paintings of landscapes and animals hanging from the walls. Bethany’s home was just like her; warm and welcoming.

  ‘Welcome back Miss Blyne.’ Yula gave a deep bow as she spoke. ‘The weather is quite chilly. Would you like some tea?’

  ‘Yes please. Thank you.’ Bethany pulled off her coat and handed it to Yula. She gestured at the bags. ‘And whenever you get the time, could you sort those out?’

  ‘Of course, miss.’ Yula scurried off just as quickly as she came, probably heading to kitchen to make the aforementioned tea.

  ‘Well, it was fun.’ Vivian rubbed her sore shoulders. ‘Let’s do this again sometime.’

  ‘Oh wait, before you go.’ Bethany reached into one of the bags and after some rummaging pulled out an expensive looking green scarf. ‘Here, this is for you.’

  Vivian held up her hands and shook her head. ‘Oh, Beth. I’m grateful, but I can’t take this.’

  ‘Consider it a bribe for the next time I want to spend time with you.’ Before Vivian could protest any further Bethany stepped forward and wrapped the scarf around her neck. ‘There, that looks good. I must say I have impeccable taste.’

  ‘I’ll take your word for it.’ Vivian hesitated, tugging at the soft scarf, letting the material run through her fingers. ‘Are you sure about this-’

  ‘I am.’

  ‘Then, thank you... I really should get going now.’

  ‘Yes, you should.’ Bethany smiled. ‘I’ll see you around, I suppose.’

  Bethany walked her to the door, bidding her farewell before softly shutting the door. Vivian wrapped the scarf securely around her neck, relishing the warmth it provided, before once again stepping out into the snow-covered streets. She had barely made it ten steps down the road when she heard someone calling out from behind her. She turned around to see Felix, Tala and surprisingly Cyrus heading towards her.

  She fixed a questioning look on Felix as he approached, silently questioning the presence of the third member of their party.

  ‘Ah, so apparently, we forgot to ask Cyrus about Tala leaving the premises,’ Felix explained. ‘If you think about it, that was the first thing we should’ve done.’

  ‘And instead,’ Cyrus said, his voice slightly stern. ‘You went off and made plans without consulting me, even though you know I’m the one responsible for them while they’re staying here. And that I’ve been ordered to keep their contact with the locals to a minimum.’

  Vivian smiled sheepishly. ’Oh right, sorry.’

  Cyrus sighed. ‘It’s fine. Felix filled me. I’ll allow it since it’s a family meeting.’

  ‘Oh, how gracious of you,’ Tala drawled. ‘Truly, I'm so grateful.’

  Cyrus narrowed his eyes in irritation. ’Well, it’s the least you could do seeing as how I am sticking my neck out for you.’

  Vivian elbowed Tala as she opened her mouth to retort, effectively shutting her up. ‘Just say thank you,’ Vivian hissed. ‘Or do you no longer wish to meet Madame Jeanne?’

  ‘Thank... you,’ Tala croaked out.

  ‘Now was that so hard.’ Cyrus stepped forward, taking the lead. ‘Follow me.’

  Tala grudgingly followed Cyrus, grumbling something under her breath in a language Vivian couldn’t understand but judging by the tone and the scowl on her face she could guess it was nothing kind. Sharing a look with Felix, the two of them followed behind.

  Felix looked at Vivian. He nodded at the scarf wrapped around her neck. ‘That’s new.’

  ‘Yes, I just got it today.’

  ‘It looks like a very good. Who gave it to you?’ Felix asked as they followed behind Tala.

  ‘Oh, it was- wait, why do you assume it was a gift? Maybe I bought it myself.’

  Felix snorted. ‘You? I’ve seen sailor knots tied more loosely than your purse strings. So, who was it?’

  Vivian glared at him but couldn’t really contradict him. ‘Well, since you’re so smart, figure it out yourself.’

  Felix tilted his head in thought for a moment. ‘... It was Bethany, wasn’t it?’

  ‘... No.’

  Felix grinned. ‘Yes, it was.’

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

  ‘You sound so sure.’

  ‘That’s because I am.’

  ‘Oh really?’

  ‘Yep. You see, it’s quite simple. There are very few people in this city that like you. It wasn’t me and it definitely wasn’t Aiden, on account of his personality. Peri is out as well, since the man is probably still asleep. Sith’s at work, and Cyrus and Dixie were with me this whole time. The only other person who is even moderately civil to you, is free at this time of the day and has the money to give away gifts like these... put it all together and Bethany is the only one who fits.’

  ‘That was... impressive,’ Vivian admitted.

  In front of them Tala snorted loudly. ‘Oh, please.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘We saw you coming out of that noble’s house.’

  Felix shrugged. ‘Well yes, that too.’

  Vivian aimed a swift kick to Felix’s calf. He gave a cry of pain as the tip of her boot made contact. He cursed under his breath as he hopped on foot, rubbing the back of his leg.

  Tala let out a loud laugh. ‘That was good! Do it again.’

  ‘Why is it always violence with you?!’ Felix hissed.

  Vivian put her hands on hips. ‘It seemed like the appropriate response. You have a silver tongue; I have an iron foot. Remember that the next time you decide to mess with me.’

  ‘Ahem,’ a throat cleared behind them. Vivian turned to see Cyrus with his arms folded across his chest, a miffed look on his face. ‘Do you think it is possible for you two to not draw attention to yourselves?’

  Vivian glanced around. It was true. They were drawing a lot of judgemental glares from others on the street.

  ‘I tried to stop them,’ Tala said, shaking her head. ‘They wouldn’t listen.’

  ‘Oh please! You caused it!’ Felix said.

  ‘And encouraged it!’ Vivian added.

  Tala crossed her arms defensively. ‘I have no idea what you mean.’

  Cyrus rubbed the bridge of his nose as a torrent of protests followed that statement. ‘Alright, that is it! No one speaks another word until we’ve reached Adair’s.’

  ‘But-’ Felix began.

  ‘No. No buts.’

  ‘... However-’ Vivian started but shut up immediately when Cyrus glared at her. She raised her hands in surrender.

  Cyrus took a deep calming breath, trying to reinstate his usual calm and elegant demeanour. ‘If I hear one more word out of the three of you, we are going straight back home.

  Wisely, the three of them kept quiet and nodded in response. Cyrus turned and marched ahead, and they scrambled to follow him. A few sharp elbows were thrown but immediately ceased when Cyrus turned to glare at them again.

  And that’s how a subdued group of children led by a scowling man made their way to Adair’s patisserie. The shop was empty, save for a couple of dwarves who seemed completely engrossed in their own conversation. The owner and namesake of the shop, a tall elf with blue hair and blue eyes, looked on in slight concern as Cyrus ordered them to seat themselves at a table in the corner. Her concern swiftly changed to recognition when her gaze fell on Tala.

  ‘Tala?’ Adair asked as she approached their table. ‘Wh-what are you doing here?’

  ‘Oh, I’m just here for the sights. Always wanted to know what prejudice looked like.’ Tala rolled her eyes. ‘Why do you think I’m here? I’m here to see that idiot sister of mine.’

  ‘I see you haven’t changed. Still as rude as ever.’ Adair crossed her arms. ‘And what makes you think Jeanne wants to meet you? From what I remember you weren’t all that understanding when she left.’

  ‘She’s the one who suggested we meet here,’ Tala replied smugly.

  ‘No doubt because she was afraid of what trouble you’d stir up if she refused.’

  Vivian laughed. ‘That’s exactly what she said! Word for word.’

  Tala glared at her and tried to kick her under the table but instead ended up kicking Felix.

  ‘Ow!’ he exclaimed in pain. ‘Seriously, you two need to learn how to communicate without violence!’

  Tala’s retort was interrupted by the sound of the door swinging open. Madame Jeanne stepped into the shop, rubbing her hands together or warmth. Her eyes lit up the moment they fixed themselves on Adair, a warm smile stretching across her face. Adair immediately stepped forward to hug Jeanne before planting a kiss on her cheek, one that caused Madame Jeanne to go red all the way from her cheeks till the tip of her ears.

  ‘Addy!’ Madame Jeanne hissed. ‘There are people watching.’

  ‘I know Jeanne.’ Adair planted another kiss on her cheek; her eyes narrowed in mischief as she looked pointedly at Tala. ‘Oh, I know.’

  Tala made a retching motion in response.

  Madame Jeanne gently pried herself out of Adair’s grasp and moved towards their table, shaking her head at her partner’s behaviour. ‘Seriously, you’re just as bad as Tala.’

  Adair gasped in shock. ‘You take that back!’

  Cyrus cleared his throat loudly. ‘I hate to interrupt, but we are short of time.’

  ‘Ah yes, my apologies.’ Madame Jeanne gave Cyrus a respectful nod. ‘Thank you for arranging this meeting for us. I know it couldn’t have been easy.’

  Cyrus nodded in response. ‘I can only give you a half-hour to discuss whatever it is you want to discuss. Chances are the Council has already found out about this rendezvous and will send someone to ask questions soon. We don’t want to cause a scene so I hope we can wrap this up before then.’

  ‘Will this cause problems for you later?’ Madame Jeanne asked concernedly.

  Cyrus smiled. ‘Nothing I can’t handle. Now, you best not waste any more time.’ He turned toward Felix and Vivian. ‘You can order something to eat while we wait.’

  ‘I won’t say no to that,’ Vivian replied before turning to Adair. ‘You have anything that is not sweet?’

  Adair gave her questioning look. ‘You do know that this is a patisserie?’

  ‘Try the ginger snaps,’ Felix suggested. ‘It’s not too sweet.’

  ‘And a cup of tea for me please,’ Cyrus said before turning back to Madame Jeanne. ‘Anything for you two?’

  ‘No, thank you.’ Madame Jeanne looked at Tala and nodded towards one of the empty tables nearby. ‘Come Tala, let’s talk.’

  ‘No hello, no I miss you,’ Tala complained as she followed Madame Jeanne. ‘And can’t we get some privacy?’

  ‘Be grateful that we can talk at all,’ Madame Jeanne pulled out a chair and sat down. ‘The people here are highly suspicious of outsiders, and with good reason.’

  ‘Yes, so I’ve seen.’ Tala rolled her eyes. ‘I’m not allowed to walk, talk or scratch my bum without permission.’

  Madame Jeanne glared at her. ‘Just tell me why you’re here,’ she said tersely.

  Tala glanced around suspiciously at Adair, the two dwarves and the three who’d accompanied her there, her lips thinned in annoyance at the presence of so many spectators. She sighed in defeat before beginning to speak, but the words were in a sing-song language Vivian couldn’t understand.

  ‘Is that Elvish?’ Vivian asked curiously.

  ‘Yes,’ Cyrus answered. ‘I suppose she really doesn’t want others to know. Oh well, eat your biscuits.’

  Vivian and Felix sat quietly, nibbling their biscuits, as Tala and Madame Jeanne sat conversing in that strange language. The conversation seemed to get heated for a moment with Tala’s voice rising in anger, before Madame Jeanne made a placating motion with her hands, seeming to nod along to something. Adair stood by Madame Jeanne, a supportive hand on her shoulder, occasionally joining the conversation. Finally, the conversation came to an end with some sort of agreement having been reached by both parties. The two of them stood up together, the chairs scraping against the floor as they did so.

  ‘I hope you’ve had a fruitful discussion.’ Cyrus got to his feet as well. ‘Time’s almost up.’

  ‘Yes. Thank you once again,’ Madame Jeanne said. ‘I hate to ask this right after you’ve done us this favour, but is it possible to arrange another meeting a week from now?’

  Cyrus considered it. ‘I’ll see what I can do. But I can’t make any promises.’

  ‘This is so unfair!’ Tala complained. ‘Why do I need permission to see my own family?! Adair here doesn’t need it to see my sister.’

  ‘That’s because I am a citizen here,’ Adair said smugly. ‘Have been for many years now. You, on the other hand, are an outsider who showed up just last week. For a city whose entire existence depends on staying hidden, they cannot be quick to trust anyone.’

  ‘Trust is the last thing you deserve,’ Tala growled.

  Adair narrowed her eyes in anger. ‘I’m not the one who can’t keep a secret. I believe that honour belongs to you.’

  ‘Alright, that’s enough!’ Madame Jeanne said sternly, putting an end to the argument. ‘Tala, it’s time for you to go. Adair, I’ll see you at home’

  Adair leaned in to give her a kiss, a proper one this time, on the lips. ‘I look forward to it.’

  Tala gave a frustrated cry before turning on her heel and storming out, rudely shoving past a man on her way out. Cyrus raised a hand in greeting to the man, calling out an apology. The man looked between Tala and the group inside the shop, before stepping back out and closing the door behind him.

  ‘Was that...?’ Felix started.

  ‘Yes, he was from the Council. We should go after Tala.’ Cyrus looked back with his hand on the door handle. ‘Madame Jeanne, Adair, always a pleasure.’

  Madame Jeanne hesitated. ‘... Look after Tala, please. I know she makes it difficult, but... please.’

  Cyrus gave her a comforting smile. ‘Don’t worry. I have plenty of experience when it comes to stubborn and willful creatures thanks to Dixie. I can handle your sister.’

  The three of them said their farewells to the two elves and hurried out after Tala. She hadn’t gone far. They found her standing stock-still in front of the shop, looking up to the sky, apparently praying to a higher being for strength.

  Vivian reached forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. ‘Tala, are you alright?’

  ‘I’m fine!’ she snapped, shrugging off the hand. ‘Let’s just go.’

  ‘Very well then,’ Cyrus said, once again taking the lead.

  ‘But-’ Vivian protested, glancing at the fuming Tala.

  ‘Whatever it is you wish to discuss, I assure you it’ll be a lot better to talk about it at home rather than in the middle of the street.’

  Realizing that Cyrus was right, Vivian reluctantly kept quiet.

  Just until we get back...