Briana is still up, I think. Zihark got swapped out for Chase and I lost his numbers a fourth time. I really have to write them down.

Shinon: C'mon, that's enough. Get up. Let's go.

Zihark: These pawns were once like us, Shinon. It's hard to imagine what they've been through.

Shinon: Not really. Someone offed their arisen, they went mad.

Zihark: ...Ugh. Makes you sick, doesn't it? I mean, I don't have the best relationship with mine, but if I lost her, I don't know what I'd do.

Shinon: ...you'd go mad. That's what you would do. That's what we all would do.

Zihark: Doesn't that scare you? Losing what makes you *you*?

Shinon: I try not to think about it. You shouldn't either. If you dwell on it, you won't be able to concentrate on anything else.

Zihark: You sound like you're speaking from experience.

Shinon: Yeah. I couldn't function in battle. I wanted to be a guardian and a scather at the same time - to protect her and slay anything that wished her harm. I tried to be both, ended up being neither.

Zihark: You actually sound like you've got a soul somewhere in there, under all that oil and spray tan.

Shinon: Sometimes it sounds like you've got a brain somewhere in there, under that improbably-colored hair and that idiotic eyepatch.

Zihark: SOMEONE jabbed me in the eye with one of the wings on his circlet.

Shinon: SOMEONE should have noticed that pile was already being looted and should not have bent down to do so. He would not have been gored.

Zihark: SOMEONE should... *shakes head, chuckles*

Shinon: What?

Zihark: I know what you're trying to do.

Shinon: That makes one of us.

Zihark: You're trying to get my mind off... things. You *do* have a soul.

Shinon: Comes in a pretty sweet case too. *indicates self* Better'n yours, at any rate.

Zihark: I heard you were only a four on the ab slider. *slaps chest* I'm a five. I just don't feel the need to walk around shirtless all the time. I have other good qualities. I'm compassionate. Down-to-earth.

Shinon: Bullshit, you're no five. You're like seventy pounds. Five of which is that giant backscratcher you're always lugging around.

Zihark: Oh, but I am. Kal used to say she wanted me to have loads of upper body strength so I could carry all her stuff.

Shinon: You're a pack mule.

Zihark: Essentially, yes.

Shinon: ...that must suck, huh?

Zihark: When she insists on buying a whole store's worth of giant hammers, yeah, it does. Does Alynna do that to you?

Shinon: Nope. Well, once with fish, back when she was trying to woo Barnaby. I smelled like Cassardis for a week.

Zihark: How can they be so different? They're sisters!

Shinon: Dunno, all I know is you pulled the short straw.

Zihark: I always thought someone screwed up our files in the rift. I think you were supposed to be assigned to Kalethai, and I was supposed to be with Alynna. I mean, come on. You're more like Kalethai than I am, and I'm more like Alynna than you are.

Shinon: ...

Zihark: Am I onto something here?

Shinon: Are you suggesting that I swapped our names on our forms? Because how was I supposed to know which one was the good sister?

Zihark: No, not you-

Shinon: And you just said Kal made you to be a goods cart.

Zihark: Something you could easily have done yourself. Shinon, I'm serious. I don't think you're Alynna's pawn. I think you're Kalethai's. Someone screwed up and we got switched at birth.

Shinon: ...How would we find out?

Zihark: I don't know. You got into the pawn guild files once, you think you could do it again?

Shinon: I would have noticed if 'Kalethai' was written in my file as my master.

Zihark: You weren't looking for that, though, were you? You just wanted to change your appearance rating - which, by the way, sounds like something Kal would do.

Shinon: ...I don't think we should pursue this.

Zihark: Why not?

Shinon: What if it turns out you're right?

Zihark: ...you think it's possible.

Shinon: Honestly, no. But if it IS, this is only gonna cause problems for all of us.

Zihark: You mean you. It'll cause problems for YOU.

Shinon: I don't KNOW Kalethai. We might not work well together. Alynna and I... we click. Plus, Alynna is defensively weak, she needs someone that can protect her, not a seventy-pound mage.

Zihark: I'd be willing to bet that Kal is much more fragile than Alynna. And Alynna 'clicks' with everyone, not just you.

Shinon: Have you talked to Kal about this?

Zihark: *laughs* What? You think she'd listen?

Shinon: Have you talked to Alynna?

Zihark: No. I don't want to freak her out. I'd rather we have some sort of proof before we even bring this up.

Shinon: ...I don't want to be a part of this.

Zihark: I know you don't. But what if we've both been living a lie?

Shinon: Alynna is my arisen. I don't care what it says on any form.

Zihark: Bullheaded. Just like Kalethai.

Shinon: Stop it.

Zihark: You can't say you're not curious.

Shinon: ...

Zihark: I need to know. I honestly believe I'm not in the right place. I'm going to go find out, and I'd rather you be with me so you'll know I'm not covering up the truth.

Shinon: ...it'll change nothing. I'm not leaving Alynna.

Zihark: You would leave your true master without a pawn to protect her?

Shinon: Alynna is my master.

Zihark: ...What if she isn't?


--several days later--



Zihark: You up for a trip to the guild? Kal gave me the day off, I told her I was going to do her laundry.

Shinon: ...Fine. But I'm telling you right now, it won't change anything.

Zihark: If Kal is your real master, you'd abandon your duty? What would you do? There's no such thing as a 'main support pawn'. Sooner or later, you have to go home.

Shinon: Home? You mean to the woman who raised me?

Zihark: It's going to be hard to get used to, I know.

Shinon: Don't talk about it like it's a sure thing. Your connections between me and Kal are dubious and coincidental at best.

Zihark: Even if I am right, it's not like you'll have to cut Alynna out of your life.

Shinon: No, but she comes in a package deal with you. There won't be times where it's just us, when I can...

Zihark: Can what? You're not having some secret disgusting affair, are you?

Shinon: The fact that your mind even goes there shows how little you know me.

Zihark: ...Oh, then the whole macho tough guy exterior is just a front because you're secretly gay?

Shinon: No. You're a bit closer, though. It's just an exterior.

Zihark: Huh? Oh, you've got a soft and gooey inside? Why the act, then? Why all the posturing? I don't disguise who I am. I can't imagine why I'd want to.

Shinon: It's not an act. It might have started out as one, maybe, but it's become part of who I am. When it's just me and Mom, though...

Zihark: You don't need to act that way with her. You don't need to puff out your chest and prove how great you are. She knows exactly what you're capable of, so you relax.

Shinon: ...Something like that, yeah. You gotta have some kind of unique quality to get hired and bring in the rift crystals, but you don't need that when you're home.

Zihark: "Lithe, half-naked ponytailed barbarian looking to slay a dragon"?

Shinon: We aren't all pop idols.



Zihark: Y'know, Kal *hates* my career. She's pretty much tried to sabotage it from day one. If Alynna hadn't offered to fund my first concert...

Shinon: I remember trying to talk her out of it. "It's a waste of money, it's a passing fancy, he'll never get the money to pay you back..."

Zihark: Lucky for me, she didn't listen to you.

Shinon: I'm sorry, I guess I was wrong. Mark this day on your calendar. "Shinon was wrong."

Zihark: I can't because you never finished them. ...Hey, do you still have those pictures of me posing under the waterfall?

Shinon: Gods no. I burned those. Well I tried to. Wouldn't burn. Even fire didn't want 'em.

Zihark: Do you have them or not?

Shinon: Seel took a bunch of them for references. He's into sculpting now. Ice. Ice... things.

Zihark: ...wait, what? You don't mean those gicel sculptures, do you?

Shinon: ...It's not like you can tell whose it is. Plus it gets all arty and twisty and stuff. There were like six prongs on his last one.

Zihark: ...I suppose. Still...

Shinon: Take it for what it is, it's a compliment. He means no harm. He knows what he likes and wants to share it with the world. Tastefully.

Zihark: I would have preferred it be my face.

Shinon: I've seen worse in the tabloids. They get all of us. At least Seel does it out of admiration.

Zihark: You've "seen worse"?

Shinon: You remember that time Ulee had that costume party and the only costume mom had left was a maid's outfit? Don't ask why she had that in the first place, because I'm trying to wipe its existence from my mind.

Zihark: Oh, with the fake boobs and everything? Ha! Awesome.

Shinon: You should've seen the headlines. "Hunky news anchor's Secret Life!" "Shinon's got it MAID!" Y'know, spelled m-a--

Zihark: I get you.

Shinon: I'd take getting immortalized in High Phallice over that any day. People pointed at me and laughed for weeks. At worst you'll get a few slack-jawed gawkers. At best you'll get people throwing themselves at you. Tough break, Ice Dong.

--




*Shinon and Zihark arrive at the pawn guild*

Shinon: Oh no. She's here.

Zihark: Well of course she's here. If she's not with you, she's with Barnaby.

Shinon: What are we supposed to say, I don't want to--

Alynna: Hey you two! What brings you here? Shi, didn't you say you were going out on saurian patrol with Chase?

Shinon: Oh, uh... yeah, after. Right now, Zi and I have to... uh...

Zihark: We've got a little wager going. I say I weighed more than him at birth. We'd need a quick peek at our rift-birth certificates.

Barnaby: I'm afraid most of our files had to be moved off site to a secure location. There was a...Rook-related incident. He accidentally activated a goddess cameo. We lost a good half of the rift-birth certificates.

Zihark: Oh no.

Barnaby: We'd been planning to move the files for some time, it seemed as if there were a few unruly pawns sneaking in to change their ratings. A pity we couldn't find a space in time.

Shinon: How dare they try to besmirch us hard-working pawns. I worked for those fift-- *FIVE* stars. Five. *holds up a hand, fingers raised* This many. Not more.

Zihark: S-so, how are we supposed to know where we came from, who made us?

Barnaby: Every pawn knows that innately. You're not going to find a pawn that doesn't know who his master is. Even if they are long gone, we still remember.

Zihark: Yeah, but... what if there was a mix-up in the rift? Like... two pawns born at the same second or something, and they got sent to the wrong arisens due to a badly placed decimal point or something?

Barnaby: I've never heard of that happening in all my years here.

Zihark: Yeah, but it doesn't mean it can't, right? You've only been here for, what, 28 years? That's a drop in the bucket.

Barnaby: ...Is everything alright, Zihark? You seem overly agitated.

Shinon: He *really* wants to settle this bet.

Barnaby: *to Zihark* You're welcome to pick through what's left here, there's not much, just a few scrolls and a handful of tomes. *Zihark turns to head for the stairs* Wait. Remember you are looking through pawns' private records, treat
them accordingly.

Zihark: I'm only here for mine, I won't snoop in everyone else's files.

Barnaby: And Shinon's, no?

Zihark: Right, yes. *nods to Shinon* C'mon. *heads down the stairs*

*Shinon starts to follow, Alynna grabs his arm*

Alynna: This isn't about a bet, is it? What's wrong with Zihark?

Shinon: He's... he's got it in his head that he was assigned to the wrong arisen.

Barnaby: He and Kalethai do seem to be more dysfunctional than most, but it's highly unlikely they were not an intended pair.

Shinon: You think?

Alynna: Wait, why are you even here? Why are you helping Zihark? That's not you.

Shinon: Why can't it be me? Why can't I be the nice guy once in a while? Where's this Bestowal of Spirit all the older pawns go on about?

Barnaby: Bestowal usually happens upon death. And it isn't guaranteed. I did not receive my master's spirit.

Alynna: Wait, Shi, what're you saying?

Shinon: I'm saying... *sighs* Why am I not like you? Why am I insensitive, boastful...

Alynna: ...Why are you like Kalethai.

Shinon: Yes. Why? Why am I so much like her and nothing like you, while Zihark is so much like you and nothing like Kalethai?

Alynna: I made you. I was there. I asked the rift for a protector, and out you came.

Shinon: And I was what you envisioned? Honestly?

Alynna: *shrugs* I asked for a protector. I got him.

Shinon: See, I think you asked for Zihark. Someone like you. Someone you could bond with.

Alynna: Are you saying we don't have a bond? I love you like a son, Shi.

Shinon: "Like" a son.

Alynna: I didn't mean... well, you know you're not really my son regardless, right?

Shinon: If you created me, if I came to be because of you, what am I?

Barnaby: A pawn. A tool.



Alynna: No!

Barnaby: Yes. No matter your attachment to us after the fact, we were created for the sole purpose to help the arisen in combat. We are weapons. Many arisens still see us as such, we are expendable.

Alynna: Not to me you're not!

Barnaby: Noted, but that does not change our nature.

Alynna: Doesn't it? Y-you mean you still think of yourself as...

Barnaby: I bear no delusions of what I am, what I was intended for. Your affection, while appreciated, and has come to be reciprocated--

Alynna: Weapons don't have feelings, B.

Barnaby: ...true. Hmm.

Shinon: I have to say, I've... never felt like I was a weapon. I guess, when you get right down to it, that *is* what we are, but...

Barnaby: Alynna made you feel like family.

Alynna: Because you ARE.

Barnaby: A kind sentiment, one of the no doubt many that grew Shinon's sense of self, his attachment to you. We are shaped by our masters in mysterious ways.

Alynna: And none of that would change even if Shinon somehow wasn't my pawn.

Barnaby: Perhaps not for you.

Alynna: *to Shinon* Would it really matter?

Shinon: Yes! It means you didn't want me, you wanted Zihark!

Alynna: When I touch a riftstone, you're the pawn that always shows up. That means you - not Zihark - are my main pawn.

Shinon: Unless the rift bound us by mistake.

Alynna: And what if it did? It's not like we can change it. If this *was* a mistake, it's one I'll gladly live with.

Barnaby: Actually, you can change it. I believe Jonathan can do it. He has reassigned pawns in the past, although usually due to death or injury. Never a situation like this.



*Zihark slowly plods back upstairs*

Shinon: Oh, sorry, I was on my way, I--

Zihark: There's nothing there. The records that are there are so old you can barely read the words.

Alynna: Zi, Shinon told me what's going on.

Zihark: Ah. I didn't want to worry you. I didn't even want to put the idea into your head until I had some sort of proof.

Alynna: Actually I'm glad he told me. This isn't exactly something you spring on a person. ...You haven't told Kal, have you?

Zihark: *shakes head* She'd just be insulted. "What, I'm not good enough for you?"

Alynna: I can go talk to her if you like.

Zihark: No. It looks like there's no way to find out if I'm right, so there's no point. It'll just get her knickers in a twist.

Barnaby: In other cases, I would have kept this to myself, but I do feel you need closure. You might want to try over at the Frescobaldi residence. Keep in mind though, a lot of the files were lost.

Zihark: That's your 'secure location'?

Shinon: That brat kid will probably scribble all over everything.

Barnaby: It was our only option. Nobody else would open their doors to us.

Shinon: I'm surprised he did.

Barnaby: I paid him a great deal.

Shinon: Oh, well. Yeah. That'll do it.

Alynna: Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!

Zihark: You... you want to help? What if it turns out I'm right?

Alynna: You speak of it like it'll be a terrible tragedy. Don't worry about us.

Shinon: ...And I won't be comfortable until I have proof. Damn you, Zihark.

Zihark: I'm sorry, Shinon. Really, I am.

Shinon: If it turns out you're wrong, I should be allowed to toss you off the roof of a high building for scaring the shit out of me.

Zihark: ...How about if I'm wrong, I'll give you back your Abyssinal Coat with all the pockets?

Shinon: Dry clean the Catacombs smell out of it, and we've got a deal.



*The trio arrives at the Frescobaldi house, Symone opens the door*

Symone: Daddy's not home. I'm not s'posedta play with pawns. *begins to shut the door, Zihark blocks her*

Zihark: Wait, we're just here to look through some of the files your father has stored for the Pawn Guild. It's important.

Symone: *points at Alynna* She ain't 'lowed in here. She got me into trouble last time.

Alynna: Perhaps your father shouldn't have left the care of his store to a seven year old child.

Symone: You're not comin' in, lady.

Shinon: *puts a hand on Symone's shoulder* Look, kid, we won't be here long, we're not going to steal anything - hell, post a guard in the doorway or something. We need to--

Zihark: Sorry, but I'm not waiting. *pushes his way through, Shinon follows*

Symone: Hey! Mooooooom! Some puppets are here wantin' to look at files or sum'in'...*slams door as Alynna tries to enter*

Alynna: *tries knob, it's locked* Dammit.



*Some time later*

Shinon: Any luck over here? I cleaned out the cabinets by the back wall.

Zihark: ...Nope. I've seen a lot of names I recognize, they all seem to be with their proper masters. Everyone's where they're supposed to be. Maybe you're right.

Shinon: I can't really blame you for trying. I don't know who or where I'd be if it wasn't for Mom.

Zihark: *sits down, opens a tome, sighs, shuts it again* I just... I don't get it. Every other pawn is like their master. I'm nothing like mine. Why would she want me?

Shinon: Maybe they each wanted someone like their sister.

Zihark: I can see Kal wanting someone she could boss around, but why would Alynna want --

Shinon: We don't really see them together very often. It might be different. Maybe they're the best of friends.

Zihark: ...So why aren't Kal and I friends?

Shinon: Y'know what? The four of us should get together and hash things out. Get all of this out in the open.

Zihark: Kal'd just get pissed off.

Shinon: Mom and I are on your side. She'll have to listen.

Zihark: ...Seriously?

Shinon: I can't imagine wanting to leave your master. That shouldn't be. For anyone. Sure, you're annoying as hell sometimes, but you're a good kid. You don't deserve what she throws at you.

Zihark: Wow. That's... wow. Did not expect that from you.

Shinon: Whatever, we've gotta get back to searching.

Zihark: Shi, I don't know. I think I'm just wasting my time.

Shinon: You wanna stop? Just work on things as they are? We've got your back.

Zihark: What are the chances we find this? It's a needle in a haystack.

Shinon: Plus Rook burned half the haystack, possibly the needle as well. *Opens the tome in front of Zihark* Buuuut, this is the only chance you have at proof.

Zihark: I don't think the proof I'll find is the one I want. *pushes away from the table* I can't. I'm sorry. I wasted your time.

Shinon: Don't worry about it.

Zihark: *heads for the door, turns around* Aren't you coming?

Shinon: I... I think I'm going to look through a few more. If I find an answer, I'll let you know.

Zihark: You don't have to do this.

Shinon: Yeah, I do. I have to know.

Zihark: I can stay, I can--

Shinon: You don't have to. Go keep Mom company, she's probably still waiting outside.

Zihark: You sure? You're not going to hide the truth from me if you find out--

Shinon: You honestly think I could keep that hidden? You'll see the book fly out the window followed by a scream of rage.

Zihark: I'm trusting you here. This is my life.

Shinon: Zi, I know. It's mine too.

Zihark: *nods* I'm... I'm sorry about all this. Chances are I'm getting you stressed out over nothing.

Shinon: *sits at table, begins flipping through pages* Yes, but you don't deserve this either. Now get your ass outside and keep Mom company.

Zihark: ...thank you, Shinon.




Alynna: Finally! Did you find anything? Where's Shinon?

Zihark: No... he's still up there. I couldn't keep going. All signs point to it being impossible. There's never been a mistake like this before. *shrugs* It made so much sense in my head...

Alynna: Kal is a bit rough around the edges, but you must know she cares about you.

Zihark: Must I? She has tried to discourage me at every turn. Why would someone who cares about me do that?

Alynna: I said I'd talk to her.

Zihark: You shouldn't have to fight my battles for me.

Alynna: I'm not. I want to know why she would treat her pawn like this.

Zihark: She wanted a servant to carry her gear. That's all I am to her. My interests, my pursuits are her annoyances.

Alynna: I can see why you thought Shinon was her creation.

Zihark: Can't you?! And we're the same too! Doesn't it make sense?!

Alynna: *smiles warmly* Zi, sweetie, I'm sorry. Shinon is my pawn. I know he is. Our bond is something that can't be broken. Even if a piece of paper says something different, I'm not sure if anything will really change.

Zihark: But...

Alynna: I love you, Zi. I want nothing but the best for you. Really, if I could split myself in two and be arisen to both of you, I would. But I can't. All I can do is be here when you need me.

Zihark: It's not enough. Y-you don't understand what it's like--

Alynna: I've lived with that woman for several decades. I'm a bit older than her, so she doesn't quite have the leverage she has with you, but she tries. I know what it's like, Zi. She's tough, but she loves you.

Zihark: Did she ever call you a 'worthless husk'? Did she ever curse at you for fifteen minutes because you accidentally dropped a bottle of wine? Did she... did she tell you that you couldn't use her curatives because it'd 'be a waste'?

Alynna:...Are you serious? That isn't like my sister at all.

Zihark: Well that is my arisen. That's the Kalethai I know.

Alynna: I'm going to have a talk with her. This can't stand.

*Shinon pokes his head out from the upstairs window*

Shinon: Zi? You wanna come up here?

Zihark: What? You actually found my records?

Shinon: Yup. You were like ten pages away from finding 'em.

Zihark: I... don't see a rage-fueled broken window.

Shinon: You don't. But I still think you should come up. It's not what you think.

*Zihark heads for the door, goes inside*

Alynna: *to Shinon* Is everything okay?

Shinon: With us? Golden. With Zi? ...I think you should see this too. Just kick Symone out of the way.

Alynna: I'm on my way.



Zihark: *reads aloud* "Arisen Kalethai 'Kal' Glendon, 28. Assassin. Main pawn: ...Alynna?! ...sorcerer, challenger/utilitarian...Rift-birth: 2/22..." *looks up, stunned* Wh--how...

Shinon: Keep reading.

Zihark: "Pawn returned to the rift, reconstructed. Zihark... sorcerer, challenger/utilitarian. Rift-birth 2/23."

Shinon: That right there might be why you're so much like Alynna. Because that's who she originally wanted.

Zihark: So why am I me? Why would she do this?

*Alynna enters*

Alynna: Do what? What's the word?

Zihark: I'm not Kal's first pawn. ...you were.

Alynna: What?

Shinon: *slides the book over to Alynna* That's what it looks like. Guess something went wrong, so she tossed you back in and remade you. Looks like mostly all the same inner workings, just the outer bits changed.

Alynna: She... she never told me that. Why would she...

Shinon: Discard you? Don't know. Maybe she got creeped out by the idea of a fake you. Pawns are pretty emotionless in our formative days. We're still finding ourselves.

Zihark: I bet Alynna couldn't carry her gear. That's why. So she made me, Manlynna With Muscles.

Alynna: But that still doesn't explain why she treats you the way she does. ...I'm going to talk to her. Did she say where she'd be today?

Zihark: I think she said she was going to visit Quina at the abbey. We just set up a portcrystal there last week, so you should be able to get there pretty quickly.

Alynna: You should come too. She needs to explain herself to both of us.

Zihark: I... I don't know...

Shinon: Does she truly scare you this much? Does she beat you up or something?

Zihark: No. It's her words that hurt. Nothing I do is good enough for her. Like... *points to Shinon* you could bring Alynna a rock from your adventures and she'd thank you for it. If I gave Kal a rock she'd probably throw it at me and demand I go back for a better gift.

Alynna: She's always been a little high-maintenance, but never outright hateful. This is abuse. Something's wrong with her.

Shinon: *shakes head* Look, Zi, we may have started off on the wrong foot, and continued to journey on that wrong foot for some time, but... forget it. Forget it all. We're brothers, man. You need us, we're here.

Zihark: Technically we're cousins.

Shinon: Brothers. None of this 'cos' shit.

Zihark: *chuckles* Ah, right. *nods thankfully* This means a lot, you guys.

Alynna: Group hug? C'mon guys, bring it in.



*They hug, Fournival enters*

Fournival: I'd appreciate you not having your deviant golem-orgies on my dining room table, thanks.

Shinon: By the maker, it's a talking walrus in a dress. Someone call animal control.

Fournival: Kindly leave the premises. You and your ilk aren't welcome here.

Zihark: Evidently our money is, as you offered to store some files for us.

Fournival: ...I know your face. You're the one with the music for dead people. I've actually been meaning to get in touch with you.

Zihark: Sorry, my entourage and I were just asked to leave. My kind isn't welcome here.

Fournival: I meant Alynna and her disturbing manservant.

Alynna: You're such a dear. C'mon, guys. Let's leave Fourny to sit at his giant dining table all by himself because his family can't stand him.

Shinon: Fine by me. *lifts book* We're taking this, by the way. It's ours anyway. *They all head for the door*

Fournival: Wait, wait! Blue Hair! Do you have a manager? Someone to take care of your finances?

Zihark: I'm fine, thanks. Most of my profits go to undead or pawn charities. They won't fill the pockets of bloated walrusmen.

Shinon: Bro! *holds hand up for a high-five*


*Some time later*




Zihark: Just... before we go, I want to say something.

Shinon: Go ahead.

Zihark: This antagonism between us? My fault.

Shinon: Huh?

Zihark: You and Alynna have a rapport like no other I've seen. I thought, what's so special about Shinon that he gets all her praise?

Shinon: Well, for starters, look at me. I impregnate women with my gaze. My form is perfect. My strength, colossal.

Zihark: Your magic defense, paltry. I've seen you downed by a levin. A LEVIN.

Shinon: Oh, I get thunderstruck on occasion, yes. Bolts are attracted to the metal on my belt. Much like everything else in this world.

Zihark: You're flawed, like all of us. And yet that didn't matter. Alynna still loved you. I hated that. Hated you.

Shinon: Thus the competitiveness. I get you. To be honest, I envy your magical gift. You can level buildings with fireballs. I can barely - BARELY - boil water.

Zihark: You have a decent brontide.

Shinon: It's a sexy lightning whip. Everyone has a decent brontide. Well, decent looking, anyway. Mine *might* tickle a goblin. If he's standing in water.

Zihark: I...I could teach you some techniques sometime.

Shinon: No. My mind just can't grasp magic. It'd be a waste of your time. Remember when you tried to teach Rook? Yeah, he's better than me.

Zihark: Doubtful, but okay. Offer stays up if you ever change your mind.

Shinon: How 'bout I teach YOU some archery techniques?

Zihark: Yeah, no thanks. I read your book. "Become your bow"? What does that even MEAN?

Shinon: It means whatever you want it to mean. It also means thirty gold in my pockets.

Zihark: I didn't buy it. Someone left it on a table in the inn. I found the jab at me stealing the book quite humorous.

Shinon: Well, you didn't pay for it. Close enough.




Alynna: Kal! KAL!

Kalethai: Lynn? What brings you all the way out here?

Alynna: I need to ask you a question. It's about Zihark.

Kalethai: *rolls eyes* Gods, what did he do now?

Alynna: *points at her* This. What is this attitude? Do you have a problem with him?

Kalethai: Huh? Why should it matter?

Alynna: Because he deserves a master that treats him with respect!

Kalethai: You can treat yours like people - which is adorable, if not a little sad--

Alynna: They. Are. People. Kal, what is wrong with you? Zi's a sweet, sweet boy and all he gets from you is abuse!

Kalethai: Abuse? The thing is a mobile fire ballista. They don't have feelings, Lynn. It's all fake. They try to mimic us to put us at ease, but it never sat right with me.

Alynna: If pawns don't have feelings, why did Zihark just spend most of the day trying to find proof that you weren't his real arisen?

Kalethai: Huh? Why would he do that?

Alynna: He thought I was his arisen. Because I treat him the way he should be treated. He feels a greater connection to me than to you!

Kalethai: Lynn--

Alynna: You listen to me, okay? You've got a pawn that does everything you ask without protest, and wants nothing in return aside from basic human decency. You don't even give him that.

Kalethai: Lynnie. He's not human.

*Alynna slaps Kalethai*

Alynna: He's much more human than you right now.




Nun: Please, no hostility in the house of the Maker.

Kalethai: *dismissively waves a hand* It's okay. She's just a little misguided.

Alynna: Misguided. I'M misguided. Kal, what happened to you?

Kalethai: Oh, I dunno, I got my heart plucked out by a giant dragon and now I have an army of puppets following me around and assassins trying to kill me-- I didn't want any of this.

Alynna: Those 'puppets' would lay down their lives for you without a second thought.

Kalethai: Your problem is believing they have a first thought. It's all mimicry. Imitation. FAKE.

Alynna: I can't believe what I'm hearing. Why would you... how can you think this when proof of the contrary is staring you in the face daily? Zihark cares so much about the plight of the undead, he started raising money for them! How is that fake? How is that mimicry?

Kalethai:...

Alynna: Why dehumanize them?

Kalethai: They can't be human, Lynnie. They just can't be.

Alynna: Why can't they be human? Please explain this to me because I'm having a hard time understanding.

Kalethai: Because if they're human, we're monsters.

Alynna: What?

Kalethai: They die for us. Every day. And they can't disobey, because our word is their law.

Alynna: ...It isn't about Zihark at all, is it? It's about you. You don't want their deaths on your conscience. ...So you tell yourself they're just... things.

Kalethai: I have to, Lynn. I have to.

Alynna: I know Zihark wasn't your first pawn. Y'wanna tell me why?

Kalethai: Why what?

Alynna: Why you made a pawn of me.

Kalethai: *sighs* I was lost. All this responsibility dumped in my lap, nobody I could turn to for help... I just wanted a familiar face.

Alynna: You could have come with me to the encampment. We could have worked together. You weren't alone.

Kalethai: I didn't WANT THIS. But they kept calling from that stone by the barn. I just... wanted to shut them up. I just wanted you back. With a heart. Back to how things were before the dragon.

Alynna: ...And that's not what you got.

Kalethai: She looked like you. Sounded like you. But the smile was... mechanical. Her movements were odd, like someone learning how they functioned for the first time.

Alynna: They're a bit scary at first, I'll grant you. But then they come into their own. They're just like us, when they're born, they don't know how things work. They learn. They grow.

Kalethai: She kept telling me we had to go. That the dragon was out there, that we had a duty to perform. *shakes head* We went on the road. Got into a skirmish with bandits. One of them shot her. In the eye.

Alynna: ...

Kalethai: And she kept fighting. Blood was streaming down her face, I'm sure she couldn't see... I couldn't move. When I saw her like that, saw YOU... I couldn't take it. I just froze.

Alynna: So you cared then.

Kalethai: And realized I couldn't afford to care, or I'd get shot. I brought you--the pawn-- back to the riftstone and asked to change her appearance. I figured I needed something that wouldn't remind me of you in the least.

Alynna: So... blue-haired pretty boy.

Kalethai: I guess so?

Alynna: Well that explains the swap, but... why do you treat Zihark like garbage? It's one thing to not think of him as human, but to actively insult and berate him...

Kalethai: Again. I. Did. Not. Want. This. I want to go back to Cassardis, I want to relax on the beach with Quina. He is a constant reminder that I can't. I look at him and just get... furious. My life was stolen from me.

Alynna: But Zihark didn't steal it! Grigori did!

Kalethai: And if Grigori were here right now, I'd give him a piece or two of my mind. But he's not.

Alynna: So Zihark's your punching bag. Kal, that's terrible. It's not his fault.

Kalethai: But he doesn't feel. He's pretty much a literal punching bag. Except one that talks and walks around.

*Zihark enters*

Zihark: Don't bother, Alynna. Let's just go.




Kalethai: Zihark? What are you doing here?

Zihark: Trying to get you to see reason. It's clear you won't, though. Much more important that your conscience isn't weighed down by trivial things like pawns having feelings.

Kalethai: ...So you heard everything.

Zihark: Yes. You're angry at the world, and you take it out on me, on someone who won't fight back. Such bravery.

*Alynna slips out the door*

Kalethai: ...Why do you fight for me? Why do you put yourself in harm's way to protect me?

Zihark: Because you can save Gransys. The dragon has chosen you. I want what you want, master. I want peace. I don't want to fight. But I know in order to achieve peace, we must fight.

Kalethai: You want peace because that's what I want. I... I made you the way you are because--

Zihark: You laid the foundation, yes. But just like you, my experiences have shaped me, have made me who I am today.

Kalethai: ...You can't feel, Zihark. You CAN'T.

Zihark: I get that you don't want to believe it. Us dying for you doesn't make you a terrible person. You never have to blame yourself for that, we throw ourselves into battle because we are immortal - our pain is fleeting, our deaths largely meaningless. Yours? Yours isn't.

Kalethai: ...If you... if you were human, if you had a will of your own... why didn't you fight back? I did everything short of raise my fists to you. And you took it without complaint.

Zihark: Trust me, I've considered it, but... I could not be responsible for harming you in any way. It would be wrong. It FELT wrong.

Kalethai: Complaining wouldn't 'harm' me.

Zihark: I figured it would just incense you further. You don't listen. You've never listened. What's the point of complaining if it gets me nowhere?

Kalethai: ...I'm sorry.

Zihark: Are you? Are you *really*?

Kalethai: ...I don't know what else to say. These past few months have been hard on us all, but I guess they've been even harder on you. Because of me. Is there really anything I can say to fix that?

Zihark: ...No. But if you're truly sorry, I'm willing to put the past behind us.

Kalethai: You'd... you'd forgive me? Just like that?

Zihark: ...I understand your anger. I don't condone what you did, but I can at least see where it came from. I'm with you, Master. I'm in this mess too. I can help you finish it. Focus all that angry energy on Grigori, we'll have this thing wrapped up in a few hours.

Kalethai: ...If... if there is anything at all I can do...

Zihark *shakes head* How about we start over? *holds out hand* Pleasure to meet you, Master. I'm called Zihark, I'm at your command.

Kalethai: No.

Zihark: *smirks, reoffers hand* Pleasure to meet you, ma'am. I'm Zihark, I'm here to help you get your life back.

Kalethai: *shakes his hand* I'm Kalethai, and I appreciate the help. Just warning you, though, I can be a bit of a bitch.

Zihark: Surely you jest. How would you have won the heart of Quina if that were so?

Kalethai: *chuckles* Nuns like bad girls?

Zihark: ...I don't believe I've ever seen you smile like that before. Without malice, or...summat like it. It suits you.

Kalethai: Not much cause for smiling these days.

Zihark: There will be. I promise you.

Kalethai: ...there is conviction in your eyes. Honesty. They're not soulless and empty.

Zihark: Sorry to disappoint?

Kalethai: It's always been there, hasn't it?

Zihark: ...don't worry about it. Water under the bridge.

Kalethai: Come here. *pulls Zihark into a hug* I owe you and Alynna and everyone else a huge apology. She was right about you and I was just too afraid to see it.

Zihark: It's okay. Just don't go blind again.

Kalethai: I won't. I promise.



Shinon: So... if Zihark originally was you, that explains why he's so much like you. Did you make a Kalethai pawn before me?

Alynna: Nope. I just wanted a big strong warrior to protect lil' ol' me and my pew-pew magic. You're still the same basic pawn I had. Just a little plastic surgery, some hairplugs... liposuction..

Shinon: I thought we were never to mention that again.

Alynna: Ah, right. My bad.

Shinon: ...I never really became like you.

Alynna: And Zihark never really became like Kalethai. He stayed 'me'.

Shinon: I suppose. Y'know, when I really think about it, there are some similarities between you and me.

Alynna: Oh? Like what?

Shinon: We're both loyal. We're both pretty laid back. And judging from what other people say, we're both smokin' hot.

Alynna: *laughs* We've both got a sense of humor. We both hate Aelinore.

Shinon: We both think dragonwing circlets should be required headwear for everyone.

Alynna: They're so majestic.

Shinon: They draw the eye away from how small my head is.

Alynna: *laughs*...I don't say this enough, Shi, but I love you.

Shinon: You said it like eight times just today. You're such a Mom. *playfully punches her shoulder* Back atcha, by the way.

Alynna: *chuckles, then sighs* I hope Zi and Kal can work things out.

Shinon: If not, he's got us.

Alynna: You mean that? You'd really welcome him into the fold like that?

Shinon: He's you. Well, an annoying, slightly manlier you. *shakes head, adds quickly* Not saying you're manly, just that he isn't.

Alynna: So that's why? Not because you genuinely feel bad for his situation?

Shinon: Oh, hell no. Dude needs a support system regardless. But I feel even more obligated now. This was like... you getting mistreated. If Kal wasn't your sister, I'd probably smack her.

Alynna: I did.

Shinon: Ohho! Seriously?

Alynna: She said Zihark was a 'thing'. Ugh, it just... *clenches fists*

Shinon: You sure she's your sister?

Alynna: Sometimes I just don't know.

Shinon: Sorry I couldn't go in there and support you, but, y'know.

Alynna: If you'd just go in and apologize to the abbess I'm sure they'd let you back in. I mean, they let ME back in after the Breakfast Table Incident.

Shinon: Yeah, not apologizing. I still think this abbey is in dire need of some abs.

Alynna: Coming in and interrupting prayers with that song by Left Spake Jake was perhaps not the best way to go about it.

Shinon: Wasn't it, though? That one nun, Anri, was it? She liked it.



*Kal and Zihark exit the abbey*

Alynna: Oh, hey, look who it is...

Shinon: *turns to the pair* Well? All sorted out?

Zihark: I think so.

Kalethai: You were right, Alynna.

Alynna: Was I now? Imagine that.

Kalethai: I'm sorry. That's all I can say right now, it seems. I'm sorry for what I said to you, I'm sorry for how I treated Zi here *tousles his hair* and I'm sorry for just being a bitch in general.

Shinon: Well that's a start, I guess.

Zihark: She and I are starting over. Putting the past behind us. I want to thank you two for your support. It might still be a bit rough going, the scars are still a bit fresh, but I think we'll be okay.

Alynna: I'm sure you will.

Shinon: *to Kalethai* You treat this guy like he was your son, you hear me? Your flesh and blood son. Because that's what he is.

Zihark: Shinon--

Shinon: I don't want to hear that you're making him carry a bag of longswords over three mountains, I don't want to hear that you let a specter possess him for an hour to watch him freak out.

Kalethai: ...I was mad at him for something that wasn't his fault. He's always been here to help and I... *bows head*

Zihark: *puts an arm around her shoulders* It's okay. C'mon. Let's go home. *to Alynna and Shinon* You guys want in on our ferrystone or are you gonna walk?

Alynna: Shi? It's up to you.

Shinon: I'll walk. Been a while since I've seen Gransys at night.

Alynna: Well I guess that's settled. You guys take care, okay? We'll talk at home. Maybe get together at the alehouse or something.

Zihark: Yeah. Sounds good. *takes a ferrystone out of his pocket* You might wanna back up a bit.

*Alynna and Shinon back away as Zihark tosses the stone skyward and he and Kalethai disappear*




Shinon: ...I upset her, didn't I.

Alynna: She'll be okay. She'll be a bit hard on herself for a few days, so maybe lighten up on the guilt trips.

Shinon: I'm glad she's seen reason. Hopefully it sticks.

Alynna: Me too. Well come on, I'd rather not have to stumble through the dark to get home.

Shinon: You didn't bring your lantern?

Alynna: There's not enough oil to last the trip.

Shinon: Give it here.

*Alynna hands Shinon the lantern, he takes a rag out of his pocket and wrings it out into the reservoir*

Shinon: Boom. That'll take you to Hearthstone. *hands back the lantern*

Alynna: Heh. Thanks.



*they start walking down the path*

Alynna: Y'know, I've been thinking. Maybe we should do something about this dragon situation.

Shinon: Yeah, shouldn't we? Kinda what we're supposed to be doing in the first place. I know you're probably enjoying immortality and all, but... Gransys is in danger. These idiots keep volunteering for the wyrm hunt and getting themselves killed. We need to stop that.

Alynna: We do. But... what'll happen once the dragon's gone?

Shinon: What do you mean? Calm seas, clear skies is my understanding.

Alynna: I mean with you. With pawns. With your duties done, will you leave for some other land in peril?

Shinon: I assume a lot will. We have infinite worlds to look after.

Alynna: *glumly* Ah. That's what I thought.

Shinon: Oh, I'm not going anywhere. I like this Gransys. Plus, I'm relied upon to deliver the news. Where would Gran Soren be without my twice-a-year updates about Bitterblack Isle?

Alynna: Twice a year is pushing it. Any other job, they would have fired you long ago.

Shinon: Hey, I'm trying to edit the footage. It looks like some of it was filmed with the lens cap on the bloody camera. And the camera was a harspud.

*they walk in silence until...*

Alynna: ...You think our friends will stay too? Briana? Chase? ...Barnaby?

Shinon: ...He's the guild leader, Mom. I don't think he could stay.

Alynna: Yeah.

Shinon: But that's a long way off. Who knows, maybe he'll appoint another leader and stay behind with us. ...Stop bumming me out, today was a good day.

Alynna: You're right, you're right. Forget it.

Shinon: ...Maybe we should ferrystone, huh? He's probably wondering where we are right now.

Alynna: I thought you wanted to walk.

Shinon: Nothing out here but wights and skeletons and depressing thoughts.

Alynna: If it's not one thing, it's another, huh?

Shinon: Things'll work out. They always do. Leave this one to me, I'm on a roll today.

Alynna: *chuckles* ...I love you, Shi.

Shinon: ...And there's nine.

Alynna: Well I'm sorry!

Shinon: *laughs* C'mon. Let's go home. I'll talk to Barnaby tomorrow morning. I think I can convince him to stay. Don't worry about it, just take tonight and relax. We'll go out with Zi and Kal and celebrate.

Alynna: ...I could use a blasphemous bringbout.

Shinon: Again, that doesn't exist, and even if it did, it would be poisonous.


--later that evening--




Zihark: I wanted to thank you guys again for everything you've done.

Shinon: *raises tankard* Pay my tab. That's thanks.

Zihark: ...No, but...Kal and I did take a quick shopping trip and pick up a couple things for you.

Alynna: Aw, you didn't have to--

Kalethai: We know.

Shinon: You'd better not have made him carry all the packages or I might have to smack you. I don't care. I'll do it.

Kalethai: *chuckles* No.

Shinon: ...Good.

Kalethai: For you, yes. I'd've knocked you on your ass before you could even say "what a gaffe."

Shinon: ...I like you.

Zihark: Here, Shinon. *hands him a box* It's not quite what I promised, but I think you'll like it.

Shinon: *begins unwrapping the gift* Couldn't get the ol' catacombs smell out, could you?

Zihark: I prefer to call it 'putrescine'. And no. ...No.

Shinon: *opens box* ...a NEW Abyssinal Coat? *pulls the coat out of the box* With... is this... omigod, are these bandoleers full of oil flasks?

Zihark: Yes. Surprisingly enough, Hilde had those already made. We just removed the straps on the coat and added those. Plus all your pockets on the inside, like your old coat.

Shinon: How long did it take you to do this?

Zihark: Hilde is a sewing MACHINE. She went a bit crazy when she found out she was making something you'd actually wear.

Shinon: Wow. Tell her I said thank you.

Zihark: That might put her into the hospital after she faints and cracks her head on the cobblestones.

Shinon: Make sure she's sitting down first.

Zihark: *turns to Alynna as Shinon continues to examine his new coat* As for you... * hands her a box* I saw this and thought... this is her. Well, not really, I had Seel magick a new... just open it.

Alynna: *opens box* ...It's a little statuette. *lifts it up* An... Idol of the All-Mother? Ooh, hey! She has my face!

Shinon: *to Zihark* You defaced a religious relic?

Zihark: W-well... kinda, but...*to Alynna* you treat us all like your children. You're a mother to us all. That's what this is meant to say.

Alynna: Oh my goodness, Zi... I...

Zihark: ...Too blasphemous? ...It's too blasphemous, isn't it? Kal said it wasn't, but I thought--

Alynna: *shakes head, her voice weak* I love it. Thank you.

Zihark: You're welcome.

Shinon: ...kiss-ass.

Zihark: Huh?

Shinon: I said it's kickass. Although isn't it a bit insulting for Kal here?

Kalethai: I actually pointed it out to him. She was there for him when I wasn't. If it wasn't for her, he could have ended up going rogue or getting corrupted or... maker knows.

Alynna: You guys... this is so sweet...

Shinon: I think I got the better gift. A statue'll just sit and collect dust. A coat you can wear. Also it came with free oil.



Kalethai: *looks at the others* Another round of drinks?

Shinon: Enough of this cloudwine. S'kid's stuff. Bring out the ol' Tag Mi.

Zihark: Taglius' Miracle? That stuff messes with your head. How about just some lordly tonics?

Shinon: TAG MI.

Zihark: Alright, but I don't think you can handle it.

Shinon: I can handle it fine! Better'n' you, anyway.

Zihark: Care to make it interesting?

Alynna: ...Didn't you guys say you were through competing?

Shinon: Nonsense! Makes us strive to better ourselves!

Kalethai: ...at drinking?

Zihark: One last competition, huh? Loser pays for all the drinks.

Shinon: You are ON. Although you...you should halidom us first. Let us start on equal footing.

Zihark: Whatever, come on.

*Zihark and Shinon get up and head to the counter*

Alynna: I don't know if I should be proud or ashamed of those two.

Kalethai: Definitely proud. Look at 'em. They're both good people.

Alynna: *smiles* People?

Kalethai: ...How long are you going to rub this in my face?

Alynna: I think I'm done. Now if only I could get the Duke to change his policy on letting pawns into--

Kalethai: *gasps* Oh gods, what day are we?

Alynna: Monday.

Kalethai: I have a meeting with Duke Edmun tomorrow!

Alynna: Early?

Kalethai: Early enough that I shouldn't be here drinking. Shit.

Alynna: It's okay. You can go, Zi'll be fine.

Kalethai: I know, I kinda feel bad leaving, though.

Alynna: I think that's what matters.

Kalethai: I'll talk to you tomorrow, okay? After the I meet the Duke we'll get started on our quest to save Gransys and get our lives back!

Alynna: ...Absolutely!

*Kalethai gets up and walks over to Zihark, who is currently pouring himself and Shinon shots*

Kalethai: I'm sorry, bud, but I forgot I had a meeting with the Duke tomorrow. I have to get to bed.

Zihark: Ah, right. Yeah. Don't worry, I'll find my way home.

Kalethai: I wish I could stay, I really do.

Shinon: We'll take care of your boy. Try and get some rest.

Kalethai: Thank you. *pats Zihark's shoulder* Good night, Zi. Try not to break Shinon, okay? Alynna would be sad.

Zihark: I won't. *lifts glass* This stuff might, though.

Kalethai: You be careful with that. It's bad enough on us, I can't imagine what it would do to pawns.

Shinon: To quote a friend of mine, it makes everything everythinger. *downs a shot, gives Kal a nod* We'll be fine. *blinks slowly several times* Oh, wow. There it goes.

Kalethai: Should I arrange a cart to pick you two up at closing time?

Zihark: Ha. No. Good night, Mas--- Mom.

Kalethai: *kisses the top of his head* Good night, hon.


--the next morning--



Shinon: *groggily wakes up* Ugh. Ow. My head.

Zihark: Wh---Shinon? Where are we?

Shinon: I dunno... *pats top of his head, feels a party hat* Oh shit, I think I got engaged.

Zihark: Hopefully not to me.

Shinon: Urrrrgh. Who won the... the thing we did?

Zihark: Spectators, I'm guessin'.

Shinon: I don't remember a bloody thing.

Zihark: We were drinking. A lot.

Shinon: *rolls over onto his back* We... are we on a roof? I think we're on a roof, Zi.

Zihark: Huh? I'll... I'll give Kal a call. *pats what he assumes to be his pockets* I... I am not wearing my pants. Where's my telestone? Better yet, where are my clothes?

Shinon: Okay, this is bad. At least I'm still clothed. *digs telestone out of his pocket* Aaaaaand I still have my stone. Looks like I can hold my liquor better than you.

Zihark: Shut up.

Shinon: Wonder where Mom ended up. She was pretty bummed out last night.

Zihark: Huh? I thought she liked that...whatever it was I gave her. That thing. With the face.

Shinon: Not that, she was thinkin' about the future. After the dragon. *dials Alynna's number, holds telestone to his ear* Lots of pawns'll probably leave n' stuff.

Zihark: Ah. ...Maker, yeah. I never thought of that. Uncle B's gotta leave, don't he?

Shinon: *waves hand for silence* Hello? Barnaby? Yeah, did Mom make it home? Is she awake yet?... Okay, when she wakes up, tell her Zi and I are okay, we're just on a roof somewhere, I think in the Venery. Zihark's got no pants and I think I got engaged.

Zihark: *rubs forehead* What a fricking start to the day.

Shinon: ...No, don't wake her. I can hear her snoring from here. Let her sleep. ...Nah, I think we can get down on our own. We got up somehow. Gotta be a ladder or something somewhere. Hang on, lemme call you back. I think we should get down from here before we fall.



*they both try to stand up to get a better view*

Zihark: Whoa. Everything's spinning.

Shinon: Ugh, my ass is asleep.

Zihark: *points* There's the Black Cat.

Shinon: Okay... I know where we are now. ...Why did we come all the way out here?

Zihark: I'm sure it made sense at the time.

Shinon: D'you think we can jump down and not require a revival?

Zihark: Yeah. I can, anyway. I'm more concerned with the fact that I'd have to walk around a known prostitute hangout without being properly dressed. People will get the wrong idea.

Shinon: Oh, boo-hoo. I'm most likely betrothed to some lush. I think I got the worse end of this deal.

Zihark: Maybe they won't remember either. ...Just ditch the hat, nobody will know.

Shinon: Yeah, I'll leave it up here. *takes off hat, tucks it behind the chimney*

Zihark: I think I can jump down from here...*leaps down onto the street* Yeah, it's not so far. *looks up at Shinon* Come on, I don't want to wait around. It's fricking cold.

Shinon: *leaps down* I wonder where you ditched your clothes.

Zihark: I'll look for them after I've gotten dressed. Right now I'm just gonna book it to the guild and get a change of clothes. Hopefully I don't get arrested on the way.

Shinon: It's not open yet. Barnaby's in Cassardis. Run down to the Black Cat and buy something.

Zihark: My GOLD was in my POCKETS.

Shinon: Luckily for you, so's mine. *digs in pockets, comes up with a pouch of gold, hands it to Zihark*

Zihark: Thanks.

Shinon: *looks behind Zihark* Oh shit, is that Baden? He just took my fricking picture-- *shouts* THIS IS NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, YOU BASTARD! HE LOST HIS CLOTHES AND I'M GIVING HIM MONEY TO... ugh, he's gone. Well, there's another embarrassing tabloid photo.

Zihark: Thanks for alerting the entire neighborhood to my state of semi-undress.

Shinon: You're welcome.

*Zihark runs off, Shinon starts back toward the alehouse to retrace his steps and calls Barnaby*



*Barnaby answers*

Barnaby: Hello? Are you sure you two are okay? Last night Alynna told me you were having a drinking contest with a bottle of Taglius' Miracle. That's... ill-advised. Even a small glass of that is supposed to be split between four people. And nursed, not swallowed down in one gulp.

Shinon: Yeah, well... shut up.

Barnaby: I think you should stay where you are. I'll send someone to collect you.

Shinon: No, no. We're already thoroughly humiliated and on our way back. Well I am. Zi's running down to the Cat to buy some new clothes. ...How's Mom? Did she bring my coat home?

Barnaby: She did. And to be honest, I would have thought her to be in much better spirits considering her reconciliation of Zihark and his master. She was not herself.

Shinon: She didn't tell you why?

Barnaby: She said she and Kalethai were going to commit to killing Grigori, I assume she's just nervous.

Shinon: And I assume you'll be heading back to the rift when Grigori's gone? No need for a pawn guild when there's no need for an arisen, right?

Barnaby: I... ah. Is that the issue?

Shinon: Yeah. Is there a chance you could stay behind? Maybe appoint a new leader?

Barnaby: Not many pawns would want my job. Not many pawns still function without their masters.

Shinon: ...So no.

Barnaby: I... I don't know. I'd never really thought about it. Perhaps we could discuss this later? I have to go open the guild soon.

Shinon: Just give it some thought, okay?

Barnaby: I will.

Shinon: ...and then say you'll stay. Someone has to stand guard over the Everfall, right?

Barnaby: We'll talk later. I'm running behind.



*Alynna stirs, awakens*

Alynna: G'morning. Were... were you saying something? Thought I heard your voice.

Barnaby: I was just talking to Shinon, he called. Apparently he and Zihark ended up on a rooftop in the Venery sometime last night.

Alynna: *groans sleepily* Are they okay?

Barnaby: They fared much better than I would have thought, considering they drank an entire bottle of Taglius' Miracle.

Alynna: What time is it?

Barnaby: Half past eight, thereabouts.

Alynna: Gosh, you're late! I told you you didn't have to see me home! I can't very well lose my way with a ferrystone.

Barnaby: You can if you're tipsy, which you were.

Alynna: Well you didn't have to stay, you could've--

Barnaby: You were not yourself last night. It did not feel right to leave you.

Alynna: ...thank you.

Barnaby: Shinon told me why you were not yourself. I must confess, I never gave much thought to what would happen after the dragon. I will now.

Alynna: Is it possible you could stay?

Barnaby: It is... unlikely, but I would not rule it out. I want to stay, and that alone is evidence that perhaps I am unfit for my position as guild leader. The problem is, there is nobody to replace me.

Alynna: But there are hundreds of pawns in Gran Soren every day, surely one of them--

Barnaby: They all have masters to return to and duties to perform. I am without either outside of the guild.

Alynna: What about Selene?

Barnaby: The young witch? That would only sully our image further. The guild would be burned down in a day by people claiming she's evil.

Alynna: I suppose you're right.

Barnaby: ...Apologies, but I must see to the guild. Drop in if you can, I would like to see you and your sister before you leave for the hunt.

Alynna: We will.

Barnaby: Then I shall see you later. *kisses her forehead* I think you should sleep in a bit longer. Such an undertaking requires you to be well-rested.

Alynna: Yeah, but--

Barnaby: *leans over, whispers in her ear* Everfall.

*Alynna closes her eyes, flops back into bed and is snoring within seconds*

Barnaby: Sleep well.