A Trip to Athkatla

[TaminaLightstep]

\\OOC Note: Keep in mind I am by no means a Professional Writer. I've been out of school for some time so certain Grammar points I sometimes forget. If you Misunderstand something or something is just blatantly wrong. Tell me and I will Correct it. Also, I randomly Cap certain words while typing... Bad habit. LoL

Also Bear in mind I wrote this story for a bit of fun so just read and Enjoy .\\



Chapter 1: Arrival to the City of Coin.

The Ship coasts slowly to the dock and moors to the Pier. The Crew begins the usual routine of Unloading Cargo and other Procedures of Docking in a Hustle and Bustle.

'A Well Oiled machine, A Wonderful sight!' The Captain of the Red Swallow thought.

Then catching his eye an odd sight began walking down the Gang way to the Pier. Odd for the fact that the woman definitely wasn't a usual passenger on the Sea dressed in a Silk gown that fit her Figure quite nicely. Also her motions gave a certain Grace and Athletic quality and her Manners and speech gave her an Innocent and Naive air about herself.

'How odd for someone like her to be Traveling by sea..' The Captain mused.

The oddest thing about her wasn't that though; Whenever he was near her he felt an unpleasant Tension and Unease in the air. Though the Light tone of her voice made the feeling vanish least until she Smiled. Her smile was more of an Impish grin or Devilsh Smirk which other then making him feel uncomfortable, gave him the Impression that she always knew more then she let on or there was some other meaning to her words. Most unusal but not the oddest thing he has ever seen he though. Most people who came to this city intended to strike riches by any means Necessary, No reason she'd be any different.
"Good day Ms. Lightstep." The Captain said as he Nodded greeting her when she Approached. "The bags have been unloaded and unchecked as you've made clear in your terms. They're over there by the other cargo as to not attract suspicion."
He pointed her things out to her as they were unloaded and secured on the Pier.
"I take it the trip was good, yes?" He asked.
"Aye, The trip was decent enough even though I'm not used to Sea travel." She said lightly and Tipped a rather Lavish hat with a Red tipped Feather sticking out of the hat.
'Pretty flashy..' The captain thought.
"Good work on my bags Captain, I understand you had to Call in a Favor for it." She said and tapped her Chin thoughtfully for a moment. "You have many thanks, And as a bonus to you I'll do you a favor.." There was that Grin that made him nervous and he Shifted his weight uneasily as she leaned in and Whispered a few words into his ear unheard by everyone else due to the noise and bustle of the Pier.
His Jaw dropped and his eyes grew wide with Shock. "How did you know about that, Ms Lightstep?!" He Blurted out.
"Now, Now, Captain, A Girl has to have secrets now." She said and giggled. "Besides, I'm pretty good at getting information when I want it." She winked and then added "Thanks again but I must be going now, Take care." She lazily waved and turned to collect her things while the Captain nodded and turned and began Barking orders to his Crew. She Gathered her things and loaded them on a nearby waiting Coach.
"Take me to the Nearest Suitable Inn. Quickly as Possible if you please!" She said in an unusual tone of Authority as she climbed inside. "Yes Ma'am! I know just the place!" The Coach driver said with a touch of over enthusiasm as he noted her Appearance and Snapped the reigns.
The Coach lurched Forward.
'Now, to find a Quill in a mountain of Quills. Hopefully I'm lucky and this won't take too long.' She thought as she settled Comfortably for the Ride.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 2: Frustration

"Two Tendays!" She shouted in her Room. " TWO BLOODY HELLS TENDAYS!" She Screamed again and Pounded her fist on the Desk in her room at the Inn. She Sighed heavily in Frustration as she began to settle in for another Fruitless night. 'Worse then I thought, Let's see....' She thought to her self getting in a Comfortable position in her bed.
'I've done a Decent enough job on hiding my Horns, So no one Suspects me of that I believe...'
She Turned, not Comfortable.
'Hmm... I've discreetly tried to make contacts but nothing pans out... All I hear are whispers...'
She tossed.
'Of the Shadow Thieves of Amn...'
Her eyes popped open.
"That's it!!" She shouted again out loud. 'They must have it... Now all I have to do is look into them. It's going to be tough...' She thought as she Nodded off into sleep for the night.

Meanwhile sometime during the late hours of the night. A man began walking through the main Corridor of the inn. Dressed in dark robes and a hood that obscured his face he passed through unnoticed and slipped a thin envelope under Ms. Lightstep's door. He then swiftly and Silently exited out of an upper floor window and vanished into the night. No one was the wiser to the Shadow that came and passed them as everyone in the Inn was sleeping soundly or just plain passed out from a night of Merry making in the Common room.

Ms. Lightstep awoke with a start and cut herself off as she screamed just before the Sun rose in the morning. She sighed as she slowly got out of bed and lit a candle on the desk. 'Another Nightmare of me doing terrible things and enjoying it a little too much...' She thought as she sat down at the desk and poured herself a cup of water.

'That's not the only thing that worries me either. The worst is the urge to say something to hurt people's feelings she cared about. Also, Urges to hurt people and watch the blood and gore and doing all kinds of unspeakable things...' She sighed again and took a Sip of water.
'I've been able to hide it well so far, even from people I care about. But the more fights I get into, the more stronger the Urges get; Like my lower plane's heritage is growing stronger...and winning.' She deeply thought as she looked around the room trying to distract herself when she spotted the letter by the door outside the candle's light.

Her eyes naturally accustomed to seeing in almost pitch black darkness with ease. A gift from her Fiendish heritage. She got up and casually picked the Envelope up off the floor. 'Maybe it was the owner of the Inn giving her a notice about shouting or something or other..' She thought briefly when she noticed the a blank wax seal on the Envelope.
'Strange... usually they're marked with the crest of the sender or of a Specific organization...Wonder what this is.' She thought as she broke the wax seal and took the thin Parchment out and unfolded it.

Greetings Tamina Lightstep,
My organization has recieved word that you are looking for a Specific Amulet. Know that we have the Amulet you are looking for. I am instructed to offer a deal to you, a specific task and upon completion of the task you will be rewarded the Object you seek. My Organization thinks this a fair trade, as do I. If you also agree to this we will meet in the Common room tonight. Don't worry about me Recognizing you, I will. Keep a Table empty and when I approach I will say "The Night is Dark and Cold, Always." To which you'll reply "Aye but it's much better then the open Light of Day."

See you soon,
-W

Her eyes grew wide with shock as she read the Message. The words were written in an Elegant flowing Script. 'Interesting, It appears I've been noticed...Well I'll go to the room tonight then... Prepared.' She thought and drank some more water and crawled back to bed and Buried herself in the covers and Drifted back to sleep.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 3: Mysterious Meeting

Tamina spent the day Maticulously preparing for the meeting and it's many possibilities. Most importantly the many ways it could turn out Bad. She made little trips down to the common room during the day and made note of the room's layout. The many Chairs and tables and the entrance and exit.

She planned secondary Exits through the windows since the room was at street level. She also made an excursion into the town under the guise of shopping where she tried a few contacts again which were again fruitless and made note of side alleys and off the beaten paths for quick escapes through town from the inn.

Now an hour before sundown she was getting ready. Dressing in drab brown leather armor, a Stained and weathered somewhat faded brown cloak & hood. Very forgettable and easily discarded if she needed to change in a pinch. Of course the extra clothes were in a satchel, a Chainmail shirt and blue cloak and hood. If time afforded she could escape, Change, and look like nothing more then an Adventurer passing through the city.

After that, she pulled a thin Short blade and a Small dagger, sheathed and hidden in her luggage. She slipped the Short sword a little out of it's sheath and a cold mist flowed out and dissipated in the warm air.
'Still in perfect working order' She thought and grinned at the blade before snapping the blade back and attaching it on her back, hilt angled towards the ground on her left side so she could easily reach and draw it quickly.
She then picked up the dagger and unsheathed it and looked over with an Appraisive eye.
'Hmm... Looks like it could be sharpened a bit before I go downstairs..' She thought and pulled a sharpening kit out and sharpened the knife for a bit.
Looking over it again she then took the letter and let it fall over the blade. The paper was cut into two pieces before it hit the ground. An impish grin crossed her face and she put the knife on her belt on the left side.
'If anyone suspects I have a weapon the knife will be spotted still affording me an opportunity of surprise, Perfect.' She thought.

She made her way downstairs and into the busy Common room. She scanned the room and noted a few suspicious types as she jostled and made her way to an empty table in the corner of the room. She sat down and sighed.

'Great...' She thought. 'Now I'm automatically cornered. If this goes badly I'll have to fight my way to an exit at least...'

A barmaid approached and she ordered the most watered down swill they had. She needed to keep her wits about her after all. After the drink came she leaned back and scanned the room as she waited. Giving hard, Cold, Unforgiving stares to men who approached looking a little too talkative.

Unnoticed by her sat a man across the room mostly obscured from view stealing the Occasional side long Glance her way. A well dressed man who wore Drab unnoticable leather armor as well sipped his cup. A bemused little smirk crossed his face.

'Excellent.' He thought. 'She came after all.'

He looked at a table at an inconspicuous drunk old man at a table half way and nodded politely at him. Very subtlety in a brief moment of clarity as if he weren't drinking at all he nodded back and at three other Plain inconspicuous men in the room.

'Good, Back up in place to force a little muscle on Ms. Lightstep should she be unreasonable.' The Drab leather armored man thought. 'Time to make my move.'

He nodded at the old man again and got up from his table. At that moment a man began laughing very loudly and was animated about a story. Just long enough to draw Tami's attention for him to cross the room in a surprising amount of speed and grace as he avoided shoving past or even bumping other patrons and seating himself silently and smoothly in the chair across from Tamina.

"You know, the Night is Dark and Cold, Always." He said loudly enough for her to hear before she Turned around from the Loud Distraction.

She gave a slight start in her chair before replying shakily in a Stuttering frenzy. "Aye... But it's much B-better then t-the Op-p-pen light of D-d-day."

The man Smirked 'That little act isn't gonna fool me that easily... Women.' He thought as she Slowly turned around with a show of fear on her face.

He briefly eyed her hand on her dagger and his smirk grew into a wide smile. "I suppose we should skip the Small talk and get straight to Buisness, Right Ms Lightstep?" He said as he leaned back in his chair and put a leg up on the table and crossed his other leg over that one.

Tamina relaxed the grip on her knife hilt and leaned a little forward and smiled on the inside. 'Good, He thinks I'm afraid of him. Maybe I can get some more information from him as long as he thinks he thinks he has the power here.' She thought then sipped her drink.

"Aye, Suppose we should get to buisness..." She trailed off fishing for his name and the Smile on his face disappeared to a seriousness. "'W' will do for now Ms. Lightstep. Now, Regarding your little scavenger hunt..." He said casually and a Barmaid appeared at his side asking what he wanted to drink.

He declined the drink and shooed her away telling her, him and his guest were not to be disturbed. Afterwards he cleared his throat and apologized.

"Sorry about that. As I was saying, we have your prize and as we understand things it's very valuable." He said as the Smirk reappeared on his face.

"Well, It's valuable to certain people I suppose, People who pay people like me to get it for them." She said.

"Well, Suppose so. I imagine certain people paid quite alot. So, Here's the Deal, Love. The task we want you to do is quite simple. All we want you to do is Break into this place here, Steal a certain gem, And deliver this small parchment in it's place." He explained as he pulled a map out and pointed at the place and then produced the small Parchment, Sealed, and placed it on the table.

"Interesting proposal, but I have a funny feeling about this." She said and a Devilish grin crossed her face. "What if I refuse?"

The Smirk from his face disappeared and he withdrew his legs from the table and leaned in close.

"Well, If you refuse..." He said as he began to look insulted at the idea she would refuse. "You'll never get the Amulet. Your body will be returned to your employer with a parchment attached to it." He grinned like he enjoyed that part too much and leaned back in his chair and added.

"The choice is yours."

[TaminaLightstep]

Continuation of Chapter 3: Mysterious Meeting

She noticed him stealing subtle glances around the room.
'Bloody Hells! He's got back up... If I take the parchment make a quick getaway, Maybe I can deal with this man again on more favorable terms.' She thought quickly and put a hand into her satchel as she feigned thinking about the offer.
'Just need something to slow the back up down. Well, Some of them at least.'
He tapped his finger on the table Impatiently waiting for an answer.
"This offer expires very soon, Ms. Lightstep. What will it be?" He said, his Tone denoting Annoyance.
'Bloody hells, Alright I'll just throw it over there then.' She thought quickly.

"Sorry, I don't think I can help you out, I'm not one to trust people who threaten me from the start and be all sneaky and telling me to do things I don't want to do. I hope you understand." She said and then Grinned Devilishly.
The man sighed .
"I had hoped it wouldn't turn out this way. You're going to make things very difficult. Don't worry though, We'll break you before we kill you." He said and as soon as he finished Tamina sprung into action like a streched rope that suddenly snapped.

She kicked the table up and towards the man who Identified himself as W. As she did that she reached into her Satchel and threw what appeared to be some sort of potion. Except that when the glass shattered on a nearby patron's face it released a thick smoke which filled that part of the Common room.
But she noticed two other fellas from the other side rapidly pushing through the crowd that now was heading towards the two Doorways. The main exits.
'Great, Now I have to go through those two louts to get to the window...' She thought and sprung into action smoothly withdrawing her Shortsword.
"Hey you Fiend! Hold it right there!" One of them shouted clearing the crowd and rushing towards her, Two daggers in his hands at the ready.

'Common thugs.. How unsavory...' Tamina thought and kicked a chair straight at him. It slid across the floor with surprising speed and caught his legs before he could react.

Tamina found the look of surprise on his face amusing as his legs got tangled in the chair legs mid-stride and he slammed into the floor face first.

She didn't waste any time as she bolted for the window. W was just clearing the table off him and brandishing his Rapier as he got up he Whistled loudly as the other man realizing he couldn't reach Tamina in time rushed to his side to help him out. Tamina dove head first through the window. Her hood flying back as she dove exposing her horns. Now realizing her horns were good for something as she crashed through the window.

Though fairly small and easily hidden they were tough and the points sharp. The Horns shattering the panes of glass easily. She tucked and rolled once she hit the ground on the other side nimbly coming to her feet in and instant.
She paused for a moment long enough to hear W shouting above the screams and panicked cries of the exiting Tavern crowd.

"Get the good for nothing Goat girl! Come on Lads! Kill her!"

She then bolted down the street.
'Great, This one seems lively and has plenty of fools in his pocket.' She thought as she sprinted down the street and turned into a near by alley. As she turned into the alley she used her experience growing up as an Orphan in the Slums of Baldur's Gate to blend in with the Deep dark Shadows of the Alley.

Her eyes seeing clearly in the darkness. A wonderful ability of her Fiendish heritage. She saw two men lying in wait in the Alley.

'Geez, Who are these guys... Well I don't think they've spotted me yet at least. Maybe I can pick up some information listening to them..' She thought as she moved closer in the protective second skin of the darkness.

She crouched by some Barrels, the men on the other side oblivious to her presence. Just then W appeared at the entrance to the alley.

"You Bull headed louts see her yet?" He shouted at them as he walked casually down the alley.
"No, Sir! Not even so much as an alley cat came by boss." came the Reply.
W smirked as he walked by the barrels his eyes came to a golden Glow for a brief second.
"You sure about that men?" He asked as a Knowing smirk crossed his face.

'Does he see me?!' Tamina thought, her heart jumping into her throat.
Just then as the men began to converse on their conspiracies a small voice started to creep into Tamina's mind.

'Just Kill'em. That'll solve the problem real easy. Don't be weak, Kill'em, Kill'em all. You'll enjoy it. I promise.' Over and over it repeated in her mind.

Her breathing quickened as she tried to ignore the voice growing louder in her head by the second.

"Shut UP!" She shouted.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 4: Back Alley Confrontation

"Don't move you Tricky Devil woman!" W shouted his rapier at the Ready.

The two thugs drew their weapons as well. A Shortsword in one pair of hands and a Longsword in the other's hands.


'Hells, Me and my big mouth...' Tamina thought as she stood slowly from behind the group of Barrels. Wondering how she was going to get out of this perdicament as she held her Shortsword at the ready.
The Mist around it's blade nothing more then the air freezing around it but all the same it looked like an efficient weapon. W's eyes again flashed Gold as a Wicked smile crossed his face. Tami then realized he was a Tiefling like her, Interesting.
"I'll give you one last chance Goat girl." He said with delight. "Don't be stupid, This incident can be overlooked. Don't throw your life away for someone else's expense."

He tried to convince her as he held his hand up keeping his two men from attacking. Tami looked behind her as another man stood at the exit to the Alley.

'Geez... Me and my Big mouth alright... Now I'm really gonna need some luck for this one... Tymora if you're listening a little help right now would be appreciated...' She thought as she slowly stepped into the center of the alley.

"Well as tempting as the offer is, If I were to do it. I would like more compensation then just what I'm after." She said as that trademark Devilish grin crossed her face again and a bit of ambient light caught her eyes which made them glow like a wolf's or cat's did in the dark.

W was undaunted at the sight but the two men at his side shifted nervously, Those eyes piercing and full of malicious intent.
"I told you before." W began as he ran a fingertip ran across the thin blade of his Rapier. "The terms of the deal are Not negotiable. Being greedy is going to get you either the amulet OR coin. As a matter of fact, It'll cost you your life."

His two men looked at each other unsure of the outcome and even the man standing at the entrance of the Alley way took a nervous step back. Tami's hearing sharp enough to pick up details.

'Yes...Kill'em all. Kill'em all!' The voice crept up in her head again.

'No, I've got to just make a quick getaway, That's all. No one needs to die.' She tried to argue in her head back but her body slowly succumbing to the voice's will.
Her muscles tensing and twitching slightly not of fear but excitement at the deteriorating situation.

"That's too bad Mr. W.... I would have thought you smarter then that." She said her tone dripping with malicious intent as her will to prevent violence faded. "I'll tell you what my greed will cost me, Either I get extra coin and the amulet for the job. Or, You and your men attack me. End up dead. I get the coin in their pocket and your little 'Organization' sends another lackey in your place who will be more flexible."

W laughed at what he perceived as empty threats. His men weren't laughing though. The two by his side had shocked looks on their faces unsure of what to make of this woman who was short and slender in frame talking so big and sure of herself.
"So be it then, Love. It would of been nice to work with someone I could of related to, But, Alas. It appears we're going to have to teach you a very harsh lesson." W explained and let his Rapier rest against his shoulder.
"Alright Boys, Teach her a Lesson!" He shouted.

At the command his men seemed to steel their resolve. The man at the entrance to the alley ran towards her. The man with the Shortsword also charged forward while the man with the Longsword walked at a brisk pace.

'No doubt to hang back and strike if things don't go favorably for these two louts.' She thought.
She Smirked again as the man behind her, the faster runner, would reach her first.

'You're going to Enjoy this...' A voice in her head said as she twirled the Shortsword in her hand and whisked it behind her in a Back stabbing motion.

The man didn't expect this in time as the blade plunged into his Gut. At that moment the man with the Shortsword to her front came running up doing a Clumsy overhead swing.

'Yes, This is going to be very enjoyable...' the voice said in her head as she reacted swiftly and with great Dexterity threw a Kick out at the man's swing.

The kick connected with his wrist before his blade could cleave her Head in two. The blade went flying into the wall of the alley. Shocked at his loss of a weapon he was unable to stop his fast approach. Tami then gripped the handle of her blade and with her other leg kicked the approaching man in the side of the Jaw. The man wheeled back in pain gripping his jaw as she pulled the blade free of the man behind her with the sound of cracking Ice.

In one fluid motion she twirled and slashed the man's throat in front of her. The man behind her hit the ground with a hard thud as chunks of his midsection cracked and broke free of his body. The man at the front gurgled a minute as blood spilled from the gaping slash in his neck before falling to the ground dead.

'Yes, a Wonderously Delightful sight!' the voice in her head exlaimed in joy as Tami was losing her will to fight the voice and in turn experience the joy of the bloodlust coming over her body.

The last remaining man in front of her with the Longsword approached cautiously towards her in a defensive stance. He knew his way around a blade, that much was clear.
'He won't be expecting this though...' She thought. She came to a ready stance.
Imposing and Frightening as her glowing eyes catching the ambient light and blood covered her face. W watching from down the Alley quietly chuckling and enjoying the sight of her Prowess.

'Yes, Show me what you can do, Love.' He thought.

"Come on you fiendish Goat girl! You don't scare me!" The man with the Longsword shouted in an attempt to taunt her. At that instant the knife from her belt was free from it's sheath and flung in the air. The man with the Longsword reacted quickly enough but anticipated wrongly where the knife was thrown as he made a blocking motion across his face. The knife found it's mark and plunged into his Knee all the way to the Hilt.

The man Screamed in pain as he dropped his weapon and sank to the floor clutching his wound with the Knife still in it. Tami walked slowly up to him and looked down on him with those glowing uncaring eyes.

"Please! M-m-Mercy!" He pleaded.

"Mercy?" Tamina said and laughed."I'm not in a Mercy place right now. Nor am I a servant of Ilmater..." She said. Her tone unusually dripping with murderous intent.

"Ple-" He tried to spit out hoping to persuade her but was greeted with her Blade being thrust through his face. The blade stayed there, The sounds of Ice forming, cracking and breaking coming from the man's head.

Slowly as Tami looked on with Delightful bloodlusted eyes and W watching curiously, the man's head comepletely froze over.

"Now, You were saying, Mr. W?" She said as she broke her blade free. The man's head shattered like glass as the blade wrenched free from it's victim. His body fell lifeless to the soiled alley floor.

"Quite Impressive Ms. Lightstep, Quite." W said calmly.
"After witnessing your skills for myself, I believe my Organization will be willing to renegotiate the terms of the deal." He explained while Tami retrieved her knife from the dead man's knee.

"What if I don't want to Renegotiate." She said coldly.

W chuckled and said. "You'll want to, Trust me, We'll talk again real soon, Love." He then faded into the darkness of the alleyway his Gold eyes flashing, the last to Disappear into the Darkness. Tami then felt light headed and passed out in the Alleyway.

[TaminaLightstep]

\\ OOC Note: I make mention of a certain other character who plays BG.. Those who know my character I'm sure it'll come as no Surprise . Though I can't really Type like he does for his character but He has given me the Ok with it anyway

Chapter 5:
An Unexpected Run in

The sun hitting Tami's face forced her awake. Stirring and slowly rising to her feet it appeared to be Mid day as the sun was high in the Sky. She squinted and looked slowly around at the now unmelted gore and bodies that lay about the Alley.

'I did this... I killed them... It's alright, It was self defense...' She thought as her eyes drifted to the headless man with the Longsword. A wave of emotions washed over her.
Mostly regret, sadness, and pain from killing so coldly.

She took a deep breath and scoffed.
"Eck!" She exclaimed as she put a hand over her mouth and nose.

'The bodies are already starting to stink. Won't be long before someone notices. I need to get out of here and get cleaned up...' She thought as she gathered her Weapons putting them back in there Sheaths.
She walked as calmly to the Inn as possible receiving some strange looks from people as she passed. She then realized she was dirty and covered in dried blood. She managed to avoid patrols from the City watch, Keeping a careful eye out.
'Last thing I need now is the Authorities asking questions..' She thought as she slipped by them.

She walked into the Inn and was stopped by the Inn owner. "You can clean up." He said in a tone of authority with seething rage underneath. "Then you're out, I should report you to the Watch. Devil kin ain't welcome in my inn and you've caused plenty of trouble for it. But the coin you've provided will cover the repair costs."

He stepped out of the way to let her pass. Seemingly trying to bore through her body with that cold stare. Tami said nothing but nodded slowly and proceeded up to the room.
'Gonna have to leave some things behind...Great.' She thought as she stripped, Washed up, and gathered her things to sort out what she would travel with in a bag.
Leaving out a fresh pair of clothes and putting the rest that was not possible to take and left it folded neatly on the bed. She then put on her change of clothes a nice dark blue silk gown. Looking in the mirror and satisfied mostly with the dress and the way she looked, She then retrieved a comb and undoing her ponytail she let her hair down.

A firery orange red color, her hair fell to her middle of her back. She took great care combing and getting knots out and after looking in the mirror she decided to leave it down today. She then donned her most Lavish hat with a long feather in the brim. The feather tipped red at the end for an even more stylish look. Her horns safely hidden under the Lavish display.

'Ah, A nice token from a trip to Waterdeep.' She thought as she looked over herself one last time.

Satisfied she was Presentable enough she gathered her bag and satchel up and walked out of the Inn receiving cold unwelcome stares from Inn patrons the previous night and of course, the owner of the Inn.

'Suppose I'll have to find a place of Ill-repute now..' She thought and sighed as she walked past them.

Once on the streets she made her way to the Dock's district and found a place quite deserving of the aforementioned title of Ill-repute.
"Well, Not the Greatest but it'll do I suppose." She said to herself as she approached.

She reached up and adjusted her hat more out of habit. Always nervous about her Horns being exposed and with the recent events she didn't want people asking questions and spreading rumors. She walked into the inn and approached the owner behind a counter in the common room. The overweight man with a receding hair line wiping down the counter took a minute before looking up. When he did his jaw dropped for a minute before he recovered.


"Welcome, Little lady! What can I do for you today?" He asked.

'Little lady? You should kill that overweight Son of a Troll.' The voice whispered in her head.

"Aye, I'd like a room to stay in for awhile." She said quickly, suppressing that annoying voice down in her head.

"You sure you need a Room... Here?" He asked looking her up and down noticing her Clothes, Hat, And general well kept appearance.

"Aye, Here is fine enough, How much?" She asked and produced a coin purse filled practically bursting to the Brim. The man eyed the coin purse shrugged his shoulders and grabbed it up.

"Alright, I won't ask no questions Miss." He said and shrugged. "For that amount you can stay here till your business is done. Go upstairs and it's the third room to the right." He added as he began counting the coins with a greedy smirk on his face.

"Thank you very much! Oh, and if anyone stops by asking questions you've never seen anyone that looks like me." Tami said as she winked and gave a trademark Devilish grin. The Inn Keeper was taken aback by the grin but nodded slowly as he shifted uncomfortably.
She tipped her hat in farewell and departed for her room. Once upstairs she found her room and opened it.

'Geez...What a Dump!' She thought as she looked around at the tiny room.

It was dirty, The bed Barely big enough to fit her and the sheets unmade with various stains on them. She set her bag down by the Nightstand and lit a candle. Just as she did so a Rat squeaked and ran for his cubby hole.

'Well... Better then living on the street..' She thought and sighed.

She gingerly took the sheets off the bed and stuffed it in the corner making a Sour face doing the dirty job. Then walking over to her Bag she took out a Simple cloth and laid it over the bed. She then sat on the bed and put her hands on her chin in thought. 'Can't believe I was so Cruel....'

The scene in the alley played itself over and over in her mind with every Gruesome detail. 'Definintely not Subtle....' She frowned.

'Not Subtle but fun! Did you see the look on the one man's face before you shoved your Blade though it?!' The voice in her head urged with excitement.

She shook her head trying not to listen.

'That man could have had a family or woman he was taking care of... And I ended him... I'm a terrible person.' She thought as she put her face in her hands and Tears streamed out. After some time of Crying silently she got up and wiped her face and cleaned up a bit.

'Enough of that. Time to get to work, I need to find out more about this W guy and his organization.' She thought and headed out of the room, Locked the door then walked out of the Inn.

'The Docks are usually a good place to find out about things like that. Well, In the Gate they are, We'll see about Athkatla as well.' She reassured herself as she headed down the streets and began making her way to the Docks.

The sun was setting as she walked the Docks District talking with shady dock workers and port authorities. She walked the piers talking to cargo handlers and ships crew's who were suspected of Smuggling things in and out. Yielding no results in her bid for Information on W or this mysterious organization. All she managed to get was whispers of dealings and tasks put out by the Shadow Thieves of Amn. A group who had Amn's underground tight in it's grip.

After most of the remaining day getting useless information and rumors she arrived at her last bastion of hope for information, the Dry Docks. Workers worked tirelessly as they sawed wood and fitted pieces together building ships. Others concentrating and straining with effort as a long day was coming to an end scrapping barnacles off the underside of ships or repairing Masts and hulls damaged from storms, Pirates, and other things.

The sounds of tools, grunts from straining workers filled the air. Smells of Saw dust and the sea hung heavy. Tami enjoyed the sight and smells for once as she walked through almost losing herself to the Ambient noises and smells as she walked along. Suddenly someone grabbed her hand from behind as she walked past.

"Well now, What is a Sweet, innocent, Princess doing so far from home?" A very Familiar voice said. A voice she hadn't heard in some time.

She didn't believe it, It couldn't be him.

She turned to face the voice and there he was, Holding her hand.

He was in a Bow and pulled her hand to give it a Gentle kiss. Tami Blinked in Disbelief as she stared at that Tricorn hat. She recovered her senses as a Wide grin crossed her face.

"Well, Well, Fancy running into a certain Gentleman of Fortune here, Kalma." She said trying but doing very Poorly to hide her Excitement.

He released her hand after gentle squeeze and stood staring into her eyes. She blinked again noticing his eyes were now a Deep blue, Almost like the sea. Instead of the Chesnut brown that he had when she had left. Two of Kalma's men who were on either side of him gave eachother Confused looks at the odd behavior their Captain was showing towards her but none of them dared utter a teasing or rude remark on it.

Tami and Kalma looked at eachother for a long moment. She noticing the changes he made since she was gone, him noticing hers. Tami was slightly shocked to see his appearance. He had tied ornate and beautiful looking pearls into his hair and beard. Also, She noticed he seemed to have been outside or on the open ocean alot because his skin was darker. Definitely seen some sun.

Kalma noticed the dress she was wearing, Fine dark blue silk and clinging quite pleasingly to her Figure; He waggled his eyebrows at that. He noticed her hair was not in it's usual ponytail and Combed very neatly. But what caught his eye to begin with was that unmistakable Lavish hat with the red tipped feather that he found not that lavish and rather silly looking to be honest.

After that long moment Tamina couldn't stand it any longer. She rushed in and wrapped her arms around him.
"I've missed you, So much!" She exlaimed and nuzzled her head into his chest.
Kalma laughed and wrapped his arms around her giving a Kiss to her forehead.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 6:
Catching up

Kalma and Tami walked through the Docks and further into the city as the sun settled and evening crept up. Talking about all manner of things that happened since their parting. The two of Kalma's men usually walking on either of their Captain's side hung a bit behind him since the new guest began walking with them. Casually listening in on the conversation and occaisionally exchanging confused looks at the behavior their Captain was showing towards Tami. The Captain would occasionally give a stern look at them wiping their bewildered looks from Their faces.

"Hey, Captain, We'll continue our buisness before it gets too late, seeming as your a bit distracted at the moment." One of the men said. The more professional looking of the two if you could call it that.

"Aye Cap'n, You have fun with the little lass tonight. We'll handle everything." Said the other man as he gave a smirk looking Tamina up and down with no Attempt to hide what he was imagining in his head.

'Little lass? How long are you going to let people insult you? Did you see the way he looked at you? I bet you could have fun with him before you make him pay for the little lass comment... Heh Heh.' The little voice said as it crept through her mind and gave her Goose bumps. She suppressed it with a Shudder and anyone else who looked on would figure it was just the cool night air or the way the man looked at her.

"Fine, Fine, You mates hurry up though, It's important." Kalma said as he lazily waved at them to continue on and they walked off.

"Gentleman of Fortune buisness I presume?" Tami asked with a teasing tone to her voice and winked.

Kalma looked at Tami with a sheepish grin and nodded. They Continued walking on and found a Suitable inn to have a nice drink and a meal. Also a good place to converse after the meal and catch up a bit. Kalma picked a Suitable booth in the corner and sat appropriately facing the Entrance and Tami sat across from him. The Serving girl came by and they ordered drinks and a fine meal.

Their conversation was light through the several drinks and meal they had, Laughing and in general enjoying eachother's company. Tami found the meal to be quite delicious and good, as did Kalma.

"So Kalma, Or should I just call you Gareut?" Tami asked as she took a Sip of her drink.
"How did your eyes change? They used to be a wonderous color of brown, But now, They're as blue as the deep sea..." She said as she looked into his Eyes, Comparing the Changes she was seeing to what she remembered.

"Lass, Gareut will be fine." Gareut said with a smirk but paused as if reflecting something in deep thought.

Tami waited Patiently for him to continue wondering what he could be thinking about. Slowly she noticed his expression changing to a deep frown as he looked at the table between them.

"My eyes have changed because well... I don't rightly know. That lass Alison and Randy who I thought were friends with betrayed me. They turned me into the Fist, I was jailed... After a Stint in a dirty little cell, They saw fit to put me to death. The method Keelhauling..." He said his voice low and somber. He paused after the word Keelhauling and shuddered.

"The amount of pain was incredible. But, it didn't do the job. So they decided to drown me instead. After that..." He paused again as if trying to find words to express his terrible and horrifying ordeal.

"I just remember everything going dark and feeling alone... Like no one else even existed except for me. The feeling loneliness was unbearable. Then I woke up on a Beach, Guess my Eye color changed as people made comments on my 'Blue' Eyes." Gareut said and looked to the side of their table at other people who seemed to be enjoying their meal.

Tami raised her eyebrows as Gareut explained everything, She was Shocked. After Gareut was seemingly finished for the moment Tami inched her hand forward and held his hand in hers.

"That's... Horrible... I should have been there, Maybe I could've influenced some things or something..." She said almost apologetically.

'Aye, You should have been there, Sounds like it was a Fantastic show!' The voice in her head crept up again. She pushed it back and shuddered again.

"Don't worry about it Tami" Gareut said noticing the Shudder. "I feel.... Renewed now. It's almost a relief." He added.

He then put his other hand on the one Tami had holding his, and Patted it gently. A gesture of Reassurance, Tami noticed.

"So, my Dear 'Princess'. How goes everything here?" He asked and managed a Small grin as he waggled his Eyebrows.

"Things have gone quite Terrible. As you know I've been employed by a client to retrieve a certain Amulet. But it's been awhile and I'm no where near a hint of it let alone the actual thing." Tami said and Explained the events of her trip from start to finish. Of course, She left out the quarrel in the Alleyway.

She wasn't quite comfortable talking about that yet. Also she didn't mention the voice in her head. After all a voice in her head compelling her to do bad things sounded pretty crazy when she thought about it.

Gareut listened to her tale with great interest.
"So, I was wondering, Maybe you could help me out? Any people I can go to that are willing to talk about this... 'Perdicament'?" Tami asked Gareut desperately after finishing her tale. She didn't want to Bring Gare into such matters but she was at her Wits end on what to do.

"You Silly Lass, Of Course I'll help!" Gareut said loudly as he laughed. Then he stopped and lowered his Voice as he continued on.

"I have a contact that might know this sort of thing. His name is Fino Marlson, you can find him working in the Docks District usually over by this pier." He explained pulling out a map and pointing to a specific spot on the map and looking around making sure no one was being too Nosy. Tami listened and noted the place mentally before giving a Devilish Smirk.

"Gareut, You're the best! Now, I say we get out of here and Share a room and night together before we lose the chance." She said with a wink as she got up hugged and Kissed him and pulled him along towards the available rooms upstairs in the Inn.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 7:
New Leads

Tami awoke before Gareut woke. She silently crept out of the Covers and got Dressed. This time offering for a more practical look by slipping into her leather armor and strapping her weapons on. Shortsword again hidden underneath her cloak, Knife on her left hip, strapped to the belt. She was being fairly quiet trying not to stir Gareut. When she was ready she Tip toed towards the door.

"I still have your coin." Gareut said quietly as she reached for the Door knob and she froze and cracked a smile as she turned towards him.

"I had it the whole time, even when I woke up on the Shore." He added.

"That's good, After all it's MY lucky coin. Only I can take it back." She said with a playful tone.

He quietly chuckled and pulled the coin from one his articles of his clothing and showed it to her.

"We'll see if that day comes Tami, After all you might not need it now since you're a princess and all." He teased.

"Oooh! You're lucky I have things to do or I'd take it back right now!" She playfully threatened and they both laughed. After a few minutes enjoying the moment Tami's face grew more serious.

"Thanks for keeping the coin, It means alot to me. Continue to keep it till I come back for it." She said as she approached Gareut's side of the bed.

"I will, I can go with you today if you like, We can talk to my contact together." He said with a nod. His eyes wandered with lust for a moment at the sight of Tami in her leather armor. Tami grinned noticing and her face grew a bit red with Embarassment, not used to people staring at her like that; Even Gareut.

"That's alright Gareut, I don't want to get anyone I know involved with my buisness. But tonight we can meet over by the docks again and I'll tell you all about it, Alright?" She said as she bent down and hugged him. He nodded and then she smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

"Tonight then." She said and walked out of the door.

She walked out of the room and inn and headed towards the docks. Last night left her feeling refreshed and renewed and she felt better about herself. Looking inward on herself as she walked the city her alertness was lowered and she failed to notice the man tailing her. Not standing out against the Surroundings he followed her at a good distance. He was watching, waiting, observing his prey before he would set his trap.

Tamina found the point Gareut pointed out on the map without much difficulty, A wood shop on the Dry docks carving various keels and hulls for boats and ships of all kinds. She entered the shop and took in the sight and smells, The smell of sawdust hung heavy in the air. Various tools used for sawing and carving of all shapes and sizes hung on the wall. An old man came out the back as she closed the front door and a bell hung purposely in the door frame rung out.

"Hello there lass, What can I do for you today?" He greeted and asked her as he settled himself behind a counter.

"Greetings, Sir" She said as she approached the counter and leaned in.

"I need some information on the Shadow Thieves." She added in a hushed voice.

The man instantly shook his head. "No information on that here Lass, This is a Wood Shop. Nothing more then that." He said in a Grumble and headed towards the door in the back.


"Wait! We have a Mutual contact." She hurriedly stammered out before he went to the back. The man froze and turned his head and narrowed his eyes at her.

"Who?" He asked.

"Kalma, He's the one who pointed me to this place." She said trying to hide the desperation in her voice. The old man sighed and stood in silence for a long moment contemplating something.

"Come." He said and motioned for her to follow him into the back of the Shop. She rushed after him with hurried excited step.

'Finally! Maybe I'll get somewhere this time!' She though as she followed him.

They passed into the work space with various workers working on equally various pieces and carvings. They continued to what appeared to be an ordinary back wall. The Old man picked out a certain spot on the wall and made an Odd repetitious knock and waited a moment. A Door size part of the wall swung in as someone from the other side opened it, The old man walked in and motioned for Tami to follow.

As she entered the narrow hallway a man dressed in a Chainmail shirt and leather armor stood by the doorway. He stared at her menacingly and had a hand on the Hilt of his Shortsword which hung at his Belt. Tami felt very uncomfortable under the man's Glare.

'Great.. Hope I didn't just do something very dumb.' She thought as she followed the Old man nervously. They passed various open doorways to the side of the long narrow hall.

When Tami dared to take a peek she saw all kinds of illegal activities. Arms of all kinds, Scrolls and Tomes, Various other kinds of Substances that were probably illegal in barrels and crates. The Men and women attending the various illegal items were dressed in leathers or Chainmail shirts. All had weapon types of various sizes, Longswords, Shortswords, and Knives that hung on their belts.

When one of them looked up from what they were doing at Tami she was greeted with a Cold menacing glare.

'These are a happy lot...' Tami thought as they passed, Growing more Nervous and jumpy each step down the hall they took. Finally the Old man stopped at door that was closed, he opened it and walked inside.

Tami followed him into the room almost reluctantly. Her motioned for her to take a chair as he sat behind a very ornate Carved desk. She Obliged and sat in a very comfortable leather upholstered chair.

"So, You want to know about shadow thieves, huh?" The old man asked.

Tami nodded her head in reply.

"I'm Fino Marlson, You are?" He asked again as he picked up a Quill dipped it in some ink and took a parchment from a stack of them and began scribbling on the paper.

"I'm Tamina, Sir. Pleased to meet you." She replied. He grunted and continued Scribbling.

"So, What buisness do you have with the Shadow Thieves?" He asked as he stopped scribbling and looked up at her.

"Well, There is a certain Amulet I need that I believe they have. The man I believe who has information on the whereabouts of this Amulet has only revealed himself to me as 'W'. I need to know who this man is and where I can find him." Tami explained.

Old Fino groaned as he put the Quill down and rubbed his temples.

"Why can't that Kalma point a lass in my Direction that doesn't cause trouble?!" He said in frustration.

"Umm, Are you alright?" Tami asked nervously.

"Aye, I'm fine Ms. Tamina, Your question isn't easy to answer...Well Least part of it isn't." He informed her.

"You see, the man you seek is indeed involved with the Shadow thieves, A man they use when they want a Show of force or don't care about being Subtle. This man is named Stance Waynolt. Unfortunately, He isn't an easy man to find. Doesn't have a set routine, Hops around the city all the time and all that rubbish. But give me a night and I can find out where he's going to be. But it'll cost you." He Explained.

"I understand, A task that'll be this much a pain for you would deserve to be compensated. Here take this." Tami nodded and retrieved a coin purse from her belt and put it on the desk.

Old Fino grabbed the purse and peeked inside, a very satisfied grin crossed his face.

"This'll do, Of course, I'll test these to make sure there ain't no funny buisness attached to these coins. Stop by tomorrow, I'll have your information. Also if the coins are a bunch of funny buisness I'll find you and extract payment from your skin." He added and motioned for Tami to leave. She nodded and Complied leaving the Shop.

It was late in the day as she walked out into the Streets and headed to meet up with Gareut. The man following Tami all day Smiled as he Watched her. 'That's right, Walk right into the Snare my Devilish little Rabbit.' He thought and Grinned as he continued to follow her without her ever realizing it.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 8:
Confrontation

Tami walked to the piers and found Gare's ship the Blueberry, Sloop of War. A Sleek looking vessel built for Speed. A pirate's dream ship, it was fast, packed with maximum Firepower. Able to strike like a hammer and get away like a passing Gull if it needed. After an uneasy moment among Gare's crew Tami met with him and they headed into the town and once again found the same Inn they were at the other night. The man following Tami watched with casual interest as Gare and Tami enjoyed one another's company. He was mostly bored through out the evening when at the Table Tami let it slip.

"So Old Fino is going to have information on that man for me tomorrow, So I'll find out this whole buisness soon and might possibly return to the Gate sooner then expected!" She said a little too loudly in her excitement.

The man's eyes flashed gold for a brief moment as a most wicked Smile graced his face. 'Well now, Walking right into the den of Wolves are we, Perfect.' He thought.


Getting what he came for he casually finished his meal and departed the inn going unnoticed by the pair. Gare and Tami once again shared a wonderful evening together. The next morning came and Gare departed for his ship and Tami for Old Fino's woodshop. She met with the Old man and he shared his details on what he was able to find out about Stance. Once Tami was satisfied with what she was informed of she thanked the Old man to which he thanked her for the Coin. She departed for the inn and made preperations for the eventual Confrontation.

She set out under cover of the evening taking care to avoid well lit streets and if necessary use rooftops to gain visual advantages to which she noted mentally a few perfect hiding spots and getaway routes should things go badly. Of course she also kept a mental note of the watch's patrol routes and posts throughout the city. She didn't want to alarm or get caught by them either.

Finally she arrived in her desired location of the city. The part where the Wealthier merchants lived, Their housing both spacious and built of beautiful architecture.

'Maybe one day I'll get to live like this..... Aye and pigs will be able to fly too.' She thought to herself amusingly as she stalked through the streets searching for her target house.

She avoided quite a bit of watch patrols along the way as well. 'Hopefully Tymora is with me on this one, the Gods know I could use a bit of luck tonight.' She thought as she saw her target house from the vantage point of a nearby rooftop.

She sat and watched for a bit noticing the grounds of the house was well stocked with guards. Mercenaries and common thugs from the looks of them.

'Of Course, I couldn't get That lucky.' She thought spotting a few Sentries with crossbows and shortbows all on vantage points on the roof of the target house.

Most of the roving sentries below carried shortswords and longswords. A few of those carried Shields too.

'Geez, Ask Tymora for help and Beshaba answers. Typical...'

The routes of the guards were well maintained, a Sentry on the grounds completing their designated routes in about 15 minutes. Each route around the house also had a sentry watching over it on the roof.

'This is impossible... With the moon out like this I'll never get in!' She thought and just then the moon seemingly disappeared from the night. She looked up and noticed considerable cloud cover had sprung up.

'Well, maybe lady luck is with me tonight, Better make the most of it.' She thought and quickly picked the darkest spot and managed to slip past the sentries below gaining entrance to the house through an upper floor window.

She silently moved through the house sticking to dark corridors and rooms searching for her target.

'Stance Waynolt, You're in here somewhere and your going to give me answers..' She thought.

'You mean kill him.' The voice spoke up in her head and she struggled to repress the thought.

She got a nagging feeling something was wrong. Being so heavily guarded on the outside but not a single soul on the inside. It was too quiet. The Silence itself seemingly ringing loudly in her ears as she struggled to listen for the sounds of people moving about. She came upon what appeared to be the entrance for a master bed chamber.

The door was closed, She paused for a minute to see if anyone came down the adjacent hallway. No one, Not even a sound. She moved slowly and carefully up to the doorway her senses all concentrated on listening for someone approaching or any traps that might be set up.

Her heart started racing and a bead of sweat lined her brow deep within her hood, now directly infront of the doorway she looked it over carefully. She spotted a simple mechanism attached to the hinges.

'Wow, This trap is fairly easy to spot and take care of, Not much thought in this at all.' She thought and pulled out a Small knife and cut the wire. She tried the doorknob slowly and carefully trying not to make a sound.

'Locked, No problem though, Got the tools for that.' She thought as she looked at the lock and examined the lock.

She cracked a smirk at the simple design and pulled out the appropiate tools from her lockpick kit and set to work. She carefully manipulated the lock and it popped open with a loud click.

'Got it, Too easy.' She thought to herself as she put the tools away and again tried the Knob. Turning the Knob and opening the door slowly the hinges creaked and groaned loudly.

'Bloody hells! Hope no one heard that...' She thought as she peeked inside.

The room was dark, Very dark. No trouble for Tami though as she saw every detail. Elaborate and lush rugs covered the hardwood floors. Paintings of various kinds hung on the walls. Little night stands along the walls held wellcrafted and expensives Vases filled with various flowers. The bed in the center of the room large enough for Four people to sleep comfortably in, high bedposts which sported a thin curtain all the way around. The moon finally poked out of the clouds and the light hit the Curtain. She could definitely make out something laying under the sheets sound asleep in the bed.

'Perfect, He's sleeping.' She thought as she crept closer to the bed.

Pulling her knife out at the ready incase she needed it. She drew the curtain back and yanked the covers off the bed in a quick motion she lept on top the mass in the bed and held the knife to it's throat.

"Now it's time to get my Ans-" She said and cut herself short as she noticed the mass in the bed was not a person but a couple of stuffed sacks of hay made to look like a person.

"What in Bloody Hells?!" She said confused and jumped as the door she entered through slammed shut.

"So, Have you considered my offer?" A Familiar malicious voice said as he stepped closer.

Tamina drew her shortsword and whirled around in a ready stance. Shortsword in one hand knife held in the other in a defensive posture. She set eyes on her adversary, Stance Waynolt, Rapier in hand in an offensive posture.

"So you're undecided. Don't worry, I'll make you see things my way soon enough, Love." He said as a malicious grin crossed his face.

"We'll see." Said Tamina coldly her eyes glowing like a wolf's eyes catching ambient light in the darkness.

'That's right, Spill and smear his blood all over this room, it'll be fun.' The voice in her head said.

She shook her head trying to surpress the thoughts and urges. A brief break in her concentration was all Stance needed. He lunged with deceptive speed and thrust with his rapier.

Tami stumbled out of the way just in time but Stance was quick on his feet and followed through with a slash. Tamina managed to block it with her knife but a simple motion by stance and it went flying from her hand skidding across the floor.

Stance's form was perfect as he launched another thrust in the new opening and caught it's mark. It pierced through the leather armor and into Tamina's shoulder.

She cried out in pain and sprang backward. 'Why are you being so weak, Give in to it and you'll win.' The voice in her head taunted as her back bumped into the wall.

Tamina now realized she was at a Disadvantage, Her back against the wall she had no where to run. She clutched her bleeding shoulder and stared defiantly at Stance. He began to chuckle and his eyes flashed gold.

"I don't know why you're laughing, You haven't won yet." She said trying to sound intimidating but the pain was starting to show in her voice.

"We can do this the hard way or the easy way, Choice is yours, Love." He taunted as he approached slowly, Rapier at the Ready. Tamina's grip tightened around the hilt of her shortsword as she readied herself for an attack.

She Sprung forward and thrust with her shortsword. Stance motioned to block the incoming blow but Tami quickly withdrew her sword and immediately launched an overhead strike. It came down and was met with a loud metallic clang that rang through the room. Stance's eyes flashed gold as Tamina's Shortsword fell from her hand.

'Hells... He's won...' She thought as she stumbled back against the wall clutching her bleeding shoulder.

"Foolish, Very Foolish, Love. I thought our kind could put up more of a fight then that." He said relaxing his Stance. Looking her up and down menacingly.

"I want you to beg for your life." He said coldly as he closed the distance.

"I won't beg to the likes of you." She spat back coldly and grimaced in pain from her shoulder.

He cracked a cold smirk on his face and slashed Tami's right thigh open. She Screamed in pain as she fell to a knee.

"Well, Looks like you're in the right position to start begging, Love. Is that stupid Amulet really worth it?" He said lowering the tip of his Rapier so the point rested at her Throat. Tami struggled to stay conscious as the pain radiated through her shoulder and leg.

Tears welled up in her eyes as thoughts started racing through her mind. Flashes of her past, The few friends she had, of the future she had hoped foolishly she would see. She blinked as tears streaked down her face.

"....No, I suppose n-not." She whispered.
"What d-do you w-want?" She asked.

"Now that's the attitude, Love." Stance said as he withdrew the Rapier. "Oi! Lads! Come in here and Bind this lass and bring her to the dining room!" He shouted behind him and the door burst open as some of the Sentries from outside rushed in and moved quickly over to her, Ropes in hand.

"We'll discuss what I want when we've cleaned up a little." He said to Tamina and turned to one of the men.

"Anyone who does more then bind and bring her to the dining room will be my sparring partner for the evening." Stance said sternly to the man.

"Aye, Boss! Got it!" The man said fearfully and swallowed. They wrapped and bound Tamina's hands and feet and hoisted her up and started carrying her away.

"Try not to pass out now, We'll see if we can't get those wounds looked at after dinner, Love." He called out to her as his eyes flashed gold and he grinned.

[TaminaLightstep]

\\Just to make sure no one is confused there are a Couple of parts that are Flashbacks in Tamina's life, This is one of them.

Chapter 9:
Dreams of the Past

Tamina tried to remain Conscious as they carried her through the house. Struggling against the pain she sought for a means of escape. There was no opening though, She was a trapped like a caged animal. The pain finally overwhelmed her and everything faded to black as she sank into unconsciousness.

Suddenly she was back in Baldur's Gate walking the streets of the docks. Swiftly she moved through the crowds swiping coin purses from the distracted and unaware sailors and foreigners. She moved into a back alley counting the spoils of the day. A good day as she counted the many coins.

"Alright little Devil girl, Whatcha got for us today?" A Man said as he and his posse of thugs approached from deeper in the alley.

Tamina looked over and smiled holding up her spoils proudly.

"Look Master Brendon! I got so many! People were so distracted today looking at all sorts of things." She said. Brendon took the spoils from her and counted over the coins.

"Aye, You've done well my little Tamina." He said pocketing the coins and patting the girl on the head.

He turned to his group of men.
"Boys we got enough to eat everyday till our next Caravan job!" He announced loudly to which was greeted with cheers and congratulations.

Brenton turned to Tamina and bent to a knee to look her in the eye.

"You are the best thing we've picked up so far little one. You've got an eye and the skills for this sort of thing." He said as he gave her a quick hug. After he gently pushed her back and slipped quite a few coins into her hand.

"From now on you're one of us. From this day on your new name is Lightstep." He stood back up patted her head gently on the head and smiled gently at her.

"We're your family now Ms. Lightstep, But be warned as we train you we'll be harsh at times. But always remember, we're looking out for you." He added and went back towards his men and began whispering to them.

Tamina smiled brightly lost in her thoughts. She finally found a family, Something she had wished for more then anything in the world, Even coin. Brenton's posse began to depart back to their spot.

As Brenton started down the alleyway he stopped suddenly and turned around with a Bright smile towards Tamina.

"Coming, Ms. Lightstep?" He said with a wink and held out his hand.

"Aye, Sir!" She said excitedly and ran to him and grasped his hand tightly. He gave it a gentle squeeze and they walked down the alley together towards the hideout.

"You know my little Tamina, You are exactly the kind of daughter I want to have one day. Don't let anyone bring you down, Even if they make comments about your horns." He said and gave her a wink as they walked off.

The scene started to fade away and Tamina began to feel a pain of sadness. Darkness surrounded her as she felt empty and alone in the black empty void she seemed to be in now. Suddenly Tamina found herself in another scene from her past. Many years later then the first memory.

She was in the hall where they picked out potential new recruits to their group. The Hopefuls standing in a line while the members looked on in a jumbled group. The members stared like Wolves looking at a fawn that was all alone.

Brenton was out infront of the Hopefuls giving a speech about what would be a long hard road of training and practice. Tamina was only just casually paying attention till she heard Brenton make her introduction.

"Ms. Lightstep, Please demonstrate an array of skills you might use on a caravan run." He said proudly and directed the recruits' attention to her.

She stood there giving her trademark Devilish grin holding a short bow, arrow knocked, facing three dummies that represented caravan guards. Beyond that a typical looking Stage coach. Door shut and unable to see inside but Tamina knew what was inside. She demonstrated this course many times. Inside would be a Surprise guard and innocent passenger. With them would be a locked and Trapped chest.

The goal was to kill or disable one of the three guard dummies with a ranged shot. Close in and deal with the other two in Close.

Hit the Coach by incapacitating or knocking the driver off and stopping the Carriage. Then dealing with the last guard inside and disabling the trap and pick the lock on the chest.

Of course, This was also timed and so far Tamina held the record. Beating Brenton's record by more then half a minute.

"Ready." Tami said her tone one laden with concentration.

"Begin!" Shouted Brenton and Tami quickly drew the string back at the bow took aim and let loose in a flash.

The Arrow whistled through the air striking the nearest dummy in the throat. Just as the Recruits registered the shot and hit, the bow was discarded from Tami's hands as she rushed swiftly past the first Guard.

Shortsword in hand she struck the second at the knee and the third in an exposed part of his sword arm. Disabling the two guards from the fight in a second. She then rushed the coach, leapt onto the passenger side opposite of the operater and kicked the dummy from it's place and acting like she slowed the coach down.

She jumped from the coach and made her way to the side where the surprise guard dummy sprung from the door in a simulated strike. She dodged it and slashed the dummy's throat and entered the Carriage.

Once in there she quickly looked the Chest over, Spotted and disabled the simple trap and withdrew her lock pick set. She drew the proper tools and set to work nimbly and deftly picking the simple lock. Within a moment or two the lock clicked and the chest popped open.

She emerged from the coach with a rock labeled treasure to the impressed gasps from the new potentials.

"That's how effecient you need to be. Now, Any man or woman here that thinks it's impossible to do it that quickly can leave. Anyone else who is not up to the task of getting that proficient will be weeded out." Brenton addressed them.

None made a move for the door.

"Good, You should all get a good night's rest. Your training will start early on the morrow. Dismissed!" He said and turned to Tamina who was grinning confidently.

"I think I beat my previous time on that one, Eh Brenton?" She said tossing the rock in her hand playfully as he approached.

His appearence was much the same as when she was a child. Though he had sprouted a considerable amount of Gray hairs and age lines since then.

"Were I a bit younger I'd give you a run for your money Little Tamina. But you are my Pride and joy, Don't let anyone else tell you different." He said and grinned coyly.

"Besides I think now is a good time to tell you, As you know I'm getting older. Too old to be doing this much longer. When I can't, All of this that I've worked to built from the ground up will be yours. The crew, The hideout, Everything. But, I think I can give you a little gift till then." He added and then chuckled lightly as he pulled his Shortsword from his Sheath. The air turning to Mist around the blade as it froze around the blade.

Tamina's eyes widened at the sight.

"Brenton! You shouldn't do any of that! I'm not really your Daughter y-" Tamina tried to get out.

"Hush fool Girl!" Brenton said cutting her off.

"I have no children of my own but I do have a Daughter. She might not be related from blood, But we share the bond of Father and Daughter no less." He said smiling and held the blade out to her.

"This is yours now." He added.

Tamina took the blade from his hands and whirled it and got a feel for it. It was light, the blade just felt right in her hands. After playing with it for a few moments she turned towards Brenton sheathing her new sword.

"I Apologize for what I was about to say...You are right. Though not Blood related, I am your Daughter. You are my Father. Thank you for all you have done for me." She said as her eyes welled up and she hugged him.

"My little Tamina, Don't get all sappy and emotional now. Take good care of that blade, It's been in my family for quite some time and passed down from generation to generation." He said as he held her a minute before breaking the hug.

"I'm going to rest, You should do the same. Gonna be a long day tomorrow." He added and started to walk off towards his room.

Tamina began walking back to her room.

"Tamina!" She heard Brenton shout from behind her. She turned around to see him calling her name.

"Tamina!" He shouted.

"What is it?" She asked him. As if not hearing her response he shouted again.

"Tamina!" She was confused at this point and noticed his voice sounded distant and getting further away. The scene slowly faded to black and she still heard his voice shouting her name. There in the darkness she tried running after the sound of the voice which had changed.

It was no longer Brenton's voice.

"Tamina! Time to wake up, Love." Came the familiar voice she loathed followed by a loud Clap.

Tamina gasped as her eyes popped open and she took in the sights. Her wrists were bound behind the chair she was sitting in. Her ankles bound to the legs of the chair on either side. Before her a large table with a well prepared meal infront of her.

It was delicious looking and wine seemed to be the complimentary beverage served with it. Standing beside her was Stance looking her up and down. When he noticed she was awake and coming out of her initial groginess he smiled.

"Ah, Finally, You're awake. Would you like a little something to eat, Love?" He said in a overly friendly tone. Tami's eyes caught the plate infront of her. A juicy steak and delicious side of corn and mashed potatoes.

She was hungry but her throat was dry. She wondered how long she'd been out.

"Thirtsty" She croaked as she pleaded for some water or anything to get some moisture in her mouth and throat.

"Don't worry, Here you go, Love." Stance said and lifted up a glass of wine and let her sip her fill from the cup.

"Now, I've taken the liberty of patching up those nasty wounds. But, I'm afraid we've come to the Nitty Gritty part. I have questions. You have answers. You Answer the questions to my sastisfaction and I won't have to give you more cuts, Love." He said as he brushed a knife laying on the table.

[TaminaLightstep]

\\ Well, Figure I'd let people know things can get bit intense in this Part. Nothing too bad though

Chapter 10:
Pain, Desperation, A Daring rescue

The moon outside decided to quickly evaporate behind the building clouds that night. Rain came quickly after, pouring down accented by flashes of lightning and rumbles of thunder. A good storm Tamina noticed while briefly looking out the window.

"You have some skills." Stance said snapping her attention back to him.

"Under different circumstances I might have recruited you to work under me. I'm sure there are a few things I could have shown you, Love." He said as he looked Tamina up and down with a wicked grin.

"Aye, You could have shown me how to be a real idiot." Tamina snapped back coldly and spit in his face. She got a small amount of satisfaction as the grin was stripped from his face.

He picked up a napkin from the table and wiped his face.

"Oh I doubt that. You're being a real pain already." He said cooly and slapped her across the face. Tamina winced in pain as the left side of her face stung.

Still she managed to grin.

"Just like I thought." She said barely above a whisper. "You hit like a poor little tavern wench too."

"You little She devil!" He shouted in anger and gave her a backhand across the other side of her face.

"Don't confuse my kindness with weakness." He said gaining his composure. "Answer my questions like that and this is going to get bad quite quickly, Love." He added.

With that he started his interrogation. Asking what she knew about the Amulet she sought after, Her client that hired her, and about her trip to Athkatla. Some questions were designed to confuse and open her up to revealing information. He was actually quite skilled at it.

Tamina resisted at first, trying her best to deflect questions and change the subject. She also tried her best at circle talk and double speak as she was quite adept at negotiating and brokering deals. But she was no Soldier, Not used to withstanding torture.

When Stance wasn't satisfied with the first round of questioning he began to go to work with the knife. First he started with intimidation tactics. Cutting the sleeves off her leather armor but he quickly saw that was going nowhere. He eyed her Arms and noticed scars of Varying degree on her arms and a wicked smile crossed his face. He again started with the second round of questioning and was going nowhere fast.

"Well now, Let's get to work on retracing some of these wounds. Shall we, Love?" He said as he grew agitated and picked up the knife.

"Your Screams are going to be music to my ears. So feel free to scream to your heart's content." He said with a wicked smile and began the real work with the knife.

He started by retracing the scars on her arms. Slicing into the old wounds very slowly making every inch felt. Tamina's Screams echoed throughout the house making the night a true horror.

Outside in the darkness a Mangy old Wolf stalked the grounds. Yellow grey fur matted and unkempt and scars all over the beast as it revelled in the water pouring over him in the night air. It definitely wasn't anyone's house pet. It sniffed the air as if trying to pick out a certain scent. Faintly it picked up the screams coming within the house hearing in the range no human could hear.

It perked up at the screams and howled into the night air. Shaking it's soaked fur coat laden with water it took off into the night. It was heading with all it's speed and might for one place in the city, The Docks.

Stance was done with his work for now and set the knife down on the table. Tamina was beginning to crack but she was still trying to resist. Breathing heavily after the Ordeal, her teeth clenched. Her Jaw tight as pain surged through her arms. The pain radiated and pulsed as if it had it's own terrible heartbeat. Tami couldn't stand it much longer as she again passed out.

Stance let her slip into unconciousness. He needed a break after all, though he did enjoy the screams. He poured a cup of wine and sipped on it looking over his handiwork. He retraced the scars perfectly, no doubt that it was painful. He sighed and began to patch up the wounds afflicted up and down her arms. Too bad he had to patch up such effort and craftmanship but he couldn't have her bleed out on him. After he was done with his cup of wine and patching her up he poured himself another cup and walked over to the window. He looked out into the Stormy night with satisfaction.

The gods graced him with a perfect night to match the evening's events. Eventhough he was having so much fun the night was wearing on, He'll need to wrap things up in this next round. Too bad that'll be the end of Tamina.

'Such a waste to end something as talented as her and one of my kind. She had such pretty little horns too.' He thought as his eyes flashed gold and he walked back over to the table and poured a cup of water. He sat in his chair and watched her for another minute or two.

'I wonder, What could she be dreaming about in that pain induced sleep? She looks so peaceful. Oh well, Time to get to work again.' He thought and tossed the water in Tamina's face.

Meanwhile the Old wolf still had it's speed as it reached the docks running by the piers at full speed. It found a particular pier where a certain ship by the name of the Blueberry was docked. It was up the gangway and aboard the ship in a flash. The crew up and about at night didn't seem to mind as the Old wolf darted past them and headed straight for the Cabin. Inside sat a Particular Captain. Passed out face down on his desk, bottles of rum and luskan black strewn messily about the desk.

The Old Wolf barked loudly a couple of times and let loose a howl that reverberated through the Cabin. The Captain stirred slowly.

"Shut up you mangy mutt!" He mumbled almost unintelligably trying to get back to sleep. Again the Wolf howled and ran over to the Captain's side and nuzzled his knee.

"Ugh...My head..." The Captain said sitting up in his chair, rubbing his temples. He looked down curiously at his side.

"What are you doing here Daghala? Shouldn't you be following Tami around?" The Captain asked Groggily rubbing the sleep from his eyes yawning a few times. Daghala whined and then Howled and motioned towards the door and looked back at Captain.

"Figures she'd get herself into trouble...That girl is loads of trouble...Wait for me on the Pier you Old hound." The Captain said as he stood and made for the Doorway.

"I'll gather a few men. Captain Kalma, Gentleman of Fortune is on the way, Dear Tami." He added.

Stance had removed Tamina's leather armor top. Her thin shirt underneath he found quite pleasing to the eye. He cut a strip of the thin fabric off when he noticed it.

A wonderously Glorious scar on her left side. Excitement ran through him as his fingers followed the scar down all the way to her hip and then ran his fingers all the way up. It ran over her Ribs and stopped an inch before it reached her armpit.

Tamina shivered as his blood stained fingers touched her skin and traced her scar up and down.

"You're a sick, cruel pig." She said as she shivered and looked away. Stance's eyes flashed gold and he cracked a most wicked grin.

"Come now, You can't help but admire this amazing line that was once the source of extreme pain. So don't act that way, Love. Enjoy it while it lasts." He said as his voice quivered with belated excitement. He reached and grasped the Knife. His knuckles white, his grip as tight as he could stand.

"Oh this is going to be so wonderously painful, Love. Let's get started." He said as he slowly inched the knife forward towards the start of the scar on her hip.

Tamina made a last ditch effort to escape not wanting to feel what was coming next.

She desperately struggled with the ropes around her wrists trying to wriggle free as if by sheer force or will alone. It was to no Avail, she wasn't going anywhere. Stance stayed his knife for a bit watching this desperation with great amusement.

"All done with that waste of energy?" He asked rhetorically as Tami admitted defeat by slumping into her chair with a Shiver. Her last shreds of resistance gone. Stance chuckled and started with the knife again.

A blood curtling scream escaped from Tamina's lungs as the blade sunk into her flesh centimeter by slow centimeter. Stance eyes began to glow gold subtley and grew more prominent as he inched the knife upwards tracing the deep scar. 'Aye, Love. Let the pain sink into you. This is so enjoyable.' Stance thought as he watched the blood flow forth from the growing wound.

Gareut and his men heard the scream clearly outside as they walked through the grounds towards the house.

"Oi! Hold it right there!" One of the Sentries shouted at the group of men.

"Give'em hell boys, No quarter. I'll deal with whatever is inside." Gareut ordered to his men.

The men cheered with jubilation at being cut loose. They rushed wildly towards the sentries, cutlesses in hand. The distraction was enough and Gare had no doubt his men would prevail as he strolled unnoticed calmly through the commotion and into the house with Daghala at his side.

Tamina continued to scream even though she was barely hanging onto conciousness. Eyes closed as the knife started to reach her ribs. Stance absorbed in his work and amusment with glowing gold eyes didn't notice Gare as he walked in and sat next to him. Daghala took a spot and sat next to his master.

"Excuse me, Mate. But you do know that's no way to treat a lady, Right?" Gare said as he tapped Stance on the shoulder. Stance withdrew the knife from Tamina with nearly jumping out of his skin.

He looked over at Gareut and Daghala confused as to how these two entered without his notice.

"Bloody Hells! Who in the hells are you!?" He stammered out startled by the pair.

"Well, Mate. Glad you asked. I'm Captain Kalma, Gentleman of Fortune." Gare said and tipped his Tricorn hat at the introduction. "And I'm wondering why you're cutting up one of my good friends there." He added menacingly as he held an old weathered knife in his hands that looked as if it has seen better days.

Daghala bared his teeth and emitted a deep growl that sent Stance to his feet and backed him up.

It was during this time Gare pulled a Poultice from a pocket and popped the cork. He looked over at Tamina with sad eyes. She had lost alot of blood and she grew very pale. Since the knife withdrew from her skin she had passed out from the pain. She sat there bound, Unconcious, and occaisionally Groaning as her body still reminded her of the pain.

"Tami, can you ever not get into trouble?" He asked as he tilted her head back and slowly gave her the poultice. She swallowed the brew weakly but as she polished it off her color noticably came back to her skin. Her wounds on her arms had sealed up. The open wound on her side didn't fully close up but the bleeding did stop. Stance drew his Rapier as he stared down Daghala.

"You don't know who you're dealing with!" He shouted waiting for Gare or the Old Wolf to make a move.

"I don't like when people cut up my good friends." Gare said as he stood. His hands at his sides. One held the old knife and the other sported a Claw like weapon. Two Blades sprang forth from the knuckle to about Ten centimeters in length. Each blade razor sharp and very pointy at the ends. Stance's eyes flashed gold as he stared at Tamina for a second.

"This isn't over, Love." He said aloud and Daghala lunged and Stance leaped out of the way.

"What did you say to her, Mate? Love? I don't think I like you calling her that." Gareut said coldly as he started walking towards Stance. Stance's gold eyes faded and he hopped over the table and leaped from the window. Gare chased him as far as the window and watched as Stance fled into the darkness.

'Next time you scum.' He thought as he turned back and freed the unconscious Tami from her bonds. She fell limply into his Arms as he picked her up and walked back outside. Daghala following at their heels Whimpering, voicing aloud what his Master felt on the inside at the sight of Tamina. They walked by the Dead Sentries Gare's men took care of as they rejoined the group. Not one of them said a word as they walked with him back to the Blueberry.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 11:
Prayers and Plans

Back on the Blueberry Gareut's men scattered to different positions and posts on the ship. Most went to show off what they looted from the bodies of the sentries during the brief commotion. Gareut carried Tamina to his cabin and settled her in on his bed. Still not awake from her ordeal she lay in the bed motionless. Gare paced back and forth for a minute calming the rage that had built up inside him.

Daghala picked a spot on the floor up against the wall and settled himself comfortably watching Gare pace back and forth curiously. He let out a whimper as if stating his worry for Tamina. Gare walked over and looked over Tamina and noticed the poltice had did it's job, Mostly. The wounds on her arms had healed up nicely, The rain washed away the dried blood. Her arms free of the wounds stance traced intricately on her arms. A few scars remained, those untouched by Stance, The ones he did closed up and not even a scar remained.

He looked over Tamina's wound on her left side. It had started bleeding again and opened up a little more. Gareut gathered a wash cloth and bowl of water and cleaned the wound. Afterwards he put the bowl and wash cloth aside and propped her to a sitting position in the bed. He rubbed his hands together and gently placed his hands on either side of her head. After holding them there he began to softly mutter what seemed to be a prayer.

It was a Prayer to Umberlee if anyone had been listening in. The Queen of the Raging Sea. Gareut's voice was soft and full of emotion. After a moment or two although nothing could be seen, an energy between Gare and Tami could be felt. Growing and flowing from Gareut to Tami like a torrent of an Angry ocean. Tamina although unconcious felt the energy and had strange visions of the ocean. As the energy washed over her the bleeding slowed and stopped altogether as the wound then began to seal up.

The wound healed within a matter of moments as the divine energy washed through her. Although healed it still left the scar of her trials, A reminder to who held the power that saved her. The energy rejuvenated her, Making her feel rested as she began to stir from unconciousness. Gareut stopped the prayer and bent forward carefully avoiding her horns kissed her forehead gently. Tamina slowly opened her eyes.

"Gareut? Where am I? How'd I get here?" She asked as she looked about the cabin in confusion.

"You're on my ship, Fine vessel it is. I brought you here, You were in pretty bad shape." Gareut said.

Tamina just nodded and stared off in her own little world.

"I really messed up, Eh?" Tamina said distantly.

Gareut stood and walked over to his desk picking up random bottles trying to find one with something left inside.

"Aye, Sure did Lass. Nothin to worry about though. Luckily you have such a Gentleman of Fortune to rescue the Princess locked away in the tower." Gareut said teasingly as he found a half full bottle of rum and brought it over. Tamina couldn't say anything but cracked a weak smile and took the bottle of rum as he offered it to her.

She took a big swig of it and paused.

"Gareut...I enjoy your company and all... But, Could you give me a few moments of being alone?.." She asked barely a whisper coming out of her.

Gareut nodded slowly and for a brief moment looked as if he was about to say something but decided against it. He made for the door and Daghala followed. He opened it and Daghala trotted out, Gareut took a step out and paused for a Brief moment.

"If you need me, or anything, I'll be right out here." He said and stepped through easing the door shut behind him.

Tamina sat there looking at her hands for long moments before tears welled up in her eyes. Before she knew the bottle of rum was on the floor, Her head in her hands water flowing from her eyes as she wept. The nights events emotionally catching up to her as her mind replayed them in great detail. Gareut stood outside the door on the deck, in the pouring rain, hearing her weep for what seemed like ages.

He wanted more then anything to rush in there and comfort her but repected her wishes. It was tough for him though as he began to pace about. Finally, after hours, He couldn't take it anymore. Her wishes be damned he was going in. He made for the door and just as he reached for it the door opened. Tamina stood there staring at Gareut. Although her eyes bleary and red from crying he noticed something different about her. Her posture screamed hatred and anger. Her icy blue eyes, Cold, Unforgiving and seething with hatred stared right through Gareut. The look of her sent chills up his spine.

"Tami? Are you alright?" Gareut asked concerned about her. A Cold, wicked grin slowly spread across her face.

"Right as Rain, as they say." Tamina said in a voice that sounded almost upbeat, almost. It was dripping with hate and rage.

"Help me, Gareut. Help me make that sick, son of a (germbag), pay." She demanded.

Gareut nodded.

"I'll help you, and he will pay." Gareut said with a tone of comfort. "For now, We should get some rest, We'll start in the morning. Alright?" He asked her and gestured back into the room.

It was then like Tamina heard Gareut's voice for the first time. Her face and posture softened as she walked back and climbed back into the bed. Gareut followed her into the bed and both drifted off to sleep after a few long moments.

Somewhere else in the city Stance paced back and forth in the damp, dank, and dark room. Another man entered, Aged, Well dressed and seemingly very wealthy.

"What mess do we have to clean up now, Waynolt?" He said with a tone of irritation as he took a seat at a solitary table.

"That Goat Girl really put a hamper on things Frensbane! Half my men are either lying in a pool of their own blood or in healer's beds getting care! I'm Ruined!" Stance spat out bordering on a break down.

"Calm yourself. You know what the girl wants, Just give it to her." Frensbane said as he brushed a hand through his thick grey mane of hair.

"How will that do anything you Old Git!" He shouted in frustation.

"Watch your tongue and remember your place, Fool." Frensbane scolded.

"It will help because you will leave the Amulet in a predetermined place. Then, When she takes the bait, Spring the trap on her." He explained to him.

"She'll have to realize it's a trap. How's that going to help me?" Stance asked.

"She most likely will. But her whole reason for being in this city is that Amulet. She'll take the bait, it'll be too good for her to pass up. I'll lend you three of my best men. Use the rest of your men at your disposal and set up traps. Make her run a Gauntlet. She'll be wounded or at the very least exhausted and then she'll be easy pickings." Frensbane said.

Stance cracked a wicked grin and his eyes flashed gold.

"Perfect, I'll even get to finish her off myself. I like the way you think Old timer." Stance said excitedly as he twitched with anticipation.

Frensbane yawned.

"Well then, I'll leave it to you to set everything up. Now then, If that's all, I'll be on my way" The Old man said as he stood walked out.

Stance paced the room for a few moments longer thoughts of the plan and running Tamina and that strange man through with his rapier. After he decided he was in a good mood he also left and hurried to make preperations. The new day was greeted with an especially beautiful sunrise. The Storm had cleared up during the night.

Tami was up and dressed before Gare and poked and prodded him awake, anxious to get the day started. Gare grumbled as he slowly got dressed while Tami talked his ear off. It was alright, he didn't mind it that much. Finally after having breakfast Gare issued orders to some of his men to go out into the city and gather up information about the Whereabouts of Stance Waynolt or this Amulet Tamina was looking for.

Gare and Tami set out into the town as well for the day. Most of the day they walked the city stopping and talking to shady shop owners and dock workers and all kinds of folk.

Gareut enjoyed accompanying Tamina and enjoyed the much improved mood she seemed to be in today as well. Still, He wondered how much of her good mood was truly improved, Her emotional scars must run deep. He also wondered how much that night would change her, No one goes through something like that and isn't changed. He would stick around and see, Maybe even help her if it was possible. But he was glad for the moment she was laughing and telling jokes and getting upset at silly comments.

It was those little things like that, that made her seem so full of life and innocence. He enjoyed those moments about her alot. He even reflected to a day back in the Gate when she talked all tough and they wrestled. He was very amused that day. As they talked to more people he played with Tami's lucky coin in his pocket.

"Keep it safe till I come to get it." Her voice said as it ran through his mind.

Slowly bit by bit, the crew of the Blueberry gathered bits of information here and there. They gathered the information Stance put out for the bait of his trap. Tami and Gare also picked up hints of this as they walked the city. The Sun hung low in the sky getting ready to let night take it's course when they headed back for the Ship. The Crew shared their information with Gare and Tami in a meeting as the evening came about. After he was satisfied that everything was put out Gareut dismissed his crew while he and Tami withdrew to the Cabin to talk things over. She entered first and she made for the desk and sat down. He followed in the room and eased the door shut.

"Sounds like a trap to me, Tami." He said as he approached the desk.

"That's obvious. But he's going to put himself out in the open. It's an opportunity too good to pass up. We can get the Amulet and take care of him in one blow." Tami said as she tapped her chin thoughtfully.

"We'll spring his trap. When we do, We'll put an end to this." She said as that cold hard look came back to her eyes.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 12:
Tactics

After discussing things at great length Tami and Gare decided to walk right into the Lion's den. Gareut still thought it was a bad idea to walk right into the trap. Tamina pushed for it and he relented to her wish. With recent events he had hoped that Stance's influence and manpower was diminished. He was going to even the odds a bit a bring along a bit of his crew. He sold them by promising them they could loot bodies and whatever else they happened to come across. The exception being the Amulet which if the men found were to bring immediately to the captain. Any of the men that disobeyed that order were threatened with a severe flogging followed by a sentence of death carried out by the Captain's choosing.

Once the men, Gareut, Daghala, and Tamina were ready they set off to first stake out the location. It was an entrance to an old sewer system. Finding the Amulet in that dark maze of tunnels wasn't going to be easy. They assumed if they somehow managed to find Stance then the Amulet had to be close by, No way he'd just let them walk out of there with their prize. The group split up and picked near by positions where they could watch the entrance while being fairly certain they could not be observed.

As the Day wore on they didn't notice or see any strange activity.

"They must have everything set up." Tamina said pondering aloud.

"Aye, Or they could have a secret entrance and exit we weren't told about." Gareut said.

"Hmm, You're probably right considering the information we got was obviously fed to us from Stance's agents." She agreed and then looked at Daghala with a growing interest.

"Say, How good is that nose on Daghala there?" She asked Gareut.

Daghala perked his head up but let out a low whimper.

Gareut gave Daghala a hard look.

"Aye, His nose is excellent. But I don't think he wants to trot around to find another exit. Lazy git! It'll be for your own good ya know!" He said sternly to the Old Wolf.

Tamina Chuckled at the sight.

"Aye Daghala, It'll help all of us out greatly. That way we won't be as surprised by some things but most importantly...We can cut off the Exits so Stance has no chance of escape. You don't like that Creepy man with the Rapier do you?" Tamina explained to Daghala.

Seemingly as if he understood he barked as if to say 'Aye' and lazily walked off to complete his new task.

"You know Gareut, If you gave him some proper motivation he'd listen to you." Tamina jabbed teasingly.

"Tamina that Old Mangy Mutt just likes you better, That's all. Don't be getting a big head and everything now." Gareut said and smirked. Tamina laughed and shook her head.

Daghala walked around sniffing the air and looking to spot any other exits or entrances that the Tunnel they were going to soon be traveling led. Quickly growing bored with the task as nothing was coming up Daghala decided to follow a much better scent filling his nostrils to a near by local Butchery. He worked his way around the back and ate his fill of leftovers or discarded meats for one reason or another. Didn't matter much to this Wolf, It was all the same to him.

Visibly fidgeting in her chair and tapping her foot, Tamina was brewing with impatience. "Daghala sure is taking a long time. He should have been back by now." Tamina said.

"Well Tamina, There is no telling with that one. My guess is he got sidetracked for a meal... He's always thinking with his stomach. Either way, We'll have to wait." Gareut agreed.

Daghala finally got back to his task after being chased away from the back of the Butchery by the butcher with a Meat cleaver after a healthy nap he had after having his fill. He skirted along the edges where his instincts told him the tunnel ran sniffing about for anything resembling the smell of the sewer. As the sun hung just above the horizon he got a whiff of his prize and traced it to it's source. A small opening in the foundation of a building, Large enough for a man to fit comfortably through.

He sniffed the air around the entrance for a bit and sure enough picked up a variety of smells. The strongest one being the smell of sewers, second came the faint smell of the meat he ate still on his breath. The third and even fainter smell was that of men who had recently passed through the opening. The weakest smell of all was a variety of chemicals that the men had probably carried with them. Satisfied that this was what his master and his lady friend had been looking for he trotted off to get them. Just as Tamina was contemplating entering the main entrance and chancing her luck anyway, she spotted Daghala trotting towards her and Gareut from the corner of a nearby building.

"There he is! Finally!" Tami exclaimed excitedly as she sprung to her feet.

"Aye, The Mangy Mutt returns, Wonder what he's got for us." Gareut said also getting to his feet.

Daghala nonchalantly strolled up to the two and sat down. His tail wagging, Tongue out, Panting, Making it seem like he had spent more effort then he really did at their assigned task. The tactic betrayed him as the meat on his breath drifted freely to their noses.

"Oh Hells! What did he eat?" Tamina said and quickly covered her nose.

"Daghala! How many times have I told you not to follow your stomach!" Gareut said sternly scolding the Old Wolf.

Daghala's tail stopped wagging and he let out a whimper in hopes his master would pity him. It worked as Gareut's expression softened.

"Well, Did you at least find another opening?" He asked the dog who Barked in compliance and got to his feet to show them.

"Guess he did, Let's see what he found." Tamina said uncovering her nose and followed after the Wolf.

"Hopefully it isn't to that Butchery I saw near by either." Gareut muttered to himself under his breath as he followed after Tamina.

He led them straight to where he had found the hole. Daghala lazily found a spot to curl up and take a nap while they investigated.

"This would definitely be perfect for bringing in supplies equipment and traps." Tamina said as she looked about.

"Aye, Could make for a perfect getaway incase things went bad for Stance." Gareut said adding his opinion in as well. "Looks like it's been trodden recently, I'm seeing plenty of tracks in and out." He added as he took a knee by the entrance and scanned the ground noticing foot paths leading to and from the hole.

"This is exactly what we were looking for. Gare can you po-" Tamina started off but Gareut cut her off before she could finish.
"post some men to watch the hole. Aye, I can do that." He said and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Let's meet up with the others and make the changes." He added. She nodded and followed after him.

"Hey git! This ain't no time to be sleeping." Gareut called after Daghala who promptly let out a whine. Slowly getting to his feet he trotted after the master.

Tami and Gare met up with the other men to discuss the changes to their plan. Gareut set Three men to watch over the possible escape route and advised them not to enter as there might be traps set up. If Stance managed to scramble out of there his men would keep them busy until He and the others could catch up. The Sun sank below the Horizon as night encroached on the last strips of light clinging to the sky.

"Right, When we enter I'll lead the way. I can see clearly in the darkness and I have skill in spotting and disarming any traps." Tamina addressed infront of the group.

"I'll be up ahead but not far, If I run into something I'll get you guys to help me. If something bad happens and you see me running back towards the entrance, Means I'm in deep trouble and be ready. If something bad happens and I can't make it to you guys I'm gonna scream my head off and you all come running up to help." Tamina explained as they listened.

"Right, and Daghala will be with you too since he's pretty good at seeing in the dark too." Gareut said to Tami before addressing his Two men.

"Also, Don't split up. It's going to be a maze of dark tunnels down there and if we all get split up then they'll be able to pick us off one by one. So don't let greed get the better of you and run off for something shiny." He explained to the men.

"Right!" Tamina agreed. "Well then, Everyone ready?" She asked the Group.

Gare's men nodded with determined looks on their faces. Gare nodded as well.

"Also men, Just like the other night, No Quarter and feel free to take anything of value after you make a kill." He added and they nodded now with smirks on their faces.

"Alright, Now let's get going! They're not gonna wait on us forever." Tamina said and started for the entrance.

Dressed in her back up leather armor. This one being grey she pulled the Hood of her plain Brown cloak over her head. Gare followed with his Dagger and Claw at the ready. The two men still had their Cutlesses in their sheaths but hands on the hilts. As they neared the small circular entrance in the broken wall everyone had their weapons at the ready. Tamina had her Shortsword and her Knife in her hands, Gareut's two men Cutlesses at the ready.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 13:
Separated

'So far, Good' Thought Tamina as she crept through the Narrow passageways. She and Daghala made a good team. She skirted along the walls to one side moving from one dark spot to the next. Her armor blending in perfectly with bland, gloomy walls and her cloak adding to the camouflage. Making her appear as nothing more then a dirty eroded part of the wall when she stopped to listen or look ahead. Daghala on the other side smaller then Tamina easily blended against in with the walls as his unkempt yellowish grey fur matched the coloring of the wall as well. They proceeded through the old sewer system at a good pace.

Encountering neither enemy nor trap as they went along. They were down a hundred meters into the sewer system and so far nothing. It was just like back in that manor, too quiet. This time she knew what to expect, or at least, she thought she did. She paused for a minute to look back. Gareut and his men were following at a good thirty paces back. She appraised their formation and found it in good form. One of the men walked beside Gareut forming a two man front keeping a lookout for side passages and ahead for Tamina.

The second of Gare's men was five paces behind them. Keeping an eye on the two in front and occasionally looking behind so no one snuck up on them. A perfect formation. Both Gare's men who entered with Cutlesses in hand now had wands in the other hand.

'Interesting, They're ready for a close up engagement as well as hitting their target from a good distance away.' She thought to herself as an amused smile came across her face.

She motioned silently to Daghala to halt his advance. He complied and sat down and waited as Tamina stalked towards Gare's group. She stepped out of the shadows as she approached and Gare silently halted his men. He walked up close to Tamina and nodded acknowledging her presence. She placed a hand on his shoulder and leaned in close putting her mouth next to his ear.

"It's going well, Too well. Not a soul to be seen and not even a hint of a trap yet. I'm starting to get a bad feeling about this. Watch your step." She whispered. Even though it was a whisper it was so quiet that it seemed like a shout as the barely audible sound of her voice echoed off the walls.

Gareut nodded signaling that he understood. Tami then made her way back to Daghala walking among the shadows. Gare made his way back to his men and motioned them to continue again. He also gave them a signal to let them know to keep their eyes peeled for anything. Tamina caught up with Daghala and they continued through the small, dank, damp and wet maze of tunnels. Another hundred or so meters and they came across their first obstacle.

Somewhere past the maze of interconnecting tunnels and other large rooms was a grand room. There Stance waited patiently next to a podium. There was a plain box atop the podium that held the prize inside. The Amulet was within and Stance had no intention of letting her have it. He tapped his foot patiently, Just then, a man in all black stepped forth from the shadows next to Stance.

"Mr. W, They've entered our trap and so far have gone exactly where we've wanted them to. They've come up to the first obstacle now." He whispered.

"Excellent. How many of them are there? Is the Girl with them?" He asked the Shadow of a man next to him.

"There appears to be Four of them plus what appears to be a Tamed Wolf." He said.

"Ah, Even better, that Fool man and his pet, and the Girl coming for me together. How quaint." Stance said as a wicked Grin crossed his face.

"Initiate the Operation. Split them up and Finish them off, One, By, One." Stance added Coldly.

"As you command, Mr. W." The shadow whispered without emotion and slowly disappeared back into the Shadows.

Tamina and Daghala peered into what seemed like a very large room. A section of the sewers where sections of Tunnels connected on one point. The odd thing was it was well lit. Tamina's senses tingled a warning to her.

'Something definitely feels wrong here.' She thought and motioned for Daghala to watch the entrance way into the large room while she slowly crept back to Gare and his men. Catching sight of her as she approached Gare stepped forward to meet up with her. Again she leaned in close to his ear.

"Large room, Well lit. Ground covered in about an Inch of water it looks like too. I'm thinking definitely a Trap or two in there. One way in. An exit in the Rear. I'll return my to my Position with Daghala, You come up with us and we'll enter the room together and spread out." She breathlessly whispered into his ear reducing the sound of her voice as much as possible.

He nodded and Slinked back to his men to inform them. Tamina crept up back to Daghala's position and they waited for Gare and his two men to catch up. When they caught up they entered the room skirting the wall and spread out, Each about Five paces to one another and to each corner all on line. Tamina was in the Far left corner. Then one of Gare's men, Millo. Next was Gareut. Followed by Cayther, The other man of Gare's crew. At the far right in the corner was Daghala.

They paused for a few minutes waiting to see if anyone decided to rush them. Then Tamina motioned with her hand to move forward at a slow pace. Slowly on line each of them stepped forward looking for anything out of the ordinary. When they were halfway through the room the trap was sprung. It wasn't what they expected as an audible whisper came drifting through the chamber.

"You foolish girl. You have sealed your fate and those who were foolish enough to follow you in here. I'm back here, Come and get me." It wasn't a voice that Tamina recognized.

One of Stance's men no doubt. After the whisper a loud taunting laugh seemed to eminate from the walls of the chamber. Just then Tamina noticed it.

"Don't Take another Step!" She shouted but it was too late.

Cayther's foot went down to the ground as too late to react when he heard the shout mid stride. He didn't see trigger hidden in the Murky inch of water as as his foot splashed into it. Soon as his weight was put on his foot there was a loud audible click. A crossbow well hidden on the wall that Tamina failed to spot activated.

The twang of the bolt being released echoed through the chamber as the bolt sailed through the air. Cayther's luck saved his life as he turned at the last minute. The Bolt struck him in the arm and he fell to the ground in a cry of pain.

"No one move! There might be more, Let me make sure." Tamina shouted over the man's cries of pain and pleas for help. She scanned the ground infront of everyone carefully and then scanned the back wall. She saw more crossbows lined up and placed to fire at different angles.

"Alright, Everyone should be clear as long as they don't step further into the room." She said as Gare hurried over to help his Crewmate.

He pulled the bolt from his arm and set his hands over the wound and said a prayer. It healed it up mostly but the bone in his arm was still cracked. Cayther got to his feet and retreated towards the way they came, Cursing at his lost chance to loot some bodies. Laughter rang through the room again.

"He won't be fine, His fate is sealed. I dare one of you to take another step." Came the eerily soft whisper that followed the laughter.

Tamina nodded to the group and everyone took another step into the room. Everyone caught their breath and paused, Nothing happened. They blew a sigh of relief and after a moment longer to make sure nothing happened. Tamina nodded again to take another step. Another step was taken, another tense pause. Something happened, There was no click, no twang of a crossbow firing. Deep within the passage the group was trying to get to came a light. A fireball came into view of the chamber and hit the ground in the center of the chamber near the group. Fire and rock were flung about but no one was seriously hurt. The chamber started to rumble and the ceiling above cracked and pieces of stone and rock began to fall. Tamina looked about in panic and screamed "Collapse!!" and diving against the old stone brick wall.

The old eroded wall gave way and Tamina tumble and fell within. Gareut called out Tamina's name watching her fall into a dark chamber as the Ceiling came down about him, Daghala, and Millo. Tamina fell a few feet down into what appeared to be a dark cramped passage that ran adjacent to the one they were walking along in. She hit her head on something during her brief Tumble and as she tried to stand she got dizzy and lightheaded. She never made it fully up as she sank back to floor on her back losing Consciousness.

Somehow Gareut avoided being crushed by the collapsing ceiling but his way to where Tamina was blocked by massive Debris. He called out for Millo many times to see if he was alright. There was no response, Gareut cursed. He called out for Daghala which finally yielded some results. Daghala barked letting his master know he was there and unharmed.

"Meh, Seems like most of the Debris fell over by Tami and Millo's side." Gareut said out loud.

Daghala let out a whimper.

"I'm pretty sure Tami might be alright, She fell into some chamber before it all came down. Not sure about Millo.." Gare said as if understanding what Daghala was trying to convey.

"Either case, The Passage we were originally goin for is blocked as well." He said as he gestured to more rubble.

Gareut slowly got to his feet and dusted himself off and coughed a bit of the dust from his lungs.

"Well, There is at least a new hole over there. So, Only one way we can go. Maybe we can double back to Tamina and find out what happened to Millo along the way, eh?" Gareut said as he started for the new exit. Daghala followed him.

[TaminaLightstep]

Chapter 14:
A Haunting Past

Tamina lay there motionless as Darkness closed in on her vision. Again, She was in a black void. Empty, Cold, Alone. It was then she found herself in yet another scene from the past. She was gearing up for her first caravan job. Just completed her training and eager to prove herself to Benton. Confident in her skills and reflexes she felt ready to take on the whole world. There was a knock on the door in the tiny room she was gathering her gear in. She opened it and was surprised to see Benton.

"Aren't you supposed to be gathering the men and going over the plans?" Tami asked puzzled as to why he was here.

"Aye, Aye, My little Tamina. I am, I was around so I decided to stop by and discuss something with you." He said, Grinning at the puzzled look on her face.

"Well, If you're gonna give me pointers I've completed my training and I've bested even your time on that little course you got." She began to protest.

"Aye, That's Good and well you've done all that but that's not what I wanted to talk to you about." He explained patiently as the Grin grew wider on his face.

"Well, What's all this bothering me then?!" Tamina asked frustration starting to show as she was getting all flustered.

"Well, You've done so well in your training I think you're ready to train someone. It just so happens I have the perfect person. I think you'll get along quite well, You'll have alot in common." He said excitedly and then looked to his side and motioned the Recruit to introduce themselves.

A Girl around the age of Sixteen appeared in the doorway in front of Benton. She was around the same age Tamina was, But, Not the only thing they had in common. Tamina noticed sticking out above the hair line of her Jet black hair a small pair of horns that stuck out. They were thin, about Two fingers wide, and grew up and curved back downward towards the Ground. They weren't low enough as to be difficult to hide. That wasn't all, Her eyes were human enough in appearance but had a Vibrant shade of Orange. Striking eyes, Unlike the sky Blue that Tamina had. Then it was obvious when she nervously smiled. Her teeth were pointed and sharp. No doubt about it, This girl had more lower planes blood in her then Tamina did.

"Um.. erm... Greetings Instructor Lightstep. I'm Recruit Tanya Blake! Please Show me everything." She said nervously and bowed her head in sign of respect.

Tamina gave an even more puzzled look at the Formal tone the girl took. Benton laughed at Tamina's expression.

"Alright, I'll let you two get aquainted. Oh, My little Tamina, You're off this job. You'll get the next one, Promise!" Benton Tactfully said and quickly took off down the hall. Tamina got up and poked her head into the hallway.

"HEY! You Old Man! You cheated me! I better get the next job, Old Geezer!" She yelled after him, To which she heard hysterical laughter until he disappeared around a corner.

Tanya cleared her throat nervously.

"Ahem... erm.. Instructor Lightstep? I can come back later if you wi-" She began to say but Tamina Rudely cut her off.

"Alright listen up. I'm not gonna call you 'Recruit'. You're not gonna call me 'Intructor Lightstep'. My name is Tamina, Call me Tami for short. Incase you haven't noticed we're not big on the formalities around here." She explained to Tanya who nodded.

"Well, Since my gear is out, I suppose we should start with our first lesson. How good are you at picking locks?" She added as she grudgingly looked at her Shortbow and other assorted gear laid out across her bed.

"Oh! I'm pretty good at picking locks actually Inst- err... Tami! Brenton came across me doing exactly that and saved me from being discovered by a near by Fist patrol walking about." She said excitedly.

"Well, Someone is a little bundle of energy. Alright, Show me what you got, kid." Tamina said as she picked up her kit and strolled out the door turning and motioning for Tanya to follow.

"Kid! We're the Same age!" Tanya fired back as she followed. They arrived to a room set up to learn the fine art of picking locks. Metal brackets with various types of locks hanging on the wall.

Tamina walked over by them and made sure they were all locked. Satisfied she turned to Tanya who was looking over the locks curiously as they hung from the wall.

"Alright Tanya, Pick a lock and then well...Get the lock open." Tamina said with a Devilish grin and tossed the lock pick kit to Tanya.

"Alright but, in advance I'm gonna say I told ya so." She said cockily and went to the first of five locks. She looked it over carefully and picked out the required instruments. Tamina looked on with a watchful eye. No doubt she could get this one but, the fourth and fifth would clearly stump her.

At least they did for her when Brenton had her run through the little test. A few moments at the lock and there was an audible click and it popped open.

"That one was too easy. I hope they get a lot more difficult and I might actually have a little fun." She said with a Mischievious smirk as she examained the second lock. She set to work picking it.

'She sure is full of herself... But she has steady hands and clearly an eye for it.' Tamina thought as the second lock popped open without much effort. The third, fourth, and fifth all followed suit as well.

Suddenly the scene faded from her and a she found herself sitting in the training room taking a break a few years later. She was admiring the sword Brenton had gave her. She pondered about Tanya for a moment. The past few years she had gone from student and friend, to rival. Both of them competing against each other to go out on jobs here and there, Though they had very different methods of getting the job done.

Tanya delighted in violence and innocent people often ended up getting hurt. Tamina only hurt innocent people if they were stupid and tried to stop her or get in the way. But she could feel a rift growing in their group of outlaws and bandits. Those that were more careless and violent ended up following Tanya more and more everyday. A few outright confronted Brenton openly.

The few that were left followed her and Brenton but, Brenton was getting older and his control was fading fast. Tamina tried to fill the gap but Tanya was pulling more and more followers to her side with the lies she spat.

"Ah, Here's the prodigal Daughter herself." Tanya said as she entered the room disrupting Tamina's reflection.

"So the Harlot destroying our very group within makes herself seen. What Delightfully disturbing but rare occaision do I owe my displeasure to?" Tamina quipped as those Fiery orange eyes stared through her, Cold and Emotionless.

"Oh, I think you'll find this moment especially disturbing." Tanya said with a wicked grin set across her face. It was then that Tamina noticed something about Tanya. She spotted dried blood spattered on Tanya's clothing and she seemed to be hiding something behind that slender figure of hers.

"What have you done Tanya!?" Tamina asked as she jumped to her feet.

Tanya laughed, It was almost maniacal as she showed what she was hiding behind her back and tossed it to Tamina's feet. Tamina's eyes widened with horror as she watched the head land at her feet. A head that was familiar. A head that had belonged to the person that picked her up from the streets and gave her a home.

It was Brenton's head.

"Well, Now there is no reason to fight amongst eachother. Everyone is on my side now, So the only question left to ask is are you with us? Or are you with him?" Tanya said as she enjoyed the look of horror on Tamina's face and the Tears that streaked down her cheeks. Of course she had no intention of letting her rival join her but the mention of asking would be enough to cause more emotional pain. They did used to be friends after all.

"I have no intention to follow suit with this... Tanya, You'll pay for this. Right here and now." Tamina said as the rage built up inside her. Her knuckles turned white as she tightened her grip on her sword. The rage boiled her blood as she imagined Tanya slowly putting an end to Brenton. She imagined the look on his face as she cut into him. It was then she heard it for the first time.

'That's right girl, Get angry. Teach her a lesson with pain. Show her the mistakes she has made with her own blood.' The voice in her head said as it crept into her mind feeding her hate and rage. Tamina saw red that day. Unable to control herself, She didn't remember what happened to Tanya. But Brenton's group of outlaws and Bandits were dispersed that day by her sword.

Those who didn't run were picked off. She killed them slowly and messily, The blood covered the walls, Floor, even the ceiling in some spots. After the rage subsided in her she was horrified at what she had done. Tamina ran, She lived on the streets a few more years stealing what she could to live. Always wondering if Tanya would come for her one day to finish the job. Tamina grew tired of the streets after awhile and took to taking jobs with adventurers passing through the Gate. Always surpressing that voice, Always watching for Tanya, Always paranoid.

The dream faded as she stirred on the ground. Groaning, she slowly sat up and rubbed her head.

'Well, Least I'm alive.' She thought as she slowly got to her feet and dusted herself off.