From Street Mouse to Striker

[Alatriel]

Welp, I took in a bounty.  That Emwonk fella got hisself in some trouble with the law in Hempstead.  I found him and brung him in.  Granted... it were probably a lotta luck involved, but I reckon that don't always matter where reputation's concerned.  Now it's up to Dan and his people to see if Emwonk ain't guilty they let him go.  If he is, well, ain't none of my business.  I ain't sure they's gonna pay my my money, but when I talked to that big blue man Steal afterward he said sometimes it don't matter the amount of coins  you get paid if it means the job ain't worth doin.  So I decided if they's gonna try this Emwonk fella, they gotta at least understand him and I can do that.  So I'm gonna tell them I'll translate fer him.  Least then he should get as fair a shot as they can give him.

Lana hates me for doin my job though.  It ain't none of my business if the Hempstead government wanted him for whatever they wanted him for.  I brung him in.  I did my job, now the law's gotta do theirs.

[Alatriel]

Bella stands in the temple, once again speaking with one of the priestesses of Rofirein, this time an elderly woman who looks at her with patient eyes.  Bella looks slightly green and increasingly nervous as the conversation, which seems to be a question and answer session, goes on.

"Does that clear up some of the confusion, dear one?"

"Er, yes'm Sister Merissa.  I guess I jes...." Bella trails off and gulps, looking a bit more nervous and ill.

"Dear, it's simply part of life, and our duty as women.  Though, if I were you I would wait until after marriage.  I wouldn't worry sweetheart, I've seen how Protector Daniel regards you.  I'm sure it won't be long before he asks your father for your hand in marriage, have no fear.  A young woman of your age should be married off.  It's proper.... Dear one, are you alright?  You look ill."

"I... I got.... I gotta go."  Bella turns promptly and runs out of the temple into the streets of Vehl."

Merissa sighs. "Sweet girl that one.  Odd, and the Gold what a mouth on her..." She chuckles softly to herself.  "And to think she didn't know exactly where children came from.  Well, I expect now she knows."

[Alatriel]

Bella sends a letter to Charlie at the Rofireinite temple.


Dear Charlie,
Me and Dan are up North where I told you we'd be.  We been fightin awful mean deaders.  Hope you're bein good and stayin outta trouble.  If you get good at fightin when you get bigger maybe we'll bring you here to fight with us too.

Love,
Bella

[Alatriel]

Lana and me made up from afore when I brung Emwonk in.  She told me Dan's gonna ask me to marry him.  Well, I kinna panicked, and then when I thought bout it more I panicked even more.  Then when I talked to Mel and the Songman I were still panickin but then they told me some stuff what made me not feel so panicked no more.  Lana told me if he asks me, if I like him even a little I should say yes cause he lost his heart and if I said no he woudln't never get it back no more.  I thought that meant he were turning into a heartless *cuss* like my pa.  But Mel and Songman calmed me down and told me it weren't that he lost his heart, it didn't go away, it's cause she meant he loves me and he gave his heart to me.

I'm still scared, but now I ain' sure if I'm scared cause he might ask me, or scared that maybe he'll change his mind.

I'm in Leringard for a fair they got for arms and armor.  I need some new stickers to train with.  Maybe I'll find some here.  I need some addy ones.  

I feel happy though.  I ain't felt this happy ever afore.

Oh, and Mel's goin on a picnic with an elf named Zak.  She got sad cause I asked her why she wants to go on a picnic with some scrawny old elf.  I reckon maybe that weren't what I'm supposed to say.  I still ain't sure what I were supposed to say.  If it makes her happy I reckon it's a good thing.  I sure don't wanna go on no picnic with no scrawny old elf, but then... I don't wanna go on no picnic with anybody except Dan.

I reckon if it makes her happy, I'm glad she's goin on a picnic, no matter who it's with.

[Alatriel]

I been diggin' clay ta make some coins so's I ken buy me a new pair of stickers.  Look like I'm gonna have to buy some nice dress too.  Dan asked me to marry him and I said yes.  I thought about it a lot though and I told him he needs to ask Charlie.  If I'm all Charlie's got, then maybe Charlie oughtta get some say in it.  Even if he says he don't want me to marry Dan, I'll still do it, but I reckon he should at least get to say his piece.  I been thinkin bout it a lot and I reckon maybe I should make it legal as Dan says so Charlie gets whatever I got after I'm dead.  I reckon I gotta lot to figure out.

I think I'll be spendin some more time with my stickers.  Usually when I can clear out my head with doin the stuff I saw Steal do I can think things through better after.  

[Alatriel]

Bella returns to the temple in Ft. Vehl and tosses some muddy worn leathers on the floor by the door to be cleaned, and lays back on her pallet stretching her aching muscles with a grimace.  There is a soft knock on the door and the door cracks open just a bit, young eyes peering through.

"Bella?  Ken I c'min?"

Bella pushes herself up on her elbows and looks at the door.  "A'righ' Charlie, c'mon in.  Whatcha need?  You din' get in trouble again did ya?"

"Nope, I didn't.  And I don't care what that old Sister Amelia said, I didn't do it this time.  Ralph's just mad and he made up the story sayin' I been cheatin' 'im.  But... um... Bella?  That ain't why I came in here.  I saw you came back, and I got this here letter... from Protecter Daniel."  He holds out the letter to her.

Bella takes the letter and reads over it a bit and then looks at Charlie.  "Well?  What do you think?"

Charlie looks at the floor and shifts a bit.  "Brother Daniel don't like me much, Bella.  He's always givin' me extra work to do.  But, in this letter he says he wants to marry you, and you two wanna be my... my parents?"

"Well, that's sorta up ta you Charlie whether er not ya want us.  But ya got us a'ready I reckon, don't ya?"

Charlie nods a bit.  "If I say I don't want ya to marry Brother Daniel, then what?"

Bella frowns a bit.  "It'd make me sad, Charlie.  I wanna marry him."

"I don't wanna make you sad.  You took me outta *cuss* Krandor, and this place ain't great, but it ain't so bad either.  But... you'd be my ma?  Fer real?"

Bella shrugs and nods.  "I reckon that's what it'll mean,  yep."

Charlie makes a face. "Brother Daniel'd be my... father?"

Bella grins.  "Would that be alright with you?"

He wrinkles his nose and thinks for a bit.  "I reckon if I get you fer a ma then... " He sighs, "I reckon I ken manage with Brother Daniel fer a da."

Bella reaches out and pulls Charlie into a tight hug.  "You're a good kid Charlie.  All's ya gotta do is remember ta actually BE good, know?"  She pulls away and looks Charlie in the eyes.  "Maybe ya better go write Dan back and let him know what you think, a'right?"

Charlie nods and turns quickly out the door. "Yes'm!"  He stops half way out the door and turns back with a bright grin.  "Ma."  He runs out the door and runs down the hall,  yelling,  "Hey Ralphie guess what!!" as several of the sisters turn and shush him.

[Alatriel]

I ain't had a lot of time to write, but Dan asked me to marry him.  Charlie said it's alright with him, and we're gonna adopt him too.  It's all happenin kinda quick, and I think we're gonna do the wedding thing in just a few more weeks.  I think we're supposed to go talk to some priest about a ceremony.  I ain't really sure how they do it, but it's important to Dan.  I asked Sister Merissa about where we should have it and she said we should get on a boat and go to Corsain cause the chapel there is the best and it would mean a lot to Dan.  So I think that's what we're doin.  I got a real nice dress made up by some elf.  I guess she were the one that Dan liked afore he met me.  I can see why.  She's real pretty.  Don't know why he picked me over her, but I'm glad he did.


Charlie's been doing better with his trainin.  I been workin on mine while he works on his.  It's helpin some.  Still ain't got that spin attack move down, but I'll get it.  I just gotta keep practicin.

[Alatriel]

Well, Dan and me got married, and we signed up the adoption papers for Charlie.  So it's all done.  I been workin on my trainin a lot though, and tryin to find a way to balance it all in the middle with Dan and Charlie and my stickers.  It's gettin there but sometimes it's harder.

I tried to sign up to be part of a crew on a ship, to work on my reputation like Steal says I should.  It's what matters most.  Knowledge and Reputation.  Steal were there too, but the guy doin the hirin said he wouldn't hire me cause I'm a woman.  I think it's cause the captain's a woman.  And Dan were there so that didn' make nothin any easier.  Dan got mad.  I think I hurt him doin what I were doin but he knows what I do, he just don't wanna accept it.

We argued over it for a few hours.  I think finally he might get it a little bit on where I'm comin from.

Least we made up though.

Since he told me he don't think he can have no babies with me things ain't nearly so bad.  Last thing I need is for a baby to get in the way of my trainin.

[Alatriel]

Bella looks up at the ceiling of the room she's been sharing with Daniel in the temple, and gathers her resolve to get up.  She quickly dresses and straps on her four short swords in their appropriate places before heading to the Arena once more to train.  


Once in the Arena, Bella looks for a quiet, undisturbed location away from the other fighters, and away from the fight in the middle of the Arena.  She stretches out her limbs and begins going through a few routines, working on perfecting the accuracy of her strikes and the control of her blades.  Her movements are tired.  She pauses in her movements to stretch her back out a bit more and then continues, signs of frustration on her face.  She continues as if through sheer willpower, but falters as a look of pain crosses her face and she drops her sword.  

Bella cusses softly as she bends to go for her dropped weapon when she notices just past the blade, a metal plated boot.  She raises her sight to see the Rofireinite Knight that has been standing there for the Gold only knows how long.  

The knight wears a bemused expression as he continues to jot down a few notes in his small book.  He nods as she looks up to him.  "Greetings Mrs. Poetr."

Bella retrieves her weapon and straightens, sheathing her blade and moving to retrieve a canteen.  "Brother Aesthir...I din' see ya there."  She takes a long drink of the cold water, keeping her eyes on the knight.

"No.  You didn't."  Aesthir's mouth twists into a sardonic and condescending smile as he jots down another note.  "Interesting technique you are exercising there.  You don't mind if I watch, right?"  He watches her drink as if he is counting the seconds she drinks, the drops of water she consumes.

Bella sets the canteen back down and wipes her mouth on the back of her arm.  "I ain' much ta watch today..." she says as she looks at him, a bit confused as to his presence.

Aesthir's smile widens, but his eyes remain cold and calculating as he fixes her with a stare that seems to judge her where she stands.  "Oh, in that you are wrong.  Every single moment, every single action shows us something new about people.  By now I've learned that you are doing swift movements, as that kata would serve to increase the speed of the horizontal cuts, which tends to be... interesting.  Also, that you have to breathe every two and a half steps."

Bella looks at him uncertainly as she considers his words, and breathes carefully in and out a moment as if to count her own breaths to check his accuracy.  She takes a half a step back away from him reflexively.  "Um... why'd ya come here?  Charlie ain' done nothin again did he?"  

The knight's mouth twitches a moment in a sarcastic smile.  "You should know that better than me.  He's fine, isn't he?"

"I... reckon so..." she ventures cautiously.  "I'm usually better'n this."

"I guess that is about right," Aesthir begins.  "You don't seem in good shape today.  You look tired."  

Bella raises an eyebrow as she attempts to explain. "I jest gotta cold.  I got stuck inna rain last week."

"And when you strike up with your right hand your left lowers the guard for some seconds," he continues.

The young woman furrows her brow.  "You studied..."

Aesthir continues, almost seeming to disregard her interjected statements even as he responds to them.  "Cold?  I see.  Aren't you sleeping enough?"

"I been sleepin' a lot," she says with a shrug.

His mouth once more twists into an amused and twisted smile.  "Mmm... have you seen a priest to check out your health?"

Bella scowls at him.  "I married a priest, Brother.  I'm fine.  I'll be better'n a few days."

Aesthir nods a bit.  "I see."  He pauses a moment, then continues.  "How is the marriage going, miss?  As you expected?"

Bella shifts her weight a bit, uncomfortable, and shrugs at his question.

"I understand if you would not like to speak about it," the knight oils.  "I know the feeling when things are not as those expected."

She rubs the small of her back a bit and sits down on one of the benches, wincing slightly.  "It's fine.  We're workin' stuff out."

"Working stuff out," he repeats.  "Of course, you have stuff to work on.  I am just hoping that things for Charlie are not disappointing."

Bella looks at him.  "Whatcha mean fer Charlie?"

Aesthir smiles.  "Well, what do I mean?  It's easy.  You offered the boy the hope of a family.  A happy one where he can find peace."  He pauses as he watches Bella take another long drink of water.  "It would not be a good result if his parents end up... having differences, if you get my meaning."

"He ain't complained ta me," she grumbles.  "Sides.  He's gettin' his schoolin'..."

"Well, he won't complain if that makes you unhappy," he explains.

Bella furrows her brow.  "Whatcha mean?"

Aesthir spreads his hands a bit in an open expression.  "Exactly what you heard.  It's not me you should ask."  He studies Bella again as she closes her eyes with a pained expression, hunching over slightly from her normal straight and languid posture.

"I'll ask him," she says in a quiet voice.

"Are you sure you feel well?" the man asks.

Bella nods.  "I jest been at this too long.  I got some cramps.  It happened afore.  I'll drink more water'n it'll go away."

Aesthir nods.  "And you told yourself the same when it happened yesterday?  And the day before, when it started?"

Bella looks up at Aesthir in alarm.  "What?  How long..." she begins.

Aesthir interrupts with a smile, "Just stating the facts, miss.  Still I think you should see a priest that would have an objective point of view."

Stubbornly, she replies, "It ain' nothin' but workin' too hard an' a cold."

The knight smirks.  "If you were younger I'm sure you would end up writing one thousand times 'I should not be so stubborn' but well, again as always, I just expressed my humble opinion."

Bella gathers her things quickly, hands shaking and a very disconcerted expression on her face.  "Ya shouldn' be followin' me, Brother."

Aesthir snaps his book closed.  "I am not following you.  If anything, send my regards to Protector Poetr."  The knight walks toward a column and vanishes.

Bella protests as he walks away, "But you said ya been watchin' me these last three days..."

A disembodied voice floats on the air.  "I never said that..."

Bella looks around but cannot seem to locate the voice or the Brother it belongs to.  She sits back down on the bench trembling as she continues to look around nervously.  She winces.  "Ow."  She presses her fingers into her abdomen near her left hip.  "Jest stop..." she whispers.


******

Bella returns from the Arena and hastily packs her things for travel, scribbling a note and leaving it on the small pallet bed for Daniel.

Dan,
I'm gone to look for Steel for some advice on my trainin.  Last I heard he were seen near headed towards Arnax, and they reckoned he were headed toward Miritrix.  I'll be back in a few weeks.

Love,
Bella

[Alatriel]

After a trip through a portal and a boat ride, and then a few days travel from Nith to Miritrix, a weary and irritable Bella walks up to a fire where she finds one of her teachers:  the big blue one.

Steel and Darthirae, in their conversation turn as she approaches.

"...Abiorn..." Steel tilts his head to the side as Bella approaches.  "...unexpected."

"'Lo," Bella greets them, furrowing her brow a bit.  "Sorry... I ken go."

"Looking more and more like a yellow jacket each time I see you... Mouse," Steel muses.

Bella glances down at her saffron colored tunic and black leather pants.  "Ya mean one o' them bugs?"

"What do you think, Silverhair?" he asks Darthirae.  "Mouse, or Hornet?"  He gestures towards Bella.

Darthirae looks over Bella a moment then replies as if having reached an informed decision quite quickly.  "Neither," she states.  "Sand viper."

Bella raises an eyebrow as Steel nods, his expression hidden behind the false mask of his metal helm.  "Ahh... Clever."

"Pretty.  Deadly," Darthirae explains.

"I ain' pretty," Bella interjects, wrinkling her nose at the accusation.

Darthirae continues, "It hides, and you don't know you're dead until it's bitten you."

"Yes..." Steel agrees.  "I do see the resemblance," he states as he taps the "chin" of his mask.

Bella shifts a bit, nervously.  "I ain' botherin' ya am I?"


"Been meaning to ask you... Sand Viper..." He chuckles, then composes himself.  "How goes your relationship with your stickers?  The words I spoke beginning to make sense?"

"Well... Yeah,"  Bella begins.  "I been practicin' em.  Weird part is, when I'm holdin' em, all what ya said kinna jest... well... it's like holdin' the rest o' my arms iffn that makes sense.  I ain' whole without em."


Steel listens.  "You're finding your purpose, then. Good. Very good.  If not already, you will find that you no longer think about the sword, yet it will always be in your mind."

"Well," she starts again, "I been tryin' at work on the whole first Axiom part, but I run into a couple speed bumps.  Ya know... the kind what mess ya up an' make ya have at work harder at get where yer goin'?"

At the words "axiom", Darthirae looks back at Steel, amused.

"Like a certain Rofireinite," Steel states.

"Yeah..."  Bella winces. "I think I got 'im calmed down, but I saw there's a reward fer people hurtin' 'im."

"Really?   How much?" Darthirae asks.

Bella blinks and turns her gaze dangerously at Darthirae.  "You ain' gonna collect, lady else I'm gonna hunt ya down, got it?"

The elven woman laughs, "I'm asking out of curiosity!  Really, I'm far too wealthy to bother trying to make a living as an assassin!"

Steel interjects, "Do you have your copy of the Axioms?"

Bella's gaze loses a bit of intensity at Steel's change of direction.  "No, I know em.  I don' carry no written copy."

"Know your enemy."  Bella raises an eyebrow as Steel quotes the second Axiom.  "It's a choice you must make for yourself Sand Viper," he continues.  "And it is that choice that will guide your sword, that will complete your work."

Bella considers a moment.  "Well, here's the problem I got.  I know I done started something fer my rep when I were talkin' at the hirin' fella fer that ship, e'en iffn he din' hire me.  He said he woulda, cept the cap'n wouldna liked it.  So that got me thinkin' righ' then.  I think yer cap'n's a woman.  She don' want no competition."  She takes a breath and continues.  "But e'en iffn Dan don' like me hangin' out with them," her tone and expression suddenly imitates the propriety of a Rofireinite priest, "Ruffians and Cutthroats," she slips back into her usual speech patterns, "tha's what's gonna matter iffn I'm gonna make a name fer my own self."

"Depends on the name you want," Steel explains.  "Your reputation will define you and your work, and if you don't control how that reputation is made, someone else will make it for you."

"Well, he wants me to work with the Rofies, but the Rofies're a bit too strict when it come to how they do stuff.  An' Steel... look a' me.  I ain' big.  It's my skills what're gonna speak fer me, but it ain' gonna be what they see when they firs' look a' me less'n they know what's comin' from experience... righ'?"

 
"As we've discussed before, you understand that part well," the metal-masked, blue man states.

Darthirae speaks up.  "I'd advise you myself, but I don't know one very important thing," she muses.  "What is it that you want?"

Steel chuckles.  "Ah, Silverhair, it is that very question that started it all... between the Sand Viper and me.  And her swords."

"One needs to know," Darthirae continues.  "Until I know what her perfect world is, her perfect situation, I can only listen."

Bella frowns.  "Well, I'm still figgerin' tha' part out."

Steel speaks to Darthirae, but keeps his eyes on Bella.  "Until she knows what it is, her blades won't speak for her."

Bella rubs her lower back slightly, considering.  "It ain' so easy at jest know, know?"

"It needn't be an ultimate goal, but a substantial one," Darthirae explains.  Bella takes a long drink from her canteen as the elf continues.  "One of the differences between those who succeed and those who fail is that those who fail do not even think to decide what they wish to do."

Bella considers the elven woman's words.  "When it come righ' down to it... I wanna be able at dance with my stickers inna way what means people know me fer that.  Whether I end up bein' a mercenary er a bounty hunter... they're both jest jobs to do with the same thing."

"So your goal is skill and reputation for that skill, and to make a comfortable living killing people.   A laudable start," Darthirae says.

Bella frowns.  "Ya make it sound bad."

"What..." Steel clarifies, "pray tell... is that 'thing'?  Simply to make a sword dance?  To make a good living?  Know your enemy."

Bella scrunches up her face.  "I don' want nobody huntin' me.  I'd rather be huntin' them than then huntin' me.  My enemies' anybody what's gonna try to hurt me er what's mine er take it 'way from me."

"Find your purpose," the blue man states.  "It is as I have said from the beginning.  Your blades will not speak until they share in your purpose.  You are getting closer."

Bella sighs in exasperation.  "Why you a'ways gotta talk in riddles?!"

Steel continues, "So much closer, as I watched you return to the tavern after the initial rejection..."

Bella scowls.  "He din' have no reason to reject me cept fer I ain' a man.  I coulda stabbed 'im inna head when I threw my knife at 'im, but I missed on purpose.  Sailed it right past 'is ear.  Twice."  She grumbles, "I shoulda taken off 'is ear."


"I am not speaking in riddles.  It's that the answer is unique to you, and therefore I don't know what it is," Steel explains.  "I truly don't.  I can only show you the path.  You must take it and see where it leads."

"I'm tryin'."

"The Axioms will guide you," Steel finishes.

"Here's a piece of advice to you, Sand Viper," Darthirae offers.  "One I know from bitter experience.  You are lucky that you did not find acceptance with these people.  For they were inferior.  Never serve an inferior mistress... or Goddess... it will only frustrate you."

Bella frowns a bit, talking somewhat to Steel, halfway listening to Darthirae, but mostly talking to herself, "I don' want Dan to be my enemy Steel, but iffn I break a law, he'll turn me in."

Darthirae continues, her concentration on her line of thought unbroken, "To translate it into Steel's axioms, the first person to whom you must develop a reputation of -respect-.... is yourself."

Bella looks at Darthirae a moment.  "Lady, I don' know who ya are really, but I figgered out I'm pretty *cuss* good at what I do a long time ago.  Now I'm jest makin' myself better."

"Then if you know that, act that way," Darthirae responds bluntly.

A passing shower decides to rain on the three, and Darthirae quickly pulls out an umbrella.  Steel moves to sit next to Darthirae under the umbrella, but Bella simply looks up at the rainstorm, uncaring to getting soaked.

Steel sniffs, looking at Bella.  

Bella blinks at Darthirae's last comment, and then erupts irritably, "Why you think I went back in there that day?  I hope his ship sinks."  She glances at Steel and mumbles, "Sorry iffn yer on it when it happens..."

Steel says quietly, "She's close... Very close..."  He speaks up, "I'll be fine if it does."

Darthirae interjects with a question, "Any reason you've chosen that particular ship?  I feel I'm hearing only half the story."

Bella looks up at the rain again letting the drops fall on her face as Steel answers.  "Ah, just looks interesting.  They hired me as the cookie."  He laughs.

Bella crosses her arms.  " I din' care bout the ship till they told me I ain' good enough fer em cause I'm a girl.  Till then it were jest a job.  But they done said they wanted the best an' well... they hired a froofy lookin' dwarf over me?  They're stupid."

Darthirae tries hard not to laugh.  "Just a girl?  Clearly these people know nothing."

"Din' help when my husband showed up neither..." Bella grumbles.

The elven woman looks at Bella curiously.  "Did he embarrass you?  There are means of control."

The younger human woman sighs and looks resigned.  "Naw, I got it under control.  He's been prayin' bout it fer weeks since then."

"Praying to whom, might I ask?" the elf questions.

"Rofirein," Bella replies flatly.

"Ah."

Bella continues with a frown, "He's tryin' at protect me, Steel, but... I ain' sure he's gonna be able to alla time."

"He's a protector," Steel replies matter-of-factly.  "That's simply who he is.  A shield."

"I know," she says, "But I ain'..."

"Then you may have to remind him of that," Steel says simply.

"Actually..." she looks at him oddly, "Tha's what I told 'im...I told 'im he's a shield cause he protects... but I ain' a sheild."

"I like Rofirein and their priests," Darthirae muses.  "They keep chaos away. But I am certain that you are no damsel in distress, nor is there a law to protect you as such.  That is all him, as a husband."

Bella fishes in her pack for some bread as her stomach growls loudly.  She stuffs a few pieces of bread in her mouth

"It is male instinct to protect," Darthirae continues.  "This is why the truest expression of predation always comes from females.

Bella snorts a laugh and swallows her bread hard after nearly choking.  "You din' grow up where I did then."  She sits down near the fire.

"No," Darthirae replies with a smile, her purple eyes glinting slightly red.  "I guarantee you that."

Steel glances up at Darthirae.  "I'm fairly certain the mother's instinct to protect is the strongest."

Darthirae continues with Bella.  "Do you wish your husband to be your shield?"

"It ain' what I wish fer 'im," Bella explains.  "It's what he is.  He's a Protector."

Darthirae removes her hood once the rain passes and puts away her umbrella.  "He protects, but a shield does not protect everything at once.  It protects the body, not the blade.  So I ask again.  Do you wish him to be your shield?"

"Naw, but it protects what's closer to ya," Bella replies.  "I told 'im I'm a blade.  I'm a killer.  He don't gotta like it, but I told 'im we ken work together."

"As I thought, you are a blade."  Darthirae nods.  "Then your first task is a delicate one.  You must convince your husband not to shield you."

"Why ya think he's been prayin' fer weeks?!  I a'ready done told ya that din' I?" she stands up and starts to pace, agitated.

"Did you convince him?" the elf asks.

Bella shrugs and rubs her lower back again as she thinks.  Steel remains sitting quietly, his expressions hidden behind his mask, watching and listening to the conversation and actions of the two women.

"You should ask him what the results of his prayer are," the silver haired elf continues.  Bella simply shrugs again in response.

"Is he human?"
Bella turns to look back at the questioner, "Yeah... what's that gotta do with anything?"  Bella turns and looks suddenly annoyed at Steel.  "An' what's wrong with you?  You ain' said hardly nothing, anna last time I saw ya fer trainin' ya at least had stuff fer me to think bout fer weeks afterward."

"Then there is another consideration," Darthirae supposes.  "It may not happen immediately.   For elves it can take up to a decade, but you are a healthy human female, eventually you will be unable to keep him from trying to shield you.  At least when you finally start carrying his child.

Bella looks at Darthirae, then shakes her head.  "No, he cain' have any."

The elven woman glances down at Steel.  "We are in... mixed company, or I'd have some 'girl talk' with you... but suffice to say, be careful."

The younger woman rolls her eyes in annoyance.  "I've had the talk.  It don' matter.  He cain' have em.  I don't gotta worry bout it."

Steel speaks up.  "Who else have you been with that can?"

Bella, caught off guard, blinks and looks at Steel.  "What?"

Darthirae cuffs Steel on the shoulder.  "Steel!  Seriously!  That's a most rude accusation!"

Bella seems to search for words.  "I ain'..."

Steel chuckles and shakes his head.  "You answered well enough, Mouse."

Bella blurts out angrily, "I ain' been with nobody else, Steel!  I ain' that kinna girl, I ne'er were an I ain' gonna start alla sudden!"

Darthirae sighs with exasperation as Bella crosses her arms and glares at Steel.  "We all just better hope Aeridin doesn't recover from his wound," says the elf as she glances furtively down at Steel.

"Mm," says the man.

 The human woman shrugs.

"Sand Viper," Steel says.  "Yes, I do like that one.  Look, find your enemy.  And bring it's heart to me.  Then I'll tell you what to do with it."


"Well, with that consideration out of the way, then you need only not place your husband in a situation where he might be discomfited by your actions," Darthirae considers.
"I gotta figger out how to do what I want without laws getting' inna way... without breakin' em."

"My advice is simply not to tell him everything," Darthirae offers.

Bella sits down in contemplation, her features worn with fatigue.  "I don't like lyin' to 'im.  It hurts him, an' he ain' my enemy."

Steel pushes himself to his feet.  "You know... gnome's not home.  Anyone feel like drying off?"  He points up the road.  "Just up the hill, there.

"Not lying," Darthirae continues as they walk up the hill to the house.  "Just not being entirely forthcoming."

The young woman shrugs.  "he'll see it as the same.  I jest need a job... I feel stuck.  Like I should be doin' something but I ain'."

"Well you could apply to be a Scout," the elf offers.  "You could join the Blackwatch."

The three chat a bit more as they walk up to the house and enter the deserted home.  Steel ushers them inside and motions to the pillows to have a seat.  "Just don't steal anything.  Abiorn's one of the few creatures that knows all of my cards, and he's not afraid to use them."

"You don't gotta job fer me then Steel?" Bella asks.

"I told you," he responds.  "Bring me the heart of your enemy.  Still bloody is best."

"I ain' sure iffn he's my enemy er iffn he jest gives me the creeps.  There's another Rofie what's stalkin' me."


"Why?" the elf asks.

"I dunno... that's what I gotta figger out.  But he makes me feel..."Bella shrugs and shudders involuntarily.  

"He probably thinks that your skills mean you are an enemy of the law," the elf decides.

Steel reaches over and puts his arm around Darthirae's shoulder, touching her hair.

Bella furrows her brow.  "It ain' tha'.  Well...  afore I come out here, I were trainin' in the Arena like I normally do, but I weren' feelin' all so good.  I had a cold an' I worked too hard, so I were crampin' up an' I dropped my stickers a coupla times.  I don' do that."

"No?"  Darthirae asks as she allows Steel to continue what he's doing.

"But... he told me he knew when I started not feelin' good... he knew how many breaths I take fer each step an' move I make goin' through my steps..."

"Cramping?" Darthirae interrupts.  "Where?"

"Huh?"  Bella asks, a bit thrown off.

"You said you were cramping up?  Are your muscles injured somehow?"

"Yeah, it happens sometimes.  Ain' ya ne'er worked out trainin' a lot afore?  I ain' injured, I were jest tired.  I got a cold when I got stuck out inna rain an' I were tired's all."

The conversation drifts for a while regarding front line fighters and undead and magic, until Darthirae once again resumes to a more personal line of questioning to Bella.  "Tell me of your husband.  What is his name?"

Bella looks over Darthirae.  "What's yer's other than Silverhair first?"

Darthirae blinks, shocked, and Steel removes his mask.  "Oh my!  You are quite correct!  We have not been formally introduced!"  She stands up and courtseys elegantly as Bella regards her, still sitting, with a fairly neutral expression.  "I am Darthirae, mistress of House Zhalberen.  More colloquially, Darthirae Zhalberen."  She dissembles into various other ways to pronounce her name, or other options of names.

"See why I call her Silverhair?" Steel says to Bella.

"Silverhair works," Bella replies bluntly.  'Though prolly a better one fer ya really... More like Silvertongue than Silverhair."



Bella sighs.  "My husband's name is Daniel Poetr.  He's a priest o' Rofirein."

"Oh!   I think I know him," Darthirae exclaims.  "Or at least, of him.  Who was his first wife?"

Bella squints.  "I'm his first wife..."

Darthirae blinks, and Steel clarifies.  "Daniel Benjamin.  Not Daniel, his namesake, Silverhair."

"He's Rofireinite?" Darthirae asks.

Bella nods and rubs her back, standing up restless and leaning against the fireplace.  "Daniel Benjamin.  His uncle were named Daniel too."


"My dear, Rofireinites are religiously not allowed to be profligate with their...comfort," Darthirae informs.

"What?" Bella looks at her confused.

Steel lays with his eyes closed at Darthirae's feet, but cannot seem to stop a snicker, muttering something about "comfort."

"I mean," Darthirae explains, "he has not had any other woman than you.  Not without marrying her."

"No..."

"Then how do you know he is infertile?"

"Because of his ma..." She furrows her brow.  "Why won' ya let this drop a'ready?

Darthirae continues to talk about the possibilities and impossibilities of human fertility.  Bella reddens and looks towards her teacher.  "Steel.. Help me here, ken we change the topic?"

Steel, with his eyes still closed, "Oh, no.  I'd like to confirm where she's going with this."

Darthirae continues to talk, but most of it seems to bombard the young woman as if she is speaking in a different language.  Darthirae asks for permission to check for an aura of a second life form, a concept completely alien to Bella.  Darthirae explains that for elves it takes longer, but for humans, pregnancy can happen fairly quickly.

"How long ago did you get married?" Darthirae asks.

Steel replies, seemingly a bit amused.  "Long enough.  Just check for another life inside her already."

Bella crosses her arms and glares at Steel.  "You ain' no help at all!"
"Why not let me check?" the elf asks.  "It never hurts to be certain."

Bella finally gives up, exasperated.   "Fine, whatever, jest watch yer hands an' ye'll figger out yer wrong, a'righ'.  But then drop it a'ready, cause I'm sick o' talkin bout it"

"This will be a magical examination," she explains.  "I will not even touch you.

"Good," Bella snaps.

Darthirae begins to weave magic around her in various ways, her eyes starting to glow blue, until she reaches her utmost sensitivity, then she peers closely at Bella's abdomen.  Bella shifts a bit uncomfortably under such scruity, and finally Darthirae exclaims with a smile, "Well hello there..."

"What?" Bella asks.  "Figger out yer wrong?"

"No, I did not.  It was a supposition only.  And it turned out to be correct."

Bella blinks, whispering "what?"  All the color drains from her face and the room spins a bit as the information hits her.  Darthirae continues to talk and ramble on about timing and power levels of the child versus size of the aura and age, all of which comes to Bella in a faint buzz of unrecognizable information.

Bella grits her teeth.  "I'm gonna kill him."  she repeats over and over again.

Darthirae laughs and rambles on pleasantly about common phrases of new expectant mothers.

"How do I get rid of it?" Bella asks Darthirae.

The elven woman laughs.  "That's the second thing I've always heard!"

"I'm serious!  How?!" Bella asks with a serious tone and an edge of panic.

Darthirae's laughter ends and she resumes a serious tone.  "It is most difficult.  Nearly impossible."

Bella's mind swirls with what awaits her in the coming months as Darthirae starts to explain to her what will happen, the symptoms, the difficulties, and they argue some over who's fault the condition truly is before Bella simply cannot take any more information.  She stands up angrily and tells Darthirae that she's had enough.

She excuses herself, finding a place to relieve herself, gathering her things, and then jumping back in the portal for Wayfare.

She brushes tears off her face angrily as she steps out into the light of Fort Wayfare, and heads to the inn, the words of Darthirae Zhalberen still echoing in her mind.

"You are going to have the baby of the man you love... A child that is barely not angelic enough to still catch in your womb... You likely don't have a choice about that.
But you can choose this: Will you be happy about it?   Or angry?"

[Alatriel]

A priest of Rofirein enters the Caring Hope Inn with a concerned look on his face, asking for the room in which it is rumored his wife is staying.  He obtains the information and a spare key, and then ventures over to the door, knocking quietly.  After a moment, he announces his entry and goes into the room.  The man remains inside the room for a while, where quiet sobs and a short argument followed by more soft sounds of crying can be heard through the thin walls.

Finally after some time, a young woman leaves the room with a travel bag, followed by the priest.  She looks disheveled, tired, and ill, and wipes a few stray tears from her face.  Gently, the priest leads his wife out the door and arranges for the two of them to find transport back to Ft. Vehl.

[Alatriel]

Bella stays in her room for a couple weeks, keeping the small window covered and refusing company from most people, including Charlie, while Daniel heads off on a voyage to Krashin.  A few of the priestesses, with concern, try to make sure every day that she eats enough to keep some nourishment down, despite her childsickness, and remind her to take walks every few days.  

"It's not healthy, what she's doing," says Sister Patricia to Sister Merissa.  "You'd think she would be thrilled.  She and Protector Poetr love each other so much, why would she be so unhappy?  This isn't even normal instability for a woman, is it?"

Sister Merissa frowns.  "You know I've been looking in on the Dragonheart woman as well.  She's concerned for Mrs. Poetr, and seems angry that we don't understand her.  She's asked to see her, but I'm afraid of letting Bella get too close.  We don't know what it is that Tyra has contracted.  Miss Dragonheart said something about Bella being beaten as a child for ruining her parents' lives.  Perhaps that is what has the poor woman so terrified.  She simply doesn't seem like the same woman we saw just a few months ago at her wedding.  She was so happy then."

Patricia nods gravely.  "Yes, perhaps that is part of it.  Daniel seemed very happy before he left.  He's asked me to make sure that his wife continues to train and get exercise and to make sure she eats... which is no small feat it seems.  That young woman used to pack away food as if there would be no food tomorrow, and now she is only convinced to eat when I remind her that Daniel has asked that she eat.  She'll do things for him now, but not for herself, and not for the child she carries.  Have you sent her son to her?"

"Charlie goes to visit, but he has been occupied a lot as well.  His duties have been altered and he has been working extra hard.  Patricia, I think he's getting better, honestly.  Do you know I heard him praying to the Gold the other day?"

"Really Merissa, that's wonderful news.  I have high hopes for the boy myself.  He simply needed discipline.  Very well, clear his duties for the afternoon and send him to support his mother.  Perhaps that will cheer her up."

Merissa nods.  "I will see to it, surely.  Miss... Dragonheart.... and her request though.  I can't trust the woman.  I think that if we make sure that Mrs. Poetr is properly warded and as long as she stays outside the door a safe distance she should be fine I hope.  But I don't want her to go alone.  I want to make sure she is safe."

Patricia thinks a moment.  "Perhaps an escort?"

Merissa nods again.  "Yes, I was thinking the same.  I'll ask Protector Stargazer if he would be willing.  He seems to have such a fondness for their family.  I'm sure he'll agree."

"I hope this helps them all.  They need the Dragon's strength right now, all of them," Patricia says with concern.

"Indeed, but the Dragon sees all, Patricia.  His wisdom will prevail in these matters.  I will speak to the Protector," Merissa says with confidence.  "I'm sure he will help them."

[Alatriel]

Bella and Aesthir walk down the corridor after the meeting with Tyra.  A meeting in which at the end of the meeting, Tyra took the knife from the tray of food beside her bed and threw it at Aesthir's head, but narrowly missing both Bella and Aesthir.  Bella seems a bit more jumpy, being completely unprepared for the need to dodge something from the relative safety of the temple.

Aesthir regards Bella with a grave look.  "Seems that the poison finally got her, poor girl."

"A poison done that to her?" Bella asks, worriedly.

"I don't know, but her condition is not a good one, as it seems.  I would not like to think that someone who's actually helping her would be her true nature," Aesthir says, a concern in his voice.  "Or maybe it is..."

Bella shrugs a bit.  "With her... it kinda is."

"Did you know that once she attacked, without reason, mind you, the Mayor of a town?" Aesthir informs.

"No... I didn' know that," Bella replies with a wince.

"She's dangerous.  And she was threatening a lot.  You heard that, right?"  Aesthir sounds quite alarmed, a great deal of caution in his tone.

Bella take a deep breath, exhausted for many reasons,  "But she... she don' usually threaten me an' mean it."

"It's not about the intent miss.  And I'm sure you  would not be too happy if someone threw a knife at you after threatening you, would you?  What message does that send?"  Aesthir's posture prickles a bit.

The young woman shrugs a bit.  "Maybe she did go a lil bit crazy..."

Aesthir's mouth twists to his small smile, his eyes glinting as if he knows he has won something.  He resumes his concerned appearance and looks down at Bella.  "Miss, with all do respect, I wouldn't be so trusting in someone with these patterns of behavior.  What do you think your husband will think when he learns that she threw a knife that almost hit you?"

"He ain't gonna be happy."  Bella purses her lips.

"Do you think he would like you to be in danger of contagion of the virus, not to mention that the wound it could cause if you were hit?  What do you think that would do to your child, not to mention the danger for Charlie?"  Aesthir continues, "And even if... what would Protector Poetr have done? Don't you think the things I say are spoken to you by someone who cares?   Don't you think the hardships you've had thus far in your condition would worsen if that knife had hit you?  This is not a game miss.  This is serious."

"Brother... ya jest don' know her all so good."  Bella frowns.  "What're you gonna do?"

"What am I going to do?"  He smiles.  "Miss, what do you think I should do?  What would you do in my place?"

Bella shrugs.  "I jest want her to get better... so she's thinking' clear again."

Aesthirs mouth twists up in an ironic half-smile.  "That is not what I asked.  Just picture another situation.  Imagine I was with Charlie..." he pauses to affect the emphasis he desires, "and that her aim was better this time."

Bella pales.  "She wouldn' hit Charlie."

"I would stop the knife," Aesthir reassures her, "but it is not as if she would or would not hit him.  It's the intent that matters here."

"But... you jest said it ain't the intent what matters?"

Aesthir smirks.  "Miss, just think of what happened there."  He looks at her.  "Think if someone, you, Protector Poetr, or Charlie... or someone else would have been hit by that thing?  Or what if they got sick due to an attack of fury caused by whatever is causing her illness?  Would knowing that she was not well serve to say 'Oh, it's alright, she's sick.'"  He watches Bella's facial expressions to ensure that she understands.  "She's dangerous.  To herself, first and foremost."

"Well, I know she's dangerous to herself," Bella admits.  "She a'ways was, but she ain't bad.  She's jest hard fer people to understand."

Aesthir's voice drips with concern.  "I hope that you are right, and that if something bad happened you would be as... reasonable as that."

Bella rubs her aching lower back again, wincing slightly.  "I want Dan to come home," she says quietly.

Aesthir offers her some support and whispers a prayer of endurance for her.  "He should be back again in some weeks.  In the meantime, you should rest."

Bella frowns.  "I should be trainin."

"Yes, well, you should," the knight offers.  "It all depends on what is more important to you."

Bella's brow furrows as she looks at him.  "What do you mean?"

Aesthir smiles.  "Come on.  You are a smart girl.  You know what I mean.  I would hate to see you lose the Protector's primogeniture, but... accidents happen."

"The what?" Bella asks, confused and uncertain of the term.

"How much care you take is the secret really, miss."  He smiles sweetly at her.  "Don't mind me, Miss Bella.  You had enough emotion for one day."

"You think... I'm gonna lose the baby?"  There is a mix of fear and hope in her voice.

"No.  I don't know." Aesthir comforts her, but then he looks at her with grave concern on his face.  "But it could happen.  Rofirein willing, that does not happen of course.  Still... you need to rest.  And rest... and rest.  And prepare yourself for the static life of a mother.  Training, well... let's just say that there are more important things."
"

Bella's color pales.  "Static?  Like... I ain't goin' nowhere?"

"Well miss, it's not like you would leave the children alone when they need your full attention, right?"  He puts extra emphasis on the word 'full.'

Bella's eyes well up with tears as she realizes that he is telling her she must give up her dreams.

The knight offers the young woman a half hearted hug to comfort her.  "There there miss... calm down."
Bella furiously wipes tears from her eyes as she opens the door to her room.  "I knew it.  I'm bein' punished."

"Punished?" he asks as he follows her.  "Hardly milady.  Always there are consequences for your actions, but at every moment, you have control over it.  As  I said, it is just a matter of defining what is more important.  I know that you'll do the right thing in the end.  It is always easier to blame the gods for the actions of mortals.  Don't be fooled by that."  He smiles.  "Act, and accept.  Don't blame others in order to elude responsibility."  He helps Bella into bed and gently covers her with a mantle and a blanket against the crisp night air.

Bella turns over and faces the wall away from him.  "Iffn you see Charlie, send 'im here.  I'll talk to 'im."

"I'll do that."  He pauses.  "But he might take some time."

Bella looks back over her shoulder at him.  "Why?"

"He's still painting the fence outside," he explains.

"Why?"

"His chores were changed, miss.  Instead of doing the services inside the temple, he was taken to the outside to do... field chores," he explains further.

"Why?"

Aesthir smirks.  "Ask the taskmaster, milady."

Bella frowns and nods, turning back towards the wall and closing her eyes.  "Thanks fer letting me see Stalker anyhow, Brother Aesthir."

"Good night miss.  May the Gold cleanse your way of your enemies."  He quietly exits and closes the door behind him.

[Alatriel]

Two days later, after speaking with Charlie for only a few moments before he had to return to his schoolwork and chores, Bella writes a letter and leaves it for Daniel upon his return.

Dan,
I gotta figure out what's more important.  I'm travelling up round Hlint, and might go work on some field trainin.  Don't worry, I'll be careful.  I'll leave word with people I see if they know you.

Love,
Bella


She then packs her things again and a few loose fitting shirts, and heads out to find travel arrangements to Hlint.

[Alatriel]

Bella lays in bed contemplating with Daniel laying next to her, his hand on her slightly rounded stomach, fast asleep. She recites quietly to herself a code that she has memorized. A code which she is trying to apply to her life, as well as apply her life to the code.


"1. Your livelihood rests on two things: Knowledge and reputation
2. Know your enemies
3. No one is innocent.
4. Everything dies.
5. Do not kill unless you are facing your enemies.
6. Protect those who are not your enemies.
7. A child is never your enemy.
8. Retreat in the face of defeat is wise, if not noble.
9. No job is too small.
10. Pay comes in many forms, some of which are better than gold.
11. Mercenaries are killers."

Bella closes her eyes and places her right hand on the small swell of her stomach and entwines her fingers in those of her husband. "I'm a blade," she says quietly. "He's a shield. I'm a killer. He's a protector. I ain't useda workin' with a shield." She sighs a bit and quiets as Daniel shifts a bit and mumbles in his sleep.

"What was that, beloved?"

"Nothin Dan," she whispers. "Go back to sleep."

Daniel smiles, eyes still closed and kisses her forehead, drifting back to sleep.

"Nothin's ever easy," she mumbles.

[Alatriel]

Bella watches Daniel and Charlie sparring from a distance, keeping herself mostly hidden, and listening.  She flinches a bit when she sees Charlie stab Daniel, but stays where she is, watching the entire scene unfold.

Once she is certain both of them are fine, she goes back into the house.  Later on, she asks Daniel, while they lay in bed, Daniel reading quietly, "You know ya scared him don't you?  When you let him stab ya like that?"

Daniel rests his hand on her stomach and rubs gently before responding.  "Would you say such if Charlie had injured yourself or one of the girls in such a way by accident later, Bella?  It was a lesson nothing more."

"I wasn't arguin' with you Dan.  I agree with what you done.  I just was askin if you know  you scared him."

He nods a bit. "I know I did and deliberately, beloved.  The sparring matches Charlie will engage in will have many such occurences.  I am certain the knowledge of his own lack of skill will keep his enthusiasm in check henceforth."

" It's good yer teachin him.  I'll teach him more when I can."  She seems to recite.  "Children are never our enemies.  They are meant to be taught.

"Aye, I also meant what I told the boy."  He grins wryly.  "I assume you heard all?"

She grins a bit. "Most of it..."

Daniel sighs.  "Then you know I must leave for a time, a quest for the Toranites.  In my absence, allow Charlie the pride of being the man of the house.  It will teach him temperance, Bella."

" How long will you be gone?"

"A few weeks , the Gold willing.  If I am to be longer I shall send word.  Charlie is to be allowed to train daily as well.  If you are not up to the task, then allow Tod to train the boy with his blade.  Perhaps you could teach him the basics of archery, hmm?"

"I can do that.  Tod's good with his stickers too.  It'll be good for him.  Maybe the girls will challenge him a bit."

Daniel frowns.  "Charlie is not fight the girls unless closely supervised and with clear rules of engagement, Bella."

"I'm not saying he should fight them, but I don't see why the girls don't get taught to fight too.  Even with the impairment one offem has."

"Aye, but that is not our place, but Aylana's.  I , myself, believe Bria to have some talent for a slender blade, perhaps a rapier if trained properly."

Bella frowns a bit.  "All three offem lost their parents the same way in the waves anyhow didn' they?"

"Aye, but the two girls have found love again with Aylana.  Charlie will in time."  He holds Bella close.  "You are a fine mother to the boy, Bella."

Bella yawns.  "You know ya ken be a Protector and his father right?"  She closes her eyes against him.

Daniel nods slightly, covering her up with the old quilt of their bed.  "Get your rest, Bella."

"G'night, Dan."

[Alatriel]

Bella jumps and blinks as she looks down at her rounded stomach.  

"Dan..." she says hesitantly.  "I think it moved..."
Daniel smiles wide and moves to his wife's side. "That is wonderful, Bella!"

"It ain't gonna break nothin in there right?"

He fusses over her briefly, checking various life signs with the hands of a practiced healer.  "Nay, at least not that I have ever heard." Daniel grins a little.  "Although, I did hear my father say that the twins nearly kicked out my stepmother's ribs once.  Strong lads, the both of them."

"Dan... yer fussin again."

"Just to be sure, Bella."  He nods in satisfaction and kisses her forehead.  "You are the picture of health and the baby kicking means the child is well too."
He regards her solemnly for a few moments, trying to gauge her mood.  "How do you feel?"

She takes his hand and places it quietly on one side of her stomach.  "Jest... feel this.
Feels like... Bubbles..."

Daniel nods and lays a hand over midsection, grinning wide as a powerful kick is felt.  "Bubbles you say?"

"That's what it feels like to me."

"Hmm..." he says as he looks at her with a solemn expression.  "Is it painful?

She wrinkles up her face a bit in thought.  "Not really the kickin' part.  I get pains like pulls and cramps a lot though, and I cain' bend over so much no more."

Daniel nods and smiles to reassure her.  "That is completely normal, Bella.  Tell me, have you been drinking milk and juice as well as water?"

"I been drinkin whatever ya tell me to Dan... you know that," she says, slightly exasperated.  "Charlie won' come at me when we're trainin no more," she adds with a frown.

Daniel nods.  "Tis probably prudent of him to do so.  My lesson seems to have resonated with the boy.   Let him train with Tod, I say.  At least with blades.  You could keep training him in the use of his bow."

"My bow accuracy is off." She frowns.  "I ain' useda havin somethin in the way.  My balance is all off too."

He chuckles.  "It will return after, Bella.  I wager you still have greater balance than myself in any event."

He rubs her shoulders gently.  "Now, what else troubles you?"

She whispers, "Dan... I'm scared bout when this thing wants to come out."
Daniel stops mid rub and pulls her close, the baby an obvious obstacle.  "I should think you would be happier when the baby comes, but what can I do to allay your fears, Beloved?"

"It's gettin' awful big Dan...  I been hurt afore... and I know ya keep tellin' me this is natural, but I cain' help bein' scared."

"Hurt, how so?"

"I ain' dumb Dan.   I know it ain' gonna be no walk by the lake an' the baby jest falls in my lap.  Sides... Sister Merissa done told me how it works.  She told me it hurts."

He turns very serious.  "It will and it does, Bella.  I will not lie, many women experience great pain during the birthing, some even die, but I promise you will have the very best of care either at my own hands or Lady Sala's and if you wish, I will fetch one of the halfling midwives."

Bella shrugs.  "The Rofies are fine.  I ain't got no problems with em."

He smiles.  "Very well, Shall I make arrangements for you stay at the temple again when the baby's time comes?"
She looks uncertain.  "That what I'm supposeda do?"

"I sense you are very scared, Bella.  I am merely suggesting a course of action that may help you fight that fear.  What feels right to you? If you stay in Wayfare, Lana will be close by and of course Charlie and the girls."

"What about you?"

He looks pained.  "I will make every effort to be here, Bella, but Lady Daniella has called for my aid in a monumental task, I must answer."

"Oh...
I guess I ken stay with the Rofies then...er... Rofireinites...sorry Dan."

He looks relieved at the thought, ignoring the slang term.  "What of Charlie, will he go with you?"

"I reckon he should, huh?"

He frowns slightly.  "Do you think he will wish to?  He seems so happy here in Wayfare..I..." He trails off, seeming to hold back the rest of his thought.

"You what?"

Daniel hesitates a moment before speaking.  "I dislike the nature of Brother Aesthir's lessons and intents toward the boy, Bella." He whispers, "They seem overly harsh to myself.  
But, I would not wish to deprive you of his company, if he is willing, then he should go as well."

Bella frowns a bit as she considers.  "Mebbe I'll stay here then."

Daniel nods.  "I will send word to Lady Sala then, I trust her above nearly any other, except perhaps for Miss Zira.  Whom would you prefer?"

"I dunno." She seems uncertain.

Daniel sighs.  "Lady Sala then, she is often in Hempstead.  Bella..."  He furrows his brow.  "If it be the Dragon's will, I will be here for you.  My word on it."

She takes a deep breath.  "I know Dan.  We ken talk about it more later iffn ya want, but... I gotta pee."

Daniel gives her another reassuring smile.  "Very well.  Off you go."

[Alatriel]

Febra 22, 1464

Daniel paces around the livingroom floor as the midwife, an elderly woman named Holly, checks on Bella.  Finally, the door cracks open, and then Holly emerges looking concerned.  

"Well?  What's wrong?  Why hasn't the baby come yet?  She should have given birth two weeks ago shouldn't she?" Daniel asks worriedly.

Holly speaks calmly, but unease is apparent in her voice.  "Protector, sometimes first children simply come late.  This happens regularly.  However, I agree, the child needs to come now.  It seems that it simply is comfortable where it is.  Your wife is resting right now, but I've given her a mixture of herbs to bring on the labor.  We should know within a few hours if it's working."

"Can I see her now?" Dan asks.
Holly looks at him sternly.  "Go ahead, but she needs her rest.  That child is large, and she isn't.  She has a difficult task ahead of her bringing your child into the world, and I won't have you wearing her out before she even gets started."

Daniel nods his agreement.  "Yes, ma'am, you have my word."  He rushes to the bedroom and quietly opens the door and slips inside.

Holly peers down the hall.  "You can come out now children."

Three children peek their heads out of the room at the end of the hall.  Charlie, Bria, and Katelyn walk quietly across the livingroom to Holly, their heads hung a bit, and hands behind their back in shame of getting caught in their concerned efforts of spying.

Holly speaks calmly to the children, but her voice carries with an authority of years of practice with young ones.  "I want you three to go outside for the day.  Go fishing, catch frogs... stay out of the house.  Understood?  When night falls, I'll have you girls' mother come and fetch you."

"But..."

"No buts, Charlie... do as you're told.  Your mother is in good hands."

Charlie sighs and frowns, hanging his head.  "Yes'm..."

The three children hesitantly make their way outside, shutting the door behind them.

Holly turns as Daniel emerges from the room.  "She's resting... So... now we wait?"

Holly nods.  "Now we wait."




Hours pass.  Daniel paces the floor as he hears groans of pain coming from the bedroom.  He knocks on the bedroom door.  "Ms. Holly, please, I want to help... is there anything I can do?"

Holly, worn and concerned, peeks out the door.  "The child is not turned, Protector...  I need to turn it, or else I'm not sure if there will be a chance for her to deliver the child safely.  It will be painful for her, but if you can hold her hands... you can come in.  This is womens' business, sir, but yes, I can use you."

Daniel cautiously enters and looks around the screen to see Bella lying on their bed clenching her teeth against another contraction.

"Breathe, dear one." Holly says soothingly.  "After this passes, we'll turn the child.  Daniel is hear to help you."

As the contraction passes, Bella looks up at Daniel with fear and weariness in her eyes and reaches for his hand.  Daniel quickly walks over to her and kneels beside the bed, taking her hand firmly as Holly begins to press firmly on Bella's stomach, moving circularly, pushing to coax the child to move inside her.  As the pressure increases, Bella cries out in pain and squeezes tightly to Daniel's hands, mumbling something incoherent in her outcry.  After some minutes, but what seems like an eternity to Bella, Holly finally stops her pushing and settles back, relieved.  

"Tis done... the child took the hint and did quite a bit of the work on it's own."  She smiles slightly and stands.  "Drink some water, child.  The real work is soon to begin."  She leaves Daniel and Bella together as she goes to gather a few things from the other side of the room.

"Dan..." Bella wimpers softly.  "Make it stop?  Jest... kill me... take the child out.  It hurts... so... much..."  She clenches again and groans as another, stronger contraction hits her.

Daniel gently strokes Bella's face and coaxes her through the pains.  "It will be alright, Beloved.  You're doing just fine.  What is it you're always telling me?  This will make you stronger.  You're strong enough for this, my love.  You can do it."

Daniel says a few words of prayer and blesses Bella with endurance and strength.  "Would that I could take the pain from you, you know I would, Bella."

Holly returns and shoos Daniel out again.  "Thank you for your help Protector.  We'll take it from here."




More hours pass, and the sun sets outside.  The children return and the girls are ushered back downstairs with their mother to wait.  Charlie creeps up the stairs and brings his father a plate of food.

"Prot...er... Da?  Gramma Lana said I should bring this to ya."  He sets the food on the desk and looks worriedly at the bedroom as he hears another yell of pain from his mother, Bella's voice growing weaker with exhaustion.

"Da... is Ma gonna be alright?" Charlie asks hesitantly.

Daniel looks at his adopted son, weary and worn from worry and helplessness.  "She's in the hands of the Gold, son.  I..." his voice breaks a bit as he turns to look at the door again.  

Charlie walks up softly to stand near his father.  "Da?  Ken I stay with ya?  So... ya don't gotta be alone?"

Mustering his courage in light of the boy's presence, Daniel turns back to Charlie and tries to give him a smile of encouragement, but it comes across more as a slight frown, "Certainly, Charlie, you may stay. I should be glad of the company." Daniel makes room on the small couch and bids the boy to sit next to him, carefully choosing his next words, "We have not always seen eye to eye on some things, have we, Charlie?" He asks, looking to the room where Bella's continued groans of pain can be heard. "Tell me true, how do you really feel about Bella being with child?"

Charlie responds "I don't know if I oughta tell you the truth, Da..."

Daniel frowns making an intuitive guess, " I will not like what I hear, eh?", he asks softly then sighs. "Very well, you do not have to tell me if you do not wish to, Charlie.  You do believe me when I say I only want what is best for Bella, aye?"

Charlie nods, reluctantly.

Daniel accepts his nonverbal answer with a smile, "Good, now tell me Charlie, do you think you are ready for a real blade instead of that wooden one you have been training with?"

Charlie half nods, but seems more intent on the sounds from the bedroom that come more frequently, but with less force behind them as if the one uttering them is losing strength.  A more firm voice can be heard urging, "Push, Bella.... come on... you have to do this... don't give up now.  Push!"

Daniel glances at the door with alarm as well, then turns back to Charlie, "I am frightened too, Charlie, but your mother is strong, very strong.  She will come though," he says with conviction.  "There is one thing we can do to help, and that is to pray to the Lord Protector to give her strength, will you do so with me, Charlie?"

Charlie nods.

Daniel smiles and bows his head, "Lord Protector, If ever you have found favor in my service, grant Bella the strength to bring our child into the world." He offers his heartfelt and simple prayer as Charlie sits with him.
"Now you say something, Charlie."

A voice calls urgently from the bedroom.  "Protector!  Quick!  I need you!"

Daniel starts to his feet, seeming to make a decision, "You may come as well, but stay by the door, Charlie and do as you are told." Daniel moves into the room quickly.

Charlie, ashen faced, stays where he is, as if afraid to move forward, but whispers quietly, "Lord Protector... ya know what I want already... it's still the same..."

Inside the room, Holly thrusts a weakly breathing child wrapped in a blood covered blanket to Daniel.  

"Help the child, Protector... you have a daughter, but she needs you."  She then turns to Bella and works to stop the mother's bleeding.  "This isn't as bad as it looks, but it will be if not tended."

"What's wrong?" Bella asks, shivering and weak with exhaustion.  "Is she a'right?"

Daniel quickly checks the girl over, changing the blanket with a new one and wrapping her tightly both as a security for her and to keep her warm.  Tucking the child into one arm, he moves to Bella and casts regeneration upon her with a satisfied nod. "She will be well in moments, Holly, rest easy, but watchful."

Holly grumbles, "Don't know what it is with you magic types.  Think you can fix everything.  But aye... she'll be alright.  She needs rest."  Her tone softens, gentle and reassuring to Bella.  "You did well, dear one... you have a daughter."

Daniel smiles wide, "She is fine, as beautiful as her mother and assuredly just as strong and stubborn." Daniel hands the now cleanly wrapped infant to Bella. "You must allow her to feed, Beloved."

Bella closes her eyes, seemingly unable to even hold the child or stay awake any longer as Daniel stays close, holding the infant on top of Bella as she sleep, allowing the two to remain in contact.

"The child will wait a while longer, Protector.  Just get her breathing stronger, both mother and daughter are exhausted after that ordeal."  Holly says.

Daniel nods to the midwife and speaks in quiet tones," It is equally important that they bond, Holly.  Vital in fact."  Daniel begins arranging blankets so that the infant can lie next to its sleeping mother, head close to her breasts.  He steps back to make sure all is secure then moves to leave. "I am able to see to her continued care from here, Holly.  You have my gratitude for your service."

Holly looks at Daniel a moment, "She needs a name, you know."

"The girl's name is Rachel Tariana Poetr," Daniel says firmly as he regards his newborn daughter.

Holly smiles, her own exhaustion becoming apparent.  "A good name, that.  You take care of your family, Protector.  I'll stop by in a day or two to check on them both."

"Oh, and Miss Holly," Daniel fishes a small bag of true from his robes, " No one feeds themselves and their family on simple good wishes." He smiles and presses the bag into her hands.  "We shall see you in a day or so, eh?"

Holly smiles and accepts the bag with a nod.  "Thank you sir.  Aye, I'll see you then.  May the good spirits smile on your family today sir... and congratulations."  

Daniel nods, his focus already on the sleeping mother and infant.  He moves a chair close to the side of the bed and gently pulls back some of the swaddling to gaze into his daughters sky blue eyes.

Charlie peeks in the door as Holly leaves.  "Da?"

"Aye, Charlie.  Come in , Come in, pray be quiet, but do say hello to your new sister, Rachel." Daniel beckons the boy in with a wave of his hand.

Charlie tiptoes in, looking nervously where Bella sleeps, her hair plastered with sweat to the sides of her face, but her breathing steady and even.  Charlie swallows hard as he looks at his mother a moment and then creeps around to stand near Daniel and peer at the baby.  Rachel opens her eyes and looks at her brother blearily.  "Da... she's lookin' at me..." Charlie says hesitantly.  

"Aye Charlie, she is seeing your face and mine for the first time."

Daniel fishes a small hand out from the swaddling and gently guides Charlie's finger into its grasp, grinning and watching his reaction.

Charlie's eyes go wide as the little fingers curl around his own.  He slowly starts to grin as he continues to stare at his baby sister.  "Heya Rachel... I'm yer big brother, Charlie.  I'm gonna teach ya how ta fish... and ta catch frogs..." He quickly glances at Daniel, turning a bit red as he makes the ammendment, "Um... but... not bring em into the house of course..."

Daniel lets out a low rumbling chuckle, startling Rachel slightly, then quiets quickly, "Aye, Charlie, not in the house, one frog in the soup is more than enough to spoil anyone's dinner.  Now," Daniel gently looses Rachel's grip on Charlie's finger and turns her toward her mother again, " We should leave these two be for a time and let them sleep.  Off with you now, lad.  Go tell Grandma Lana and your cousins you have a sister."

He nods and runs out the door yelling loudly "Hey everybody!  I got a sister!"

Daniel gently covers Rachel's head in his large hand as the boy shouts.  "Not so loud, Charlie, Bella needs rest!"

Bella opens her eyes halfway and looks at the two of them before closing her eyes again.  

"Bella, before you sleep again, see to Rachel." Daniel makes sure Charlie has left the room then lifts the blankets around Bella and slides Rachel under where she can suckle.  He covers them both with another smaller blanket, "Now simply relax, Beloved."

Bella nods as the baby latches on hungrily, and quickly falls back to sleep again, whispering a quiet, "I love you, Dan... but I don' wanna do that again..."

Daniel kisses her on the forehead, "Rest, we can speak more of that later, Bella."

[Alatriel]

Tyra arrives in Fort Wayfare, dressed in her usual attire: black coat, cloak, and leggings.  She's armed only with on sword.  She finds the house she was told of and knocks on the door firmly.

After some moments, there is a voice at the door, worn out and weary, but it sounds like Bella. "Who is it?"

"Your nasty, neighborhood Stalker."

The door cracks open and then further once Bella recognizes who it is.  Her hair is stringy and she looks like she hasn't slept in days... but she obviously isn't pregnant anymore.  

"Congratulations...  I think..."  Tyra smirks, a warm friendly look in her eyes.

She nods and opens the door for her to come in all the way.  "Sorry... I'm jest tired.  Rachel ain't lettin' me sleep, and Dan went off fer a few days ta do what he does...   Lana's with 'im and I got all four of the kids..."

"Want some help?" Tyra offers.

"I want some sleep..." Bella replies bluntly.

Tyra  smiles.  "I'm somewhat jealous, Mouse.  After the last 3 months, I'd have loved to have four kids pulling at me...  Course I'd prolly make them all tire themselves out with exercises but...  I'd be happy..."

Bella frowns a bit.  "I am... sorta... I mean... I ain't unhappy Stalker... I'm jest tired, an' I still hurt.  It weren' easy...  I reckon ya wanna see Rachel huh?  You ain't sick no more are ya?"

"I'm not going to get her sick, if that's what yer asking," Tyra answers.  "As to if I'm sick...  I will be for a long time..."

Bella nods a bit and walks slowly up the stairs as if each step still hurts.  "She's sleepin... but ya ken come up.  Charlie an' the girls went fishin' again."

Tyra walks along, without a sound.

Bella leads her into the bedroom where things are sort of strewn here and there and a pile of laundry rests in the corner waiting to be washed.  She sits down carefully on the bed, wincing as she does so, next to a sleeping bundle.

"Need some help?"  Tyra asks, looking around the room with a smirk.

"I'll get to it..." Bella says defensively.  "Lana's been helpin' me lots when she's home.  I feel like my insides done got ripped out."

Tyra  walks over to the bed and sits on the opposite side of Rachel.  Bella carefully picks up Rachel, who squeaks a bit and opens her mouth as if she's expecting something.  A sound of longing comes out of Tyra's mouth as she looks at the little baby.  Bella holds Rachel against her so she is facing out at Tyra, and leans back against the pillows on the bed.  
"Well... this is Rachel."

Tyra reaches over takes the bundle gently, laying down beside Bella and cradling Rachel.  "Hello Rachel..."   She smiles her best smile at the baby.

"Don' scare her Stalker..."  Bella lays her head on Tyra's shoulder.  "It's a lotta work ya know," she says after a few moments.

Tyra grins at Bella, then smiles at the baby.  "What is?  Pushing it out?  I'm sure..."

Bella winces painfully.  "Oh... don't even remind me...  I don' ever wanna do that again.  She weren' facin' the righ' way... Holly had ta push real hard and get her ta turn... I jest wanted ta die."

"Holly?"

Bella responds quietly, looking absently at Rachel, "The midwife."

"The mid- oh...  Right.  Well was it worth it?"  She twirls a bit of Rachel's whispy light brown hair around her gloved finger.

Bella frowns a bit and reaches over to carefully take her daughter back.  "I dunno..."  She sobs suddenly and involuntarily and holds her daughter close.  She then starts to laugh softly through the tears.  "I think she done made me crazy..."
 
"What's wrong?"  Tyra asks with concern as she rubs Bella's shoulder, looking at her apprentice and her daughter.

"Nothin... that's jest it... I cain' help it... I've gone crazy..."  She continues to sob and laugh at the same time, hiccuping and blubbering and quite obviously exhausted.

"I don't think you're crazy, I think you're just a new mother," Tyra says reassuringly.

Rachel squeaks again and seems a bit more insistent in her complaints.  Bella sighs and looks around for a clean blanket.  "Stalker..."  Bella points to one folded on the armoire.  "Hand me that will ya?"

Tyra sniffs, then wrinkles her nose. "Yeah...  here..."

"Naw... that ain' what she's after..." Bella slings the blanket over her shoulder and adjusts Rachel under the blanket.  She winces a moment and utters a near silent curse and then seems to relax again after a few short moments.  "I think I know where people come up with new ways o' torture... but... it ain' so bad after the first bit, jest when she grabs on... I'm sore all over... in places I ne'er thought I'd be sore."

"Oh...  Hungry?   Shy even around me, huh?"  She smirks, then closes her eyes as she lays next to Bella.  "I'm glad to be back..."

"What happened to ya?" Bella asks quietly.

"What, you forgot?"
"Naw, jest didn' know what it was," Bella clarifies.

"Don't worry about it.  It wasn't anything you'll catch," Tyra says somewhat bitterly.

"Ya weren' there fer a long time..." Bella says just above a whisper.

"I'm sorry Bella, but they had to be sure I was safe...."

"Yeah... I know," the younger woman whispers.

"Bella if I could have, I would have been there for you the entire time.  You know that..." Tyra says with remorse.

"I know."

Bella moves Rachel over to the other side.  "I ain' been trainin in way too long."

"Anyway..." Tyra says, avoiding Bella's confession.  "If you think Lana won't mind I'll stay here with you and help with the kids if you want."

"I don' think Lana would care so long as ya don' scare her girls, an' so long as ya ain' mean to Dan... I don' think they'll care iffn ya sleep on the couch fer a few days... specially while they ain't here," Bella says honestly.

"Do you want me around, though?" Tyra asks.

Bella starts crying again.  "I'm so tired righ' now Stalker, I don' care who's here iffn they'll help me get some sleep..."

"Oh Bella...  Here, is Rachel fed?"  Tyra suddenly looks very worried.  "I'll ...  um...  go sit with her somewhere so you can sleep..."

Bella hands Rachel over to Tyra who seems not entirely thrilled with the transfer.  "She needs her cloths changed... what?  wha's wrong?"  Bella asks quickly in a near panic as she notices Tyra's worried look.

"Oh?  Great..."  Tyra holds Rachel out away from her some.  "Give her to me when she does that... Huh?

Bella protectively reaches to take Rachel back.  "I'll do it then..."


"No no...  you rest...  I'll change the poop machine..."  She gets up and takes Rachel with her, then looks for something to change her into.

"They're in the wardrobe..." Bella instructs.

She uses her foot to open the wardrobe and fetches some cloths.  "Now you sleep..."

Bella curls up a bit on the bed.  "Stalker..."
"Yes, Bella?"

"Please don't take her away...  I know I ain't good at this, but I'm doin the best I can."

"I'm just gonna go in the next room with her..."  Tyra sighs, and frowns.  "I'm not stealing your daughter, Mouse."

Bella sniffs, then cascades into tears again.  "Iffn I don't do a good enough job, Leisa will."

"No, she won't."  Tyra says firmly.  "You will do fine, and I will help you, but no one is taking your daughter from you, unless they want to die a very slow painful death."

Bella wipes her eyes and seems to drift off into an exhausted sleep even while still sniffing and crying and Rachel begins to squawk and demand attention to fix her wet state.

"Sleep, Bella..."  Tyra looks to her sort-of-granddaughter.  "Alright Miss Poetr, lets see if we can clean you up..."

[Alatriel]

Bella and Steel confer inside the wards and safety of the Tower Academy about an upcoming job.  Bella names her price.

"I want a favor, to be named when I want, when I need, an' I want my name associated with yers fer now while I build my own rep," she states.

"A 'favor'... that's an awfully pricey tag, you have there.... and are you sure you want your name associated with mine? I do have enemies, you know," he replies.

"We all have enemies, Steel.  I ain't a kid no more."

"Doesn't seem that long ago that you were," he says.  "Just warning you, my enemies don't always fight fair.  Your family could become a target... par for the course with your line of work if you want to make it 'big.'"

"Here's the snag.  Bella Poetr an' Mouse... they ain' goin' on this trip.  So you pick whatever name ya feel like usin, but them two are stayin' home.  Mouse is retirin'," she explains.  "Dan ken keep Rachel an' Charlie safe."

"Is she now?" Steel ponders.  "Mouse retiring... perhaps it's time to find you a new face as well .  We'll look into that.  Hoods are too easily removed."

Bella raises an eyebrow and looks at him quizzically. "What, like a mask?  Nothin' noisy."

Steel shrugs.  "We'll see."

Bella looks at him with a businesslike demeanor.  "We gotta deal then?"

"Alright. A Favor. But you better prove you're worth your salt."

She crosses her arms.  "Iffn I ain', yer the one what trained me."

"And if I'm paying you," Steel continues, "I expect you to do more than throw your body around in a noble fight against whetever."

" I'm listenin.  whatcha got in mind?"

"If I'm paying you, I expect you'll be helping me get what I'm after," Steel states.

The two continue to discuss details of plans for a while with Steel divulging both his intentions and his reasonings.  Bella agrees to his plan and to do what it is he asks.  Towards the end of her conversation, though, she remembers a few details.  "A'righ'... a couple more things.  Tell Tod an' Mel you told me I ain' comin' with ya on account o' my kids.  Tell em ya told me no, an' that I agreed iffn they ask."

"Easy enough.  You really will need a new face," Steel responds.

Bella nods finally.  "Yeah... I will."

"And maybe a new set of duds," he continues.

Bella frowns.  I'm gonna have ta tell Dan I'm retirin' cept fer the times he wants ta go out fer little things too.  I don' like lyin' to 'im but it's fer his own good.  He don't get it... what I do."

Steel chuckles.  "And I thought I liked to play risky."

"Steel, iffn he ever found out bout somethin iffn it broke a law, he'd turn me in.  Iffn I wanna keep what I got, an' still do what I want, then somethin's gonna hafta shift.  Leisa's gonna be ed as a hellcat when I tell her I'm quittin'.   Stalker don' know either, an' fer now, I don' want her to."

"Quittin' what exactly?  Just quitting in general?"

 
"Yeah mostly"

Steel nods a bit.
"Whatever this new face I pick, I don' want Stalker ta know fer now.  She tries ta shield too much.  Much as she wants ta think it, she ain' my ma."

Steel stands and sniffs.  "Well then.  Welcome to the masquerade."

"I reckon so."

"Maybe one day I'll let you see enough behind the curtain to know what's really going on.  But this is a start."

Bella nods a bit.

"And first things first," Steel continues.  "You don't work for anyone.   Nobody.   Except yourself.   Someone else may pay you, but that's just your way of getting a meal or a new sword.  At best, you might be someone's ally."

Bella grins crookedly.  "Jest remember that."

"I expect it."