“An attempted robbery of my life and coin.”

“Where they Jennicus soldiers!?”

“No, “a voice answers from a far. Turning their heads all attention was now on a woman who was not one of them.

“Apologies allow me to render proper introduction my name is Emere owner of this pub the lives of the women you stilled have robbed and terrorized my customers for years. Despite my gravest efforts I was never able to defeat them instead I was forced to give coin in order to see all unharmed.”

“They were nomads, “another soldier asks.

“Yes, they robbed and murdered as they saw fit due to their large number they terrorized at will, “she says walking closer to Bette and Gaia.

“Your pub and customers are forever safe, “Gaia says.

“My sincerest gratitude towards you both I do not have much to offer, “she says extending her hand to them both, “I am forever in your debt take my hand and see long lasting bond forged.” Gaia taking her hand shaking it firmly then Bette in affirmation a bond had indeed been forged.

“There is clean cloth and warm water if you choose to clean yourselves.”

“Gratitude, “they both say at once then look at each other.

“Come to bathe and see you both to proper dress.” Following behind Emere she leads them towards the back of the pub.

“Bette, “a soldier calls out to her, “The deceased women many of us wonder would it be——.”

“Enjoy, “she responds smiling knowing the soldiers were eager to rob the deceased women of anything worth of value that could be useful then bury their bodies. Turning around Bettes smile quickly fades as she searched for answers to the many unanswered questions filling her thoughts. What caused Gaia to fight alongside her furthermore, what alerted her to the battle in the first place? They were enemies, if anyone held probable cause to still her life it was Gaia but there she stood fighting beside her like they had done so many times before. In that brief moment they stood as sisters free of conflict and indifferences. While she knew it may never occur she hoped this small battle would begin to mend the rift between them.

Since arriving in Kaicus Alani (Alice) remained to herself working and speaking only to Sammaria who she now considered best friend. Nothing, had changed since she trotted through the gates of Kaicus as she was reminded daily by the unwelcoming stares. The environment created kept her tense, uncomfortable, and frightened. Despite, her fears she had given her word to accompany Sammaria to Kaicus annual independence festival. Since the festivities were taken place in the massive field behind the shop, she thought it would be best if she got dressed there. Standing in front of the mirror she gave herself one final glance over, content with the results she emerges from the room. As soon as she opened the door Sammaria was there waiting smiling at her.