DMaster: Britney gets you to work, cleaning hallways, shaking out rugs, wiping down walls. It is almost as though she is punishing you, barking orders and expecting quick results.

Chance: I will gladly take them, and I will work my ass off.

DMaster: You finally get a Chance to rest, on a chair in the lounge area; plate of food, mug of water.

Chance: Eat what I can, drink up. Keep an eye on the stairs and front door.

DMaster: A man walks in, fairly well built, a little older, very handsome. Britney turns to see him.
BRIT: Oh my, Plugr! You made it!
She walks over and they embrace.
PLUG: Good to see you Brit, wish it was under better circumstances really.
She nods her head.
BRIT: You made amazing time, in fact…
He smiles
PLU: That would be impossible (chuckles) I was already on my way, along the coast when I got word from a runner. I made port in Del Rosa, and sailed the rest of the way.
Britney walks over to you and introduces you to Plugr.

Chance: Stand up, bow a little.
Chan: M’Lord?

DMaster: He smiles.
PLUG: No bowing to me Chance, I’m just a retired knight.
You exchange pleasantries and she has you grab his bags after you eat, and head up the stairs and drop them off in his room.

Chance: Walk in, drop them off.

DMaster: The King and Plugr greet each other with a hug and a rousing welcome. He looks at you and Britney.
KING: Myself, Affinity and Birgetta will be heading out soon.
Britney nods. you leave the room after finding out what girls are going. Britney informs you of your tasks.

Chance: I will wait for everyone to depart so I am not wasting all day cleaning, in the hallway of course

DMaster: It doesn’t take long, Plugr heads out, the King rallies the troops. The four of them head out.

Chance: will do king’s room first since it wont take long, go in and tidy it up.

DMaster: It is pretty clean, and finish up quickly.

Chance: and then go to the princess room and knock since I remember one of the ladies in waiting didn’t want to go.

 
DMaster: You hear a faint “come in”

Chance: I walk in.
Chan: Sorry, to bother you I just have to tidy up the room a little.

DMaster: The room is fairly clean, the minimal sunlight was shining through the window. Erikka stands against the wall looking out the window. She is in a flowing nightgown with a shawl and her hair is up in a ponytail. Erikka glances to you, nods and continues to look out the window.

Chance: Chan: is something Bothering you Erikka?
as I am cleaning.

DMaster: Erikka seems to awake from a daydream and shudders… She puts her arms together.
ERIK: No, no, I, just am a bit under the weather.
She closing her eyes. Erikka pulls her shawl around her despite the room being fairly warm and humid.

Chance: Chan: well if there is anything I can do don’t be afraid to ask.
hurry up and finish cleaning the room.

DMaster: You start to pick things up and stack a few dishes when you hear quite sobs. Erikka is sobbing at the window, head in her hands as her body quivers with every breath.

Chance: turn around and look.
Chan: Erikka talk to me, what’s going on, something is wrong.

DMaster: She doesn’t seem to hear at first, caught in a fit of crying. Then she realizes and looks up, turns to you with tears falling down. She runs over to you and wraps her arms around you almost knocking you over and continues to sob.

Chance: Softly say.
Chan: It’s okay, what’s wrong Erikka? it’s more than being under the weather.

DMaster: She starts to breath heavier, like she is trying to stop crying, sniffling. She stops hugging you and steps back. She wipes her eyes as she continues to look down.
ERIK: I just want to go home.
She says with a trembling voice, she pauses a moment, wipes her nose a little.
ERIK: I can’t sleep… I can’t eat. I have terrible nightmares.
She turns away and walks to a dresser and she is wiping her eyes and nose with some towel.

Chance: Chan: have you told anyone about this, besides me?

DMaster: She turns back to you, places the towel on the dresser.
ERIK: Yes *sniffle* but we can’t leave. Cassie and Affinity are implementing some sort of plan to catch whoever is after her, and… gasp.
She clasps her hand over her mouth with big round eyes. The blonde woman has a look of despair.
ERIK: I wasn’t supposed to say anything to anyone.

Chance: Chan: it’s okay Erikka I am in the know.
Smile at her, thinking: ‘wtf is she talking about?’

DMaster: Erikka has a look of relief wash over her face.
ERIK: Thank Animax, of course you would be. You saved us all.

Chance: Chan: You didn’t think I wouldn’t be involved somehow? Giving her a crooked smile.

DMaster: ERIK: I don’t know really. I am exhausted and overwhelmed.
Shakes her head and slowly walks back over to the window.

Chance: Chan: well first thing you need to do is stop worrying and get something to eat.
Chan: do you want me to go get you something to eat?

DMaster: Erikka leans against the wall and looks out the window.
ERIK: Yeah, please, just something simple please.

Chance: Chan: okay, I will be back with something right quick
turn and head out the door and downstairs.

DMaster: You walk out the door and head down the hallway. You quickly make your way down to the bottom floor. Two guards at the bottom, and the Knight at the door. The double doors are open like usual. It is much more humid than normal due to the rain, but the temp is cool.

Chance: I will head to the ice chest we keep food in and prepare a plate for Erikka and grab her something to drink as well. You head back up to her room and knock when I get back to the door.

DMaster: You hear softly .
ERIK: come in.

Chance: walk in with the food and drink.
Chan: your food and something to drink.

DMaster: She is sitting on the edge of the bed just staring at the floor, hands are inside her thighs as she rocks back and forth a bit.

Chance: Chan: come on, Erikka, you need to eat and have something to drink we don’t want you passing out.

DMaster: She stops rocking and glances up at you and softly smiles. She nods and reaches for the plate.

Chance: hand her the plate and put the drink on the night stand.

DMaster: She starts to nibble on some food and after what seemed like an hour (but was only 5 minutes)

Chance: Chan: would you like me to stay and talk?

DMaster: She stops eating for a second, looks at you.
ERIK: Yeah could you stay? If you don’t mind?
She grabs the cup and takes a drink.

Chance: I will take a seat on the floor.
Chan: I don’t mind at all, I am here for everyone.

DMaster: Placing down the cup she smiles and looks at you.
ERIK: Can I ask you a personal question?

Chance: Chan: Of course.

DMaster: Stops a moment to gather her thoughts.
ERIK: Every time I close my eyes, I see that… beast. Hovering over me with that sick looking sword, I can feel his unearthly hot breath on my face…
She shudders.

Chance: Chan: M’Lady?

DMaster: Gaining her composure.
ERIK: How do you sleep at night? Don’t you have nightmares?

Chance: Chan: I sleep well.
Pausing and pondering on how to answer this.
Chan: But it doesn’t take away the fear I have of facing such a creature again. I reacted, without thinking, to protect you, Birgetta and the Princess.

DMaster: ERIK: (sigh) But no nightmares or horrific visions?

Chance: I will shake my head.
Chan: No. I am not going to lie, that it didn’t affect me for a few days. But sometimes you just have to dig deep… accept the things that are out of your control and look to the future with your best foot forward. It’s not easy, hell, nothing is easy now-a-days.
Give her a warm look.
Chan: Doing things that are important to people and things greater than yourself, is something that helps me move forward when I am at an impasse. But just know there are people here that care for you and will protect you.

DMaster: She stares out across the room… smiles slightly and nibbles on some food.

Chance: Chan: don’t worry, nothing will harm you or the others as long as I am around .
Smile at her a bit.
Chan: I won’t let that happen.

DMaster: In between bites she has a soft smile on her face. Looks up at you.
ERIK: I believe you.
Smiles bigger and pops a piece of cheese in her mouth.
ERIK: Greater than myself… I need to shape up if not for me, for my Princess.

DMaster: There is a knock on the door.
ERIK: Come in!
Britney sticks her head in.
BRIT: Erikka I didn’t mean to disturb you but have you…
Looks at you.
BRIT: OH! Chance, there you are!

Chance: Chan: right here. Me and Erikka were just talking.

DMaster: ERIK: Pardon me Britney, I did not mean to keep Chance.
BRIT: OH! It is fine, nothing to worry about, I was just wondering where he went off too.
ERIK: I am good now, Chance got me some food and drink and I am feeling better now.
Britney looks your way, smiles and nods with approval.

Chance: Chan: Ahhh, she just needed to refuel a bit and get a few things out. Maybe you can talk to her a bit, Britney since you have seen more in your life than I have.

DMaster: ERIK: I really appreciate the thought, but I want to be alone right now, *munch munch*
She is wiping her mouth.
ERIK: Thank you so much Chance.
She has a soft, tired smile on a face streaked with tears, eyes red from sobbing.

Chance: Chan: Hey, it’s what I do!
Wink at Erikka as I get off the floor.

DMaster: Erikka gives out a quiet chuckle, and puts her plate on the end table. She stands up and walks over and hugs you.

Chance: Chan: remember if you need anything don’t be afraid to ask, just leave the plate on the table and I will come back and get it later.

DMaster: You see Erikka head over to her dresser as you head for the door.

Chance: Chan: guess I better go get some work done.

DMaster: Britney says goodbye and walks out the door with you. The blonde cougar grabs you by the arm in the hallways as the door to the room shuts.

Chance: Chan: suppose you want to know what was going on?

Chance: Chan: after you, I will wait a few minutes.
Wait for her to leave.

DMaster: She creeps out the door, and closes it quietly. You can hear her start to walk down the hallway and to the stairs.

Chance: then I will poke my head out and head up to my apartment.

DMaster: You walk out of the closet and close the door. You quickly go up the steps and pass a few guards that have not paid much attention to you.

Chance: unlock my apartment and change my clothes into short pants and a simple tunic.Then go back out, lock the door and head back downstairs.

DMaster: You make your way down to the bottom level and all is quite. The temp has risen a bit now that the sun is starting to peek through. Its real muggy but it’s nothing you are not used to. Glancing around you see Britney and Corina behind the desk going over some papers. Two guards at the staircase entrance, wiping sweat off their forehead.

Chance: Chan: Corina I am gonna head down to the beach for a little bit.

DMaster: The large breasted woman glances up.
COR: Ok, see you later.
Britney does not look, probably afraid to give away your secret encounter.

Chance: head down to the beach and find a nice quiet spot and relax.

DMaster: You head out of the Inn and to the beach. As you are walking you hear movement in the bushes.

Chance: turn and look.
Chan: who’s there?

DMaster: A man with a hood comes from out of the brush, you can’t see his face. He walks up to you standing about 5 feet away. He looks to be ready to pounce.

Chance: OK, be ready for whatever he does.

DMaster: As your attention is on the hooded man, you are grabbed from behind.

Chance: oh here we go, dammit.

DMaster: You are dropped to your knees hard. Pain shoots through your leg. The hooded man in front of you comes over and holds you face down in the dirt.
MAN: Don’t try anything, we are not going to hurt you.

Chance: Chan: Do I have much of a choice?

DMaster: They grab your arms and quickly drag you through the bushes and thrown to the ground.

Chance: try looking around.

DMaster: You can look around, they have let go of you.The Priestess you met previously walks out from what appeared thin air but you surmised it was the brush behind her.

Chance: Rolling my eyes.
Chan: oh we have to stop meeting like this.

DMaster: The tall Priestess smirks.
VEL: Are you a wiseacre all the time or just when I am around?
She is wearing a thin black robe, her hood is down to reveal her face and looks like she has some shit kicking boots on underneath.

Chance: Chan: What can I say, you bring out the best in me.

DMaster: VEL: So I got word it was, YOU, who dispatched my assassin She tilts her head and squats down to be face level with you.
VEL: I am impressed, I wasn’t sure you could even open a bag of salty nuts.

Chance: Chan: well I am glad you are impressed and, I don’t like salty nuts.

DMaster: VEL: You are probably wondering why I dragged you away from what… whatever you were doing.
She looks around.

Chance: Chan: I am sure I am not going to like the reason, but yes I was wondering that.

DMaster: She is nodding her head slowly.
VEL: You are right, you probably won’t like the reason.
She stands back up and motions the two with her to stand you up you get lifted up.
VEL: Considering you killed my assassin, I am looking for a new one .
Looks at you from the side of her face.
VEL: A new recruit per say.

Chance: Chan: and that has what to do with me?

DMaster: VEL: Well, I am hoping it is you my dear Chance. I want YOU as our Assassin.

Chance: Chan: what makes you think I would say yes? Do I look like an assassin to you?

DMaster: VEL: I don’t but…
She pauses a moment.
VEL: you never know. Like, I never thought you would run my assassin through so easily.
After a long moment.
VEL: What say you?

Chance: Chan: do I get time to think or do I have to give you my answer right now?

DMaster: VEL: I would prefer now…
She says as she fans herself a bit from the humidity.

Chance: Chan: and if I were to say no what would happen? I just want to know my options here.

DMaster: Her eyes narrow a bit with annoyance.
VEL: Why don’t you just answer the question.

Chance: Chan: well a smart assassin likes to know his options, my dear lady.

DMaster: An eyebrow raises on her face. She smiles and nods.
VEL: Fair enough. If you say No, I will have to offer up idle threats and make you wish you were never born
The two guards look at each other confused.

Chance: Chan: and if I say yes?

DMaster: She smiles again.
VEL: You will enter into the spoils of Finster, Travel Legon, visit places you would never thought you would see, Have weapons, riches, and all the “Britney’s” you want.
She chuckles.
VEL: And….
She makes it obvious she is looking into your eyes…
VEL: Your mom will be safe.

Chance: Snort a little and smirk.
Chan: ahhh, there is the threat I was waiting for.

DMaster: Tilts her head a little and gives you an amusing smile.

Chance: Chan: well if you put it that way I guess there is only one choice for me.

DMaster: VEL: No my dear Chance there is always a choice.

Chance: Chan: not when it comes to my mom, you want me as your assassin you have to promise me my mom wont be harmed.

DMaster: VEL: Well, Finster is not some chaotic madman who wreaks havoc on the world. He is a very understanding God. He is vengeful and looks to even the powers of this world.
She stops abruptly as she thinks… an awkward silence.
VEL: You would never fully accept the Assassin role, I am sure of it now.

Chance: Chan: so if that is the case are you gonna let me go then?

DMaster: As though she is talking to herself.
VEL: We can revisit the assassin offer at a later time. For now I need information.

Chance: Chan: like what kind of information?

DMaster: VEL: Nothing too crazy, I don’t want you spilling this to your little friends….Lets just start out with One question. Your mother will be safe and you will earn a platinum piece.
She looks at you with raised eyebrows.
VEL: Deal?

Chance: Having no expression on my face.
Chan: ask your question.

DMaster: VEL: Is a Ranger named Rohlia on her way to the Isles?
The guards again look at each other, but with more concern than confusion.

Chance: Wrinkle my nose a bit.
Chan: that name doesn’t sound familiar to me at all.
Shake head.

DMaster: Velencia squints her eyes and takes a hard look at you.

Chance: Chan: all I know is since your assassin failed they have tightened up security. I am even lucky they let me leave the Inn, but since I am not a member of the party, guess I am not as important as the rest.

DMaster: She gives you an inquisitive look.
VEL: Hmmm. No… I believe you know, but I do think you can find out who does know. I want to know if the rumor is true.
She brushes off her outfit.
VEL: You have 28 hours to find out, and no telling the others .
She wags her finger at you.

Chance: Chan: and when I find out what then? better yet, where do I go then?

DMaster: VEL: Meet me, back here around the same time as today.

Chance: Chan: well for my mom, I will do as you ask.

DMaster: VEL: Agreed.
She flips a coin in your direction.

Chance: Catch it.
Chan: now may I leave since I have work to do.

DMaster: She waves you off a bit.
VEL: You may, I will speak with you tomorrow.
She turns and walks off, disappearing into the brush beckoning the guards to follow.

Chance: Glance at the coin.

DMaster: It’s a shiny Platinum piece.

Chance: eyes bulge a little. Wipe myself off of the sand and dust. I will turn and walk slowly back to the Inn.

DMaster: You make your way back into the Inn.

Chance: look around as I walk in.

DMaster: Cassie and Affinity are sitting at a table in the dining area.

Chance: gripping the coin in my hand, bow as I walk in.

DMaster: CASS: I am in no way trying to help you cover up things in the future, but you knew I could read minds, how did you expect to keep your little visit to Glimmer Bay a secret?
AFF: Well, I didn’t think you would be hanging around the Cabana Boy, or I guess have him so easy to read.
Cassie nods in your direction. She seems annoyed at Affinity. The Princess is sitting with her back to you, looks over her shoulder… and sees you. Her eyes light up, gets up and walks over to you. Smiling she gives you a big hug.

Chance: hug her back.

DMaster: She takes your hand and walks you into the back storage closet. You can see Cassie over Affinities shoulder and she rolls her eyes. The door closes and Affinities eyes start to tear up.
AFF: Chance… I… didn’t get the opportunity, to…

Chance: Chan: It’s ok Princess. It’s ok.

DMaster: AFF: It’s not OK!
She says kind of loud, tear trickling down her cheek.
AFF: You saved my life, you saved Erikka’s and Birgetta’s too. I can’t begin too…
The Princess, who looks amazing, smells amazing and as she leans in and gives you a fierce hug… she feels amazing too.

Chance: Give her a tight hug back.
Chan: I couldn’t let anything happen to you and your ladies, your grace.

DMaster: After a minute, she pushes away and gives you a soft punch.
AFF: Your Grace, really?
Smile across her face, she is wiping a tear away.

Chance: I will bring my hand up to her, wipe away any tear left. Lean in and kiss her forehead.

DMaster: She giggles a little and gives you another warm hug.

Chance: Keep hugging.
Chan: I couldn’t let anything happen to you… you mean too much to me.

DMaster: She suddenly backs up, and she is looking down. She takes a few deep breaths.
AFF: We better get back out there, mom will think we just had sex with a broom and mop bucket, or I mean…
You can tell she is flushed. She starts to walk out, stops, grabs your hand.
AFF: Thank you Chance. My little Cabana boy.

Chance: Smile and nod my head. Walk out with her.

DMaster: Then she reaches the table to Cassie who has a slightly annoyed look on her face.
CASS: You good now hun?
Giving her daughter a glance. She nods, then brings her back to you. She turns, grabs your hands.
AFF: Thank you for talking with Erikka, I don’t know what you said.
Steps back a bit but is holding your hands.
AFF: But she has snapped out of it.

Chance: whispering to Affinity.
Chan: You are very welcome, but we have got a problem, I need to talk with your mom.

DMaster: As you were saying this, the King says.
KING: Hands off her you whipper snapper.
He says jokingly, walking down the stairs. Affinity’s eyes bulge a bit and steps back, dropping her grasp on your hands, probably due to the serious tone of your voice. Cassie glances over, with a motherly instinct and instantly stands up. The king slows his decent down the stairs.
KING: I was merely joking my dear boy! (laughs)

Chance: Chan: M’lord .
bowing.

DMaster: He nods and walks over to Corina and you hear him asking if she knows where Britney is.

Chance: look in Cassie’s direction and kinda lock eyes with her

DMaster: She looks at you… squints, gives out a sigh, grits her teeth and looks down.
AFF: *quietly* what is it?
Taking a step forward and placing her hand on your chest. Cassie not wanting to get too many involved
CAS: Affinity, can you go grab your… bag, upstairs?

Chance: Give her a look.
Chan: You don’t want to forget that.
Look in Cassie’s direction.

DMaster: AFF: Uhhh.
looks over to her mom, then like she understood, she walks by you, squeezes your hand a bit and heads upstairs.

Chance: Squeeze her hand back.

DMaster: Cassie waves you over to one of the utility closets.

Chance: follow her as I look around.

DMaster: The main room is fairly empty. The King left the Inn, and with Affinity upstairs, it is quiet. You are out of view of Corina.

Chance: follow Cassie to the closet.

DMaster: Cassie looks around then back at you – closes the door.
CASS: What just happened?

Chance: Chan: we got a big problem, I think.
whispering to her.

DMaster: You see her wave her hand a bit and suddenly it is like you went deaf. All the sound disappears.
CASS: No one can hear us now.
She sounds like she is in a tunnel.

Chance: Chan: I had a run in with a Priestess of Finister. she wants me to be her new recruit… to be her assassin. But for now she is looking just for information.

DMaster: CASS: (looks perplexed) Surely she had to know you wouldn’t accept the offer, so she figures Info would be more palatable.

Chance: Chan: well she did use my mom as collateral

DMaster: CASS: Dammit…
She looks at you.
CASS: I am sorry, no one will harm your mother, I will make sure of that.
The Baroness is tapping her chin, thinking.

Chance: Chan: she wanted me to reveal or find out if someone named, Rohlia is coming

DMaster: Her reaction is that of shock. Eyes much wider.
CASS: What? How would she even know that?!

Chance: Chan: gave me 28 hrs to find out, only thing I can think of is we got a mole amongst us.

DMaster: CASS: Only a few people know about this, Hell I didn’t even know until Plugr told me.

Chance: Chan: well she knows things. I don’t know how but she does.

DMaster: After a moment she chuckles a little.
CASS: us women always have our ways.

Chance: Chan: of that I am sure.
smirking at her.

DMaster: CASS: OK. Well continue on what you were doing, I have to take the girls out to Lunch. Don’t tell a soul, not even Britney right now. We will meet again later today.

Chance: Chan: okay, as you say

DMaster: Cassie waves her hand slightly and suddenly sound rushes back into your ears.

Chance: Guess you better go first

DMaster: She nods and walks on by and out of the closet.

Chance: Chan: don’t want to arouse suspicion
and then I will walk out as well

DMaster: The girls are in the dining area looking around. Affinity spots you.
AFF: Oh Mom there you are, with Chance, what?
BIRG: Now that did not look good
The red head has a shit eating grin on her face. Erikka shakes her head.
ERIK: Didn’t see that coming…
CASS: Stop, he just wanted to… uhhh show me where the extra towels were. Yeah.

Chance: Chan: that’s right (nodding) since I can’t be around all the time

DMaster: Affinity is looking at her mom in disbelief, and she also looks like she is going to burst out laughing. Birgetta has a raised eyebrow look as she turns and heads for the door. Affinity looks at you and smirks.
AFF: I understand, hey my Mom is a looker.
CASS: Affinity!
Cassie says in a half yell, half laugh.
AFF: Well you are.
The Princess Winks and turns and heads for the door.

Chance: just shake my head.
Chan: Mother like daughter.