*Bryna's POV*
"Daddy said he doesn't have as good a memory bout it, so you'd have to ask Tilton or me. Did you know that the desert used to be snowy plains? Ymir's Town had an celebration that would last a week and there'd be snowball fights. Tilton liked to get people to fight by sneakily flinging snow at them. Then it'd be a competition to see who could avoid the most snow balls while egging on the fight." I told them, remembering it fondly.
"Ah, so Tilton's the one we should be asking." Alexander said.
"Yeah. Daddy said so. I think you know a very different Daddy and Tilton than I knew. It's hard to comprehend the differences from the time past." I said as June came back.
"Well, looks likes June's back with the pack, I suppose we should get moving." Alexander said, changing the topic.
Plight took me off his shoulders and set me down. "Thank you, Plight it was a really fun vantage point."
"Glad to be of help." Plight said, his bat returned to him.
"Here you go," June said handing the pack to Alexander. "Sure it could wait till tomorrow, but what he wants he wants, I guess."
"Are you wanting to walk back or do you want to ride?" Alexander asked.
"I like being carried." I told him shamelessly.
"Well then," He said, slinging the pack onto his back, and crouching, "hop on."
I listened to him, and patted his shoulder when I was situated. "All ready!"
"Well, then everyone, I'm off, be back in a little bit." Alexander said.
"Darling, be safe on your way." The green elf said. "Don't disregard her. This child is a reincarnation."
"She's a what now?" He asked, pausing.
"A reincarnation. A soul that has died tragically, and came back to their loved ones." She said.
"Yeah, I died once." I said.
"Ooh. That makes a lot more sense now." He said.
"You may wish to have Bibs look deeper into this." She said. "She is a fine child."
"Well, she certainly seems so to me. Of course I'll be asking Bibs about it. She seems to have quite a few stories I've never heard." Alexander said.
She smiled at me and said, "Show him your trick along the way."
"Ooh, a mystery." Alexander said, smiling at his elven lady.
"Okies. I can do that. I won't be responsible for missing limbs though." I joked.
The woman laughed and walked back towards the elf boy. He leaned slightly and whispered, "It won't be my missing limbs will it? I just got them back."
I laughed and patted his head as he began walking towards the stairs. "I wonder if Daddy got the paci for me."
"Bibs said he will get a paci for you?" He asked.
"Yup. He said he'd get one today." I replied.
"Knowing Bibs he would have either made it or say it was a joke. Considering your age, probably a joke." Alexander said.
"I don't completely know my age. I think I'm six or seven." I told him. "My parents got murdered when I was two. After that I lived with wolves for a bit."
"You lived with wolves? I can't imagine they were very informative." Alexander said.
"No, they weren't. And Tilton was right again, wolves are jerks." I said.
"Yes, I haven't really had a swell time with most wolves." He said. "But their is a song about a wolf pup. Would you like to hear it?"
"Sure." I answered. We had left the cave entrance and crossed the bridge now. He started playing the lute and singing a song about a wolf pup saving a village. How silly!
I shifted in the middle of his song and jumped up to hang on his shoulder. I had to wiggle to get into place and not fall back down. My back paws were on the rim of the pack. He remained oblivious to the change as we continued on the way. Once he finished the song, he slowly began to turn his head to look at me.
"Uhm. Are you still back there...? Can you tell me if there is a wolf pup on my shoulder..?" He sounded unnerved. I barked at him softly and licked his face, snuffling at him with my tail wagging. "Friendly little one, aren't you? Still not sure if I'm about to lose my face." Alexander said.
I wasn't sure if he was joking or not. So I wiggled backwards and plunked back into the pack. It was sort of like an open basket, but it had metal sides. He slipped the pack and spun it around to the front of him, then placed it on the ground.
"Either you are Bryna, or I am in deep trouble." Alexander said.
I lifted a paw at him, then shifted back to human form. "Your song was entertaining. Did I scare you?"
"I'm glad it was entertaining. But yes that was terrifying. I thought I lost you." Alexander said.
"Oh." I said. "It's ok if I get lost. I remember how to get back and Tilton would find me. He can find anyone."
"I would still like to not be responsible for losing a small child." He said.
"I'm a wolfborn. My parents this time were lycanthropes." I told him.
"Ah, alright. That explains a few things. Mainly the one thing. You being able to turn into a wolf." He said.
"It was the only trick I could think she meant." I said. "I don't have pwaying cards. And my hands are tiny anyways."
"Well it is certainly a neat trick." He said, putting the pack back on and continuing our walk to town.
"People keep saying Tilton isn't a trouble maker and solves trouble. It's very different from how I remember him." I told him. "I wish he could have been the same. But a lot of times passed."
"How much time has passed for you?" Alexander asked.
"Three hundred seventy-four years, Bibs said." I sighed, blinking slowly. It was getting close to nap time.
"Goodness gracious. That is quite a long time." He said. "I knew Bibs was old, but I didn't know he was that old."
"He was already well into adulthood when Tilton pulled rubble off me and Bibs fixed my arm." I told him. "I followed them around after that and they just accepted it after a while."
"I can see why." He said.
"Why?" I asked.
"Well, if your anything now like you were then, you're adorable." He said.
"Oh." I said. "I don't think there's much of a difference. Once I remembered the past I just picked up my old habits. Except sometimes I fall down a lot cause I forget that I'm little."
"That's ok. Sometimes I reach for things like my arms are three times their length and I don't know why." Alexander replied.
"I can relate to that." I said. "You're real pwetty for a human. I hope I'll be pretty like you when I grow up."
"Oh, you seem to be on the right path. Just while you're adventuring, be careful of the face." He suggested.
"I gotta be careful in general cause people were very mad when I got my adventurers ID. And they woke up Greggor." I sighed.
"Oh the poor souls. I'm sure they got an earful... and maybe a fistful." He replied.
"Mm. Can you go with me to turn in the quest, too? After we drop this off to Kaz? Then we can go see Daddy together." I asked.
"Sure. That's not a problem. Maybe I will buy one of those Elven Pillows I've been hearing about, and then go up to Tilton and ask if he wants to take a nap. Then run for my life." Alexander said.
"You can't run from him. You gotta stare him in the eye until he gets so mad he turns away." I said.
"I don't know if I have the will power for that. I'm not that brave." He said.
"You could put me up to it." I grinned.
"No, no, no. If I'm going to do it, I'm going to do it myself." He said.
"That rapscallious troll toe got everyone nervous, huh?" I noted, "He's just a kitten."
"I have never seen that man portray anything that would remind me of a kitten." He replied.
"It may just be acause he stopped smiling." I said with a sad tone. "I think that's what Daddy was saying anyways."
"Smiling? I don't think I've ever seen him smile." He said.
"He used to smile all the time. He smiled last night, too. And I got him to give me a hug. I told him I'd make him hug me again in sixteen years." I said.
He looked at me dumbfounded and said, "You truly are an amazing little girl."
"I really missed Daddy and Tilton." I said with a yawn.
"I bet they missed you, too." He said.
I nodded. We'd reached town. I looked around and waved, "Hi Fwank." Frank waved back. "Do you know the way to the bakery?"
"Indeed I do." He said.
"I shoulda figured that since it's Tilton's town." I noted. We got over yo the bakery pretty quickly. A lot of people seemed drawn to Alexander and spoke to him on the way. I was a good excuse for him to keep moving.
When we entered the bakery, my stomach sank with dread. I recognized the gear a dark blue Tiefling man with broken off black horns had. That man was a monster hunter. Subconsciously, I began to shake. I shrank back in the basket and huddled against Alexander, acting purely on instinct.
The man glanced towards us. Finished purchacing sweets and left the building with a friendly nod to Alexander. I was still shaking, not calming right away. I felt vulnerable and unsafe. Feeling my shaking, he took off the pack and set it down, looking at me.
"What's wrong? Did the Tiefling scare you?" Alexander asked.
"He's a monster hunter. Like the ones that killed my parents." I half whispered. "He'll kill me."
He stroked my hair and said, "No, no. You're safe here. You're going to be a big, strong adventurer, remember?"
"I was strong before and still killed. Snatched right away from Bibs and Tilton. Shredded." I shuddered from the memories overlapping.
His expression was pained as he struggled for words. After a moment, he said, "It's difficult to predict how the future will go, but active monster hunting isn't allowed in towns or cities. Hasn't been in a while. You are safe here."
"I'm unsure if I was supposed to be part of this conversation, but I'm inclined to agree with Alexander. No one's gonna be trying to kill you. And if they do, they're going in my oven." Kaz said, watching the two of us.
My eyes were on the Dwarf. Both men were assuring me I was safe. I was in Tilton's town. The Tiefling isn't the one who murdered my parents or the devil that had murdered me previously. Taking a deep breath, I reached up towards Alexander. He lifted me up from the pack, and hugged me. Rubbing my back and humming while I tried to regulate my body.
"Then isn't now. This is true." I said after a few calming breaths. My shaking was slow to stop.
"Why don't we go ahead and turn in this quest, huh?" Alexander asked in a gentle voice.
"Yeah," I nodded, "Sorry."
He put me down and tussled my hair, like Tilton used to, and said, "It's fine. It's ok to be afraid. Don't let anyone ever tell you different."
I nodded and said, "I hadn't thought that bothered me. I guess I really am a little kid." I took another deep breath and turned to Kaz. "We brought your special pack."
"Well, that's a mighty fine job you did there." Kaz said, "Let me see your sheet."
I took out the quest paper and offered it up to him. He signed the sheet for me then said to give him a moment and went into the back room. He came back after a moment with a tray of baked walnuts that were sugar coated. "A sweet treat you can enjoy without eggs." He said.
My eyes went the size of saucers and I excitedly exclaimed, "You made pralines!"
He smiled broadly and asked, "Who taught you that word?"
"Papa Griorgr in the mountains." I answered. "He loved 'em and rock candy! And he sang songs bout bellows and rage in Moon's Rise!"
"That name sounds awfully familiar, but I can't quite place it. But, yes. They're pralines. It's a treat I make for me and my wife, I figured you'd like to try them." Kaz explained.
"Yes, please!" I said, excitedly, then I connected some dots between him and another, "Oh! The black smith is your relative, huh? You sound similar."
"Yup. That old grump's my brother." Kaz answered, giving me some of the treats.
Much to my enjoyment, they were exactly as the faded memory told me they'd be. I was thrilled and delighted, the fear fully forgotten. "Did you know in the mountains there was a great big walnut tree? Every fall was like a festival." I told Alexander, offering him a praline, "Try it, I promise you'll like it."
"Ooh, I don't mind if I do." Alexabder said, intrigued.
"You know an awful lot about the old mountain." Kaz said, a hint of sadness at it's mentioning.
I smiled at him and said, "Acourse. My Daddy is Bibs. And Tilton's lived a long while."
"That he has, he has lived quite a while." Kaz nodded.
"Pralines are the best!" I tell them, beaming brightly. "Kaz is the bestest."
The men were amused by my antics. Alexander made his purchases and took me to the Guildhall to turn in my quest. He looked over the quests available with me to figure out which I should accept next. I selected one to do collecting. There was a couple of days to get it done, so that was kind of perfect. We headed to Bibs' house next. It was about nap time anyways.
When Kershka let us in, I said, "Daddy, your friend brought me to see you... what? No, he came to see you and brought me wiv him."
"Oh, is that so? Hello, Alexander." Bibs said.
"Yes, came to see you. And also came to bring Tilton his pillow." Alexander said, holding out an Elven Pillow.
Bibs looked at it and then atAlexandwr and said, "That is a dangerous joke."
"I offered to do it" I said. "To go to Tilton and make that joke."
"You might get away with it, but Alexander... You may get a stern talking to." Bibs said.
"That sounds almost worth it." Alexander replied.
"Well, what can I do for you, Alexander?" Bibs asked.
"Oh, I just came to talk, and escort our little friend here." Alexander said.
"I scared him good! Like his lady said, I fink." I told Bibs sleepily.
"Yes, apparently she's a wolfborn. A reincarnated one at that." Alexander said.
"Ah, yes. There are a few things we could probably discuss." He said, them looked at me, "You, though, look exhausted. Would you like something to drink before you take a nap?"
"Mm, yeah." I said, rubbing my eyes. "Pwight and Awexander said they'll teach me to swim tomorrow."
Bibs got me a drink and said, "Oh, well, learning to swim is a good skill to have."
I almost nodded off, but I finished my drink first. Bibs shooed me off to take a nap, then. So I went up the stairs and fell asleep in the bed I'd been borrowing. I dreamed of clouds dancing like people, and grapes growing on a vine. I woke after the usual two hours. I went downstairs after stretching. Alexander had left already, I noticed. Which was fine.
"Hello, little one. Welcome back to the waking world." Bibs said.
"Yup, I'm awake now." I said. "Was it a nice visit?"
"Yes, it was a lovely little catch up. Shared so.e stories." Bibs said.
"The cavern where the houses are has a way to see the sunshine. It's very neat." I said.
"That sounds very neat indeed." Bibs said.
"Plight's bat is a lycanthrope." I said. "I think anyways, acause it smelled like my parents."
"I was unaware Plight had aquired such a creature. I'll have to go to the cave and have a look around." Bibs said.
"I made it jealous, I think. Cause it climbed on me while Plight let me ride on his shoulders. He's tall, but not tall like Kershka. And there's lotsa kids there and all kinds of things to look at. How come there's a medical building there? Is there some kinda fight going on? I haven't heard anything." I prattled.
"No, no. No fight is going on. The person creating the town wants it to be a self reliant area." Bibs said, "So medical facilities, training, schools.. Things such as that are all going to be standard for that town."
"That sounds amazing!" I said, "Is there anyone opposing it?"
"Probably most nobles from the Capital would oppose it." Bibs said.
"Pretty standard. They'll probably need teachers and guards then." I noted.
"Indeed, she's already gotten a few guards, but I think she plans on extending that." Bibs said.
"Hmm. I wonder if I could ask that granny to be a teacher there. She kept telling me stuff bout plants, but Tilton'd already taught me all that. Her kids moved to the city so she doesn't have family in the village anymore." I said. "Then again, it's something I should probably just recommend."
"I'd recommend talking to Sarial. She's the one building all of this." Bibs said. "She is currently missing, though. There is quite a large search effort going on."
"How did she go missing?" I asked.
"Well, apparently there was some sort of an attack during a court case. I'm not sure the details." Bibs said.
"Oh," I said. "Well, when she turns up I'll chat with her. I'm sure we can both learn from each other."
"Oh, probably." Bibs said. "So what are your plans for the rest of today?"
"Maybe I should see Tilton or play with Thomas some more." I said. "I dunno."
"I'm sure both of them would love to see you. Tilton just wouldn't say it." Bibs said.
My eyes brightened, "Oh, do you see what Thomas gave me?" I touched the topaz on the headband and it turned into the helmet. I touched the topaz again and it became the headband again. "He said it's so I can be safer."
"Well, that's very thoughtful." Bibs said.
"Yup, he looked so proud of himself I couldn't turn it down." I said. "He was so adorable."
"Thomas loves to help and take care of people as well. He's a lot like you in that regard." Bibs said.
"He said he wants to become stronger." I said.
"He probably wants to go search for his parents, mother mostly." Bibs said.
"His daddy is gone, too?" I asked.
"Yes. Both disappeared around the same time I believe." Bibs said.
"How lonely." I said. "Was there any leads bout his daddy? I think he said something bout goblin weapons and blood."
"Yes, there was a bit of evidence where they disappeared. Tilton did some digging, but unfortunately turned up nothing. Frustrates him to this day." Bibs said.
"Hmm. I'll go ask him bout it then." I decided. "Maybe I can help a little."
"By all means, take a look and see. It's been a while, so it's all been cleaned up by now, but maybe they missed something." Bibs said.
I turned and started towards the door, then paused, "Daddy, there's a monster hunter..."
"Yes, Alexander informed me of him." Bibs said, "I will be.. looking into him. Your safe within town, I can guarantee it, so I want to be sure he won't be a problem outside of it."
I swallowed nervously and nodded, "Okies, Daddy. See you later." I couldn't let my fear keep me from doing things.
"Alright, little one. Have fun." Bibs said.
I nodded and went to the door, as Kershka opened it. I thanked him, then looked around my body for Silkrend. He was on the headband as it turned out. And chose to stay with me instead of playing with Kershka. But he waved.
I headed towards Tilton's house, seeinh Thomas along the way. I tried to sneak up on him again. I managed to, but I didn't scare him this time.
He spun towards me and fake karate chopped my head, "Thomas coulda had you."
"Nuh-uh. I'm an expert sneaker." I said.
"You very sneaky. But Thomas has excellent chop." Thomas said.
"Yup, you do." I agreed. "I'm going to Tilton's house."
"Why?" Thomas asked.
"To ask bout your daddy." I told him. "I plan on learning to swim tomorrow, do you know how to swim?"
"Why are you looking for Dad?" Thomas asked.
"Acause Bibs said I can't help your mom, I'm not strong enough yet." I said, "But you're lonely, aren't you?"
"Dad was never around a whole lot." Thomas said. "And Thomas isn't lonely. Thomas is busy."
"How come he wasn't around much?" I asked.
"Thomas isn't really sure.." Thomas said. "He would just say he had work to do."
"Maybe Tilton knows?" I suggested.
"Tilton has never said." Thomas replied. "Tilton would always say ask Thomas's mother."
I grinned, "Well, I'll get him to tell me for sure! Do you want to come with me?"
"Thomas will go with you. Thomas is keen to know." He replied.
I took his hand and started walking. He went along with me without protest. "Thomas, have you seen the new town called Hearthstone Town?"
"Thomas has not gone. Thomas has heard of it, but Thomas has not gone." He answered.
"Do you want to go with me tomorrow?" I asked.
"Ok. Thomas doesn't have plans tomorrow." He said.
"You aren't allowed to make fun of me while I try to learn to swim, ok?" I replied.
"Thomas will try, but Thomas will make no promises." He said.
I pouted at him as we left the North gate and started up the hill. "Meany."
"Nuh-uh Thomas is a.." He paused thinking, "A para...paragon of justice."
I laughed and said, "I don't think I'll be able to find people to adventure with. The people who were at the guild today don't like me acause I'm a little kid. And the adventurers at Hearthstone Town aren't adventuring right now. It's tough."
"Thomas wants to be an adventurer, too. But Tilton said Thomas has to wait until he's older. Thomas is older now." Thomas said.
"Well,adventuring means probably killing. It can be difficult to take another's life." I said as we got to Tilton's doorstep.
Thomas knocked on the door and said, "Thomas has killed before."
"You have?" I asked.
"Last year Thomas killed-" Thomas began, but Tilton opened the door.
"Hello children." Tilton said. "To what do I owe this pleasure?" His tone was sour.
"I got questions." I said, "And I wanted to visit you. And Thomas is part of my pack for questioning purposes."
Thomas looked up at Tilton and said, "Yes, questions."
"Fantastic. My greatest two annoyances have teamed up." Tilton said.
"I stabbed someone in the wrist earlier." I informed him.
"Yes, I've been informed." He sighed. "A formal complaint was lodged against you. Whereas Greggor quickly shut it down with, 'You were stabbed by a child.' Then the offender was forced to retake the adventuring exam. Where he was tested by Clara, and was promptly failed."
"How come?" I asked.
"Most don't pass when Clara tests them." He said. "She tends to unload her built up frustrations."
"But why did he need to retake it?" I asked confused. "He had a good grip."
"Greggor doesn't take too lightly to adventurers abusing their power." Tilton said.
"He was just trying to scare me off of being an adventurer. Everyone in there was angry or passive." I said. "It doesn't excuse dangling me, though."
"Precisely. No one else who remained verbal was punished. Just the one who touched you." Tilton replied.
"But I'd've maimed him if he didn't get seen to. I thought that was good enough." I said.
"Well, it was Greggor's call." Tilton said.
I nodded and said, "Okies. I met Alexander."
"Oh, you poor thing." Tilton said.
"I scared him!" I laughed.
"You scared him?" Tilton asked incredulously.
"Yup. He was playing a song for me while bringing me back to your town in a pack and I shifted and half climbed on him. When he got done with his song he was just unsettled as can be." I said.
"Yes, I would imagine that would unsettle him quite a bit." Tilton replied.
I pouted and said, "I'm a cute puppy."
"Yes, that's what would be unsettling for him." Tilton said, "Come inside, it seems this will be a long conversation."
Thomas led me in to Tilton's study, while Tilton shut the door behind us and followed. His house was incredibly clean, and had hunting trophies on the walls. Along with plenty of books. I could easily see others finding this space uncomfortable or frigid, but to me, it felt incredibly comfortable and homey. Just like Tilton himself.
"Cozy." I commented, looking around.
"Indeed, that is what I was going for." Tilton said, sitting down comfortably. "Now, what is it you two are actually here to ask me about."
"That's offensive. I said I wanted to visit you, too." I pouted.
"Oh? Have you accomplished something? That's usually what happens." Tilton said.
"Well, no.. not really." I said lowering my head and looking up at him. "I did complete a quest today, with Alexander, Plight and Dean's help.. But I also did successfully join the guild, and I really just wanted to see you."
Thomas looked at Tilton and said, "Stop being mean."
Tilton stood up, walked to a cabinet near his desk, and said, "Joining the guild at such a young age does deserve a reward." He took out his tea set, and took it to a small table he had by some large windows. He retrieved some tea leaves. To Thomas, he said, "Take your pick for your tea."
Thomas said, "Thomas doesn't drink tea."
"I'll add sugar to your tea Thomas." Tilton replied.
"Then Thomas will accept, and Thomas picks this one." He said, choosing the shinier container. Thomas picked up the container and opened it to look inside. As soon as he opened it, purple dust burst out into Thomas' face.
Tilton casually took it from him, closing the lid back and said, "I will not be told how to act in my own home, Thomas."
Thomas was swiping at his face and trying to spit the stuff off, and Tilton was starting to brew some tea.
I watched for a moment curiosly, "Alexander and Plight said they'd teach me to swim." I told Tilton, getting a cloth out and helping Thomas clean his face with it. "And I guess I'm allergic to eggs."
"Allergic to eggs are you? Well, Thomas, it would seem your cookies are safe." Tilton said.
"Thomas was never worried about the cookies." Thomas said.
After Tilton wasn't busy readying the tea for brewing, I walked over to him casually, having cleaned up Thomas' face. "I want to be pretty like you when I grow up." I told Tilton, "Even though you're a rapscallion."
"It would seem old habits die hard. And as for being pretty, just don't get punched in the nose a lot." Tilton said.
I reached up and grabbed Tilton's hand, "You're way prettier than Alexander. Especially with a cheeky smile."
"Quit trying to butter me up. You said you have questions, what are they?" He asked, appearing to not pay attention to me.
I placed the purple of the cloth against his arm, "I'm being honest, troll. Can you tell me about Thomas' daddy?"
Tilton sighed and pulled a cloth from his desk and wiped his arm. The purple came away without issue. "What about him would you like to know?"
"What did he do?" I asked.
He raised an eyebrow, "As a living is what I assume you want to know?"
"Uh-huh and what you know bout his missingness." I nodded.
"He was an ex adventurer turned mercenary." Tilton said.
"When you investigated the scene attributed to him missing what did you learn? Where was it?" I asked.
"He was near the East Gate. What I learned was the whole thing was staged. There was blood splattered everywhere, was goblin weapons just laying around. The bizarre part is I could find no evidence as to who or why." Tilton said.
"Dead end?" I asked.
"For the first time.. yes." Tilton replied.
"Maybe it was catered to you to keep you from sniffin' 'em out?" I asked, tilting my head.
"It's entirely possible, but that would require them to know me." Tilton said.
"Not necessarily. You are a man of habit and thoroughness." I said. "If I was trying to throw you off I'd be nonsensical in a sensical way. But if someone watches you enough they can tell things bout your tendencies."
"Well, unfortunately, we didn't leave the crome scene intact. So you won't be able to give it a look over yourself." Tilton said.
"I can still sniff around it, anyways. What was done with the weapons?" I asked.
"I have them in the next room." Tilton said.
"Odd hobby. Why?" I questioned.
"Because it still irks me that I couldn't find anything." Tilton answered.