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unholywriter · 11 months

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Chapter Two

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

Warnings: None.

We’re All Runaways

Chapter Three: Cursed Family Matters

Nor’i led the charge, up the stairs too the left. Searching for the biggest possible exquisite door for a study. She listened for any signs of life. The crackling of a fireplace, the pacing of footsteps. The possible breath in an exhale. It wasn’t hard to find what she was looking for, for from afar slightly down the hall were the huge double elm doors waiting for her to swing open. Her pursuit and stature became unfazed as she lugged them open to be met with the eyes of a very solemn, and tired Lord Euston.

“What the bloody hell are you thinking?!” He blurted out with this sudden intrusion of a stranger in his study. Nor’i watched as his shoulder slowly moved to the point she knew he was reaching for something.

“I’ve come here to speak to you about your son and what I can do to find out who or what may have killed him.” She replied, just as up-straight and blunt per usual. The obvious trespass didn’t cease his nerves. But his eyes darted behind as the gentleman who was also waiting stood halted beside adjusting his glasses.

“I’m sorry for her rather rude behavior, we’ve come here to-“

“Just sit, you’ve already decided this is not my home but your own running around doing what you please.” He sighed very heavily, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose for a headache either coming on or strengthening.

Nor’i and the younger gentleman’s eyes met, and finally Reginald had caught up. “Oh my Lord, I’m am sorry I tried excusing them from the premises but they refused and-“

“Enough Reginald. Fetch some tea. It appears I have to put my rather important business aside to hear the squabbles of these fairly inconsiderate people. Now as I said. Sit, down.” He narrowed his eyelids at the both of them. Nor’i beginning to sit down, and the younger gentleman following in suit.

“Yes sir, of course.” Reginald bowed and turned heal to head and do what he was told.

“Lord Euston, I’d believe it be very important considering this would be about figuring out what happened with your son.” Nor’i finally allowed a softer tone to blanket her words. “It would bring you some sort of relief, and a sense of justice if it can be solved and dealt with would it not?”

“I’ve already been over this with far to many, and everyone will always come up with the same conclusion. The Euston’s are cursed, and it’s only a matter of time that I lose my one and only last remaining family member. My three year old son Winston. Now if this is all this is about, I’d rather ask you to leave. I need to-“

“Sir, I am sorry about your son. About your wife and your daughter. But what if something is actually terribly wrong? What if you do continue to start dropping like flies then what’s the point of your family being here at all? What’s the point of making a future for your only son?” Nor’i furrowed her eyebrows. He looked her dead in her eyes now, a flicker could be seen. It was only a moment that broke, we’re the fear and heartache really bleed out.

“Young lady, there’d be nothing more for me to do. Running away isn’t an option.” He took a deep breath in and let it out slowly. Switching from one pair of eyes too the other. “But you are right. If it isn’t looked into properly, then who am I to say that my family and I are not just cursed to live life full of death until no one remains.” He looked down, his hands clasped together, tugging his eyebrows downward in distress. But he finally looked up and looked over to the other gentleman. “As for you. So very quiet, and so very calculated.”

“I am indeed weighing out the situation here. Yes.” The green eyed boy spoke.

“Of course. I would be too with all that has possibly been gathered about the whole ordeal.” The two didn’t break eye contact.

“My name is Perciv-“

“I care not for your name.” He again cut him off. The solemn expressions completely returning, as if solidified. Never yielding. “You want to help find out what happened to my boy? Fine. Find out what occurred and then we’ll talk business. Now if the both of you need details, then ask now so I can get back to keeping what’s left of my family living in squalor.”

Both Nor’i and what can now be concluded as Percy simultaneously spoke at once. From Percy, “We’re actually here for diff-“

And “we’re not working tog-“ from Nor’i. Only to yet again be cut off by Lord Euston.

“That’s now completely irrelevant.” He cleared his throat. “My boy was a curious child. Got into trouble, and into places he didn’t belong.” He clenched his grip harder. Still very unsettled and freshly torn by the loss. “He’d run around with the younger kids amongst the village, barely a soul from the upper noblest had a child amongst his age and after trying my best to keep him out of trouble I finally allowed him to just do what he pleased. Especially after my wife’s passing.” Another break, but a tear stitched together with bloody hands yet again. “I should have kept on him, but I was lost and failed him as a father. The death of my daughter, my wife’s death soon after. I couldn’t see reason and threw myself away in my study. I drank my days and nights away. Neglecting both my sons, wallowing in self pitty and allowing my work, and my children to slip away from me.”

His past years of tormented life experience continued to be explained. “Lance begged me to try and get myself together. He did, but by the time I could pull my head out of my ass he was then found amongst the mountain side, barely unrecognizable if only he wasn’t wearing his mothers necklace he had commissioned into cufflinks.” Lord Euston closed his eyes to take a deep breath in. Both Percy and Nor’i could see the tremble of his hands, the shake of his body. His eyes dared to open yet again to continue. “I’m here now for my only remaining son and heir to the Euston line and business. To take back our life, and secure a stable future for Winston and whomever he chooses to share that life with and continue on; hopefully with more brighter days and filled with hope and more life than this last decade.”

“I can understand that darkness and loss all to well.” Percy piped in, and Nor’i noticed his discomfort and the emotions that radiated off him. For now, Nor’i decided to be disconnected to this man and his family. Did she feel for them? Of course. But this was business after all.

“We’re all touched by darkness young friend. Some more consumed than others.” He loosened his tension just a tiny bit.

“How far away was he found?” Nor’i continued to get as much details as possible.

“A good hour away up the Fallen Rock trial.” Lord Euston replied.

“That sounds like a quite dangerous title.” Percy adjusted his glasses yet again.

“Very. And quite on the nose.” The older gentleman straightened his posture even more. Watching as Reginald came back with a plater of tea.

“Well if there are snow giants along the mountain’s, I do know a bit about them.” The green eyes of Percy lit up. Only for a fair moment before he took a cup, and sipped it gingerly. Nor’i followed but didn’t take a sip yet still keeping an eye on Lord Euston.

“Have you made a lot of enemies?” She yet again troubled in with more questions.

A soft laugh left his lips, a different change in his atmosphere. Yet only for a few seconds. “Oh my dear, all business men have enemies. But if you’re wondering if I pissed off the wrong person? Sure, that’s very much likely. But explaining how my family has been put in such dark times for so many years? You’d think that be quite obsessive and not repetitive without me knowing whom was doing so.” He took a sip of his tea next before continuing. “A yellow fever broke out and my girl was indeed first too go but she wasn’t the only one. My wife? She fell ill more so from depression, dying in her bed with the loss that was to much to bare. And my son? I can only imagine the beast that lurks those mountains. All quite coincidences but so unfair deaths. It seems the Raven Queen has become quite well acquainted with my family I’m afraid.”

“How often did Lance head off on his escapades?” Percival took this moment now to pipe in and accept himself that his business he was to talk to Lord Euston about would have to wait until after. So, to get the audience he needed had to be earned.

“He would miss dinners quite often, and I was told he crept back in late nights. Maybe, more than four times a week?” His expression sunk. “We used to be so close you know. Your first son will always hold a special place in your heart.”

“You said, he made common friends?” Nor’i asked next, a slight tilt of her head.

“Yes.” He clasped his hands together again and pressed them slowly too his lips.

“Well, if you’ll allow me Lord Euston, I’ll be heading on my way to figure this whole ordeal out.” Nor’i stood up, and with her staff at her side she bowed down too him and sped off. For she had a good idea what she’d have to do next, who she’d have to speak too. Leaving Percy behind, looking back at her over his shoulder. His thoughts filled with bewilderment and his fixation on her abruptness. But he returned to peer into Lord Euston’s eyes.

“Your partner is quite a peculiar jewel.” He lowered his hands now and then began to write down on his parchment yet again. Without looking toward Percy, he spoke once more. “I’d catch up to someone like that if I were you boy.”

Chapter Four

#percy de rolo #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #critical role #percy de rolo x reader #dungeons and dungeons #dnd #dnd shenanigans #percival fredrickstein von musel de rolo iii #nori vo #nor’i vo #nor’i #dnd ocs #orginal character

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unholywriter · 11 months

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i stayed up and watched the titanic until 3 am

THIS IS NOT VEX AND PERCY

This is my OC Nor’i.

#percy de rolo #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #critical role #dungeons and dungeons #dnd #dnd shenanigans #percival fredrickstein von musel de rolo iii #nor’ival #nori vo #nor’i #nor’i vo

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unholywriter · 1 year

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a reunion

From my fanfic We’re All Runaways.

#percy de rolo #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #taliesin jaffe #critical role #dnd #dnd shenanigans #dungeons and dungeons #percival critical role #percival fredrickstein von musel de rolo iii #nor’ival #nori art #nori vo #nor’i vo #nor’i

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unholywriter · 1 year

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We’re all getting nosebleeds Nor’i. 🥴

#percy de rolo #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #percy de rolo x reader #dnd #critical role #dnd shenanigans #dungeons and dungeons #nor’i #nor’i vo #percival fredrickstein von musel klossowski de rolo iii

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unholywriter · 1 year

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Chapter One

Percival Fredrickstein von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

Warnings: None.

“We’re all Runaways.”

Chapter Two - A Rouge to be.

Ironheart, wildly known for its ore and bitter cold nips within the air was beginning to wake up. A few early birds trudged through the at least two and a half feet of snow. Carrying baskets full of fresh bakes to take to the bakeries or deliver, and their cloaks dragging behind them. Men that were the guards with great-swords, maces and ax’s at their back exit the barracks for their shifts today. The ones who were on the graveyard shift stumbling back inside.

Nor’i sniffled soldering soon to find the nearest open shop. Walking up into the market square the snow was being shoveled away, leading paths too entrances of building’s and stalls assorted in even spaces.

Inside the warmth hit like a brick, it was a rush of chills that ran down her spine but again very welcomed. A young looking Elven fellow sat at the counter, scribbling away onto some parchment. As Nor’i approached, he did not look toward yet. He had long, dirty blonde hair that was shaven at the left side. On his ears were two black jeweled piercings that were placed at his lobes. His honey toned, tired eyes continued to keep their attention as he wrote, and Nor’i had to clear her throat to have those same honey toned eyes look at her.

“Gods I’m sorry, would you believe me if I said I didn’t hear you come in?” He spoke, his tone just a sweet.

“I might now since you’re the least rude person I’ve bumped into today.” She replied, a tilt at her head but not an emotion aside neutral blankness could be noted. A small smile tugged his lips as he tried to shake the apparent grogginess away.

“We’ll it is the morning, and my sister had to have me open up this early because we have to maintain business.” He set the quill down.

“Ah yeah, siblings. I was an only child though, but I do count my childhood friend as a brother. He would always make sure I was up not a minute later then the time we were supposed to be.” A small smile was finally displayed. She remembered those simple times all to well.

“Sounds like our siblings are alike then. On another note - welcome too Linnie and Vinnie’s, traveling shopkeep. We range with various goods. You can find armor, too the potion of fire breathing that might save your life in a pinch. What can I do for such a beautiful woman like you this fine morn’?” He put his face into his right palm, that smile still not subsiding.

“I’d like to possibly grab a few health potions, see your selections of daggers, and browse your best light armors.” She headed straight to the point, ignoring his attempt at flattery.

“And the beautiful woman knows exactly what she wants, I like you even better my amastacia.” He got up, heading to pull a set of daggers out. “These are our non magical daggers that deal quite a good lot of damage if used right. Some of the finest elven smithed daggers you can find, straight from the chambers of a high bidder that decided to swindle me if you catch my drift.” After a quick wink, he bent again pulling out a red velvet box, opening it to revel a short black dagger. “This is a personal favorite of mine, blinking in and out of existence. It’s got me out of quite a few binds.” He picked up the blade, running his finger over it. “I’d hate too see it go, but if I know it’s in good hands, I might give it to you at discount price. Especially if you decide to come find me to do more business later down the road.”

“You don’t even know me.” Another tilt to her head, and that empty look upon her face still lingered. “I might never come to find you after this transaction.”

“I’m quite perceptive.” He twirled the blade around his fingers now, his grin tugging even further.

“Is that all you’ve got?” She questioned, placing her hands down and leaning forward on the counter. “Or are you holding out on me?”

He chuckled, setting the blade down. “Sadly I’m being honest. We’re fresh out of wondrous daggers for now until we head into the trade market in a much more refined area.”

“And this dagger is magical? I’ll have to attune right?” Nor’i questioned now, finding an interest in said dagger. A special friend not to far back would have liked this one. She smiled internally too herself.

“Yes.”

“How much.”

“A thousand gold.”

“You said you might give me a discount price.”

“If I knew it were in good hands.”

“My hands have a lot of experience, don’t worry about that part. Good? I’ve been tittering on a fine line there for a while. Skilled on the other hand, there’s a difference.” He went and placed his hand over the hilt of the blink knife now.

With a narrow of his eyelids and a shifty grin he spoke, “Is that so.” At the pit of her stomach she felt it. In a flash he blinked out, and in a split second she had grabbed both the daggers laid down, and turned where he’d be just as quick. One was at his neck, the other at his stomach both at an angle to kill. His blink dagger’s tip lifting her chin up to meet his gaze. Nor’i’s cheeks burned from the sudden closeness. But she felt no real danger, even with a blade so close that could kill. The thrill got her blood pumping in away she admitted made her even flushed than usual. “You’re not a fine-tuned Rouge yet.”

“Monk first, Rouge later.” Her eyelids narrowed with a playful glare. He let out another set of chuckles now, she still holding him at knife point just the same.

“My names Linnie.” He dropped the dagger at his side finally, moving a step back to give her space.

“I don’t have a name, got it?”

“That’s fine by me, amastacia suits you well. So get used too it.”

Nor’i walked out of Linnie and Vinnie’s with a blink dagger, a new set of leather armor that isolated heat for the cold weather. It kept her quiet and well defended whilst not putting her at disadvantage on her movements. A couple healing potions were in safe keeping, and she continued on to grab some rations for a week. Into the bag of holding it all went.

She followed the tavern keep’s instructions next. At least to pop by. Most all nobles expect punctuality right? Down a long walled path, she managed to stop at a tall looming gate. It felt like death here, and she didn’t like it all to well. The gate itself had been pushed open previously. Snow piled at the other side, and a path of footprints she’s been following continued on. It had snowed late that night so, this is a new set. A new visitor. At least unless the servants here don’t live in this mansion.

Up the steps too this light bricked, wooden logged manor and too the big set of double doors she shifted on. Nor’i took the large knocker at the dark elm door, slamming down a couple times to get the message a-cross.

Thirty seconds pass, and a few snow flakes began to flow around her again. The wind catching exposed skin, and the cold still blistering the tip of her nose and ears. A lock, and then another lock and slowly with a heavy pull came to view a small man with a hunched over back peering at the new visitor to his Lordship’s home.

“O-oh dear me. Wasn’t expecting this many visitors for Lord Euston this early in the morning today.” He spoke so timidly, it made Nor’i taken aback.

“Sorry to drop in so early, I’m here about possibly looking into the mysterious death of his son.” She explained bluntly, which took the servant off guard quite easily as well. A pass like ping pong if you will.

“Well, it is quite early. Although, I do know he wakes at five in the morning. That is if he’s gotten a lick of s-sleep at all.” He clasped his hands together, and looked nervously over his shoulder. “You can come in and wait here with our other visitor.” He turned back too Nor’i. “Please, please follow me! It’s very frigid out there.”

He lead her inside, and too her right she saw the same person who knocked into her early this morning. What in the Gods is he doing here?

“Are you positive he’ll be able to speak to me?” Nor’i questioned now, a slight annoyance left her lips.

“I-I’ll have to go and find out. Just can’t leave any guests out in the cold no, no, no. That won’t do at all.” He held out his hand to gesture for her to stand next to the other guest he spoke of. “Please do wait here. I’ll be back with Lord Euston’s word.”

And with that he turned heal still hunched with such bad posture it made Nor’is back hurt. His still hands were clasped together and he swiftly walked with fast pace up the steps and turned down the great hall to his left. That left Nor’i and this jerk that didn’t say sorry or at least help her up in the tavern. She made her way and stood at least a good five feet from him. A minute of silence past. She didn’t say a word, and then another, and another. Her fingers fidgeted and with a deep breath in she spoke.

“You know you usually are supposed to apologize when you run into people.” Nor’i didn’t look back to him when she spoke. He nor to her, paying no true intentional mind to make proper conversation. But he did reply, for the sheer impatience of having to wait only.

“I believe you ran into me.” His tone, it was well snobby putting. This made Nor’i snap her head back to him finally. Looking his very well put posture over, his upper class clothing that was well tended too. If he was an adventurer, his scuffles he’d get himself in only meant he’d take extra time to mend his clothes. Unless he’s a wizard or sorcerer of some kind? Mending would be so easy with that spell. “I believe you’re the one being rude now staring me down I might add.”

Nor’i didn’t look away as their eyes met. “Staring? No. Sizing you up, and possibly coming to a conclusion that you’re an asshole who doesn’t give two shits about the people around him? Yes.”

A scoff come out if his mouth, and he turned away to look back toward the stairs. “I have no time for your peasantry attitude.”

“I come from a fine line thank you.” She looked back away with the biggest look of annoyance plastered upon her face. At least, her line was good before her mother and father past, having her grandfather snap and make the monastery into an unbearable, viscous cult sucked and haunts her every move.

He didn’t say another word, and neither did Nor’i. A couple minutes later and the servant who greeted them both came slowly down the stairs. His back still hunched over, and his hands still clasped within the other. Stopping before the two, a look of pure belittlement was read upon his features. “I’m sorry, Lord Euston will not be taking visitors today.”

“I’ve been trying to contact him for a day now, does he not have time for one simple conversation?” This stranger at which has not been named yet rose out one of his hands in gesture.

“I thought all of you nobles were in each other’s pockets.” She muttered, which the man did hear at which he shot another look of annoyance toward her. The servant looked amongst them two now. His nervousness well apparent.

“You just said- Oh forget about it.” He looked to the servant yet again. “Reginald, please could you let Lord Euston know it’s urgent.”

“I did, but he is very busy I’m afraid. His business takes a lot of his time.” The servant now known as Reginald spoke up yet again. “That means he will not be seeing any visitors.”

“There’s no changing his mind if you attempt again Reggie?” Nor’i huffed. Reginald sort of hesitated with the use of a nickname from a stranger girl, but he nodded to reply.

“Uh, yes there would be no use.” He simply tried putting a bold line under his answer.

A sigh left the young man’s lips and he put his hand to his forehead, pressing glasses he wore further back to fit against the bridge of his nose properly. Softly he muttered, “There’s got to be away to talk to him.”

“That’s a shame.” Nor’i pipped up, but then she took one step forward and began to walk past him.

“W-Wait! You can’t-“

With a quick swift whip, out came her trusty Thumper to halt Reginald’s movement’s as it pointed directly at his nose. “I’m seeing your Lord, so if you value your pretty little face, I’d suggest you not make any actions against me.”

With narrow of her eyelids added, the sheer panic set in as he held up his hands. “I d-don’t want any t-trouble! But I beg you, h-he should not be disturbed!” A high pitched squeak left his throat, making Nor’i almost feel sorry for him.

She let the staff fall at her side and she began on. The young noble stranger that stood where he was the entire time, watched as she made her way up the stairs now. He did like the fact she seemed to want to get things done, and he did believe this young bratty woman had no evil malice to her. Although, quite chaotic to be frank. He sighed, knowing this was his chance. He then began to follow in foot, as Reginald begged for both to cancel this brashness.

Footnote: amastacia “star flower" in Elven.

Chapter Three

#percy de rolo #taliesin jaffe #the legend of vox machina #vox machina #percy de rolo x reader #dnd #dnd shenanigans #dungeons and dungeons #critical role #percy de rolo smut #nor’ival #nor’i vo #nor’i #Percy and Nor’i

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unholywriter · 10 months

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Chapter Three

Percival Fredrickstien von Musel Klossowski de Rolo III

Warnings: None.

We’re All Runaways

Chapter Four: From The Hideout

Nor’i didn’t even give time for Reginald to help open the main doors. The pure bulk force from this woman was remarkable. Heading out, she managed too allow the brisk nip in the air too blanket her exposed skin. Shuffling through the snow, she sped on too the town square.

As for Percival, he finished his tea, set it down and gave Lord Euston a fair warning. “Don’t make dealings with the Briarwood’s.” As his tea cup left his hand finally, Lord Euston looked down at the paper he set it on. Signature’s from the Briarwood’s that were on a letter sent to him were now stained with tea splashes of red.

Before he could look up and search Percy’s eyes. Percy had already left the study, and continued his way out of the estate. Nor’i trotted through the snow, leaving behind a trial. But among the other prints for those who’ve woken this morning, it would be hard for Percy to track. Even her weight, you’d expect her to be slowed down. But she was light as a feather and left just as quick leaving the white haired boy far behind. What was he even thinking? Actually considering to work with such a stranger? He sighed, taking a hard right and heading back too the tavern.

As for Nor’i, her thoughts cared not for Percy. He was an obstacle she’ll have no choice too encounter down the road on this job but, for now she was scouring the market watching young children and teenager’s toss snow balls straight at each other’s faces. Lord Euston spoke of Lance’s friends. The rift raft of Ironheart. Standing aside the bakery’s doors smashing on a fresh baked bread; she kept her gaze with limited attention. She’d look upon the children, and then the few others that headed too their morning errands. she was looking specifically for the roughest of the bunch. The bully, the one who’d run tail between his leg’s because that’s what they’d all do with a situation like Lance’s. Although the assumptions were tossed aside as a blonde haired, freckled brown eyed girl came barreling after one that be considered a small fry. Oh how she was the leader of this possible rough batch of runts.

She pummeled a smaller kid with dirty blonde hair, a ragged looking overall attire with patch worked gloves. He stood no chance as he balled up in the snow and the rest of her followers joined in with more snow balls. A sigh left her lips, she couldn’t say anything because she was that girl when she was young. All she could remember was the times her and Grove bullied younger kids into doing things they didn’t want to do. Although, Grove real quick was the one who managed to turn Nor’i around really fast once he saw his feathers were falling off. It was a learning process of being young, not only that. Grove was indeed an Orphan so her parents took him in. Growing up together, she missed that. A solemn expression crept on her face. Someday, this girl will learn. Just the fact Lance’s death should have been enough. Although, someone so young might have a hard time realizing that it’s their hand they dealt the fate of others in.

Stepping forward, she managed to walk and stand behind the kids without notice. She cleared her throat, and crossed her arms waiting for their response. It was as if scaring a bunch of gutter cats. Their hair all raised up at their spines, the petrified look of being on edge. Spinning around, the teenage blonde girl looked up at Nor’i wide eyed. “W-what do you want?!”

The bratty tone that left her mouth only made Nor’i raise an eyebrow. “Look kid, if you don’t start allowing that poor boy a breath he might rain some hell on you later on in life that’ll you’ll definitely not see coming.”

“What? Bigly? Ha!” She sort of snorted. “He couldn’t tie a shoe lace together let alone come up with any master plan to get back at us.” The blonde girl crossed her arms together, the others following and snickering laughs.

“Is that what you thought of Lance Euston before you got him killed?” Nor’i tilted her head, and the instant sound of crickets that played as a melody for these kids only confirmed she was right.

“I ain’t got nothin’ to do with that!” The blonde girl pointed at her and was beginning to step away. So far that she began to stumble on the kids behind her. “H-he’s the crazy one…” She began to push past them. “Move!” And as she did she began to run, the kids soon following in suit. Nor’i continued to watch with a shake of the head. The story with those kids were over so far, looking down she saw Bigly, still curled up sniffling in the snow.

“Come on kid.” She bent down and held out her hand. From under his arms he still held his head tucked under, two pair of blue eyes pierced at her like ice daggers in fear. There was hesitation, so she smiled. “Let’s get you warmed up and you can tell me all about how these kids are a bunch of little shits. Maybe I can tell you how too stand up for yourself in exchange, yeah?”

“They’ll make it worse if I snitch!” He began to loosen his tense posture but still kept his position.

“The only thing that makes it worse if you do nothing about it.” She kept her hand out, that smile still tugging her lips. It was gentle, and genuine. For some reason, she remembered Grove all drenched in oil, dirt and curled up in a back alley of a town her family was visiting at the time. Slowly the kid began to rise. “Bigly right?”

He took her hand, and she helped him up. “It’s Murphy actually, they just call me that to be mean.”

Nor’i began walking to the Bakery yet again, seeing her bread she dropped in the snow. “Well come on Murphy, let me get us both something warm to eat and I can lend you my war stories for when I was younger.”

“Okay.” Left his lips, and the two ventured back inside. The heat of the ovens was yet again welcoming, and Murphy fastened his pace too the display case. He turned back too her, his hands still on the glass and the biggest puppy eyes fell upon his features. “Anything?”

A sigh left her lips, as if she wasn’t going to give the kid what he wanted. “Yes, anything.”

After a quick transaction, Nor’i and Murphy settled back at the tavern. They began to eat their breakfast now warming up yet again. She watched this kid ravish the cherry filled dumpling’s as if he’d never eaten such a treat ever before. “This is so delicious.” He beamed. “Thank you.”

“Your parents do feed you right?” Nor’i snacked with small bites at her muffin.

“More than they eat themselves yes. But we can’t afford stuff like this all the time.” He took another rambunctious bite. From down the stairs, Nor’i’s back turned she didn’t notice. Percival had stopped dead in his tracks once he saw her. Raising an eyebrow as she sat with this young boy not more then fourteen.

“Then you already know the lesson of cherishing the things you have. That’s a good one too know.” She tilted her head, another smile being displayed. Percy moved to stand close by, leaning against a wooden pillar hidden from both their views. He crossed his arms and continued too listen in.

“I’m sorry lady, but you don’t look like you got too worry much about whether you get a next meal or not.” He wiped a bit of cherry off his chin.

“I get by here and there, but years ago I had to figure out first hand that there’s a once in a million chance some kind stranger would pay for my dumplings out of the kindness of their heart.” She took another small bite, savoring the berried flavor.

“But you need to know things about Lance Euston don’t you?” Murphy’s full attention was now on her. Her smile quickly slithered into a grin.

“Sharp perception my fine little pastry covered friend.” She tittered a small chuckle.

“I know what bribery is, but you could have just asked me instead of buttering me up you know.” Murphy let a grin soon follow.

Nor’i wasn’t too surprised, children are often very sneaky and very mischievous. “If you’re this smart Murphy, why’re you letting those kids be such dick’s too you?”

“Maybe later down the road they’ll need something from me and I bet it will make them seethe when they finally cash it in. Especially Kilana.” He wiped some cherry off his cheek.

“She’s the ring leader right?” Nor’i rose an eyebrow.

“Only because of her fists, I always wonder what could be rattling inside her head sometimes though.” He pressed his lips together. “Look, that night wasn’t supposed to happen like it did. We all weren’t even supposed to be up at the hideout.”

“Hideout?” She tilted her head yet again. Much like a cat with its own curiosity. It just so happen Nor’i matched the agileness too.

“It’s a secret cavern an hour or so up the Fallen Rock Trial.” He consulted. “It’s a place the rest of the towns kids have been going too for ages. I’m sure the adults know about it, it probably some way or another connects to the mines as well.”

“What happened that night?” She narrowed her eyelids now.

“Well I had brought a bunch of-“ He cut himself off getting bashful. His eye contact faltering.

“Spit it out kid, was it some ale or something?”

“Y-yeah.” He took a deep breath in and said with a hush. “I may or may not have taken a crate from Lady Zenobia here.”

“Uh huh.” She shook her head with a grin. “You could have done a lot worse Murphy, don’t worry about it too much. Beside I’m sure you learned your lesson.”

“Absolutely.” He nodded with haste and widened blue eyes.

“And Lance?” She took another small bite of her muffin.

“He brought some bottles of this fine wine he said he got from his dad. Dragon tears?” He sighed. “I don’t remember the other names.”

“Of course, was he trying too fit in too much did you notice?” She looked the kid over for maybe the millionth time trying too memorize his tells.

“Well, the others followed in line with Kilana, and she didn’t like him at all because he’s a noble so they all seemed to not like him either.” A look of grief crossed his features.

“And you?” She dusted the remaining crumbs from her hands. But she stopped abruptly once she noticed how tense he was now, how he looked to his lap with an overwhelming sense of sorrow. He didn’t respond and she furrowed her eyebrows with gloom. “You cared for him didn’t you?”

“Mhm..” He nodded still avoiding eye contact. His tone broken and timid now. A shaky exhale, and he continued. It was more of a whisper. “I got him killed you know.”

“How about you tell me more and I can determine if that’s the case alright Murphy?” Nor’i spoke so gently now. She knew she had to handle this delicately. So this was as delicate she’d go.

“I told you we all weren’t supposed to be there.” He continued looking up now. He was still bashful, and a tint of pink lit up his cheeks. “It was only supposed to be me and Lance since the others didn’t like him much. But some how they found out, and they came in and ruined everything.”

“How so?” Nor’i began to suspect but didn’t press. He needed to tell the story.

“They acted like finally he was apart of the group. Everyone was having fun, even Lance. But I couldn’t. I sat back most of the night and was about to leave when Lance came up to me all drunk on whatever he could get his hands on.” He furrowed his eyebrows. “Kilana was basically force feeding him more Ale by the end, and I think…” He trialed off. “I know he liked her. I guess I was a little upset about that because I screamed at him. I said some really mean things and trailed off out of cavern. The snow was coming down heavy again. But I remember him reaching for my arm.” He closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. “I told him I liked him. That it drove me crazy he was hung up on Kilana. How absolutely stupid he was for thinking she liked him back.” Looking up his eyes burned into hers. “He didn’t get to reply when we heard the rumble, felt it come from the cavern.”

“Did it cave in?” Nor’i tensed slightly, but it was very unnoticeable.

“No. Something got out.”

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