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amnachil · 5 years

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The College Society Chapter 1 Part 7

Sorry for being a little late :x Hope you’ll like it :)

Liam Thursday October 12

When I imagined the tensed situation where heroes are facing the white walker, I imagined something like this... Originally, they were supposed to work on the tutorial project. However, since Monday, Rebbie and Nick were... literally in war. And it's kinda hard to work now... (Liam wasn't complaining : after all, he didn't like to work). Nick being Nick, he was playing at his gameboy, focused on it. Rebecca being Rebecca, she was crushing a pen in her fist while staring at him. Colton being Colton, he was waiting and smiling. And finally, Liam being Liam, he was there, but not really. Honestly, he was thinking about a way to defuse the situation. They were both his friends, and he didn't like to see them quarrel. According to Rebbie, Nick is a kid, without brain and who deserve a good punch in the face. But there is nothing new, he already was like this before so... what changed ? He knew it was easier to calm down the black girl, because his roommate was way too childish to be reasonned. (Liam didn't judge, himself had not that far ago the mentality of a 8yo kid). (Besides, he liked Nick, he was nice and fun, but he couldn't let him argue with Rebecca). (She was able to kill them in their sleep, for sure). He had asked the unicorns help, but they had told him some ordeal were meant to be accomplished alone.

"It was a nice meeting." eventually mumbled the black girl. "But since it's useless, I have to go. Bob is waiting me."

She stood up and left them, only saying good bye with a discreet sign. Both Liam and Colton waited until she was far away, and then turned towards Nick. This one was still playing, but he defitely glimpsed the stare, because he muttered :

"That's not my fault. She acted like a crazy psycho."

"C'mon dude. I'm sure she feels bad about it." assured Colton.

(Liam had told him everything when he had asked). (After all, he had promised to not avoid the handsome brown lad anymore, so they had to talk sometimes). (And Liam expected his new friend to be more... effective than him in order to bring these two back together). Nick didn't even raise his eyes. This stubbornness, seriously... They're acting like children.

"I think she doesn't know how to ask your perdon." whispered Liam. "She didn't mean what she said. She was exaggerating. You know that, right ?"

"I do." agreed Nick. "You know dudes, I'm not sulking or anything. I'm fine."

Colton looked at Liam, saying something like "he's in denial, can't do anything more", and they decided to let it go. Sometimes, it's better to be absent-minded, heh... (By the way, for info, when he had talked about the chlorine, it was a diversion, he did this on purpose, clear ?)

This evening, while Liam was taking a break from his training (he was watching the water for he didn't know how much time, to be honest), he glimpsed Laura heading towards him. She was something like 160 cm (5'3"), quite slim and more muscled than she looked. Roughly, the freshman estimated her at 55 kg (120 pounds). Blonde with brown eyes, she was quite pretty, with a contagious smile Liam found cute. I understand why she's with Theo. Furthermore her physics, she had a wonderful personnality, as he had seen, and every member of the club respected her. (Not only because she was the captain's girlfriend, but for her own behavior).

"Hi Liam, I wanted to talk to you." she started once closer. "Do you mind ?"

"Not at all. I'm listening."

He tried to focus on her. (He knew he had the reputation to be inattentive and dreamy, but it was false rumors). (Okay, maybe it had a bit of truth, but not that much).

"I'm worried about something, and I thought you could help me." she explained.

He nodded, waiting for more. It was unusual that someone asked his help. (Strangely, they seemed to think he needed help, but everything was fine). (Obvisouly except when he had destroyed trash cans, but please, let's skip this incident once and for all).

"You might haven't noticed because you're not really observant, but Pete gained weight recently, and I fear Theo will kick him out of the team..."

Liam frowned. Why she said I'm not observant ? I already saw that. (Honestly, it was simple, they all were in swimtrunks here, and the lower change was easily noticeable). (And yes, he wasn't really observant, but it wasn't a reason to point it out). Anyway, Theo had indeed noted Pete's gains, because Liam and him had already talked about it, but he hadn't shown any intention to exclude him. He even said the contrary... The young freshman looked towards Pete. This one was near to the captain, listening to his instructions. He wore a tight swimming trunks, obviously stretching because of a soft layer of fat. Pete had now lovehandles in addition of his pronounced gut. He was not really fat, but chubby. (Just, to Liam's personal opinion being plump wasn't a problem. He even could like a bit of belly).

"I know quite well Theo." assured Laura. "He already kicked his bestfriend and roommate out of the team for the same reason. He had a narrow view of the club, and when you're not doing enough effort, he doesn't show any pity."

"I understand that, but what am I supposed to do ?"

As she said, she knew Theo better than him, and the captain could have lied the last time they had talked about this subject. It's sad to judge people and being based on their physics... Sadly, he didn't really know what he could do.

"I thought you could talk with Pete... You're a boy, you're nice and likeable... Just speak with him, try to make him realise he's packing on the pounds, and I'm sure he will do the rest himself."

"Well, okay, I'll do this."

"She said I was nice and likeable. Do you imagine, nice and likeable ? It had been a long time that nobody said that to me except you of course."

On the line, Nate laughed. Now the start of the year gone, they phoned each other every night, after Liam's training and often before his bestfriend started a party. It was probably the moment the young freshman enjoyed the most during the day.

"It's good. I was sure it would happen... I always told you it would."

"Yeah, right. And as you said, it make me feel confident."

"Nice... Did you managed to bring back Rebecca and Nick together ?"

Liam sighed. He told everything to Nate, and this one gave him some pieces of advice, but nothing worked. Those two were too... childish. (Eventually, Rebbie just had to put her pride a side but nooooo of course it would be too easy).

"No I didn't." he confessed. "They are as stubborn as mule."

His bestfriend laughed. It was nice to know that despite his new environment, he didn't lose his joie de vivre.

"Look, I know Nick, he can be a real pain in your ass, but he's smart. He's not sulking for nothing... This hide something. Maybe you should let time, and then talk with him... alone, not with Colton."

According to Nick, Nick is not sulking you know... But people often denied their defaults. (Just, when Liam had said he wasn't absent minded, it was different, because he really wasn't absent minded, clear ?).

"Dude, did you heard me ?" asked Nate, dragging him from his thoughts.

"What ?"

"I told ya I gotta go. Gwendoline's waiting for me."

"Oh yeah. Is she your girlfriend now ?"

His bestfriend laughed.

"Not yet dude ! Maybe tomorrow, but don't worry, you'll be the first informed."

Rebecca Sunday October 15

The faster, the better. She looked towards the finishing line thoughtfully. Right now, the boys were running, and seemingly, they already had a winner. He's largely in advance. It was an university intern tournament in order to find the member of the running team they were gonna send at the Universities national's championship. Rebecca was stretching her legs, ready for her own running, while Bob, next to her, was looking around the potential opponent. She was not stressed for all that. To be honest, she was only wondered where Nick was... Not the good moment to think about this jackass.

"Hey blackie !" hailed someone. "Can we talk ?"

The young girl gave Matthew a dirty look. They barely spoke together, but they didn't get along. What the fuck he wants ? Next to her, Bob pretended to not listen, but she knew he was.

"It'll be surprising, but I've a favor to ask you." mumbled the sophomore. "You see the girl over there ?"

Rebecca followed his indication and glanced a tall white girl who was warming up. I already saw her running from time to time...

"She's my girlfriend, and she really, really wants to be part of the team for the championship... It would be good if she could end first..."

Behind the young boy, Bob opened his eyes wide, surprised. As for her, Rebecca was quite astounded by Matthew's confidence. Did he expect her to lose on purpose ?

"You're right, it's surprising." she replied. "However, there is no way I let her win dude. She can finish second and be in the team. Remember they are taking the four tops."

Matthew frowned aggressively. He wanted to say something, but Bob came closer, and the young boy just cursed angrily. He left them, and headed towards Laura. I wonder what he will say to her... The blonde girl was supporting Theo, who, despite being a swimmer, tried his luck in the tournament. (And for Rebecca's delight, he was pretty good for running too. She definitely appreciated him).

"You made the right choice." congratulated Bob. "You don't have to do any favor. You'll win because you're the fastest, and that's all."

"Yeah, I hope so." she slowly answered. "However, I wonder if I will regret this later..."

A thunderous applause resonnated in the whole stadium when she crossed the finishing line, far before her opponents. Even the presenter was stunned, completly astounished by her performance. After all, she ran faster than the best male competitor. Satisfied, she headed towards Bob, and smiled :

"What are you thinking ?"

"That you shall become a star in the university." he replied ironically. "However, as you know, I will be satisfied once sure you will participate to the Olympics. Or not, once you'll win the Olympics."

She burst into laughter. He still had his head screwed on right. And he's right... University's Championship ain't the most important. Rebecca heard the head of the sport department calling her, and joined her now teammates of running. She glanced Matthew's girlfriend. She seems happy... After all, she did not need my help to be part of the team. Next to her, the sophomore gave her a dirty look, and she sighed. I'll regret my choice, even if she finished second... Nice, I really needed that.

Later this day, at the party which followed and once the passion for the tournament gone, Rebecca finally took advantage of the buffet when Laura came to her. She was escorted by a man in sportwear, tall and hunky. What is this again ? Once they arrived, the blonde girl smiled and introduced her friend as Emilio, the male best runner, who wanted to meet the black girl. This one looked at him, quite curious and flattered. He was taller than her, maybe 190 cm (6'3"), and slim. His skin was fair brown, and he had brown eyes with a glint of marvel she found cute.

"Nice to meet you." Rebecca assured. "You were pretty good, it will be an honor to train with you."

"I should be the one saying this." he retorted with a smile. "You're amazing. No kidding."

She blushed a bit. He wasn't the first to make a compliment, but strangely, she felt more concerned by his opinion. By the way, she realised Laura had disapeared, letting them alone. Okay... Around her, she glimpsed several girls of her sorority exchanging knowing smile.

"I train at least three times a week and I never saw you before." stated Emilio, far away her thoughts. "Are you exercising in a private area ?"

"I'm just training on afternoon, while the majority of students have lessons. They adjusted my shedule for this, because I'm going after the Olympics in two years."

"The Olympics, nothing less. To my personal opinion, I'm sure you can do it."

She laughed. He was really nice. I wonder what Nick thinks about it... He never talked about her performances. Even Liam had already said she was going to make a miracle like Jesus when he walked along the water thanks to unicorn's magic. (Liam's comparison were weird and he probably didn't read the bible, but at least, she had laughed). The black girl noticed Emilio was waiting for an answer, and she felt silly. Why am I thinking about Nick right now ? He's just an asshole...

"Thanks you for your support." she responded. "Whatever, which studies are you doing ?"

"Law. I met Laura thanks to Theo. And I imagined you were doing economics."

"Yes, exactly."

He smiled cheerfully. Some girls not that far laughed. What did they planned exactly ? I don't really have time to...

"Would you like to have a drink with me ?" Emilio asked suddenly.

Rebecca stared at him, surprised. Of course I want to. It was the first time a boy asked her something like that. Her birthday was in three days so maybe it was luck ?

"Sure." she replied.

Pete Tuesday October 17

Under his eyes, with a surprising expertise, the hand slid along his stomach, and went stroke his lower belly. He shivered with pleasure and moaned. Taking advantage of the situation, a second hand pourred melted chocolate in his mouth. With a spasm, Peted swallowed the sweet liquid, ignoring the fact it was overflowing and dirtying his whole bed. The hand on his bloated stomach rubbed it faster, with a joyous talent. The freshman moaned. How have I managed to survive without this ? This is heaven on earth... He closed his eyes, totally surrended himself to Theo, and enjoyed the moment.

A knock at the door woke him up. Slowly, Pete stood up straight, and rubbed his tired eyes. Jeezus, it's only 6 in the morning... Next to him, Theo moved, still asleep. A second knock made the freshman grumble. I'm coming.

"Dude, I'm sorry, but I have an emergency." whispered Mike through the door. "I have a fucking appointment in less than one hour..."

Pete walked groggily until the door, and asked :

"What's wrong ?"

He glimpsed at Theo. In the darkness of the room, it was quite impossible to see anything. At least, my roommate can't see him if I need to open this fucking door... It would be a problem if someone catched him with the swimteam captain.

"I think you failed a laundry." stated Mike. "I can't close my jeans. It shrunk !"

Surprised, Pete let an exclamation out. How could he fail a laundry ? He had two sister and a mother who taught him how to make it right. He opened the door, and looked at his roommate.

"What are you talking about ?"

"Look by yourself. It's too tight now."

As Pete said before, Mike was tall, around 190 cm (6'3"), and beefy. White, with chestnut-brown hair, he had blue eyes, and a very masculine face. He used to have a flat stomach, with a bit of definition. But when the blonde freshman looked to him, he saw a little softness which wasn't here a week ago. Did he gain weight ? I never planned this... It was nothing, and compltely unnoticeable for people who don't know Mike, but Pete noticed it anyway. Of course, it wouldn't be a problem if Mike hadn't chose to wear his tightest jeans. Dozens of questions crossed Pete's mind. Was the gain caused by the poder he sneakily put in their plates ? Did he make something bad ? However, even his roommate wasn't aware of the change. He said it's because his jeans shrunk...

"Go take another pants." he eventually mumbled. "I'll pay you back everything I damaged."

Mike nodded slowly.

"It was my favourite jeans..." he whispered. "By the way Pete, is that a boy I see in your bed ?"

The blonde lad rolled his eyes and closed the door.

Later this day, during lunch time, Pete was savouring a huge meal when he glimpsed Liam looking at him. Usually, the freshman was watching at something, but not really looking at it. However, right now, he was definitely staring at Pete, and he was doing a kind of signal with his hand. What the hell does he want ? Since this weekend, the blond swimmer came back in Theo favor. They had sex several times, often with a binge before (one was eating until his maximum, the other was drinking and taking drugs). Consequently, Pete felt happier than ever. He was confident, and at ease with his body now. Eventually, the team captain just wanted him a bit fatter, and the freshman made this wish come true. And now, I'm enjoying food way more than I did before... I'm just happy now. Lost in his mind, the lad didn't see Liam coming, and he jumped a bit when his friend took a sit.

"Hi dude. Can I talk to you for a sec ?" he asked politely.

"Of course. What's wrong ?"

The brown student scrutinized at him, thinking. He is judging my physique.

"To be honest, I'm just a bit worried." started Liam. "I mean, I'm worried about college way of life, the all-you-can-eat buffet, the pressure with the lessons, we all are stressed, and we don't have that much time for sports... "

That's weird. He was more talking to himself than to Pete, and he was avoiding eye contact. This guy. Everytime I think I know how he works, he becomes even odder.

"I fear Theo will kick me out of the team if I can't be focused into sport..." continued Liam. "You know what I mean ?"

"Well... Yeah I guess."

What is he implying exactly ? Why he talks with me about this and not Rebecca or Nick ? After all, there were his friends.

"Maybe it would be better to workout a bit more in order to keep my place in the team... I might have lose some muscle definition, don't you think ? I mean, only to fit Theo criteria."

Pete smiled. First of all, the captain's criteria was not this kind of muscled build at all, and he would definitely not kick someone out of the team because of their body. Secondly, while speaking, Liam was blushing as hell and moving in eyes in all direction but Pete's face. And finally, the brown lad didn't lose muscle definition at all. In fact, he was strongly V-shaped, and during their last training, Pete noticed a blossoming six pack. He doesn't have to worry at all.

"Dude, calm down." he laughed. "You're perfectly fine trust me, and Theo will absolutely not blame you. Besides, you're handsome."

What did I just said ? Liam frowned a bit, but seemed reassured, because he stood up and smiled prudently.

"Thank you man. I have to go for my lesson but thank you."

To be continued

We’re making slow progress !

Soon, we will meet two importants characters for the followings chapter, but I won’t say why they’re mains :p

Pete is on his way to become a nice feedee now, and much to Theo’s pleasure. Let’s hope for them everything will be alright... right ? :’)

Sooo, what do you think about Rebecca versus Nick ? What’s the real deal ? :)

See you next week for the next part !

#the college society #cs #liam #Rebecca #Pete #weight gain #stuffing #Liam you're sooo absent-minded !#Rebecca versus Nick will never end #Pete is a feedee #Theo is a feeder #chapter 1 #part 7 #My Story

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elaianna · 6 years

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Friends in Unlikely Places

[ Music | Part One ]

With the departure of the block captain things settled back in to the mundane ritual one could expect of the cell block. The torches were snuffed. Guards became a scarce presence that rotated on the half-hour. Then most of all the air became filled with the coughs of sickly prisoners awaiting the block, or the jostle of chains as bodies rattled beneath the heft of their heaving bodies. When the final guardsman finished his rounds and began his traipse down the long tunnel a sound came more closely to Anna's cell.

The newest arrival, a man known by frame only began to move three cells down. Though separated by a room and two stone walls he knew well where he was, and why he was here. Assured that the room was clear his head came to press against the bars though he'd never lay eyes on the woman two cells down for him. In a deep voice he tempted to whisper.

"Hey...psst...you're that Duchess what was taken from Stormhollow, aye?"

Elaianna wasn't sure she had heard it at first. She lifted her head and squinted, looking around for the source. Was she hallucinating now? It wasn't a far stretch. With rations as poor as she had, and with how sparse they had been for her, it would have been acceptable-- normal even.

"Beg pardon?" she murmured.

"That Duchess-"

The man's face forced further into the bars as if that might somehow allow him to see who he was speaking to. Removing himself moments later when his ears denied him going any further he began to shift further to his left, all the way until he'd reached the wall and could get no closer before leaning back in to the bars.

"Mainlander what came to Stormhollow just before that right jammy bastard came in and started sendin' good folk t' the Wash left and right, aye?"

His voice raised and lowered every few words as his eyes would bulge in search of some unknown presence in the room.

"I've never been a mainlander," she grumbled. "Kul Tiran born and raised." Her head tilted to the side. "But.. I suppose aye. I am." She was looking in the general direction of the voice. "To the Wash?"

" 'Pologies then there m'lady but, s' not what I've heard. Here more folk tell tale you was born on the mainland, brought over here t' be raised proper but it didn't work right so's they sent ya back."

His grip of the bars in either hand wrung gently as he watched the nothingness of the room in full detail. The sinking dread filling him, the hesitance in his eyes as the situation settled more with him nearly brought a quiver to his lip before he'd snarl one nostril to mask it.

"Aye, the Wash. The Timber-ticker, Liar's lotto, the Woody- the Wash. Place what where they're sendin' fools off to waste away buildin' ships for the fleet, I've heard the stories. I was supposed t' be going there before that man cut me a deal for ya."

So that's what they think of me.

Her heart sunk. They truly believed she was from the mainlands, that she wasn't a Kul Tiran. Ever since leaving for Stormwind at her Father's orders to extend their network, she hadn't fitted in any land. Not as a mainlander, and now not as her own people.

"...Cut a deal?"

"Aye, aye- got everything here too just as I was told. Followed the instructions just like I was told, told the man named Philbert my name and gave him the coin, gave the man Linus his paper, and told that skinny fella on the dock his brother's been released. Yer man could have been a bit more polite about it, talked ta' me real slow like, felt like he thought I'd drank too much sea water...but I've got all yer thin's."

For a brief moment the man's chains could be heard skittering away as if he went to gather something before returning shortly thereafter.

"So we're square, aye? Barty is gonna be alright, aye? I don't know what I'd do if somethin' happened t' my boy, I'm all he's got left, m'lady. No family left, cousin's already goin' for the Wash and I was 'sposed to too...now I'm here 'an...we're square aye? I'll be gettin' out? M' boy's bein' taken care of?" It was clear he was beginning to get choked up now by the wavering in his voice. While one could assume by the deep tone of his voice he was a big man, his blubberings only made that more clear.

"All my.. things?" she asked slowly, trying to understand.

"Slow down, slow down. Who'd you speak to? Who? I need to know which man," she told him, before breaking off to cough painfully. She was talking too much for a dry throat. "Describe what man told you this."

"The little man. Well, lad's pretty tall but...pretty skinny, he could stand ta eat more s' all I'm saying there m'lady. Got himself some of them spectacles, fancy pants, quiet, looks more like a reader than a man what works with his hands."

While she couldn't see it the man was loudly beginning to scratch the side of his head, letting out long stints of the word 'uhm' before returning to whispered shouts over.

"One of the mainlanders who got off with ya there m'lady. He's the man what got me off the list t' the Wash, said he'd take my boy and put him up nice in Boralus until things settle, and sent me here- I swear to ya I did everythin' he told me you wanted, I've got everything and I'll keep doin' my part, I swear it Miss, swear on me little Bartleby. But please m'ady, I just need ta know he's gonna be alright, I been scrapin' by as it is for so long with the taxes and...I just, I can't stand ta think what would happen if m' boy ever gets his ticket called."

Eidrich.

Elaianna settled back against the stone, a sigh of relief leaving her as she closed her eyes. He was effective and able to be under the radar. If anyone could pull off what this man claimed, it'd be him.

"That man is amazing at what he does. I trust my own daughters with him. He should be able to be sure Bartleby is safe."

The lump he'd held back thus far was finally swallowed. The first breath of relief he'd taken since he was put to cart felt beautiful, like he could finally live again as if he'd been stuck in worry and dismay from the second he'd been torn away from his life. Sniffling quietly the man's chains began to jingle as he reached upward to swipe at his eyes. Sobbing quietly a moment his chains jerked more loudly as he began to nod out of joy and relief.

"Thank ya, m'lady, thank ya, m' forever grateful to ya. I've...I've got what ya wanted then." He sniffled again, harshly sucking in once with both nostrils to try and halt it.

"Don't have an easy way so I'm goin' ta have to slide it...think I saw how far things reached but ya may be needin' to catch it in case happens to get to slidin' too fast."

What did she want? She tried to rack her brain for what Eidrich could have possibly sent her.

Shrugging off her shawl-- something she had used as a makeshift blanket when it got cold, dingey and dirty as it was now-- she wrapped it around her chains to control the steady clink and clank of them. She shuffled forward, closer and closer to the edge of her cell. At least, as close as she could get and leaned as far as she could. "I'll do my best. -- What's your name?"

Picking at the thread of fishing line he'd wrapped around his waist numerous times just as instructed, the man began tying one end off to a tightly wrapped bundle no bigger than a half-eaten loaf of bread. One he felt it was secure enough, the man placed the bundle outside of the bars in the flat of his palm while the other hand wrapped the opposite end of the string around his finger for a safer recall if it should fail to reach her.

"The name's Gregory, m'lady. Gregory Corrinster, worked the market in Stormhollow shucking clams on the east end." Gently tossing the bundle up and down a few times in his hand to get a feel for it's weight he leaned far to the right to get as much of a gauge as possible.

"Incomin' to ya..." He signaled before skidding it down the hall in her cell's direction.

"Shucking clams? I'm fairly certain my husband used to do that at one point... He's always been on the move though. Never long for one place." Until he met her, at any rate. With a grunt she threw herself as far forward as she could, ignoring the cutting metal into her limbs. She had to twist her arm awkwardly to pull and nudge the package with her elbow closer to her, and closer still until she had the slack to use her hands to pick it up and open it.

"Got it? Aye...there it is, there we are." Gregory began to smile as he felt the line go taught then pull away from him. Pulling himself away from the bars, Gregory began to unwind the bit of fishing line still connected to his finger until the package was entirely in her control. Listening to her mention of her husband, Gregory began to nod whilst turning to plant his back squarely to the bars while calling back over-shoulder.

"That right then? It's nothing amazing, and it's not butcher coin I'll tell ya, those lads down at the slop shop don't have to be worryin' about bringin' home the bacon, aye? Aye?" He poked as if looking for confirmation in his joke.

"Pays well enough at least...or it did. Mary-Ann passed not too long ago though, m'wife...been hard on one lump o've coin to keep things goin' fer me and 'ol Barty but we get by. He's a good lad...good lad he is. Strong as an oarsman, stubborn as a mule to match it."

As Gregory became lost in reminiscing his words mostly muddled together in recounts of stories regarding his son as though it were all he could talk about, or perhaps all that had been on his mind the last few days.

"Sounds like he'll be a strong man," she murmured to him, trying to give the man some consolation for what he went through to come here. If there was one thing she could sympathize with, it was wanting the best for their children.

The package that reached the Duchess did not appear much, nor did it weigh more than it appeared. Soft, in some parts, crunchy in others, then hard as a rock in another it had a differing texture in every turn of the hand. Bound by twine and a brown parcel-paper it was tightly compacted which certainly took some digging to tear open. Inside she'd find one note wrapped in a tight roll, a photograph stolen from her desk that showed herself, her children, and her husband, and then lastly a tiny linen bag filled with herbs and two bottles of a strange liquid of indiscernible color in the low light.

Carefully, with shaking hands, she pulled the twine loose, and unwrapped the package. All contents were forgotten when she saw the photograph. She felt like the world had been kicked from beneath her. As she picked up the photo, she felt the hot prick of tears in the corner of her eyes. Her babies... Her love. Her family. Her entire reason for pushing onward.

Blinking back the tears, she sniffled, swallowing back a sob, as she grabbed the note, and unrolled it, reading it through blurry eyes.

On the small piece of torn parchment Eidrich's handwriting could be seen tightly compacted yet neatly presented to relay as much information as he could in such a short allotted space.

Your family is safe. Few company members taken, most are free of Stormhollow. It proved too expensive and difficult to bribe assistance for you directly, instead I've sent you help through this man. Should you need anything, ask, and he shall relay. Drink the potions, one now, one if you grow ill. Take herbs. Do not stir the pot, hide what you're given, help will come. More to follow soon.

On each of the bottles given Eidrich had been kind enough to label them with but three words; For immune system.

As the man two cells down continued to prattle on another 'flap' of a sound hit the ground but a few inches from Elaianna's cell, followed by a tough hunk of bread skidding in beside it moments later.

"Almost forgot about that bit- said it'd be waitin' smuggled in to this here cell for you m'lady."

The item in question? A waterskin.

Elaianna's eyes closed and she held the letter and photograph close to her chest, to her heart as she allowed herself a small moment of relief. They were safe. Everything she had been fed through these bars was a lie. Not that it should surprise the noblewoman. The photograph was folded up and tucked into the bosom of her dress. The letter she read over once more, committing the instructions to memory before she tore it up into tiny shreds. It wasn't the best meal but, it would make her stomach feel like something was in it, and make it so that the guards couldn't find the letter. Shred by shred, she ate the parchment, ignoring the taste of the ink on her tongue. The less evidence the better.

She uncorked the vial and swallowed it back in one slow gulp, letting the moisture of it's contents wet her whistle, and swish back the taste of ink. The second vial was similarly stowed away on her person.

"You'll be getting out of here then?" she inquired, wondering how this man was going to relay anything back to Eidrich.

As she spoke, she went about portioning a pinch of the herbs to take now, knowing she'd need some later on as well.

"That's what yer man told me, m'lady."

Gregory began to nod if only to himself. Hiking his knees to rest against his chest the prisoner leaned further back into the bars of his cell, head finding a place within a pair of bars as he talked off absently to the Duchess he'd been sent for.

"Six weeks he said to me. In the mean time I'm just here ta be hearin' what you need, forkin' over rations, and sendin' word through the man what tossed me in here yer boy paid off."

"...Have you any rations for yourself?" she asked, with a raised brow. Six weeks of giving his rations over to her and he'd be dead.

Still, she found herself breaking off at least a bit of the bread, sprinkling the herbs on it and taking a bite. All the while, she was careful to eat slow, so as not to shock her stomach.

"Oh aye."

Gregory responded, his face scrunching and giving a highly positive tone. Pulling his head free with a few tugs from the bars that had suction-cupped his head inward, Gregory's pants could be heard sliding across the floor before pushing himself to a knee beside the far wall. His voice coming a little more faded he called once more.

"Said he'd switch my name from the lotto list ta the list headed here. Offense he put me under's supposed ta be light so m' gettin' m'self no limits on muh meals. I fork over half mah food, pass along what ya need done and he'll pay m' fine and keep m' boy above water."

Clever.

Eidrich deserved a raise after all this was said and done, and maybe a vacation. If she survived for all of his hard work to be paid off.

"I need word to my lawyer. He'll know the one. Is that a message you can relay? To get word to my lawyer?" Not that she was sure he could do anything. She wasn't even sure what to do. "And... and make sure he can get whoever else out he can. Not much to be done for me down here, but people up above? ...Sounds like it's bad."

"Been pretty bad a while now there, m'lady, but aye, I can get word back ta your man, you just let old Gregory know what needs tellin'."

Coming back across the room, Gregory approached the spot he'd formerly been sitting. Hands wrapping around the bars he pressed his ear closely to the bar waiting for if any instructions were to come.

What needed to be done? How could she even process that? She didn't know the exact layout of everything above her. Everything beyond this cell. She didn't know what resources they still had. Who they still had.

"Use the invested money to get away and shelter people from the labor camps. Use Barrowfield, make temporary tent camps, if none of the other Kul Tiran Lords and Ladies will shelter the people."

"Can do, anythin' else yer needin' to tell? Anythin' ya need down in here?"

Gregory paused in silence for a moment as the sound of a clanging door echoed down from one of the halls far in the distance.

"Might be a bit before I'm gettin' any information sent, have ta wait on specific guard and I don't know how much I can tell 'm. Wanna make sure I get all yer needin' fer now."

"I imagine a lock pick would be asking too much?" she inquired with a tired voice.

"I uh..."

By his tone it was clear Gregory was contemplating it, or perhaps contemplating why he wasn't sent in with one in the first place. Stroking his hand down his beard, Gregory's lips pulled aside with a dragged down brow.

"I mean I could ask but...feel like me tellin' that to a guard, even one on the take might uh...might quickly be gettin' me in hot water."

"Fair, fair," she mumbled. "Not sure what else I'd need then, other than food and water, and that's covered. -- Not unless a letter can be reached to my husband, but that's not a need. That's a want."

"M'lady, m' just at your disposal here. I can understand y' wantin' ta tell anything ta your hoosband. If my wife were still with us, tide's be kind ta her, I'd be wantin' ta tell her many thin's in here. So likes I said, you say it, I pass along anything ya need sayin' or doin'."

Her eyes closed as she envisioned her family, particularly her husband. "Tell him... I love him. I'll be anchored back to him soon... but, not to do anything foolish. Keep the girls safe. Sing them a song for me."

There was silence for a time following her request. Silence, then the sound of a man audibly blowing his nose into his shirt with a weepy mumble briefly.

"Oh aye, aye... 'll pass it along there, m'lady."

That was the first night that even the faintest traces of a smile graced Elaianna's lips since she had been taken from her family. There was some semblance in knowing that her family would at least hear once more about how she had loved them.

@atc-wra @eidrich-crone @thomasstalsworth

#Anchor Trading Co #WRA #IC #Canon #RP

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