Private Tales Fight Fire With Fire

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

By the time that Will had gotten everyone out, the firefighters had arrived with the water tank and hose Aaron and Corin with them. Together they were able to quickly get the fire under control. They had been able to stop the fire from spreading to any of the other buildings and only the back corner of the ceiling had collapsed. The front half of the guild was relatively untouched. Though several people had been injured in the fire, three of them sustaining heavy burns. Ayreal came out of the smoking building, ash streaked across her face as she looked around for Will. Seeing him she came over.

"Are you alright?" She asked.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis breathed heavily as he slowly got up. The damage to the building wasn't too bad though there were a couple of people who were severely burned by the fire. Willis looked away as the Firefighters helped them up and took them away to the hands of a healer. Willis observed the Guildblowing Guild building frowning, "I'm good thanks," Willis said looking at Ayreal. "Are you okay?"

The young man closed his eyes as he was lost in thought someone tried to destroy the place. A couple of Pyromages and professional Smithers there was no way that this accident happened by coincidence. "I think someone is trying to kill us," he said. "It feels as this attack is out of desperation. We gotta look for clues though."

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal sighed, "I know what you're thinking," She said, "But why would Sean and Gail blow up their own work station. It can't be them," She shook her head.

"Hey there," Aaron said coming over, "This a bit of a mess we've got here." He chuckled "So what did you two find out. Oh yeah and we saw Mary and Hayanne while we were at the cobblers, they told me to say hi for them."

Ayreal smiled "Thanks..." Then her smile melted away as realization dawned on her. "Wait, I just noticed something." She said turning to Will "All of the shops that have gone up, a Mellbrand either worked there or worked near there. The twins work in the bakery across the street from the cobbler's shop, Corin worked at the blacksmith until it went up and has been helping us at the fire department since then, I already told you about the bathhouse, and you just met Sean and Gail."

 

[Smiling One]

Willis shook his head. "I'm not talking about them," he said. "It's likely someone else who's on to us." It's probably the paranoia talking but Willis has learned over his years as a monster slayer that paranoia is a survival trait that should best be listened to.

Aaron came over to greet the two, while and Ayreal were talking Willis crossed his arms his mind immersed about the case. There had to be some pattern, It's obviously not random unless....... Ayreal shook Willis out of his train of thought explaining the string of coincidences regarding the flames. The young man's eyes lit up, "I've noticed that too." he whispered. "It seems that this arsonist wants to blame your family for these fires. Someone wants you guys gone."

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

"That sounds like a rather stupid way of going about it, If someone was trying to kill a bunch of Pyromages then they might try something other than fire, the only thing that can't hurt us." Aaron pointed out.

Ayreal rubbed her chin staring vacantly at the smoking building, "I don't know... they might not be trying to kill us. What if it was an internal grudge," She said slowly.

Aaron looked at her in shock, "How could you even say that!" He protested.

"Hear me out," She said lowering her voice so that bystanders wouldn't overhear "The lock on the back gate at Sir Dore's place was melted off using something that looks a lot like pyro magic. I don't know of anyone outside our family that can melt mettle so precisely like that."

Aaron's brow furrowed at the seriousness of the news. "If it's one of us..." He trailed off, not needing to finish, his fists clenched and hackles raised.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis listened to the family talking amongst themselves frowning at the conclusion that they came up. There was more than one way to get rid of a person. To cause unrest and mistrust among the public, especially to a family with unusual abilities is just as effective and have the perpetrators can have their hands clean. "I don't think this arson wants to kill you all personally," Willis said getting close to the family so the bystanders won't hear them. "They want the public to blame you for these fires."

Willis sighed. "Hear me out," he said. "I've seen many bloody pogroms throughout my life," he said. "They start with a rumor usually saying that minority groups or mages are the reasons taxes have gone up or they're the reason for an outbreak. If that rumor isn't quelled and it reaches the wrong ears than an angry mob begins to form thirsting for blood. They take their anger and hate on the scapegoat: raping, murdering and looting."

The young man stared at Ayreal and shook his head. "That's just my theory in this arson's motivations," he said. "Why kill when the crowd can do that for you?"

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal's face twisted into a snarl, flushing red, heat rising to her face "Let them try, they'll find out really quick what the Mellbrands are capable off," Speaking through gritted teeth. Then her expression shattered as realization hit her. If they fought back there would be a massacre, but not of them, they could easily defend themselves, and there would be little a frenzied mob could do against the joint strength and fire of the Mellbrand family. But after the ashes had settled the City council would come asking questions, they would be charged with mass murder. At the worst some of them would be hanged as scapegoats, at best none of them would be able to find a job in the city anymore.

She looked back her brother, a look of concern on her face, she could see that he had also realized the trap that was being set for them. If they did nothing they would be slaughtered, but do something and it was not much better. She took his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "Don't worry, We'll find the bastard before it gets to that,"

Aaron nodded and looked at her with pride and gratitude, "I know you will. Now it is well past noon and I don't know about you but I am hungry, let's head back to the fire station to eat, we can plan our next move over lunch."

Ayreal smiled and nodded "That sounds like a good idea," Then turning back to Will "Did you bring anything to eat? or should we stop by a shop on the way back?" She asked.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis shook his head. "Fight back," he warned. "And you'll increase the fear and animosity among not just the locals but throughout the land. Tales of massacres tend to travel fast among villagers and then eventually bounty hunters or even witch hunters. You guys will be persecuted for the rest of your lives."

The mercenary crossed his arms and smirked a bit. "The arson pretty much set himself up for a win-win scenario," he explained. "With the worst-case scenario is your family being arrested on suspicion of arson."

The family continued to express their frustration of the potential trap the arson set for them. Willis had to admit that he was clever if it was true which is why it's imperative that they catch him now. The group separated in an effort to rest and eat, it was a good idea they needed to clear their minds after what just transpired.

"I didn't bring any food," Willis responded in regards to Ayreal's question. "You got a place to go? I'm buying." The young man took his little coin purse from his bag and began tossing it around. He gave a "hey I know we're in the middle of an investigation but let's have a date!" look. Willis does have a weakness for pretty women though he admits it's an addiction that he refused to be rid of.

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal gave Will a weak smile. "Sure, I could use some cheering up after this. Aaron, I'll see you tonight, why don't you head home after lunch and ask the family if they know of anyone who might be behind this. Me and Will 'll look into our lead on the ship Captain."

Aaron nodded solemnly and gave Ayreal a heavy pat on the back. She staggered a bit and chuckled. "See you then, and you-" he said looking at Will "Take good care of her," He said before heading off to find Corin and the other firefighters and head back to the firehouse.

Ayreal turned back to Will "So... you have anyplace in mind?" She asked her face a bit flushed. It was unclear whether she was blushing or whether she was just still red from the heat and adrenalin.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis chuckled seeing Ayreal blush, her reddened face blended with her hair making Ayreal look like a tomato. Willis gave a curt nod at Aaron before turning to Ayreal.

"Oh my," Willis smirked. "You look so cute when you're blushing." Willis couldn't he just loves to be a tease though he fully exposed to roasted by the tenacious pyro mage.

"I know of a place," Willis said turning around squinting looking for the restaurant. "It's a bakery called: The Imp's delight. It's run by a Dwarf named Alrond. He had that store for 50 years." Willis remembered Alrond, his wrinkly face, his long, straight beard that reached the floor. When Alrond smiled, his missing teeth would be exposed making him look like a Jack o Lantern. Alrond was one of the few people who were friendly to Willis during his time alone begging on the docks. He would give Willis a buttery scone free of charge whenever he came by asking for food. Willis gave a sad smile, not everyone was an asshole.

Shaking out of his nostalgic thoughts Willis turned to Ayreal. "The Dwarf's Delight is known for its buttery scones that melt in your mouth when you eat them," Willis said his mouth watering at the thought of it. "They also have chocolate cakes, strawberry shortcakes you name it! I've always visited that place when I was a child."

Willis took Ayreal's hand and he began to run to the place. "Come on!" he said. "I want to see Alrond again!" It would be nice to see the old Dwarf. It's been years since they last saw each other.

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal took his hand and ran along with him. He suddenly seemed younger, more carefree and full of unexpected energy. Whoever this Alrond was to him he seemed very excited to see him again. As they ran Ayreal realized she was probably covered in ash and soot, but she didn't slow down. She just gave her self a mental shrug. A bit of ash never killed anyone. She could wash it off later when she went home that night.

 

[Smiling One]

After about 30 minutes of running, the two of them finally arrived at the Dwarf's Delight. It was a small yet well-made building close to the market place. On the top of the bakery was a sign of a Dwarf happily holding a hot pie, a picture of a young Alrond according to himself. It was nice to know that the place hasn't changed one bit. A huge smile spread across Willis' face and he turned to Ayreal. "This is the place!" He smiled breathlessly letting go of her hand, however, he noticed that the redhead was covered in soot.

"Shit!" Willis said taking out a napkin from his little black bag and wiping the ash from her face. "There!" Willis smiled. "You look even prettier than before!"

Willis turned around and entered the Dwarf's Delight, Alrond was sitting on his desk busy writing something in which Willis guessed was inventory. Smiling, Willis snuck to Alrond and rang the bell that was on top of his desk very loudly. "What?!" Alrond said taking out his ax. "Who's there?!" His blue eyes met Willis'. "I'll be damned!" the dwarf said. "If it isn't-"

"It's me!" Willis said grinning. "Willis Reede!"

Alrond frowned. "Willis?" he asked. "Okay....."

"It's been years Alrond," Willis said. "How you've been?"

Alrond shrugged. "Oh I've been fine," he replied. "For this crick in my back, stars in front of my eyes, my knees going bad. Other than that I've been great!"

Willis smirked. "What do you people when you're terrible?" he said.

"Bah!" Alrond scoffed before looking at Alyreal. "I see you have a cute girlfriend with you," he smiled. "What's your name lass?"

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal chuckled as she let Will wipe her face off, she moved her hand to help him but only managed to transfer the soot on her hands back to her face. As they entered the place she looked around lazily, She was starting to feel the exhaustion from fighting that fire. The place looked nice though, cozy. She watched Will and Alrond interact, and gave a small smile. He looked happy... though it also reminded her that she knew next to nothing about him. Not that that mattered, she had to remind herself, no matter what she really wanted they were supposed to do a job.

Alrond spoke to her, snapping her out of her thoughts. He called her Will's girlfriend, she didn't protest but she didn't really embrace the roll either. It had been fun to flirt with him earlier but right now her mind was a bit occupied with the urgency of this arson problem, and the new developments involving her family. But they were here to get lunch she could afford a break, In fact, after using all of that energy to fight the fire, and then running all the way here, she probably needed a rest.

"Oh, um, my name is Ayreal, Will wanted to show me the best bakery in Alliria," She said cocking a smile

 

[Smiling One]

Willis didn't say anything as well in regards to Aryeal being his girlfriend. "Very well," Alrond said grossing his huge arms. "What will it be lad? Though If I had to guess-"

"Two buttermilk scones!" Willis said giving a cocky smile he took the coin purse from his little black bag and slapped some coins onto the table. "Keep the change old man!" He winked.

Alrond chuckled. "Oh, someday I hope to live long enough to see you complain about old age!" He replied smiling. "You two haven't experienced your mid-life crisis yet! Ah, young people! Don't know how good you have until it's gone!" Alrond then stared at Ayreal. "This Will boy has been my best customer!" he exclaimed. "Would come here after he was beaten senseless by his mother full of bruises and lost teeth along with a limp once!"

Willis shot the Dwarf a dark look, he could already feel the beatings that his mother gave him as a child. Alrond mentioning that to Ayreal opened old wounds that he wanted to desperately to forget but it was still there lying dormant after all these years. Why? Just why? As Alrond turned to retrieve the scones Willis went to the wooden table outside and flopped on it trying to clear his mind.

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

His mother beat him? Ayreal couldn't even imagine what that would be like. Her family had always been so close. They could be a bit rough and tumble sometimes. Many of them enjoyed a good wrestling match. But none of them ever hurt each other on purpose. The fact that a mother could beat her own child and terrible and foreign to her. Willis seemed rather upset at the mention of it and brushed past her to sit outside.

She was so worried about losing her family, but it seemed that Will had already lost so much. If he had ever really had it to begin with. No wonder he didn't want to talk about his past.

When Alrond returned with the scones Ayreal took them, thanked him and headed outside to join Will.

"Hey... Um, you want one?" She asked holding out one of the scones, the butter dripping onto her fingers, as she looked at him with a concerned smile. The sun was just starting its downwards treck behind her, the light shining through the frizz of her red hair giving her a halo of golden crimson as a strand fell in front of her eyes.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis was too focused on his bad memories that he didn't realize Ayreal standing over handing him a buttery scone. The sun was shone through Ayreal's red hair making her look ethereal. Willis smirked. "Well you look at that," he said. "An angel is coming down from heaven to deliver me a buttery scone."

Willis took the pastry and immediately began to munch on it. "Thanks," he said taking in the warm, fresh butter sometimes a good meal was all that was needed to cheer a soul up. "So Ayreal," Willis said awkwardly. "You wanna talk more about your family?"

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal sat down beside him and shrugged as she bit into her own scone. "What do you want to know?" She asked but she seemed a bit distracted as she stared vacantly across the street at nothing in particular. "You've met a few of them already, we are often hired to do industry-related jobs all over the city. We also keep our own fields. Then there is the family blacksmith. My older sister Lucca is an excellent smith, her focus is mostly high-quality tools that last longer than most of the stuff you can buy in the city, though occasionally she'll get a commission for a weapon."

 

[Smiling One]

Willis continued to bite on his scone while it was still warm. While he preferred to travel alone a small part of him did wonder what was it like to have a family? The closest thing Willis had to a family was Captain Davis and the crew of the Sea Dog and they are all dead. Captain Davis taught Willis everything he knew from reading, swordsmanship, nautical navigation Willis owed everything to the Pirate Lord he was the closest person Willis ever had to a father.

"You're lucky to have a loving family," Willis responded. "I mean the way you all look out for each other. I've only met you guys but I immediately sensed the familial bond between all of you. I guess the reason why I asked was to know what was it like. To have a family by blood."

Willis leaned on his chair feeling like utter shit. It was awkward telling asking Ayreal all these personal questions. Very rarely would Willis get into someone's personal life beyond a: "where you from?" It was their life and he respected their privacy, it wasn't professional of Willis to pry into someone's personal life unless he was paid to do it of course.

"You think that bond you guys hold strengthens your abilities?" Willis asked taking another bite of his scone.

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal looked at him surprised "I never thought about it that way. I guess you could look at it that way. I doubt if I had grown up on my own I would have this level of control over my abilities. But I don't know if blood has anything to do with it... Not all of us are blood-related. A good number of us married into the family... and then there is aunt Carol, uncle Taymore, and uncle Oran, they were all adopted. Uncle Taymore is a half elf. Though he did end up marrying into the family eventually. He is actually decent with pyromagic, and his temperature control is amazing. His kids are all even better at it. Then there's Oran, he never married, but he did adopt several children. They don't bother with pyro magic as much, but they are all still just as much a part of the family as the rest of us." She explained.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis nodded continuing to nibble on his scone. "So about pyromagic?" he said with curiosity in his voice "what's the difference between a pyromancy and pyromagic?"

Willis leaned against his chair again. "It's something that can be recorded for the Monster Hunter Academy in Elbion," he explained. "The Grandmasters those who are considered to be the best Monster Hunters in the world are always looking for more effective ways to kill monsters." The last time Willis visited the Academy, he remembered the Grandmasters grumbling about the outbreak of Leshens in the Wildlands. The Grandmasters are retired monster hunters who are handpicked by the Arch Grandmaster. There was usually favoritism especially with the rumors that the current Arch Grandmaster is granting females the position if they perform sexual favors for him but the Grandmasters are usually the best and knowledgeable of all Monster Slayers.

"Still it seems that you have an interesting family," he grinned. "It almost makes me jealous."

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal shrugged finishing off her scone. "The way I look at it is Pyromagic is more about how it feels, you become one with the fire, control it with your motions and your breath. How you breath is just as important as going through the motions. It's more instinctual really. While Pyromancy is usually learned from books and formulas, or through pacts with powerful beings. Though you don't have to be born with it to learn pyromagic. It just takes a lot of dedication. Pyromagic is an experience really, a way of being. A pyromancer does fire magic, a Pyromage lives it." She explained. She glanced over at Will and flashed him a smile "Even you could learn it if you spent enough time with it," She chuckled.

 

[Smiling One]

Willis instinctively moved his hand against hers and squeezed it a bit. It was calloused and Willis felt some old burn wounds around her palm but he smiled and squeezed Ayreal's hand. "Maybe," he said. "I'm not one for magic considering I've spent most of my life fighting against magic using monsters. Have fought against a Beholder? Your ass will go mad the second performs a spell on you."

Willis doesn't mind magic, but he does not have the talent for it. Instead, Willis focuses on anti-magic tactics such as magic draining bombs and alchemy. The Monster Hunter is always prepared for anything. "Anyway I think that's a good quote to take for pyromancy," he smiled still holding Ayreal's hand. "Imagine the first quote on Pyromancy will be made by the most beautiful woman in Alliria: Ayreal Mellbrand!"

The young man winked at Ayreal. "A charming, fierce young woman with hair that looked like it was kissed by fire. Now that's a woman I want to be with." Willis then gave a fake shocked glance. "Oh wait." he smiled.

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal didn't pull away when he took her hand. "You're sweet. But don't you think your charms would be more effective if you actually said the right kind of magic when complimenting someone." She let out a deep-seated laugh and then looked at him with a twinkle in her eyes. "It's pyromagic, not mancy, make sure they don't get that mixed up in their books."

 

[Smiling One]

Willis smiled squeezing Ayreal's hand. "I'll make sure the chroniclers get it right," he said. "Though I myself need to make sure to remember the difference." While using his other hand to finish off the scone, Willis smiled. "Be sure to whack me on the head or something whenever I mix the two up." he winked.

Not letting go of Ayreal's hand Willis got up and stared at the setting sun. "We gotta solve this case Ayreal," he muttered. "Got any ideas?"

 

[Ayreal Mellbrand]

Ayreal stood up with him but a wave of exhaustion washed over her. She tried to hide it but she was really starting to feel the side effects of controlling so much fire earlier. "I don't know," She sighed "These bottles seem like out best lead... but for now do you mind if we find something more to eat. Don't get me wrong, those scones were amazing... but fighting fire takes a lot out of you," She chuckled sheepishly "I wouldn't mind something with pork or fish in it right about now."