Open Chronicles The Lost Children

[Sybille]

"Sure, stay with the weird water people, Shiloh." Sybille said, still not entirely trusting that there wouldn't be more puddles in the place anyway. "You already drink like a fish."

The small jest came with a scrunch of her face, making it clear that she was only joking.

Her head turned as Osha spoke about not trusting Aramis. Lips pursing almost instantly. She had thought that out of any of them it would be her who would speak against the plan, only because she had already been here when they'd arrived.

Perhaps Sybille had been right about the 'clubhouse'. Things weren't quite as perfect as it seemed.

"Maybe we can negotiate before." She said with a slight frown, going against her own earlier advice at the clubhouse. She was still weary of working with the others, but brute force wasn't always the best path. Osbert had taught her that himself. "He already knows that We-well, I wasn't really too happy about things. Maybe this time we're upfront."

A shrug rolled over her shoulder. "We ask who failed, then offer to back them up for a piece of whats theirs."

The larger piece, of course. "Why brute force the door when you can have someone open it for you?"

 

[Shiloh]

Shiloh faked wiping away a tear. "Sybille, that's the kindest thing you ever said to me."

He slowly pulled himself up to a sitting position, while seeming to actually think about what was said for the first time during this conversation.

"Syb is making a lot of sense. When we get given the go-ahead, then we just storm in there and show them who is boss."

He looked around at the other free and scrunched up his nose in confusion about all the worry over Aramis.

"Honestly though, who really gives a fuck? Let him be mad. It's like we are already acting like he is the boss, but wasn't the point of us coming here so that we could be in charge."

Osha Osbert Sybille

 

[Osha]

Osha blinked and stared at Shiloh. For once, the last thing he said made a lot of sense. Bes perked her ears forward then silently turned to Osha for scratches behind them.

Osha complied.

Then stood, looking to each of them. One last pat to Bes' head. Would they help her if she asked them? Perhaps now wasn't the right time to ask the question. She'd save her other topic for later.

"Let's go find a place. I'm getting tired and I don't want to share a bed with any of you. I'd prefer a West facing window."

 

[Osbert]

”We can figure out the next district later,” though he still favored the idea of showing up with a surprise for them he wasn’t completely opposed to Syb’s plan, ”for now we have to go find some real estate.”

Even though the idea seemed ludicrous to him, the trio had been sleeping in the wilderness, he at least had the good sense to make sure their new arrival was comfortable. Plus, Sybille wanted it and he wasn’t going to deny her something as simple as a room.
Osbert threw on his overcloak and looked around towards the other three Dreadlords in exile.

”We passed a decent looking inn with a tavern on the way into the docks, let’s start there.” The best thing about it was that it seemed occupied exclusively by humans. They’d pissed the kivren off enough for one day and the fact it catered to non-kivren meant there likely wouldn’t be pools of water all over the place.

Not to mention plenty of rooms for each of them to have their own private little spot. He doubted it was fancy enough for their final home but it’d do in the interim.

 

[Sybille]

Sybille acquiesced in silence as Osbert finally got them going again.

The four Exiled Dreadlords quickly made their way out of the Kivren mansion, mentioning that they would be sure to return, and then set off down the street. Things were surprisingly quiet as they traveled through the area of the docks, the only life being the various prostitutes and tavern lights flickering out into the street.

Eventually the four came to a stop outside of a large statehouse like tavern.

It's roof reached high up in the air, two towers sticking out of the back. The building designed as more of a mansion converted into a tavern rather than purpose built. Something that would suit them just fine.

Music called out from the Inn's common room, though the song was far more mournful than she would have expected of a tavern. Sybille glanced at the others for a brief moment, and then shrugged her shoulders as they all headed inside.

Once they made their way in, they found not a raucous crowd of sailors and smugglers.

Instead the tavern seemed filled with mercenaries and guards, at least that was what Sybille would have called them. Tough men and looking women, most of them with weapons of some sort, though none wearing an insignia that marked them out as belonging to any particular group.

From behind the bar a Tiefling spoke, her long dark hair sprawling to her back. "Welcome to the Shielded Bastion, can I help you?"

She asked chirpily.

 

[Shiloh]

"Absolutely beautiful. It has been such an eventful day and I and my friends could very much use rooms for the night."

His eyes scanned the room of this beautiful little in and locked eyes with several guests, choosing only to offer them a smile.

"We could also use some food and drink...Maybe a friendly game or two?"

He said the last part loud enough so that the guest would surely overhear it. Shiloh wasn't sure what the mournful song was for, but it wasn't right in an inn and he would be sure to change that. After all, they had just completed their mission. Shiloh liked to celebrate after missions. His eyes followed after several ladies in the crowd... celebrate with friends.

These were the type of people that Shiloh preferred to interact with. None of the funny business, but all of the fun.

Osha Osbert Sybille

 

[Osha]

Inside there were two ghouls sitting at the bar. Drinking from ghostly mugs. Their iridescent skin and clothes of their past life water-logged and bloated. Her pale eyes blinked as she realized they'd been drowned. Bes growled lowly as she stared at the same seemingly empty spot at the bar that Osha stood transfixed by.

Swallowing, she took a step back, bumping into Osbert.

Something felt far more off in here than the two ghouls. And she wasn't sure what it was. And she didn't think it was just the music. Or the few tough-looking females sizing Shiloh up as if he was their next snack.

"I just need a room," she said quietly.

She didn't want to play any games. And she didn't want to linger with the ghouls.

 

[Osbert]

His original guess was confirmed as they entered the tavern, this was probably the nicest place in the entire kivren district.

Sure, it was still a shit hole, and sure, the patrons weren't exactly the kind of scene he typically frequented. But just scanning their liquor selection, or the fact the place didn't smell like a mixture of piss and spilled ale, was a massive improvement over the other offerings they'd passed since entering Syzemore.

"As my friend says, a few rooms and," the strange pale girl bumped into him and spoke like a mouse requesting a room, "some games, food, drink."

Os slammed a few coins upon the counter. The thought of requesting to speak with management certainly crossed his mind but they'd already taken the kivren into their fold today. They could be honest patrons tonight and then worry about taking over the place in the morning.

For now they were certainly owed some fun. Or relaxation, whichever his companions preferred.

"Yes, well, we have rooms available," the tiefling said as she eyed the coins upon the bar, "and what sort of drinks and food were you thinking? I'm not a bloody mindreader."

Osbert simply grinned at the horned creature before him. "Vodka. And bread. Warm bread if you have it."

The tiefling plopped four shotglasses down, rolled her eyes, deposited a fifth of liquor next to the glasses, and then swooped up the gold without a word.

 

[Sybille]

Sybille watched as the Tiefling snapped up the coins without so much of a word of thanks, a frown almost instantly pulling at her lips.

Unlike many Dreadlords, Sybille had joined the Academy late. Only coming to Vel Anir when she'd run away at thirteen in search of her sister. Before that she had been raised by her parents, or she supposed people whom she thought of as her parents, and they had always stressed manners. Something that the people on this little hole in the wall seemed to lack. A frown touched her lips, and despite Osbert's apparent intention not to cause any trouble tonight Sybille had other ideas.

Ordinarily she was a quiet, anxious mouse, but the day had grated on her.

She'd had blood smeared on her forehead, she'd had to step in a puddle, and a fish person had made fun of her. The last nerve she'd managed to hang onto was slowly beginning to fray. The Tiefling's rudeness slowly cutting away at the already narrow string keeping her in check. Those besides her would be able to, quite literally, feel her anger rise. "Shiloh."

Her voice was calm, there was no stutter or mousey hesitation this time.

"Have you ever wanted to run a tavern?" Sybille asked, surprising herself with the calm in her voice. The anxiety normally in her stomach having been trampled down by rising indignation.

She was so done with this day.

 

[Shiloh]

Shiloh did not need a better invitation than that. He quickly scooped up a fifth of liquor and began to pour out the shots for him and his friends. The idea of a drink was the perfect way to get this party started, but all thoughts of celebration came to an abrupt halt when Syb asked her final question.

Run a tavern?

He had run from plenty of taverns, but never run one on his own. He would be the perfect owner, always ensuring the good stuff was flowing and none of this depressing music like whatever the hell this all was.

A large grin broke onto his face as he looked at Sybille, and then slowly his eyes turned to the tiefling with a smile.

"Now that you mention it. It has always been a suppressed dream of mine to own a tavern...One that looks exactly like this one. It's your lucky day horns. We'll take the lot."

He already had the perfect plan. They could call the place puzzles. When people inevitably asked why it was called puzzles, he would then respond 'That's the puzzle.' Absolute Genius!

Osbert Sybille Osha

 

[Osha]

Osha found herself staring at Osbert again before turning her attention to the shots. Finally took a step away from him. "Thanks," she said to Shiloh, surprised he didn't take the entire bottle for himself. Without any hesitations, she downed the burning liquid.

A moment later the tiefling deposited a few loaves of fresh, steaming bread. A scowl on her face as she looked between Shiloh and Sybille.

"You've got to be fuckin' joking." She said in response to Shiloh.

Osha ignored the tiefling. Ignored Shiloh and Sybille. She dragged one of the stools out and sat down, bony-elbows perched firmly on the bartop as she broke a piece of the bread, offering a good chunk to Bes. Taking the rest for herself. A whisper and a bottle of bourbon seemed to float from behind the bar up to her hand.

Uncorking it, she took a long, slow swig.

 

[Osbert]

This was not going the way Osbert had in mind.

They already had to defend their hold on a kivren run dock and ideally would set out tomorrow to secure some other district in the city. Based on where Sybille and Shiloh where taking this they'd also have to manage a tavern?

But... he'd made a promise. They'd have no masters. If they didn't have the manpower to take over another district then they'd have to be content with telling the kivren what to do and letting Shi run this tavern.

"You heard 'em," he said to the tiefling, "get whoever thinks they're in charge down here. We're running this place now."

The tiefling looked at him with shock in her eyes and a continually growing frown. To a point where it was unclear where that frown would end as it just kept getting deeper and deeper. Eventually the horned woman responded, "you aren't running this place."

"Well, we aren't paying. So either you're supplying us with free booze and food for the evening or your boss is coming to speak with us. Now."

The tiefling scowled. "Fine. I'll go get Gus."

 

[Sybille]

Gus, as it turned out, was a rather irate middle-aged half-elf with a stomach the size of one of Artehil's two moons.

He came lumbering out from the back room, a cudgel already in his hand. The grim expression on his face told that he more often than not had to deal with customers that did no want to pay. Sybille watched him approach, then slowly began to stand as he called out to them.

"Whats dis den? You scum think you can rip me o-"​

Before he had a chance to speak, Sybille grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, and with a shocking amount of strength threw the man into the table they had all been sitting at. There was a loud crack, and Gus half went limp as the impact thundered through them. "I'm tired, my feet got wet, and your waitress was a fucking bitch."

She looked up at the Tiefling whose face was a mask of utter shock.

The ball of anxiety that normally sat in her stomach was temporarily forgotten. A rarely assertive Sybille flaring up as she yearned for some semblance of comfort. As she forced herself to seize it.

"This shitty fucking tavern belongs to us now." She said, leaning over Gus and dragging him off the table. Her eyes beginning to glow a bright orange. "Understand?"

 

[Shiloh]

The music died down at the sound of the large crack, which with the mood of that music, was a good thing. Shiloh turned with a smile to the guest who was now looking at them and he quickly waved them back.

"No need to stop what your doing. Just a small business negotiation. You know how it is."

Many seemed content to go back to their drinks, but more than a few began to stand up. However, a quick brandishing of his wand made many of them hesitate under the toothy grin of a man whose kindness did not reach his eyes.

He turned back to Sybille and Gus, and explained.

"Don't view this so negatively. If you run this place well, then we will keep you employed. However, management just needs to have a bit of a...stronger hand."

Gus' eyes never left the glowing lava-like eyes of Sybillle, only nodding quickly in any sort of attempt to get her off of him. Judging by the clinching of the man's jaw, it was easy to see that he wasn't happy, but the man also knew he was outmatched.

"There are gangs that won't stand for this. You are breaking every rule of this city."

Osbert Sybille Osha

 

[Osha]

Osha took a healthy sip, tipping the bottle back and letting the alcohol burn down her throat.

"Ahhh," she smacked her burning lips together and flicked her tongue against the roof of her mouth in a satisfying sound. Still gripping the bottle in one hand, she swiveled on the bar stool and stared down at Gus. Pale eyes studied him before her pupils turned dark and black, expanding across her entire eye socket.

There are gangs that wont stand for this. You are breaking every rule of this city.

"Vinny wouldn't want to know that you drowned Harold's second-in-command just last week. Nor would the Jets want to know you double crossed their booky a month ago."

Gus' eyes widened and he sputtered, staring at the odd girl. "Wha-wha how did you know?! I mean, that's not true," he sputtered and shut his mouth.

Osha hiccuped and blinked. Her dark, black eyes returned to normal. A light shrug as she tipped the bottle back again. Then studied it confused.

Oh whoopsies, half of it was already gone.

 

[Osbert]

Os nodded along and crossed his arms. Shi would make a good manager and he was fairly certain the guy loved the idea of managing his own bar.

Seeing Syb assert herself to this piece of shit was a nice change in demeanor too. He only saw her get like this when she was exceptionally frustrated so maybe a bit of rest and relaxation was in order for the entire group after the last few days. They could run this little tavern for a day or two and the worry about taking control of Syzmore when they were fresh-faced and alert.

The biggest surprise though was Osha. Oh. Now I see it.

She'd be invaluable to their operation if she could consort with the dead thugs and gangsters about all of the juicy little gossip they weren't privy to. The amount of information she could provide was going to make her irreplaceable as they tried to deal with all of the various factions that thought this neighborhood was theirs or that this section of Syzemore "belonged" to them.

"Right, so, we're all in agreement. Gus, why don't you show your new manager Shiloh to his office? The three of us will take room keys too. Suites for the ladies, something more sensible for me." Osbert's grin was wider than it had been for a week.

 

[Sybille]

"Ay-ye-yes sir."

Gus managed to stutter out, though for a few seconds it almost appeared as though Sybille wasn't going to let him go. Her fingers tightened on the his wrist and the back of his neck, heating spreading from her palms. Discomfort flickered over the man's features, a small whimper escaping his throat.

Then, as if nothing had happened at all, Sybille let him go.

The tavernkeep crumpled onto the floor, and like a dog quickly began to crawl away. He glanced over his shoulder once, and only when he was a yard or two away from Sybille did he scramble upon and manage to spit out a few more words.

"P-p-please, f-follow m-me."

He begged, turning on his heel and cutting directly towards the back of the tavern.

For a few seconds Sybille remained standing there, staring. The cracks within her skin slowly began to fade, the bright glow of her eyes returned to a pale blue, and the steam that had begun to rise from her form disappeared.

She glanced at Os, slipping back into the meekness that so usually took hold of her. "Sorry."

Sybille said quietly.

"I just...." Her head shook. "I'm tired."

 

[Shiloh]

"What are you apologizing for, being a badass?" Shiloh laughed but kept his eyes trained on the crowd as he slowly began to back his way up to follow the others and the greasy tavern keeper.

Then with one swift movement, he offered the crowd a wave and then followed them into the back. The room that they were led to was, well, a shit hole by most standards but it was clear that this guy treated it like his office.

Shiloh wasted no time in confiscating the big seat while shooting Gus a toothy grin. The man gritted his teether but said nothing. It was just better to see the tone of who was in charge, early.

"So, first change. The horns girl, not a bartender, she can clean the place for a bit. Help her learn the value of manners. Second, every week you will give us a report on the profits. If any of us think you are lying then you die."

"Think?" Gus balked, turning to look at Sybille.

"Yeah, you don't do that much do you?" Shiloh quipped.

Sybille Osbert Osha

 

[Osha]

Bes licked Osha's hand, bringing the girl teetering on the edge back from a quickly building drunken wave. A groan as they were motioned to follow Gus. Osha nearly fell off the stool if it wasn't for Bes' mass keeping her up. At least the voices around her were getting quieter - those supernatural ones.

"I'm fine don't touch me," she slurred even though no one was attempting to steady her arm or elbow as she swayed. Saints, the bottle of whiskey managed to stick in her hand though. She stumbled after the rest of them.

"Here," she offered the bottle to Sybille not knowing if lava girls could drink or not. Gus quickly rummaged around one of the cabinets and threw out keys onto the desk that Shiloh occupied. Osha swiped one successfully after the second attempt.

"I'll be there," she pointed up, up, up and began stumbling out.

 

[Osbert]

"It's alright," he said reassuringly to Syb, "been a long week."

In truth it had been a long month, a long year. But he was content to just leave it to the past week for now.

Osbert nodded along as Shiloh gave his demands. It all made sense to him and it turned out that letting the wand-slinger manage this pub had been a good idea. He had the right of it and when Shi cared about something he seemed to take it a lot more seriously than his usual relaxed demeanor indicated. "He's your manager," Os pointed towards Shiloh while addressing Gus, "if just he thinks your skimming, your life is over."

No more words were exchanged as Os grabbed a key and handed it over to Syb just as Osha was making a dash for the stairs. "Night," he said towards the Dreadlord they'd just met.

He plucked his own key from the counter afterwards and shook his head. "Not sure if she's just tired too or if she can't handle her liquor either." A gesture followed towards the bottle of whisky now placed in Sybille's hand. "You going to take a swig or are we just going to let Shi polish that thing off as he inspects the place?"

 

[Sybille]

Sybille, grinned, and then took a long swig from the bottle. ”Thanks!”

She called after Osha, her chest swelling with a mixture of pride and mirth.

The liquor burned her throat, a sizzle echoing from her lips as the liquid was scorched in almost an instant. Her magic worked in strange ways when it came to eating and drinking, somehow linked to how Sybille herself was feeling at the time.

There had been weeks at the Academy where she’d hardly been able to eat. Everything that had touched her tongue turned to ash. Even water had been a struggle, and it was only after one of the other Students had helped her find a semblance of calm that she had actually managed to find a way to eat.

It was an unpleasant memory, and one she did not linger on.

Ignoring the manager still standing nearby, Sybille glanced between her remaining companions.

”Not a bad first day.” The young Exile said with a grin. Find the heavy headyness of the liquor beginning to touch her mind. ”I wonder how we’ll top it tomorrow.”

She said, letting some of the eagerness grow in her face. Forgetting, at least for a few seconds, about that ball of anxiety still hidden in her chest.

 

[Shiloh]

Shiloh watched the others leave the office, choosing not to follow them. He instead chose to speak longer with the tavern owner, learning about their business clientele and any trouble he could expect to run into soon. Eventually, he was satisfied and when up to get some sleep in one of the rooms that they had been given.

That's what he would have done if several individuals had not stopped him were buying drinks for the new owner. How did they know he was the new owner? Maybe because he kept declaring it at the top of his lungs.

Eventually, he did find his way up to the rooms, barely making it to his room where he passed out for the night.

 

[Osha]

Osha found her room, having picked the right West facing window. With Bes walking by her side, she managed to make it to the bed. Boots kicked in different directions as she flopped onto the top.

Her head spun lightly and she felt as though she were rocking on a ship.

Perfect.

No ghosts would wake her tonight. Without bothering with covers, she passed out, feeling her mattress shift as Bes climbed onto the bed and settled her larger frame next to the thin girl. Dutiful gaze turned toward the door as she maintained watch while her owner slept.

And when the light of the next day finally filtered through her window, it took Osha awhile to stir. But was that bad? It's not like she was at the academy anymore being woken up for some morning death march or training session. No, she was a grown-ass adult now and could sleep in.

 

[Osbert]

"We'll top it tomorrow by doing whatever we want for a day. Should be a nice change of pace." Though he was certain he'd pay the kivren's a visit at some point tomorrow, just to make sure everyone was still on the same page.

Os grinned, taking a quick swig from the bottle assuming Syb passed it, before handing it back to her. "Do something for yourself tomorrow. Or offer to help Shiloh if you get bored but we've all earned some relaxation."

They could go back to the clubhouse and see Aramis whenever they felt like it too. But a day to recuperate wouldn't hurt and it may give them a better picture of the overall situation in Syzemore.

"I'm heading to bed," he gestured towards her before swiping a bottle of wine from behind the bar. He took his drink and stepped out onto a balcony on the second floor, sipping in the rich liquid as he looked across the district that was now there's before he peer off further into the distance. At the other districts they'd conquer before too long.

Then he drank some more before collapsing into a bed that he could actually call his.

 

[Sybille]

Something she enjoyed.

Sybille stood watching Os collect his wine as he left her to head up to bed, a smile lightly touching her lips as she considered. ”Goodnight.”

She offered off-hand as she thought.

It seemed like a long time since she had gotten to do something for just herself. After their departure from Vel Anir things had not been easy. There had always been work, a mission, or something that kept them busy. Os had tried to make it as easy as possible, of course, and a few times they stayed in Luxury Inns and the like, but there was no doubt that things had been tough.

Her head shook a moment as Os disappeared up the stairs and she turned away, continuing to muse. ”Maybe some new clothes.”

The girl muttered to herself, noting that her own had more than a few scorch marks. Shaking her head, and finding that for once her nerves were not fraying, Sybille headed up to the second floor of the tavern and set about finding her bed. Once she did, the night passed quickly. Though not without some furniture shoved in front of the door.

Paranoia was hard to shake.

Even after a good day.

The next morning Sybille’s eyes snapped open to the sound of the streets outside. Though the tavern they had…acquired was a nice one, they were still relatively close to the docks. That meant commerce, life, people, and noise.

A loud sigh escaped Sybille’s lips, and she turned over her bed in a huff. Confiscating one of the pillows and placing it over her head as she attempted to go back to sleep.