Fable - Ask The Peculiar Occurrences of the Mayfield Estates

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Kaltain

Death's Handmaiden
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The occurrences had gotten worse, everywhere the Mayfield family looked, things were destroyed, items missing, and muddy footprints were all over the place of various sizes and degrees.

The Mayfield family was distinguished enough to have enemies, and that is what the head of the family believed. It was just an angered customer; that's all it could be. Despite living in the same realm as fairies, wizards, and all sorts of other non-mortal persons and occurrences there was one thing the Mayfield family didn’t believe in; the supernatural. They couldn't be proven to exist meaning they couldn’t in the families eyes…well… most of the family's eyes.

That’s when the merchant Mayfield determined this crook, this cockeyed bastard could terrorize his family no more. He took to the papers, the streets, the taverns, the monasteries where ever he could describing the events taking place in his home; the unexplained noises that started so quiet and now got louder, the large heavy footsteps in levels no one was in, how his hounds went nuts every night. This unwelcomed crook needed to leave, he was in the Mayfield home now for the gods’ sakes!

Every advert Mayfield took out read the same, everything he said to barkeeps and monks was the same:

! ATTENTION ! The merchant Mayfield of Alliria wishes for a young brave man to assist with removing an unwanted visitor; signs of this visitor include items missing, knocking, wails, quiet chatter, and the utter madness that has consumed the hunting hounds who have yet to find this visitor. Should you be interested, make haste to the Mayfield estate in Alliria, should the visitor be removed you shall be paid most handsomely.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar

(OCC : sorry it's a little short, I'm not always the best at starting the threads)
 
Valdr had been passing through Alliria when the most curious advert was heard at the bar. It was a struggle to hear at first as Bard and a red haired woman had begun to make quite the ruckus with a group of gentlemen, but the message came through all the same: some scoundrel was threatening a family.

So he would order another water to accompany his already sober lips. He needed to be hydrated, the hunt was afoot. Draining the tankard, he would wipe his lips with his glove before pulling on the heavy gauntlet. His gear was gathered, his bill paid, and he would ask each passerby for the address of the Mayfield Estate.

Cut purses aside, Alliria was a pretty place. So lively, so bustling, it reminded him of Caer Tal'deneshaar, yet not all at the same time. The young Lord and Knight would then mount his courser and proceed through the streets, humming a merry tune.

In no time at all, he had reached the estate. He would notify the attendant, the await an audience with the merchant.

Kaltain

(Great opening post! Definitely better than what I would have come up with)
 
Kaltain watched from the stairwell as the attendant had come rushing into the foyer of the main house, she watched as her father practically jumped in the air with the glee of a little boy before sending the attendant out again to notify their new prospect that he was waiting to discuss the details of this job.

Normally Kaltain would melt away into the walls of her home pretending she wasn't here, praying to whatever god heard the prayers of a mad woman that her madness would stay at bay. Her father had brought in a clinical doctor to give her a pipe fitted with opium to keep her calm but it never stopped the madness, it only made it worse. There was no way to stop the whispers that had only gotten worse as these months had gone by.

She knew that a meeting with the family would be needed for this knight to investigate to his fullest abilities so she floated down the stairs her vacant eyes wandering at the floating apparitions soaring through walls from rooms to room. She blinked and rubbed her tired eyes and they went away for a moment. After what felt like forever she felt the hem of her emerald green gown swish across the marble of the floors. She assumed her place in her chair cast in shadow behind her mother, father and sister as the family waited for this new traveller.

It wasn't the first man who came wandering through, many looking for an easy paycheck but her father was too smart with his investments to give into such ploys. There had been many a drunkard wander through their home, and a many of man who wished Kaltain and her sister's hand, but many didn't stay focused on either daughter for too long. Her sister was pocked from childhood illness and for lack of better term very large and stout, without a mind for conversation, while Kaltain made up for her sisters lack of beauty it didn't take many too long to realize her mind was rotted from the madness.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
Valdr would lift his right leg over the head of his courser before dismounting on the left side of the saddle with practiced ease. Just being there, he could feel something was off with the place, perhaps it was just due to the familiarity of undeath.

The attendant had come racing back out to him and invited Valdr to enter the home. The young lord would offer the attendant the reins of his horse. "Please have him fed and watered, I'll ensure you're well paid for your efforts." He mused with his gentle tone.

Ornate silver and gold armor would then cross the yard to the door, the gryphon emblazoned on his chest shining with enough majesty to rival that of the Great Velaeri. And crowning it all was the golden trimmed winged helm that sat atop his head.

He had expected to meet with the Merchant alone, but instead there seemed to be a setup in which he talked with the whole family. He couldn't help but think that was already a red flag.. Unless the merchant was trying to parade his daughters about. He cursed silently to himself, perhaps the merchant had discovered he were a lord and also saw the chance to elevate his standing.. it was a distasteful thought.

His gauntlets would reach up to grasp his helm and undo the buckle that held it in place before removing it entirely. One hand would tuck it under his arm while the other worked its way through his hair to make himself presentable. Golden eyes surveyed each member of the family before he offered a respectful bow to the merchant. "Mister Mayfield.. I had no idea such visions would be joining us..." then he bowed to the women of the household. "A welcome surprise, to be sure." He would say with a smile, his eyes lingering on the daughter seated to the back of the family.

"My name is Ser Valdr of Vel Anir, pray tell what manner of scoundrel haunts this household, and they will be dealt with."

Kaltain
 
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The attendant took the horse kindly, although he'd never confess it he quite liked horses. "No payment necessary sir." The aging man said with a warmness in his wrinkled face before leading the horse to the stables.

Kaltain sat diligently as the family didn't dare stir until their guest had entered the foyer, the man who entered was very tall and broad, the way the sun cast around his armour made him look like a beacon of light, a concept that drew her in, he looked like the opposite of the darkness that ate away at her.

Her father stood up to greet the man, and Kaltain had to stifle her giggle as her father stood so short and rotund in comparison to the man. Her father listened to the visitor before moving to speak himself "Why, I believe it'd be best if you heard accounts from all the family about the happenings of this estate, if the women make you uncomfortable they can leave." he said while waving his hand dismissively at the women.

Kaltain noticed that he met her eyes, few people met her eyes most days. She smiled politely yet there were other things on her mind as she watched in her peripherals one of the spirits wail aggressively and smash her head into the wall, all the others would hear was a large bang but Kaltain saw the woman's head collapse in on itself in gore. Her eyes widen and she couldn't help trembling. Years of practice taught her not to move her head but she couldn't help but move her eyes. She breathed in.. it was just the madness.

Kaltain's father tsked. "There the bastard goes again with the banging! You hear him don't you Ser Valdr?? You hear the way he terrorizes my poor family!" Kaltain managed to snap out of her haze to cringe at her father's dramatic speech of terror. Before she opened her mouth to speak, her voice like a haunted melody shaken with old age " Please forgive me whilst I excuse myself." she said to the group her back stiff before she made way out of the room. She didn't make it far before the tears started to flow.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
"Nono, the women don't make me uncomfortable." Valdr would reassure the father. As he spoke though, his focus was on the women, namely to see how they perceived their fathers behavior.

He would return the smile to the merchants daughter, though something felt.. off. Then the pounding along the walls. He didn't look to the source of the sound, he just watched as the young woman seemed to tremble and cower as if she had seen something.

What self control she must have had to not jerk or buckle, but the eyes were the window to the soul and in those moments he could feel her fear. Her pain.

His gaze broke away from her to look at the source of the banging: nothing. Then she suddenly excused herself and departed the room. "Mister Mayfield, I'll need to interview each member of the family privately. I ask that those who I am not interviewing, leave the grounds. It ensures that no answers are.. encouraged. You, your wife, and your other daughter may retire from the estate for say.. an hour."

He would then head after Kaltain, allowing the merchant no chance to rebuff him. His steps would only slow when he happened upon the tears. "My lady.. is everything fine?"

Kaltain
 
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Kaltains father was open to the suggestion until Valdr stated he'd like to start with Kaltain, he almost pitched a fit until the rest of the women stared at him as if not to say anything. They didn't know this knight, he could ruin their reputation should they inform him of Kaltains... illness. "I understand, the family and I shall go for a ride and report to you after an hour Ser." he said gruffly in his professional 'I'm better then all' voice that Kaltain so despised.

After her family left she heard the knight approach her asking questions about her well being. It took everything in her to compose herself before responding "Oh all is fine, just a headache. Also I am no lady, there's no need for such formalities just Kaltain works." She tried to say warm;y without sounding rude or disturbed. Her eyes were not in the conversation as she watched another spirit raise a vase over the knights head. Kaltain knew these situations they always looked as if they'd harm a person but very few had to, and as if prompted on time the spirit threw the vase over the knights head and Kaltain watched as the pieces floated through his body, he'd feel a slight chill but nothing else.

These situations used to cause her great distress but now she was used to them, it was only now that the spirits started to amp up their actions raising the suspicions of her family. It was almost if they craved Kaltain's reaction.

"You have questions for me?" Kaltain asked politely trying to focus herself into the conversation and stop her eyes from dating back and forth.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
The tone of her father bothered him. Even as a Lord, he held himself no higher than anyone under his rule. But he said nothing, and thankfully his back was to the man, so he didn't see the disgust tinging at Valdr's lips.

When she spoke, he offered an apologetic smile. "I meant no offense, Kaltain. My father just taught me that every woman was a lady.. from Queen to beggar." Something he did notice was that once again, her eyes weren't focused on him.. but above him. "Headaches?"

He felt a sudden chill. It was familiar to him. He had felt it before in the Mires of Landt. "Is it safe to assume that talking to your family is a waste of time? Your father seems to think someone is here.. but I think.." he would turn to look behind him, his gaze boring through the spirit behind him, but unable to see it. "..you see something." He would muse, turning back to her.

Kaltain
 
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"No offense taken." She said a tad nervously. She hadn't had many interactions with those of the opposite sex besides her father, her older brother, and few of their staff. She spent most her days alone, and didn't know the protocol of speaking to such men. However as silly as it may be being treated with such... respect made her feel good inside. Many who knew her wouldn't say such nice things such as call her a lady.

She nodded vigorously, "Yes I suffer from headaches and other illnesses.. the doctor has given me some opium to help them subside but it doesn't do much."

Kaltain couldn't help but nod. "There are things my family doesn't believe in even though they are right under their nose." she spat out rather coldly, as if the words were poison on her tongue. It was when it was suggested she saw things that Kaltain panicked, no one could know of the madness, that was one of her many rules. "No." she said urgently he thick black hair waving back and forth as she shook her head, "I don't see anything Ser. I apologize if I cannot be of more use." but Kaltain felt the panic rising in her chest, she needed to get to her chambers before she broke down. The madness would consume her in a few short moments and a knight wouldn't help a crazy woman's family.

"Pardon me." She'd say quietly and eerily before making way to turn and continue her path to chambers, her stola and hair streaming behind her as her pace increased down the long hall of screams and torment.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
Headaches, illnesses, opium... perhaps therein lay the problem. Opium addicts often lost their minds and his heart broke momentarily to think that this woman's family might be breaking her. Righteous fury rose but was masked with a gentle smile.

Something there right under their noses? But they couldn't believe it? Or see it? Then claims to not see anything at all. The panic returned, her panic. He needed to act. He needed to do something. As she turned to leave, he would step forward, a gloved hand taking hers gently. It was such a bold move, but some situations called for it, he just hoped he would not be misunderstood.

"My lady Kaltain.. I cannot help.. unless you are honest with me. But first, I need you to close your eyes, to focus on my voice. Then breathe in, and breathe out, slowly." Fear could break the will of the strongest warrior, and right now it tore the heart from a young lady. "Come now, I can see the panic, the fear. Whatever is happening, I believe you."

Kaltain
 
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The hand that grabbed hers surprised her. She turned slowly to face the man as he spoke to her kindly. She didn't know what to say so she just did as she was told focusing on him and trying to slow down her breathing.

She swallowed some before making way to speak. "What I tell you, you mustn't tell a soul. You understand?" for once her usual mild tone had junction and an edge if seriousness, yet she was still quiet in her speech. "Not here." She looked around before making a move that to most would look like a kiss on the cheek before whispering in his ear "There's eyes and ears everywhere around this place, my father is the most nosey man you ever will meet."

She raised her brow before saying, "My family will be back soon, but I believe a ride on my horse later should be in order later this evening, do to the nice weather. Do you agree?" She was praying he understood what she meant.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
He would nod at her request to never repeat what he was told. "You have my word." When she leaned in for the whisper, he would again bow his head, but this time appearing to be a gentleman who had been accepting a gift from a lady. Respectful. When it came time for his turn to answer, he would repeat the gesture to her, appearing as if he kissed her cheek. "I understand. I will tell them I have solved the issue and you and I will leave to celebrate it. When you feel the panic, just recall what I coached you through."

With her hand in his, he would lift it to rest on his now bent arm as he escorted her back to the foyer, he didn't want them to return to them so close to her room and think ill of either of them. Once they had arrived, he would help her to her seat and sit and one of the chairs that hadn't been set aside for one of her family. He would speak, his voice lowered. "I will solve this.. and then you will be freed.. Even if I can't finish it today, one day I will."

The remaining servants would bring them refreshments as they sat and talked and each time she seemed to see something, he would speak gently to her and tell her to close her eyes and breathe slowly. And in no time at all, her family would return. Before her father could speak, Valdr would raise a hand. "Mister Mayfield.. I do believe I have handled the situation. To celebrate, I wish the privilege to escort your daughter Kaltain on a ride through the market or even perhaps the hillside. As for payment, I need none."

Kaltain
 
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Kaltain nodded as he promised to free her, there was a sadness in her eyes as she knew it would never end until she joined the things she saw. There was no reason to damper the mood however so she'd just smile and agree.

The conversation was nice, a few times she became overwhelmed but Valdr managed to calm her down and she felt like for the most part, a normal woman. An odd feeling for her.

Her family appeared once again and it took everyone not to be surprised when the knight addressed her father first. She could practically see the steam coming out of his ears, it was these moments that she understood why her brother so rarely returned to visit her. He snorted, as Valdr spoke "Escort that thing all you want, we'd be so lucky to be rid of her." he spat out with a wicked smile. It didn't surprise Kaltain, she'd grown up with it, she was a damper on the family business so naturally her father's greed would outweigh a love for a daughter. She'd had half a mind to try and speak up and clarify the situation but in order to speak to the knight she'd have to go along with it and later give some crocodile tears of how this possible courtship her father believed was happening had ended. She'd done it before.

It was at the mention of no payment that her father's wicked grin became genuine, "Well if you insist Ser Valdr." her mother looked embarrassed and flushed that her father hadn't even tried to give the knight some sort of coin for his action. And well her sister was too busy looking at Valdr as if he was a meal for her to eat later; completely oblivious to the situation. Disgusting. "Sister of mine, hasn't anyone told you gaping mouths are nothing but a trap for flies?" Kaltain said in a cruel voice that seemed to be dipped in honey. No one deserved to be ogled at in such away.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
"Don't mind if I do, Mister Mayfield." The tone was level, the face calm, but the disgust Valdr felt for the man was unbearable. She couldn't remain here, nor could he immediately extricate her from her surroundings. So for now, he would play nice. He noticed the look on the wife's face and offered her a knowing, and genuine smile as he bowed his head. "Lady Mayfield."

He would laugh internally at the chastisement that Kaltain gave her sister, though it was appreciated. He didn't imagine he tasted very good, especially while on the road.

An arm was offered to Kaltain. "Come, let us retire for our ride. Though perhaps you should bring a shawl, it might get cool out tonight." He would add.

Kaltain
 
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Kaltain's mother's cheeks got rosy as she was addressed, she so rarely received such attentions from her husband. Despite most marriages being political, theirs had actually been a love match once upon a time.

Kaltain stood up quickly, semi eager to get out of the manor. She looped her arm around Valdr's as lady does before hearing his statement about the shawl. "Oh, yes you may be very right." She said warmly before grabbing her dark green cape hung over the back of the chair. Despite being raised a proper lady she grew up with her older brother, and well shawls wouldn't stay on at the speed she liked to gallop her horse at.

"If I am not mistaken, your steed has been stabled with my gelding Ser Valdr." Kaltain told him softly, for once her eyes seemed alive and her head invested in the conversation. A rare moment in conversing with her. "Our attendant has a deep adoration for equine so you needn't worry about how your steed has been treated." Kaltain told him in a perky tone, before leading the way to the stables.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
He felt bad for the mother, it must have been a worse fate than his mother suffered. At least for them, his father was believed to be dead. In this household, the wife was treated as if she were dead, while she yet drew breath.

Once she had gathered her cloak they would set out for the door. "Indeed he is and I could tell he was in good hands." He would beat the servant to the door and held it open for Kaltain.

It was good to see her look so alive for the first time. So free. Even if it was for but a moment, he was sure this would be healing that she needed.

When they reached the stables, he would pull his coin purse free and remove several gold pieces, enough for two months pay for a servant and placed it into the mans palm. "You have my thanks. Perhaps you may use this to get yourself some desired comforts. Hard work should always be repaid."

With payment given, he would help Kaltain to her gelding and once more offer his hand to help her up into the saddle. He was careful to ensure once mounted, her skirts were left in a respectful position and her feet were firmly in the stirrups.

Kaltain
 
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The attendant looked shocked at the payment, "Are you sure Ser? This is far too much for simply brushing a coat, I can't begin to thank you." He managed to stammer out.

This interaction made her smile, a random act of kindness was so few and far between around here. If anyone deserved it, it was their staff. They weren't mistreated they just weren't treated well for the kindness and dedication they showed to the family.

He helped her into the saddle, she'd had half a mind to inform him she was more than capable of mounting the horse but she also gave a little smirk when she realized she might surprise him with her abilities. The smirk faded off her face as she gave a polite nod, "Shall we set off when you are ready? The moors are just lovely at this time of dusk."

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
Valdr just smiled and clapped the man on the shoulder. "I'm positive. Just don't let your boss see it, okay? He seems the type to think you stole it from him."

Once she was seated in her saddle, he would and put one foot in the stirrup and with a quick pop up, swing a leg over the back of the horse and lock the other foot in the other stirrup. His helmet that had once been tucked under his arm would be pulled back onto his head and the visor lowered. A few strokes across coursers mane and he shot her with a sidelong glance. "Lead on, Lady Kaltain. I'll do my best to keep up."

Kaltain
 
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The attendant nodded fiercely before scurrying off, pocketing his newfound mini fortune.

Kaltain nodded before kicking her horse softly in the barrel. Her gelding knew her love for speed and matched it with his own fiery temperament. It wasn't long before the black horse was at a full gallop. Kaltain's hair streamed out behind her like a thick black banner as she threw her head back to smile and soak in the beginnings of night. She loved riding it was almost as if she was going to fast for the madness, and it dared stop for a short period of time as long as her gelding kept up his pace. Her smile turned into a loud whoop of joy and she even dared laugh. "Catch me if you can Ser!" She screamed out into the wind in childish delight. She looked as if she was a ghost riding into the night on a nightmare itself.

Her shouts and almost cackles of delight continued as somehow her gelding stepped up his pace.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
The joy in her body language, in her voice. It was good to see. It was hope, and for those that are haunted, hope.. it was everything. So as she took off, he wasn't far behind. He didn't normally waste his courser's energy on such frivolous games or activities, in the event he needed to charge an enemy position. But... he didn't think that would be a possibility tonight.

So, she issued forth her challenge and he crouched in his saddle. "Show us the meaning of the word haste." He would utter and his spurs need not even dig for his trusty war horse to begin to pick up speed. As a war horse, carrying heavy gear, barding, and whatnot, it would naturally be slower, but no one would be able to doubt his power as he kept to within a measly two foot distance of the much quicker and lighter gelding.

Kaltain
 
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"Not bad Ser Valdr." Kaltain called out to him joyfully.

It wasn't long before they reached the moors, Kaltains hair was windblown and her face flush from the chilled wind. "It's rare; the moments of peace." She mused when she heard the hoofprints of Valdr's steed behind her. She'd yet to look at him as she continued on staring at the sky. "I've spent my whole life being told I'm mad, and sometimes I still believe it... well most the time I do. I see and hear things that are long past, people who have long passed. Sometimes they're the kindest souls you'll ever meet but like most of those who are alive in our world they are rotted. Though I do not believe it to be their fault, the world has a way of decaying people from the inside out until they are nothing but shells of decrepit filth without so much of a shred of their kindness." She inhaled shakely, "I've lived my life in shadow, you know? Never so much as attended a ball or danced with any suitors such as most girls of my rank and standing have, gods above I haven't even had a friend before." She laughed bitterly. "I don't suppose I ever will."

"I'll tell you this now so as not to waste your time, you cannot solve or stop what is going on in my family home, unless you can stop death himself."


It felt odd to speak of such despair and darkness as pale hues were painted across the sky, a rare beauty.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
Once they dismounted, he walked a step behind and to the left of her, his focus split between her and their surroundings as he tried to stay vigilant. "You know, sometimes what we see is a reflection of what haunts us. In your case, it appears you are seeing souls who have things left unfinished. Which is not uncommon for a city like Alliria. It is.. a beautiful place but has a steep history of murder, which means more souls with unfinished business."

He would pause. "You're not seeing every person who has died, nor can such spirits travel great distances. Trauma during death is what causes such.. weakness in the veil between the living and the dead. So, you have a few options that lie before, some that are no longer applicable. The College of Elbion is in ruins, staying here will be the death of you, the Empire will either turn you into a weapon or kill you, the Academy at Vel Anir might be able to help you.. but they're a wild card.. or.. you find somewhere that will not have all those traumas."

He would continue walking again. "My lands.. they're young.. no heinous murders since its creation, no haunting spirits as that's something we look for, we have balls and galas. We have festivals." He would shrug. "It is safe there. Could even be peaceful. My family has a long history of hunting and dealing with undead, its why I'm certain that this could help. You are welcome to move there." He would offer, now walking in line with her.

Kaltain
 
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She nodded as he explained, it made sense, which in away gave her relief she wasn't crazy yet in some ways scared her she couldn't hide from herself under the guise of madness anymore. It was all out in the open.

She'd snort at his suggestion before speaking quietly, "I couldn't" Kaltain wanted to more then anything but how could she? She'd heard of women making their own way but they all had skill be it the ability to fight, magiks, sex work, or even great artists and she was none of the sort. Plus there was the matter of her actually leaving, her father would never allow her despite how she was viewed as defective she was still a bargaining chip.

She turned to face him now taking one of his hands in her own in an act of sincerity, "I could never find a way to make it work, I long to, dare I even say yearn to but I was designed not to be able to survive on my own. The only money I've to my name is a dowery and that's not even in my name yet." she'd tell in glumly before releasing his hand.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar
 
"You will suffer here, unless you leave. Madness is not something you want smothering you.. nor is it something you are currently equipped to handle." Fear, worry, uncertainty, he could hear them all in her words, her tone.

"You will make your own way. Skills can be learned, and your dowry will be yours." He would give her hand a squeeze. "Your father lives off of greed.. you let me handle the how you get to my people. I will be gone for a month. I need to prepare a place, a way. Then either myself, or my men will come for you. In that time.." he would unbucle a plain looking dagger from his belt and taking her hand in his, the other hand set the dagger in her hand.

"This is starsilver. Spirits will flee it if you bare the blade.. it can also kill them. I prefer you don't use it. But it should keep them off of you."

Kaltain
 
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She nodded as he reassured her, he was right staying here would be her death.

She accepted the dagger slowly holding it by the top of the handle like a soiled cloth. She’d never touched one of these. „It’s going to stab me accidentally one of these days.“ she wasn’t ungrateful for the gift she was quite the opposite but she still hadn’t a clue what to do with it.

Rangvaldr Tal'deneshaar