Annie motioned for Scarlet to keep walking as she talked.

"I went into the bakery lookin fer Emme. I'd developed the shots from the ball and I wanted to show her how great a photographer she was--really, she snagged some top stuff! When I got there, though, Fion was already there, cryin her eyes out. The old lady looked like she'd been doin the same. I was attemptin to find out where Emme was. It seems that she hasn't been seen since the caoja.

"Well, Fion's dark friend showed up, and then that old golly with the chrove you saw parked outside. Rather than hopin he'd go away, Demkaih ran outside to try an convince him to leave, Fion panicked and asked me to go out and get him to come back in, and since I couldn't risk lettin this pretty head o' mine get knocked off, I used a bit of stealth trainin I picked up along the way and was writin signs for Dem so he'd know the guy was former Seventen and about as sane as an empty coconut.

"That's when you walked up. I know you say yer good at sneakin and stuff, but clockin hell if you ain't one mess at jumpin in both feet first into a nest of hatchers."

Annie stopped and, turning to look Scarlet straight in the eye, added "And that's why I ain't takin you with me to Dorhaven."

She raised her hand to stop any protests. "No buts about it, kid. It's not only gonna be dangerous, but it's gonna be downright deadly over there, and I ain't riskin yer neck and mine at the same time. You're stayin here, where you can't get into any more trouble than what you can get yerself out of."

Annie shrugged and contined walking. "Besides, Fion could prolly use your help in locatin our missing baker. And she could give you a few pointers at spyin, I'd bet. My guess is she's pretty good at it."

"No..." Scarlet still protested. Her voice was calm and simple. "I'm not goin' to wine at you like yer my daoa and beg to come along. Heck, I'll leave ya if that's what you really wish, but Fion and I do not work out together..." She looked down, "Sad really. She's not a bad person."

The wick ran her fingers through her matted hair and let out a long drawn out sigh, "Ya know, it's strange. I used to almost never get into trouble... Especially with brigks. I was a dumb... dumber than I am now. Oh, clocking hell! I was sixteen when I did get arrested that one and only time. Luckily it was by a rookie, so it wasn't hard to get away, but this month has been the only time anything has been serious. I wonder what happened to me. All I wanted was to sneak around and gain something more than coin fer it."

She faced Annie again, "At least let me help you pack. I've got no where else to go and nothin' else to do." Her hazel eyes looked grey as they drifted around. "By the way, how much money do you got? Not fer me. There was a dead guy by the road who had a couple shills on him."

"That's yer problem. You sneak too loud, always goin in with yer mouth open. You gotta take things in first before you make any moves, kid. Listen. Hear what's bein said, see what's bein done, and once you think you've got a read on a situation, THEN ye go in. And yer goin about askin questions the wrong way. Ye gotta be sly, gotta be cool. Don't just say what yer up to, be slick about it, see? Ask a different question with a hint at what ye really want. And then when people give ye back their answers, you gotta read more than what they say. You can find out a lot about a person by what they don't say more'n what they do."


Annie closed her eyes and shook her head. "Diggin offa cold'n. I guess he ain't usin it nowhow anyway, might as well keep somebody fed. Don't worry 'bout my coin, I got plenty o' that." She smiled. "I guess I could use a hand packin, though I ain't takin much."

A thought occured to her. "Should I take any weapons? I ain't got nothin, maybe I can find somethin somewhere. Fion said there's folks leavin from the docks, maybe I can get somethin in Old Rose. I'm sure there's gotta be somebody around there what sells knives. Though, I ain't never used one before. No need. I defended myself with word, see."

Annie and Scarlet had reached the boarding house. "C'mon, I gotta pack quick if I want t'make it out to Old Rose before too late."

"That's just it," Scarlet looked at her. "I don't talk to people. Whenever I do somethin' bad happens. I avoid it like I avoid the tsuter folks in Uptown." She then looked back ahead, sort of drifting. "Yer right though. If only conversations came with a hand book. I wish I could find a person to teach me some people skills, but there's no time fer that when the worlds on fire."



"Suit yerself," Scarlet slipped the coins back into her pocket. "What cha' takin'?" Scarlet didn't imagine Annie to own much, but she wouldn't say that. Her mouth had already almost killed her once that day and she didn't wish to insult a friend.

Scarlet slipped a dagger out from her sleeve, "You want it? I can show ya how to use it. I even can use a gun, though I don't got one anymore." It was a simple steel dagger on a T shaped hilt. Still, it was pretty sharp. "I also find that blunt objects make good clubs and projectiles." She slightly laughed.

"Er, you sure? You might need it later. I hear there's a good blacksmith at Old Rose, since we'll be on the way anyhow...couldn't hurt to drop by."

Annie looked around her room. She didn't have much at all, really. Some clothes, a pack, her coat and hat, that camera spectra, two pairs of shoes and some bedding. There was a plant sitting on a low table, and a few books stacked next to her bed. What a sad state to live a life, she thought to herself.

She picked up her pack and set it on her bed. Walking over to a short dresser, she started pulling out some clothes to take. She'd have to pack light, but there was no sense in not taking some extra things to wear in case something got messed up along the way. "Here, put these in that bag...pair of pants, my sweater, two extra shirts, and some socks. Er, I'll just keep my boots on. Won't be the most comfortable footwear ever, but they'll protect m'feet, that's for sure. Hrm, here, add this scarf, in case it gets cold at night." She pulled her blanket off her bed and rolled it up tight, then taking off her hat, she hung it on the post. "I'll be leaving you here. Won't be a need for the press pass where I'm goin."

Annie pulled a headscarf out of a drawer and tied it around her hair. It would do for a makeshift hat, and maybe it'd help her blend in a bit more as a wick. One thing she'd always envied the other wicks, she'd never traveled with a tribe or grown up in a caravan. Her singular existance was proof enough of that. More than once she'd been mistaken at first glance as a human, what with her field being as weak as it was. There were times Annie didn't know what race she was herself; never really fully fitting in with one group or the other. It was a strange life she led.

Once Scarlet had finished packing the clothes in the bag, Annie closed it and tied her blanket on top. She grabbed her camera from the table and slipped it into one of the many pockets on her trenchcoat, and the same for her notebook and pens. She might not be a reporter, but she wanted some proof of what was going on to bring back. Annie pulled a piece of paper out from under a book and wrote a quick note to her landlady. She'd come in to sweep tomorrow, and to collect rent money; Annie usually left it on the table for her anyway, but she didn't want her giving away her room while she was gone. She pulled three shills and two tallies out of her coinpouch and put them with the note. That way her rent was covered for a while, and then some for the trouble.

Annie stood and surveyed the empty room. It almost looked the same, except for the hat on the bed, the missing blanket and the coins on the table. Picking up her pack, she turned to Scarlet.

"Ok, let's go. Care to walk with me to the docks?"

"Positive," Scarlet replied. "I've got another one up my other sleeve. Don't let it fool ya, it's sharp enough to shave hair." She handed it over.

Scarlet's eyes scanned the room, "This is nice. In a kint you really have no room fer all this stuff. I haven't slept in a bed in years." It was about what she had expected. It was hard for her to feel sorry for someone who was about the same level in life as she was.

Carefully she slipped Annie's clothes into the pack. Her mind drifted yet again and her face sagged as she started to think about the past few weeks. It was her fault Annie didn't want her to come along. How could I of been so stupid?



Scarlet quickly looked up with a smile, but then hid it as she didn't want to freak Annie out. "I would love to," she replied. Perhaps she could change Annie's mind yet.

"Well, alright. Saves me a trip to a smith, that's for sure." Annie stuck it through her belt and hoped it wouldn't cut it off.


"Great, let's go." Annie opened the door to her room and ushered Scarlet out into the hall, closing and locking the door behind them. "I guess headin down to the bridge would be the best bet. I'm sure some of the "trolls" can point me to a caravan that's leavin town soon."

They walked out of the boarding house and out into the street. It was still fairly early in the afternoon. Maybe ifn I can find a ride out, we'll get there by tomorrow morning, Annie thought. She hoped she could find something to barter a ride with, as well.

Scarlet fallowed Annie out, "Yeah... Mine kind of left me after they were raided while I was away. Otherwise I woulda' taken you via my dad's Moa..." She didn't seem to worried about her father, although she had mentioned that he had been arrested earlier.

Walking down the street Scarlet kept staring at Annie. Annie looked so different today. When Scarlet had first me her she looked human. Not anymore.

On the way she started getting bored walking, "Soo... What's the same about a hatcher and a smart blond?" Jokes usually made trips shorter.

"I've never been on a Moa before. I'm afraid I might be allergic. I got close to one once and couldn't stop sneezin fer a week." Annie laughed. "Thanks all the same, though. I thought ye said yer da'd been arrested fer somethin?"


Annie shook her head and laughed. "I ain't got a clue. What?" She always did like a good joke.

"Yeah. Where'd ya think I get it from?" she laughed. "However this isn't a first. A spoke his age knows a thing er two 'bout locks and brigks. Most people think he's my dagka. I think he was just one of the random wicks from my kint who was arrested durin' the raid. I'm glad I wasn't there."



"You keep hearin' about them, but ya never see any!" Scarlet answered with a grin. "The joke normally sounds better after a drink er two."

<Sorry if it's short. And to any blonds out there, sorry!>

*(You don't have to keep appologizing for shortness. Not every post has to be a novel. )*


Annie laughed. "That's a good one. You should consider doin standup."

The two wicks had reached the bridge. They could see tents and huts all over the banks, and people were all over the place either trying to sell trinkets or trying to not have to buy any. Annie looked around, hoping to spot the caravans Fion had mentioned earlier, but seeing as to how she wouldn't be able to tell one from a box of animal crackers anyway, she stopped a passerby to ask for help.

"Excuse me, sir, but whicha these, er, kints 're headin outta town t'Dorhaven? I'm in need of a ride."

"Naw. I get more at the bar," she laughed. "Stand up gets coins thrown at you. Getting people drunk gets wallets to fall in yer lap." She slyly winked behind her fallen hair.



"Annie, seriously. We need to work on yer Tek," Scarlet raised an eyebrow. Her english is lose enough, but she doesn't sound sure of herself when she speaks the lango... "Never mind. We'll work on it on the... Next time we meet." She had almost forgotten Annie said she didn't want her to go.

Scarlet looked at the man Annie spoke to, "Yeah. My kint was one of the ones raided this mornin' while I was away so I cant take her..." She then looked back at Annie, "Ya sure you don't want me to come along?"

The elder wick looked at her strangely for a moment, wondering where he knew the girl addressing him from. He looked at Scarlet with the same expression. Everyone looked familiar to him after a while. After a pause, he stuck a finger in his ear and waggled it about, looking around at the set up.

"Eh, now if i recall rightly, Old Maira there will be headin' inta Dorhaven. She got family there y'see?" He pulled his finger out, squinted at it, and waved at a garish blue caravan, with a woman that seemed she would turn to dust with a strong breeze, guiding the kenser's tied to the front of it. She had packed up and looked like she was about to head out. Maira looked up at the old man waving at her.

"Ho Baklar!" She called out in a surprisingly strong voice. The old man cackled and turned to Annie.

"Go an talk to her then, she'll sort you out." With that, he continued on.

"Right. Thankee, sir!" Annie called after the old man.

She looked over at the wagon, then back at Scarlet. "Wish me luck!" She said as she picked up her pace to talk to the driver.

"Hoi, Maira, is it? I'm in need of passage to Dorhaven. Can ye get me a lift?" Annie mentally crossed her fingers and hoped she'd be able to negotiate some sort of bargain with the lady.

Scarlet's heart sank. She wished she could go with her, but had already earlier said if Annie didn't want her along she wouldn't beg to go. It still hurt however.

What hurt more was Annie didn't answer her question, so she repeated it, "Um... Annie? Are you sure you don't want me commin' along?"

Maira regarded the youngster in front of her. She hadn't planned on taking anyone with her today, and she didn't know if she fancied the company of a young high spirited wick over night. The other girl with her was looking rather forlorn though, and Maira wondered if she had family in Dorhaven. It would be unfair to leave these girls here.

"Well now, I'm happy t' give ye a lift roch, but I ent doin' charity here." She held herself proudly, narrowing her old blue eyes.

"What can ye offer?" Looking at Scarlet, she nodded a little.

"If ye 're both goin, I'll need somethin' from both. An' ye need to keep it down, my ol' kensers ent used to noisy roch's in the kint."

Annie looked at Scarlet. Poor kid, she thought. She looks she just found out she ate her lizard for breakkers. "Yes, Scarlet. I'm sure. There are some things..." Annie sighed "...that I need to take care of on my own. People I need to see. This is a trip I gotta take by myself." She put her hands on the downtrodden wick's shoulders. "Don' go and get all mopey on me, now. There's plenny ye need t'be doin round here. See how Khymarah's doin. Help Fion find Emme--yes, Fion. I don't care if ye don' think you'll get along, you gotta patch things up there. She'll be a valuable asset someday. Besides, I bet she can teach ye a thing er two about information gatherin. And who knows, she might could use yer help too."


Annie looked back at the old woman. "We ain't both goin, just me. An I ain't noisy. I know how to keep quiet on the road." She held up her coin purse. "And I can offer ye payment. Shill to leave, shill to arrive. Maybe more ifn the ride ain't bumpy. Sound fair?"

The ancient wick pursed her wrinkled lips. It was a fair offer. Nodding, she clambered off the riders seat and walked around to the back of the caravan, opening the door. Walking back to Annie she stuck out a withered old hand.

"Ye got yerself a deal roch. I ent promising a gentle ride, but we will see. Get aboard. There's some bread and cheese on the table, don't touch it." She said shortly.

Scarlet nodded in understanding. She still didn't hide how upset she was, although she picked up her head. "I'll see you later then I guess..." she stepped back. "I'm not goin' back though. None of them need to learn how to use a blade or need a snitch."

"Yeah... Fion. Fion and her crew just love me..." she looked down as she muttered to herself. Fion is so... afraid. She's wiser than me, but if it had been the other way around with that damn brigk abusing me, she would of saved her skin by letting him continue.

"Annie, before you go, can I ask you somethin'? Where in Dorhaven are you headed? If they reject me, which knowing how skittish Fi is... Ah screw it!" Scarlet turned away and kicked a stone, "I'll see you later." I have no where to go...

She didn't have to go with Annie to Dorhaven, but she could go there. Perhaps she could find out what happened there. She didn't even care if Annie knew about it. It was a big city. What chances were there that they'd meet?

*("It was a big city. What chances were there that they'd meet?" Oooooh, famous last words!)*


"I wouldn't dream of it. I got a bit of my own to keep me be." Annie nodded her head in thanks to the old woman as she boarded the wagon.

Looking back over her shoulder, she watched Scarlet as she walked off. She called back to her, "Hey, keep yer head clear, kid! If I come back to find ye dead, I'll bring ye back around and kill ye myself!" Smiling and waving, Annie settled inside, closing the door after her.

Why do I have a funny feeling this is gonna be a more interesting trip than what I thought?

"Hey, as long as I'm alive, I'm immortal!" Scarlet called back to Annie and waved. Hey, it could be true. I'm still alive! She laughed at the thought, though she knew Annie would knock her upside the head if she did get into serious trouble.

"First things first," she muttered to Tilley, who had been around her shoulders this whole time napping until now, "let's patch things up with Fion."