— Freldearnan Vestirgil, “A History of Ageria: Post Rupture,” page 349
The tavern had settled into a familiar late-night lull. Most of the patrons were teetering towards drunkenness. A musician had come in and started playing an upbeat tune on her flute that was slowly being drowned out by laughter and conversation.
Mina, unlike most people in the tavern, had yet to feel the effects of the alcohol. One of the perks of vampirism was her higher metabolism. Alcohol didn’t affect her nearly as quickly. So, she continued drinking, keeping up with Karaline’s obsessive streak. The drinks were only getting stronger as the night went on.
“You know,” Karaline started, “I found somethin’ the other day. In Violet’s room.”
“Hm?”
“It was tucked under her pillows. Like she were a wee lass again tryin’ to hide sweats from the cookie jar.”
“And?”
Karaline’s grin grew. “A book.”
Mina raised an eyebrow. “A book?”
“The Crimson Baron’s Forbidden Kiss.”
It wasn’t a book Mina had heard of before. Then again, she wasn’t the biggest reader, not unless what she was reading was meant to be informative. As she thought about the name, though, an idea came to mind, and her mouth twitched. “Is that exactly what I think it is?”
Karaline couldn’t hold back her laughter and started struggling to get the words out as she tried explaining it. “Aye.”
Mina tilted her head. “...Right. And where’d she get it?”
“Hell if I know, but I couldn’t help myself. Skimmed a few pages.” She gave a low whistle. “Didn’t know Vi was into that sort of thing.”
“She is getting older.”
“Yeah, but I didn’t think I’d see the day.”
“Could be worse,” Mina murmured before giving Karaline a scrutinizing glare. “She could still be reading other books.”
Karaline dropped her smile for a moment and rolled her eyes. “Oi, it’s still on yer shelf, ain’t it?”
“She could always find another one like it.”
“No, she couldn’t. But this one,on the other hand…” Karlaine paused before laughing. “He pressed her against the stone wall, his hands roaming over her curves like a sailor seekin’ the edge of the world. His breath was fire against her neck, his lips devouring her with the hunger of a thousand starving wolves…” She snorted. “And it only got worse from there.”
“Lovely…” Mina said, deadpan.
“What about you, then? Ever read anythin’ like that?”
“Gods no.”
“No?”
“Never been interested.”
“Ahh, right. Yer more interested in books like ‘The Ballads of Chester Finch.’”
Mina tensed for a split second, but it was enough to get a reaction out of Karaline.
“Aye, thought so!”
Mina groaned and dropped her head into her hands. “I refuse to read them.”
“Oh, come on,” Karaline teased. “You’re practically a legend in those pages.”
“I don’t want to be.”
Karaline chuckled. “And yet, there ye are. A whole bloody story, wasn’t it?” She laughed. “What was it Finch wrote? That you ‘moved with the grace of a shadow and struck like the lightning of the gods’?”
Mina groaned, rubbing her temple. “I never want to see that man again. He made me sound like…”
“Exactly what ye are. A broodin’ creature of the night.”
“It’s nonsense.”
“Yer tellin’ me that ain’t true?”
Mina glared at her, but Karaline kept laughing.
“Didn’t he say your eyes were like ‘the deepest night, hiding a thousand tragedies’?” Karaline teased.
Mina groaned louder. “Gods, don’t remind me.”
Karaline kept laughing. “Could’ve been worse.”
Mina glanced at her. “How?”
“Could’ve been a chapter about me,” she said before taking another long sip of her drink.
“You’d probably enjoy it.”
“Only if he got my good side. And remembered to write that I’m exceptionally strong. And beautiful. No man could ever resist me.”
“Because that’ll get you some attention.” Mina cleared her throat and quickly tried changing the conversation. “Speaking of attention. Anyone come through town recently?”
Karaline scoffed. “You mean anyone attractive?”
“If you want to put it that way,” Mina replied with a slight smirk.
“Aye, a few. Same as always, though. Merchants, couriers, married men. Never stay more than a night. Got a couple families movin’ in for the season but not much else.”
“Anyone that you’ve…?”
Karaline grinned. “Tried to, aye.” She sighed dramatically. “No luck, though. There was this cute lass the other night. Pale face, curly ginger hair, freckles everywhere.”
Mina arched a brow. “And?”
“Didn’t seem interested…”
Mina nodded, unsurprised. “They aren’t always.”
Karaline slumped forward, letting her head rest against the table for a moment before groaning into the wood. “Feels like they never are.”
Mina smirked, tilting her glass toward Karaline. “Maybe if you didn’t smell like sweat and soot, you’d have better luck.”
“Oi, I can’t ‘elp it. How’s yer luck been, eh?”
Mina said nothing and just took a slow sip of her ale.
Karaline snorted. “That’s what I thought.”
“Not like I’m trying anyways.”
“Ya should for fucks sake. I mean come on, how longs it been since ya had a roll in the hay? Somethin’ to take the edge off. Lord knows ya need it.”
Mina glared back at her. “Not as badly as you it seems.”
“Least I’m gettin’ laid. Enjoyin’ myself.” She paused. “Just can’t seem to keep ‘em for more than a one ‘n done.”
“You think there’s a chance that courier will come back?”
Karaline scoffed. “What, him? For me? Pfft.” She waved her hand. “Why’d he ever come back for a lass like me? Smell like a forge, one hand’s as rough as stone, the other cold as snow, always got the stink of alcohol on me breath.” She took another sip before grumbling, “Besides, who’d want a lass whos dead inside.”
Mina let out a quiet chuckle. “Just a little.”
Karaline pointed at her. “Oi. Less cheek from you.”
Mina smirked behind her bottle. “And what about tonight?” She nodded toward the rest of the tavern. “Anyone from out of town?”
Karaline pursed her lips, then spun lazily on her stool, scanning the room.
Mina followed her gaze.
Two men sat in the corner by the window, eating in comfortable silence. They were broad-shouldered, with hands rough and calloused from work.
Karaline smirked. “Wouldn’t mind either of ‘em.”
Mina took another sip. “You wouldn’t mind both of them.”
“Aye, there’s an idea.” Karaline turned back around, taking a drink. “Delivery men. Gotta have strong hands, good stamina. Probably smell better than me, too.”
Mina gave her a flat look. “Not hard to accomplish.”
Karaline grinned. “But you love me anyway.”
Mina rolled her eyes.
“What do ya think of ‘em, hm?”
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“Not interested.”
“Oh, come on. You could stand to have a bit of fun yerself, Mina.”
She exhaled through her nose. “I have fun.”
“I don’t think ya do.” Karaline snorted. “I’m tellin’ ya, loosenin’ up a bit wouldn’t kill ya.”
Mina shook her head. “You act like everyone’s got the same appetite as you.”
Karaline leaned back, stretching her arms above her head. “Can’t help it if I enjoy meself. Life’s short. Might as well spend it with good food, good drink, and good company. And if that company happens to be easy on the eyes and open to a good time? All the better.”
Mina smirked. “You sound like a dwarf.”
“That, my dear Mina, is the best damn compliment I’ve ever been given.”
Mina shook her head.
Karaline leaned in, lowering her voice. “But aye, I’ve had a fair bit of fun lately. Met this fella last week—tall, dark hair, big hands.” She raised her brows. “Knew how to use ‘em, too.”
“Karaline…”
“And then there was this lovely lass a few nights ago. Gods above, the legs on her, Mina. I swear, I—”
“I don’t need details.”
Karaline cackled. “Oh, but you do! You need something to put color in yer pale, broody life!”
Mina sipped her drink.
Karaline grinned at her. “You’re never curious?”
Mina arched a brow. “About what you do? No.”
Karaline stared at her for a moment, then shook her head. “Damn shame.” She gestured vaguely. “Ye may not be a fair lady, no offense, but I’m sure if ye ever did want to find yerself a bit of company, I doubt you’d have much trouble.”
“I said I’m not interested.”
Karaline smirked. “Well, that just means more for me.”
Mina lifted her bottle. “Enjoy yourself.”
“Oh, I always do. But I swear, Mina, one of these days, I’m draggin’ ye out somewhere fun. Yer gonna drink, yer gonna talk, and yer gonna have fun—whether ya like it or not. In fact, ye know what, that night is tonight.” Karaline slid off her stool, wobbling slightly, and grabbed Mina’s arm. “Come on, lass, let’s go say hello to those fine gents over there.” She tugged, but Mina didn’t budge. Her vampiric strength anchored her to her seat like a statue. Karaline yanked harder, until her metal hand started creaking against Mina’s weight.
“You’re wasting your time.”
Karaline huffed. “Fine, take the fun outta it, why don’t ya. I’ll do it meself.” She straightened, ran her hands through her hair, and marched toward the two men by the window.
Mina took another sip of her ale.
“Evenin’, lads,” Mina heard Karaline say from across the bar. Even with the drawl of dozens of voices, she was still able to pick out her friend’s voice with her enhanced hearing. Even better, she could watch everything unfold through the reflection in the giant mirror behind the bar. “Ye two look like ya’ve been on the road for a wee bit. Not from around here, ‘eh?”
The taller, dark-haired man looked up from his food, and nodded. “Yeah, you could say that.”
“Came to the right place then. No better bar for food ‘ere in Cresthill. Tell me, what brings ya out here?”
“Just making some deliveries,” said the other man.
“Figured. Ye two look like a couple ‘o tough lads. Broad shoulders, strong hands. Bet ye could do a lot with those.”
Mina rolled her eyes and took another sip. No matter how many times she listened to Karaline's alcohol-fueled bravado, she couldn’t help but feel embarrassed for her.
“Well, they aren’t just used for hauling crates and barrels,” the dark-haired man chuckled. “I’m Torren. This here’s Gavyn.”
“Fine names for fine lookin’ men. I’m Karaline.” She took a seat at their table. “Blacksmith by trade, but a beauty by nature.”
“I’d say,” said Gavyn, eyeing her. “Don’t see many women working a hammer. But I gotta say, you’ve gotta have a grip that could make a man weak in the knees.”
“You have no idea, lad. But ye can’t just grip every handle, ye gotta work it right, and I’m better at it than most.”
Torren chuckled, then gave Karaline a long stare. “There a reason you came to us, miss?”
She grinned. “Well, it’s a small town, really. Figured two handsome men like yerselves might make for good company. ‘Specially if yer gonna be stayin’ ‘round for awhile. Could show ye the sights.”
“Cresthill does have more charm than I thought,” said Torren. “Especually with fine women like you around. But we’ve only got the one job. Resting tonight, then heading out at dawn. Unless you’ve got somethin’ worth stickin’ around for.”
“Oh, I do. Ye see that lass sittin’ by the bar. She was just sayin’ how she couldn’t take her eyes off you, Torren.”
Mina choked on her ale. She coughed into her sleeve and whipped her head around. Karaline was grinning back at her like a cat. Torren raised an eyebrow while Gavyn chuckled. Her face turned red.
“She won’t admit it, but she love’s a strong man like you, lad.”
Mina flew off her stool and crossed the tavern. “What are you doing?”
“Just makin’ introductions. These fine gents deserve to know they’ve caught yer eye.”
“I didn’t—” Mina started, then stopped, her jaw tightening as the men watched her. She exhaled sharply through her nose. “Sorry about her. She’s… just had one too many…”
“Oi, I’m fine, lass!” Karaline chuckled, then turned to the men. “Lad’s, this is me good friend, Mina.”
“Pleasure,” Torren said.
Mina merely nodded, and lifted Karaline from her chair by her shoulder. “Sorry about her,” she said, and started pulling Karaline back to the bar, but Gavyn stopped her.
“Wait,” he said. “You can’t just go now.”
“No, you can’t,” Torren said. “Come sit.”
“Come on, lass,” Karaline said, pulling against Mina. “Tell these lads how you use yer hands, eh?” She turned back to them. “Kills monsters for a livin’.”
“A hunter, huh? Explains the scars,” Torren said. “But I can’t say I have a problem with them. Have a few myself.”
Karaline tugged Mina again, but this time, she relented, and slowly sank into a chair beside Karaline. She could feel how hot her cheeks were, and she did her best to hide it, but there wasn’t much she could do when her skin was already so pale.
“Didn’t think there were many monsters around these parts,” Gavyn said.
“More than ya think,” Karaline said, waving down one of the waitresses to bring another round of drinks. “But we got our own professional exterminator here.”
“Monster hunter has to be quite skilled with her hands then, hm?” Torren said.
Mina only narrowed her eyes at him.
He reached into his coat pocket, and dropped a pair of throwing knives onto the table. “How about a bit of fun, hm?” He finished his drink, then pointed toward a banner tied between two beams. “Can’t just be fast with your hands, but you gotta be accurate too, right? Monsters are quick.”
“Relativley,” Mina muttered.
“Well, picture the string holding that banner up as a monster. Not very imposing, I know, but how about this. Closest to cutting it wins.”
“Oi, this is what I’m talkin’ about,” Karaline chuckled, and quickly started drinking the next round of ale brought to the table.
“If I win, you ladies pay for our dinner. But if you win, I’ll give you this.” He reached again into his coat pocket, but this time he withdrew a small, silver token with a ship encrusted onto it. “A favor of any kind, no questions asked. Bring it to the Corsairs of Moonbúry, and it shall be done.”
Mina raised an eyebrow. She had heard of them before. Ran into a few of them even. Pirates from the east coast of Ageria. If these men were with them, then they were quite far from their usual hunting grounds. Still, they didn’t seem like threats. Not yet, at least.
“A favor?” Karaline asked.
“Could be anything—information, a safe place to sleep, maybe a blade where you need it. Worth more than it looks.”
“I don’t play games,” Mina said.
“Oh, come on,” Karaline said, her speech starting to slur. “Don’t be such a grump. It’s just a bit o’ fun.”
“Whatta you say?” Torren said. “Just a bit of fun. Good company and all.”
“I’ll raise ya,” Karaline said. “Make it fair. You win, we’ll owe you any favor. Anythin’ at all.”
The two men glanced at eachother, shrugged, and nodded.
Mina shot Karaline a look. She knew damn well what she was trying to do. Before she could say anything in protest, Karaline put a finger to her lips.
“Shhh, it’s fine, lass. We’ll win.”
Mina hesitated for a moment. “Fine…”
Karaline clapped her hands, nearly knocking over her tankard. “That’s the spirit! Let’s do it!”
Torren took up one of the two throwing knives, and flung it into the wooden beam, just above the string. “Ooh, close,” he said with a snap of his fingers.
“Decent enough throw,” Gavyn said, taking a long drink from his tankard.
Mina plucked the other throwing dagger and felt it between her fingers. It was light, yet firm and well balanced. She narrowed her eyes at the string, and flicked her wrist.
The banner slumped to the ground.
Karaline jumped from her seat, stumbling. “Hell yes!”
Torren grinned, sliding the silver token across the table. “Accurate indeed, hunter. If you’re ever looking for work, I’d stop by Moonbúry. We’re always looking for talented warriors like you.”
Mina eyed the token and then Torren. “Sure,” she said flatly.
He chuckled and shared a brief glance with Gavyn. “Right then. Think we’re done here for the night.”
“Wait, what?” Karaline said. “That’s it?”
“Got a long road ahead of us. Best to get some rest.”
“You sure you lads don’t wanna stick around? We could keep playin’ games back at my place.”
Torren chuckled, scratching his neck. “You’re a lively one, Karaline, but we’ve got folks waitin’ for us back home.”
Karaline’s face fell, and she slumped back in her chair. “Aye, figures.” She grabbed another tankard, spilling ale on herself. “You’re missin’ out.”
“Besides, you’re not exactly my type.” Torren chuckled. “But hey, whos to say you two can’t play games back at your place, hm?”
Gavyn laughed, left money for their dinner, and followed Torren out.
Mina watched them until the door swung shut. Then, she looked at the silver token, grimacing slightly before pocketing it. She never knew, it might come in handy one day.
Mina walked steadily as Karaline clung to her arm like a shipwrecked sailor to driftwood.
Karaline’s boots scuffed the stones, and her metal prosthetic leg clanked faintly with each uneven step. Her breath reeked of ale.
“Och, Mina, yer a bloody saint,” Karaline mumbled, her head lolling against Mina’s shoulder. “Draggin’ me sorry arse home like this. Should be out there, huntin’ monsters or… or whatever it is ye do when I’m not lookin’.”
“Not like I’ve got better plans at midnight.”
Karaline snorted. “Better plans? Pfft. Ye’d be broodin’ over yer ale or polishin’ yer guns like a sad ol’ widow.” She hiccuped, then grinned, her flushed face gleaming under the moonlight. “Speakin’ o’ sad, ye know what’d cheer me up? A proper tumble. An’ I’m lookin’ at a fine candidate right here.”
Mina rolled her eyes.
“Come on, lass. Yer perfect. Them tits o’ yours are firm as ripe apples, sittin’ pretty in that leather. Bet they’d feel like heaven under my hand.”
Mina adjusted her grip on her. “You’re drunk, Karaline.”
“Drunk? Aye, shitfaced,” Karaline cackled, nearly tripping over herself. “But I ain’t blind. An’ that arse o’ yours gotta be tight as a drum, er carved from marble. Makes a lass wanna take a bite.” She mimed a chomp.
Mina shook her head.
When they reached Karaline’s house, Mina helped her inside. The drunk woman nearly crashed into her kitchen table, and Mina had to keep her upright as she guided her down the hall and to her room. After that, though, she carelessly tossed Karaline onto the bed like a fish.
The blacksmith laughed as she bounced against the mattress. “Home sweet home.” She grinned. “C’mon, lass, let’s get cozy. Violet’s off with the tailor tonight, workin’ on her fancy dresses. House’s all ours. Plenty o’ room in me bed for two.”
“Go to bed,” Mina said firmly, and made for the door.
“Och, Mina, yer no fun,” Karaline mumbled. She grabbed at Mina’s wrist, trying to pull her down. “C’mere, lass. Stay the night. Violet’s gone, we could… y’know, have a proper romp. No one’d know.”
Mina pulled her wrist free. “Go. To. Sleep.”
Karaline groaned, rolling onto her side, her prosthetic leg clunking against the bedframe. “Come ooooooooooon, Mina. Aye, I’m fuckin’ plastered, but I’m horny as hell. Friends help friends, don’t they? We could be… what’s it called? Friends with benefits!” She propped herself up on one elbow. “C’mon, lass. I’m dyin’ here. A quick roll in the hay, no strings. Ye’ve got that body, them curves, the stamina, and I’ve got needs. It’d be like… like sharin’ a drink, but better!”
Mina crossed her arms.
Slowly, Karaline slumped back onto her pillows. After a moment, her eyes started to glisten. “Am I… am I even beautiful to ye? With this damn stump o’ an arm and leg? All scarred and busted up, clankin’ like a broken machine. Who’d want me like this?”
Mina’s chest tightened, and she glanced away. “Y… You are beautiful. More beautiful than me.”
“Now yer just sayin’ that…”
“You’re the strongest woman I know. Anyone who can’t see that isn’t worth your time.”
Karaline sniffled, a tear rolling down her flushed cheek. She reached out, her flesh hand brushing Mina’s arm. “Yer beautiful too, y’know. All them scars and whatnot. Ye gotta find someone to look past ‘em.” She hiccuped. “But why can’t I get anyone to stay, Mina? Why’s everyone always leavin’ Cresthill? Leavin’ me?”
Mina relented and sat on the edge of Karaline’s bed. “The right one will come along,” she said firmly. “Someone who sees you for you. Someone who stays.”
Karaline laughed bitterly, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand. “The right one already came, Mina. Tall, dark, hands like a dream. And he’s gone. Ain’t comin’ back.” Her voice broke, her metal hand clenching tighter. “Left me like everyone else.”
“He wasn’t the right one, then. The right one doesn’t leave. They’ll come, Karaline. Eventually.”
Karaline shook her head, letting the tears stream down her cheek. “I wish I could just leave,” she whispered. “Pack up, go find love somewhere else. But I can’t. Not without Violet. She don’t wanna leave. Besides, she’s all I got ‘cept you.”
“I know. You’re not alone, Karaline. You’ve got Violet. You’ve got me."
A small smile returned. “Yer a good friend…”
Mina smiled back, patting Karaline’s shoulder before standing. “You too. Now, go to sleep.”
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