#curlaina

[lycandrias-journal]

Trying to Keep Up

After Lycandria returns back to the garrison from the Inkwell at Zul'Gurub, she changes into her nightgown and checks the main hall for the reports that were waiting for her. A large couple of stacks are combined in her hands loosely, as she looks to make her way towards the sorting desk in her room.

As she crosses the entryway of the main hall, Doran comes walking up. She looks at him with a small, tired smile and softly speaks. "Hey."

He returns the smile. "Hey Ly... Burning the midnight oil?"

She sighs deeply and nods. "Just trying to keep up." She responds, setting a stack on the table when a few pages slip out, floating about to the floor.

"Here, lemme get those." He says quickly, stooping and collecting the fallen papers.

She sighs with great stress. "Sorry..."

"Bloody right you're sorry... Gonna throw out my back lifting such heavy burdens." He grins playfully.

She slightly smiles a bit, but fading back quickly. She looks down and pauses for a moment, then looks back up at him. "You mind carrying them for me to my desk?" She asks, grabbing her other stack.

"Not a bit." He smiles and gathers up the rest, following her.

---------------------------------------------------------------

They both arrive to her room, setting the papers on the side of her desk. She then sits down in her chair. "Thank you... I'm supposed to have these out by noon tomorrow."

"Think you can make it?" He wonders.

"I hope so... Might be up till... I don't even know." She sighs and closes her eyes. "It was so nice... Curlaina was doing such a good job with everything." She rubs at her face. "I hope things at the Inn are better."

"Yeah... We've leveled off and are pretty much back on course." He answers.

She slowly nods, lifting her head from her hands. "That's good." After a moment, she reaches her hand back, searching for his.

He finds her hand and squeezes reassuringly. "How 'bout you? Know things were feelin' a little rough down there... at the gathering."

She pulls his hand closer to her, bringing him to the left side of her chair. She then leans her head on his stomach, wrapping her left arm around the back of his waist. She closes her eyes and stays silent for a while.

He reaches over with his free hand and starts to gently stroke her hair in a reassuring, soothing gesture. "Quiet's good..." He adds.

She lightly nods against him, as her cheek moves along his shirt. She sighs deeply before quietly muttering. "I'll be okay... just, still hurts sometimes... I'm happy for her and all..." She trails off.

"And that's okay... We all hurt, it's the hurtin' alone that's bad for folk." He responds.

"I'm glad Amelia still has her little girl at least." She adds, leaning off of him and looking up. She then slowly stands and looks at him sweetly.

"Yeah she's a pretty little thing... Made a little basket crib out of vines so Amelia could just take a nap out in the grass for a bit." He smiles at her.

"I bet she is ready to get out again herself." She responds, slipping her arms around him into a warm hug. She then closes her eyes and lays her head on his shoulder.

He embraces her gently. "Still gonna be a while I think... She's still got the nightmares... She ain't sure of herself yet, though physically she's pretty much healed."

She nods, listening to him.

"You gonna be okay?" He asks a bit worried.

She pulls back and slowly nods. Her eyes mixed with pain and stress. "I just need to get this stuff out of the way... Maybe I'll feel better." She pauses in thought. "Still need to find time to train up and stay in shape... for this trip up north."

"You seem in pretty good shape to me." He adds with a slightly mischievous smile.

She smiles back a bit warmer. "Well, that's different... It was a very good night though." She says softly, tracing a finger along the collar of his shirt and fiddling with the hem for a moment. She then looks up at him with a calm smile, but a small glint in her eye looks conflicted.

"It was... I'd like to come back sometime." He responds.

"Well, my door is always open... and you know where to find me." She says softly, gently caressing his right cheek with her left hand.

He chuckles lightly. "Oh you're going to regret that..." He mirrors her gesture, gently stroking her face with his thumb. "You'll think some burglar's slipping in at two bells."

She smiles endearingly with a small chuckle. She then hesitates for a moment, then slowly moves towards his lips with hers, tilting her head.

He leans forward and kisses her gently on the lips. His hands move to her back.

She closes her eyes and enjoys the warmth of his lips. Her hands move down to his chest, lightly rubbing.

His fingers trace along the small of her back, pulling her a little closer through the kiss.

She nuzzles her nose against his cheek, then across the tip of his nose as the kiss finally breaks. She still has her eyes closed, speaking softly. "Sorry, I... should get on this paperwork." She slowly opens her eyes looking at him.

He loosens his grip on her after the kiss. "It's... it's important. Ain't right of me to be distracting ya' from what needs doing. But... maybe sometime when all this is caught up proper..." He trails off.

She slowly nods, looking at the work ahead of her and sighing lightly. "Going to be a long night..." She mutters, continuing to rub his chest and resting her forehead on his lips, tucking her head into him.

He gives her an affectionate peck on the forehead and squeezes her hand. "Mornin' always comes... You'll get there. G'night Ly... I'll make something good for ya' for breakfast."

She lightly nods, looking back up with a weak smile, as a tear runs down her cheek. "Sounds good." She says soft and sweet. "Have a good night Doran."

He squeezes her hand again before leaving. "You too..."

[lycandria]

Letter to Timory

Dear Timory,

I’m writing to find out how things have been going with you and Curlaina. At our last meeting in Stormwind, I promised I would stay in contact with her through you. I hope you two are doing well and still safe.

The league will be heading up north soon to deal with Malavis and the threat that has swelled in recent weeks. However, I feel it might be best to keep your eyes and ears fixed on Curlaina, should something arise while we are away.

Please write back, or ask for a time to meet in Stormwind should you have the need. As always, take care and keep your blades sharp.

- Lycandria Marilyn Ravenholdt

@timory-taupin

[lycandrias-journal]

Having To Let Go

*Trigger Warning: Regarding Infants*

Coming to the pond just outside the Dwarven District of Stormwind, Lycandria spots Curlaina at the requested spot from her note. As Curlaina sits relaxing and watching the waterfall, Lycandria quietly sits down next to her and removes her hood.

Curlaina looks over at Lycandria, and her eyes widen a little. "Good evening, Miss Ravenholdt."

"Evening Curlaina. How are you doing?" Lycandria asks softly.

"I'm doing okay... I hope you and the league are okay." Curlaina responds.

Lycandria nods. "We are getting back on our feet again, and I have you to thank for a lot of that... Doran tells me I wouldn't be alive if not for your efforts."

Curlaina shrugs and smiles slightly. "I'm sure Doran could have done everything I did."

Lycandria shakes her head lightly. "He does what he can, but he talks very highly of you... and I know it's because he can see you are very good at what you do... I still remember the day we met and I saw the same."

Curlaina shrugs again. "Thank you."

"Also, I assume Timory has been with you?" Lycandria asks.

"Yes, ma'am. She said she didn't want me wandering off on my own." Curlaina replies.

Lycandria nods. "I'm glad you two have a special bond, and I've watched your friendship grow."

Curlaina smiles slightly and nods.

Lycandria pauses for a moment in thought, choosing her words carefully. "If you are able to, I just want to know what happened that made you want to leave. You can be completely honest with me, and I won't hold you back if you don't want to come back to the league. I just really care about what's going on with my members."

Curlaina turns her head slightly and glances at Lycandria, taking a breath and letting it out slowly. "I just don't think I fit in there, ma'am. You are all experienced explorers and fighters and... and I just didn't feel that I fit in."

Lycandria listens attentively, looking at Curlaina and nodding. "Well, I probably should have given you more credit on your skills a long time ago. With Amelia being taken, it really put alot of stress on me not wanting to lose someone else. I knew from the moment we met that you were very capable..."

Curlaina shakes her head slightly. "That's not really it, ma'am."

Lycandria looks over to Curlaina.

"They were always talking about fighting and dying and arguing with each other... and I don't want to do any of those things." Curlaina adds.

Lycandria slowly nods. "I need to get a better handle on them about that too. It's not something I really wanted honestly... Also, it's important to know that we aren't all like that, and for me personally I understand why it's not an ideal environment for you."

Curlaina frowns a little and shrugs. "Maybe it's just who they are. They live exciting lives and that's how they talk about it."

Lycandria sighs for a moment, pausing in thought and looking at the water. "I left the manor for the very same reasons, being tired of all the yelling, stress, and fighting all the time. I knew there had to be more to life than that... It's meeting people like you that really allows me to understand what's most important again." She then turns back to Curlaina. "About the sparring, I never really intended for that to be anything close to a priority for you... And I feel that with the skill you already had, plus spending time with Timory has gotten you enough experience with a blade."

Curlaina glances at Lycandria, and then looks back at the water. "Seemed more like everyone wanted me to spar with someone."

Lycandria nods in understanding, sighing lightly. "The main reason I came to the cathedral square that day wasn't to find another skilled fighter... We needed someone skilled in things we could't perform or understand... In fact, I was coming across my reports a few weeks back, before the attack of course, and I was about to move a lot of you into the official league ranks."

Curlaina nods slowly. " I suspected as much, ma'am... but I think... I think you might be better with someone that has more experience exploring and adventuring."

Lycandria slowly nods to Curlaina. "It's your choice ultimately to do what you want, and I want you to know I'll respect that... I hate to see you go, but I know you are going to be a good addition anywhere you go. I know you will do wonderful."

Curlaina nods slowly. "Thank you, Miss Ravenholdt."

Lycandria returns the nod, and smiles weakly. "But, I want you to remember you will always have a place with us at the league if you want it."

"Thank you, ma'am." Curlaina responds.

Lycandria sighs and looks out at the water. "I'm sure I will stay in contact with you regardless, and I know Timory will still be there for you too."

Curlaina nods.

Lycandria looks back over at Curlaina. "Lastly, I will always be at your side and come to your call when needed. You are a wonderful woman, and you are going to do great things."

Curlaina turns and looks at Lycandria. "Thank you, Miss Ravenholdt."

After a brief pause, Lycandria asks. "Is there anything else you need?"

Curlaina shakes her head slightly. "I don't think so, ma'am. I just need to figure things out for myself now, I think."

Lycandria nods and leans over to hug Curlaina gently. "Take care of yourself, and if things start to get bad with whoever is trying to find you, I'll be there in a heartbeat. I'll stay in touch through Timory if that makes things easier."

"Yes, ma'am." Curlaina nods.

Lycandria slowly stands and looks at the waterfall for a moment, taking in the soothing sound. "And as always Curlaina..."

Curlaina looks up at Lycandria.

Lycandria turns, looking at Curlaina with a smile. "Keep your blades sharp."

Curlaina smiles and nods. "You, too, ma'am."

Lycandria puts her hood back on and makes her way through Stormwind, heading back through the portal to the garrison on Draenor.

--------------------------------------------------------------

After a few hours, Lycandria arrives back at the Ravenholdt League garrison. She heads for the Inn to check on Amelia, Doran, and the status of the newborns. Arriving upstairs, she gently knocks on the door.

Doran sighs and takes a breath. "What."

"It's me, safe to come in?" Lycandria asks.

Whole quietly focuses all of her attention on her babies, cooing sweetly to them and gently washing her tongue over the frail male.

Doran glances at Whole for a moment, then rises and goes to the door. He opens the door, looking down at Lycandria. "Gotta talk to you."

Lycandria nods. "Out here?"

Doran nods. "Yes."

Lycandria nods again and steps back into the hall with Doran. She walks over to the table and sets her hand down, looking at Doran in the chair.

Doran finally mutters. "He's dying..."

Lycandria frowns looking down at the table, slowly nodding. "I was afraid you'd say that..." She pauses briefly, looking back up at Doran. "How is she holding up?"

"Not good... Desperate to save him, but there's nothing to be done. Still has the holes in his heart... the disfigured lung. Mind's all... hazy." Doran trails off.

Lycandria slowly nods, sighing lightly. "At least he will know he was loved."

"Was hoping for him to have at least that, instead of passing alone... cold and thinkin' nobody cared about him." Doran responds.

"He certainly won't be soon forgotten." Lycandria looks down at her gloves, squeezing her hand as the leather creaks. "He will pay for all of this, Doran. I promise." She gives Doran a serious and determined look.

Doran nods. "When we find this guy Ly... don't have a soul in my way that you don't want dead... Not gonna be in a good place."

Lycandria nods back at Doran. "Two entirely innocent lives never had much of a chance, and those deeds will not go unpunished." She says, looking down and rubbing at her stomach. "We will move on, and the league will be stronger together."

Doran looks up at Lycandria, then stands and hugs her gently in place.

Lycandria sinks into Doran's arms and closes her eyes. "At least not all was lost..." She says softly, rubbing through Doran's furry mane in a comforting manner.

Doran sighs and relaxes a bit against Lycandria. "Girl's doing real, real good yeah... Couldn't ask for better."

Lycandria nods on his shoulder. "I just got back from Stormwind... Me and Curlaina finally got to talk."

Doran looks down at Lycandria. "You found her? Fel's going on?"

"I don't think she was ready for all this, and so I had to let her go. I know she is going to be a great addition wherever she goes, and I hated to let her walk away... but what can you do?" Lycandria pauses and sighs lightly. "I hope she finds what she is looking for in the end... She's a good woman with alot of potential."

"Tell her she picked the worst fuck all time to do something like this?" Doran asks abruptly.

Lycandria sighs. "I didn't want to push her away anymore than she likely already felt. I just told her she was always welcome back here, and that was about it." She says, continuing to lean on Doran quite comfortably.

Doran looks down at Lycandria after a few moments. "Ly... we gotta get back in there."

Lycandria nods, raising her head from him to look in his eyes. "Okay. I need to go change and settle in for bed... Just let me know if anything comes up." She looks back at the door to Whole's room. "I want her to have as much time as she can with him, before it's too late."

Doran nods at Lycandria, before heading back into the room with Whole and the babies.

Whole is staring at the tiny male baby, eyes wide and muzzle open in a silent scream. Her face locked in a horrified grief ridden expression, and her chest isn't moving as if she's sucked in her breath and holding it, waiting for something to happen.

Doran uses his tether to check on the little one, no longer seeing that light in his eyes or feeling his warmth.

Lycandria pokes her head in the door to check on them before leaving. She glances at Whole on the bed and frowns. "I'll give her some time..."

Doran breathes out raggedly as his lip twitches. He grips the bedposts tightly, with a low whine escaping him.

Lycandria nods at Doran and wipes a tear from her eye, closing the door and heading back to her quarters.

[lycandrias-journal]

War in the North

Lycandria's eyes flutter open, turning her head about as she stretches. She yawns and hears several dishes clatter downstairs, muffled as it filters up the stairway. Another morning of recovery at the Inn, however she was finally starting to get around some on her own.

She pulls the covers back and sets her feet on the floor to the side of her bed. New mail had arrived that morning, probably at the hands of Doran since they now both knew Curlaina had left, and likely with Timory too. Lycandria sighed at the thought, hoping to gain her strength back in order to help find them before something bad happened. The league had just gotten Amelia back.

She picks up the mail and sorts through everything briefly, coming across a envelope from Dalaran that catches her eye. It was from Shade. She takes a deep breath and looks around her room, evaluating who might be around even in the hallway. She eventually breaks the seal and pulls the letter out.

Lycandria,

I know the past few weeks have been tough already, and I wish I could be there to support you even though we both agreed the league isn't ready to know about me yet, but I'm afraid I have only grave news to report.

Several outposts in the North have come under the attack of Malavis, the warlock in red. So far, we have confirmed attacks in the Hinterlands at Stormfeather Outpost, Quel'Danil Lodge, and even Aerie Peak. One other location in the Arathi Highlands was attacked, Refuge Pointe.

Many lives have been lost among the local Wildhammers in heinous ways I dare not go into detail. We also have a few reports from survivors that the warlock appeared in a mass following, offering the choice to join him or die. The Wildhammers near Stormfeather met them with stiff resistance, but many lost their lives in such defiance. Others in the area succumbed to the widespread fear, joining his cause after witnessing several massacres.

We've had suspicions that since the league was arguably removed from the equation, sending Amelia back to you and the attack that ensued, he was planning to take advantage and make his move on the North. We believe this is only going to get worse.

I'm sorry I don't have any better news to report, but you needed to be informed of the rising threat in the North, now manifesting in a terrible way. This warlock has to be stopped. If you have allies, now is the time.

- S

She looks down from the letter and sits silently for a moment in thought. Suddenly, she crushes the letter in her hand and yells, throwing it across the room.

Shortly after, Doran comes racing up the stairs to check on her.

She sits with hair in her face and chest heaving, clearly worked up. She then looks up to him with her face red, move her hair aside. "That son of a bitch... He's killing them... He's going to kill them all, Doran..."

He looks at her confused. "What are you talking about?"

She points to the now crushed ball of paper on the floor, and looks back at him after sniffing and wiping a tear. "See for yourself..."

[timory-taupin-blog]

Where There’s Smoke

Explosions were commonly heard in the Dwarven District of Stormwind; there were plenty of Gnomes hanging around as well as the tinkers or hunters passing through.  This was not one of those explosions.  This one shook the building Timory was leaning against.  This one spewed smoke the quickly started to spread across the city.  This one smelt of fire.  Timory looked around at the other shocked faces passing through the district.  Each one filled with fear and questions.  She followed their gazes and pointed fingers to the cloud growing over the Trade District.  

Glancing up at the inn, she briefly thought of checking on Curlaina, but saw her standing at the window.  Timory waved and pointed at the smoke.  Waving back, Curlaina nodded and turned her attention back to the growing could of smoke.  Cautiously, Timory made her way towards the scene, guards rushing past her warning others to get back.  As she rounded the corner along the canal between the Trade and Mage districts, a horrible realization came over her.  

“Rhis...”             

[lycandrias-journal]

Blood Test Results

Early Tuesday morning, Lycandria wakes from her sleep after hearing someone leave her room. She was still recovering upstairs at the Inn of the Ravenholdt League garrison, however she was having Curlaina deliver any mail that couldn't be handled by her secretarial position.

Lycandria slowly sits up and grunts, glancing over at the end table and stack of new mail. She leans over and grabs the stack, sitting back in place to pause and catch her breath. Sorting among the documents and reports from the Alliance, she finally comes across a letter containing her blood test results from the apothecary in Stormwind. It was time to finally find out what happened to her, and if she was still carrying the curse or not.

She carefully breaks the seal and pulls the folded letter from the envelope. After unfolding the letter, she takes a deep breath before reading:

----------------------------------------------------------------

After several days of blood test sampling for Patient No. 6079250, the following conclusions were drawn. The results are categorized in order of Magical Worgen Curse Pathogen, Partial Cure and Ritual, and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) which has been found to be relevant in this case.

Day One, Friday

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for the pathogen.

- In 3 of the 5 blood cultures taken (60%), the patient tested positive for the partial cure.

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for hCG.

Day Two, Saturday

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for the pathogen.

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for the partial cure.

- In 3 of the 5 blood cultures taken (60%), the patient tested positive for hCG.

Day Three, Sunday

- In 3 of the 5 blood cultures taken (60%), the patient tested positive for the pathogen.

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for the partial cure.

- In 1 of the 5 blood cultures taken (20%), the patient tested positive for hCG.

Day Four, Monday

- In 3 of the 5 blood cultures taken (60%), the patient tested positive for the pathogen.

- In 5 of the 5 blood cultures taken (100%), the patient tested positive for the partial cure.

- In 0 of the 5 blood cultures taken (0%), the patient tested positive for hCG.

Day Five, Tuesday

- In 2 of the 5 blood cultures taken (40%), the patient tested positive for the pathogen.

- In 4 of the 5 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tested positive for the partial cure.

- In 0 of the 5 blood cultures taken (0%), the patient tested positive for hCG.

Total Conclusion:

- In 16 of the 25 blood cultures taken (64%), the patient tests positive overall for the pathogen.

- In 20 of the 25 blood cultures taken (80%), the patient tests positive overall for the partial cure.

- In 8 of the 25 blood cultures taken (32%), the patient tests negative overall for hCG.

This concludes us to believe the partial cure and the ritual successfully halted the transformation process, however the patient still carries the pathogen and is not considered infectious.

We are also almost certain that the patient is no longer pregnant. The hormone levels of hCG initially tested in the range of 6-7 weeks, then sharply fell off after what we believe was a result of trauma to the abdominal area. We humbly regret to inform you of this saddening news, and our thoughts are with your patient and all affected.

Thank you for choosing the Stormwind Apothecary.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Lycandria sits silently as she glances over the results a second and third time. Eventually her hand comes up to cover her mouth, as her other hand gently lays the letter on her lap. Tears begin to fill her eyes, before she falls back on her pillow. She rolls to her side as a tear falls down her cheek; a clear look of disbelief on her face. She was expecting news about her blood work, but not like this.

After a few moments of silent sobbing and swelling thoughts, it finally hit her. The last time she had intercourse was mere days before her and Baurus decided to go their separate ways. That was roughly 6-7 weeks ago.

Now the real struggle was going to be how she would tell everyone about her blood results, without revealing her miscarriage and the questions it would bring. She also feared what it would mean to Baurus if he find out.

[timory-taupin-blog]

To Catch a Spy

Timory watched the man outside for a few moments.  He was definitely watching their room.  Every few minutes his eyes would move to the door of the inn or up to their window.  She stayed just out of sight, glancing around for signs of a partner.  Satisfied he was alone, she went back down and exited the inn.

She was careful not to look his way when she deliberately walked past the man.  Seconds later, she heard his footsteps begin to follow her, not too closely, but enough to keep an eye on her.  Timory lead him to Old Town, back to the alley she first met Curlaina and dropped into the shadows, waiting patiently for him to walk by.  As soon as he was just ahead of her, she stepped out of hiding.

“Hey, why are you staking out my place and following me around?”  

She stared at him, walking closer.  The man looked around nervously, taking a few steps backward as she advanced on him.  

“Are you deaf?  I asked you a question and expect an answer!”  Timory poked her finger into his chest and clenched her jaw.  Suddenly, the man turned and ran out of the alley.  Timory sighed and cracked her knuckles.

“So that’s how you want to do this then...”  She mumbled to herself.  Loud cracks echoed in the alley as she dropped to the ground, dark fur spreading across her skin.  Timory growled as she sniffed the air, tracking his scent.  He hadn’t gotten far.  She broke out into a sprint, seeing him running along the canal.  Pouncing onto his back, she quickly took him down to the ground.  The man rolled onto his back, blood spurting from his nose, his eyes wide with fear.  She grabbed him by the front of his shirt, pulling him closer to her face.

“Do not try to run again.  Now, I believe I asked you a question.”  She let go of his shirt, letting him drop to the cobblestones below them.  He grunted as the air was knocked out of his lungs, nodding at her.

He spoke quickly between haggard breaths.  

“A woman...young, with short brown hair...hired to follow you.”  He took a few more deep breaths, trying to regain his composure.  Timory loomed over him.  

“She have a name?”  

The man shook his head.  “No name...paid in gold...Slaughtered Lamb.”  

Timory nodded and leaned back over the man.  “Run along now, and if I see you hanging around again, mine will be the last face you see, I promise you that.”  

The man scurried to his feet and ran towards the Cathedral.  She watched until he was through the tunnel, dropping back to her human form.  Her mind raced as she walked back to the Gilded Rose.  The description, plain as it was, was the same given by Allison just a few days ago.  Why send someone to spy on her when they had just been in themselves?  Timory made her way back up to their room, noticing the door slightly ajar.

She cautiously opened the door further, daggers in hand.  Once again, the room was empty, but someone had been inside.  The papers on the desk were strewn onto the floor, every drawer open and dumped out.  She hurried into the bathroom, splashing cold water on her face.  Looking at herself in the mirror, a familiar tingle ran up her spine, one she hadn’t felt since learning to control the Worgen inside.  She shook her head and closed her eyes briefly.  Brilliant yellow stared back at her when she opened them.  Timory stumbled back from the mirror and braced herself against the wall.  She closed her eyes again, taking several deep breaths.  

“No...”  She whispered.  “Get a grip.”  She slowly opened her eyes again and looked into the mirror, the yellow fading away.  Letting out a breath, she turned back to their room and surveyed the damage.  She would need to get this cleaned up before Curlaina got back.                    

[timory-taupin-blog]

A Visitor

The sun was getting low when Timory finally got back to The Gilded Rose.  She had managed to find a couple odd jobs, enough to settle up with the innkeeper and keep her ahead for a couple weeks.  She walked into the inn and silently set the bag of gold down on the table as she walked past.  

“Ms. Taupin...did your friend find you?”  Allison picked up the bag and smiled at Timory.

Timory turned and shook her head.  “I’m just heading up, is she in for the evening already?”  

“Oh, no, she’s not in, but this was someone different.”  Allison looked down, thinking for a moment.  “She had short brown hair, her name was...Annisa, I believe.  Wearing robes from the cathedral.”

“Thanks.”  Timory furrowed her brow and glanced at the stairs.  She sighed and turned around.  “Can you send some dinner upstairs and leave a note for Curlaina to let her know I’ll be a little later?”  She handed a few pieces of silver to Allison and walked back out of the inn.

It was dark by the time she reached the Cathedral, but the faint glow coming from the entrance suggested someone was still roaming around inside.  She quickly made her way up the stairs.  Inside there was a man, tidying up the altar.  

“I’m looking for a woman, short brown hair...her name’s...uh, Annisa.  Sound familiar?”  She walked closer, her voice echoing in the empty hall.  The man looked up and Timory and smiled.

“Sorry, miss.  There isn’t anyone by that name here.”  He folded his hands in front of him and walked towards her.

Timory frowned slightly.  “You sure?  She was wearing robes from the cathedral.  No new recruits or anything?”  She glanced around, taking a peek into an open room nearby.  

The man shook his head.  Timory nodded and left the cathedral, heading back towards the Gilded Rose.  She nodded to Allison and made her way to the room she and Curlaina shared.  

Unlocking the door, an uneasiness settled over her.  Her nose twitched, something wasn’t right.  She made quick work of examining the room, it was empty and nothing seemed to be missing.  Allison had been in, the meal Timory had asked for was still warm, but she knew the innkeeper’s scent, and this was different.  She settled at the table and picked at her dinner, waiting for Curlaina to arrive back home.