"Roll the Bones"

The tales of a Street Rat. Jacqueline Hidaka is a character on the Guild Wars 2 server Tarnished Coast.

[stolewin]

It was late afternoon by the time she arrived home. The house appeared quiet as stepped up to the door. Taking a moment to scan the area for trouble as the key slipped into the lock. Turning the handle and entering the somewhat dark room. Slate and Red were near by and would alert her if needed so she took her time in gathering things for Jace. A sketch book and pencils lay in her bedside table drawer, along with a switchblade and brass knuckles. All were packed away in an overnight bag before she made her way back down. Once in the kitchen she packed extra food and a bottle of bourbon knowing it would be needed. She headed to the coat rack to grab a warmer sweater and headed back out the door, once again looking over her shoulder as she locked back up.

As she walked through the district she thought about what she would say to her father. What sort of excuse would she use to get him to leave. If she was honest he would stay but she couldn't bare it if he was hurt. She had better think of something the shop was not far now and the sun would be setting soon. Already the cobblestone streets were becoming alive as the Mad King celebrations were taking place. Little ones running rampant with masks as they try to out scare each other. There at the end of the street was the shop. Wasn't big but wasn't small either.

The bell chimed as she entered the shop. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The displayed gems and handmade jewelry sparkled from the setting sun in the window. The front counter was empty but she could hear a gruff voice call from the back room.

"I'll be with you in just a moment."

Leaning against the counter, she waited patiently for her father. Her smile grew as he stepped from the back. Looking professional and handsome as always. His smile grew just as big as his daughter's once he realise she was waiting on him. His beard hand gotten longer and his hair was finally showing his age with shades of grey and white running through it. It made him look more distinguished.

"Larka my dear! My sweet darling come here and hug this old man."

His laughter and warm embrace soothed her. The man's great embrace could make you feel as though nothing is wrong. Though she could barely get her arms around his belly she squeezed with all her might. They stood together as he rubbed her back and pressed a kiss to the top of her raven head.

"Ahh, my sweet child what brings you in so late in the day. I thought you and Jacqueline would be off to take part in the Mad King celebrations hm?"

She was reluctant to leave his embrace but she pulled away from her father, offering him a gentle smile. He was so fond of Jace, probably loved her just as his own child. It would worry him to know she was hurt laying up in a bed and hiding out.

"Jace and I have a surprise for you. I'm here to close up shop and send you off on a little vacation to Southsun Cove. Where you will spend a few well deserved days soaking in the sun and laying on the beach."

He roared with laughter as he walked around her to the shop window where he watched the last bit of sun slip behind the wall that surrounded the city.

"Larka I can't go. Who would watch the shop? I haven't been away from here for years lass. I just can't go."

She made her way to his and slipped her hand into his. She knew he was a bit scared but pushed him on it.

"Please papa. It's a gift from me and Jacqueline. For allowing us to take time away from here and being so supportive. Besides, Jace has told me you haven't been away from this shop since mama passed. Also, I know about Miss Higglesworth from the bakery that you have been spending time with. You should ask her to go with you."

He sighed deeply as he gave thought to the whole thing, folding his arms he turned to look around the shop as he came to a decision.

"Fine lass I will go. I appreciate the gift and I'm sure Miss Higglesworth would love to join me in the sun...Well, I hope so."

He looked giddy as he moved around to gather his things. He took the keys to the shop and safe and handed them off to her. One quick kiss to his daughter's cheek and he was heading out the door to the bakery. Quickly she called out to him.

"Everything is arranged just let them know you have arrived."

Once he was out of sight she quickly moved to lock up the safe and pull the shades to the windows before locking up the front door and heading to the back entrance. There she glanced around one last time and closed the door, locking it up tight. The alleyway had become dark now that the sun was gone. She walked towards the end of the alley where Slate appeared with Red, giving her a nod as they both made their way to the carriage that was nearby. Once settle inside and on the road did she allow herself to somewhat relax but she knew it wouldn't be for long.

[theluckyrat]

Dreams. If you could even call them that. They flashed in and out of Jac's mind as she lay there, unconscious and clinging desperately to life.

"I made you..."

"You can't walk out...."

"If you're not with me, you're against me..."

Haunted words echoed through thoughts that clawed at consciousness, a mind that longed to be awake, to see the next day. Yet. There was only weakness in the deep, restless slumber.

The weight on the lucky coin pendant resting against her chest was the subtle, consistant reminder....

"I want you to be around for a very long time."

....Fight.

[stolewin]

Promises

The room was dimly lit with a candle burning in the corner. Shadows flickered across the ceiling as she turned her head to look at Jace's pale lifeless features. Her breath held for a moment to watch the woman's chest rise and fall, reassuring her that Jace was still breathing. Slowly she slipped from Jace's side and stood over her again as she looked over the bandaged wounds, taking note that they had become soaked with blood.

She was still losing blood and that wasn't good. After grabbing her coat and checking Jace's pockets for her cherry cigars she left the room to make her way outside. Along the way passing Sparks, who was sleeping at the small table in the kitchen. Slates didn't seem to be back yet so she slipped out the cottage door and lit up the cigar. She hadn't puffed since Amnoon.

It felt good and tasted like Jace, sighing as she slid down the door to sit on her heels. What the hell was going on. How could fate be so cruel? They finally were back together and things were good. Her fingers held the cigar as she clasped both her hands over her head as she looked to the hazy fall moon and softly pleaded to whatever Gods would listen.

"I swear...promise...I will keep her safe, love her to no end...Find this Leigh and make her pay with her life."

She puffed on the cigar again, exhaling and watching the smoke lift to the sky as the moon finally shown through the clouds brightly. With a wicked smirk, a look of vengeance she spoke once more.

"Nothing will come between us again...not even death banging at the door...That I promise you Jace."

She held the moon's gaze for a moment longer before standing and scraping the cigar on the stone frame of the cottage. Quietly she enter and returned to Jace's side to rest once more.

[theluckyrat]

The fire in the hearth warmed the stead and before it sat Jace. Her sketch book was situated in her lap while the pencil she held seemed to dance across the off-white page. Little whisps of graphite, hatched lines, and the occasional smudge were forming the loose beginning of the hearth she sat before, lost in the study of it.

Or at least so it appeared. Her mind was filled with her next move when they returned to Kryta. She was mulling over the notion of severing ties with Leigh, once and for all...but she knew that could be a dangerous move... But one that would be worth it if it meant severing ties with a past she... Was trying to move away from.

Her brows drew together as she focused on the page. She had considered speaking to Larka of these matters...being tied up with Separatist dealings...

Crack.

Sod.

The tip of her pencil snapped under the pressure of her stroke. With a sigh, she tucked the pencil between pages and closed the sketch book, leaving it on the fur rug as she stood and decided to go back to bed.

[stolewin]

Hoelbrak Nights

[theluckyrat]

"I love you Larka. Always remember that."

[theluckyrat]

Night had long since fallen over the snow covered mountains known as The Shiverpeaks. It was some time well after midnight that Jace finally stirred under the weight of the fleece blankets and heavy tanned furs. The fire was still crackling over in the hearth of the private stead that they had arranged stay in.

She shifted carefully, rolling from her back onto nearly her stomach, letting her face fall into the warm pillow and her arm across Larka's midsection. The warmth of her skin made her smile against the feather stuffed pillow and roll her head over to look at the woman beside her. Larka's silhouette was dimly outlined by the fire, causing a gentle, warmth to her outline and a warm light against her dark hair. It seemed like it had been so long since she had laid like this with her, with just the warmth of their bodies between them.

Jace hoped that she hadn't made Larka feel rushed, but the earlier conversation echoed in her mind, reassuring her still. It was the missing piece of the puzzle. She wondered if it seemed new to Larka, or if it had perhaps sparked a feeling of familiarity. Of home. Of her.

She briefly wrinkled her nose at the thought. This Larka didn't know all the bad. Sure, Jace hadn't necessarily tried to hide it, but certain things she did leave unsaid. Maybe she could find a way to leave the things unsaid behind her. Larka was essentially starting anew... Perhaps she could as well. Maybe she could unlearn all the years of lessons about the Charr. Maybe she could choose this love over the hate that resided in her darkest parts and be... Better. She didn't know if it was possible for her, but it could at least remain unsaid.

[stolewin]

Home Delivery

The pounding continued firmly as she collected herself at the door. With a deep breath, she opens it to find herself before three Seraph, two of which had their hands around the back of Jacob and Stanly's necks. Both held large wooden crates as they hung their heads. The Seraph stood over them with their threatening authority before speaking.

" You Miss Larka Stolewin? These two sods were found wandering close by carrying away these crates from a broken down wagon. Claim these crates belong to you...that, right?"

Folding her arms as she stood listening to the Seraph, she offered a smile to her men in reassurance. Her look lifting to the questioning voice with a nod and she stepped further out the door.

"Yes, I am Miss Stolewin and yes these kind men were doing me a great service. You see I've just arrived home with supplies for my father's business and we happened to hit a hole in the street. To my surprise, we lost a wheel, and being so close to home these kind men offered to help me out by bringing the heavy boxes home while I have seen to father who had hurt himself trying his best to fix it."

She watched the pure disappointment wash over all the Seraph's faces as the two who had hold of the men shoved them forward a bit. She placed a hand on both of her men's shoulders to guide them behind her as Jace waited quietly behind the door for them to enter. Turning around to re-enter the house she simply looked back over her shoulder to the sourfaced Seraph and smiled sweetly as she dismissed them.

"That will all. I do thank you for seeing these men to me. To know you are keeping all safe is admirable. Six guide and bless you. Good night."

She closed the door and rested back against it as let out a deep breath. She looked over to where Jace had the men and pushed off the door. She made her way to the kitchen to where her glass sat empty. Honey wine wasn't gonna cut it now so out came the Blue Moa and she fills the glass halfway. Turning to look back as she took a large sip to watch Jace walk in with a smirk. Certainly wasn't going to be a dull night in this home.

[theluckyrat]

"Now... Where were we..."

[theluckyrat]

"Yeah, they decided to have us transport their lil caravan. Gonna be full of shit for their stupid party." The gruff voice of Slate ended as he gripped the cigar between his teeth and took a drag.

Jac nodded as she listened, exhaling smoke from her nose as she took a moment to look around, make sure they didn't have any eaves droppers. "Good....." She took another drag before going on, smoking accompanying her words as they left her lips. "I'll get the message to Spark. His crew will....happen upon yours..... Shame that those noble sods won't get the little feast they paid all that coin for."

[theluckyrat]

We get to watch the stars come out...

[theluckyrat]

The evening had come and gone, making morning come all the quicker. Before she knew it, Jace was back in the shop. Thankfully, it wasn't busy that morning as it seemed like she left her brain back in the bedroom, tucked warmly under the covers. With Larka.

Her thoughts kept drifting back to the woman and the warmth she brought with her. Even though it wasn't quite back to normal, there was still a certain comfort in the situation. A lop-sided grin lingered on her lips as she went about her daily tasks.

Though.... She was going to have to move a particular bundle before Larka found it.

[theluckyrat]

The darkness of night fell across the desert sands, blanketing Amnoon. Though, the hub of a city would not sleep just yet. Lights still offered their comforting glow for those who thrived in bustling night life. 

One such light burned behind the canvas tent walls that Jacquelin had taken up residence in. Having undressed, she had found herself lying upon her bed. It wasn’t the comfort of her bed back home, but it was making due for now. She stared up at the canvas ceiling, mulling over the days to come. 

Lucky’s words still echoed in her mind. The mere suggestion of Larka turning her back and leaving everything behind made her stomach turn and pain wrench her heart. This was someone that had promised to follow her into forever. No, something wasn’t right. 

Her eyes drifted over to the half empty bottle of bourbon sitting on the simple night stand beside a burning candle. It was a large, stout candle with several hours of life to it. She was buzzing from the bourbon, which she used to try to numb herself. Jace needed to sleep tonight, now more than her initial arrival in Elona. 

As she sat up, she reached for the bottle, taking one more swig from the amber colored liquid. Leaning over to blow out the candle she paused. She watched as the single, tiny flame danced upon the wick. Moments ticked by and she continued to watch the fire, living and thriving, casting a gentle dim light across the inside of the tent. She then reached out and moved the candle, centering it upon her nightstand. There, it would be out of range of anything flammable. 

She then laid down and slowly closed her eyes. The candle would stay lit. Night had a way of making certain places darker than dark and she would leave a light on for Larka. 

[stolewin]

Who was this Larka? How did she have the same eyes? The throbbing pain in her head didn’t allow sleep tonight. Dressing quickly…hat and mask she was off to spy on a tent.

[theluckyrat]

"Keep an eye out for her..."

(( @stolewin ))

[theluckyrat]

Jacqueline could feel her blood simmering in her veins as she sat in the tent. It had been a less than fruitful day, leaving the cherry scented tobacco she had rolled into a cigarette the sweetest thing of her day. She had confronted Lucky J... Only to have not much success and a series of rifles pointed at her.

As much as that bothered her, the fact she hadn't come into contact with Larka troubled her even more. She had even sent word that she was in Amnoon, without hearing a word back.

Still, she had docks to visit and ease drop on... And perhaps after she'll go ask around about Larka... Surely someone had seen the girl.

[theluckyrat]

The sky was as blue as the seas that the airship had just flown over. Out, leaning upon the railing, watching the land below shift and change, was Jacqueline. Her eyes had shifted towards the sky above, fixated on its vastness. The vibrant blue seemed to go on for forever, only occasionally obscured by the brief whispiness of a cloud.

As a couple crew members passed, Jac overheard part of the conversation. They were getting ready to make a descent. That meant that Amnoon was just a short while away now.

There was plenty of business waiting for her in the unfamiliar city. Most of which, she wasn’t terribly thrilled with. The audacity of someone going around, using her old alias… It didn’t sit right with her. That part of herself was dead, sinking to the bottom of the river somewhere, like other parts of her past.

Then… there was Larka. She had gone to Amnoon prior to all this, looking for new gems and make possible trade arrangements there. A smile cracked on Jace’s face just at the sheer thought of being able to see the woman she loved again. Her hand moved to the pocket of her pants, pulling out a small object and two slips of paper.

She read over the papers, again and again. Savings accounts. Ones she had opened and put money into that she had been setting aside from her side dealings. She figured two would be a good place to start, to put money into should the time come for them to adopt. Her green eyes scanned the slips, pondering over just how many they would end up with… What would they be like? Their names? What were they going to call her?

Her smile only continued to grow as she then began to study the object in her hand. Finally. A ring. She had been so focused on making something traditional, that she had completely forgotten that Larka… wasn’t your typical woman. She need something unique that would sit upon her finger. A marquise cut sapphire, set upon darksteel with brilliant diamonds that lined the asymmetrical band.

Oh how she could hardly wait to surprise Larka with these.

The ship jostled a bit, signalling that the slow descent had begun. Quickly, Jace put her treasured belongings back into the safety of her pocket. It was time to get off the deck and prepare to arrive in Amnoon.

[stolewin]

Lucky J has been on the move all day. Her and the few that followed her were growing hungry and tired as they worked long into the evening as they moved supplies in and out of the secured tents they taken over in the camp. Though outside of Amnoon, they weren’t safe from prying eyes or even little fingers thinking they could pinch from Lucky J’s stash.

“Hey Boss..Found another one snooping around. You want me to send her packing like the last one?

Lucky turned and looked the girl over quickly, making her acessment of the young girl. Her nose wrinkled before turning back to what she was doing.

“No. Feed her, get her cleaned up and find out where she’s from and where her family is. I want them taken care of and bring her back to me. I need a runner and she’s looks the healthiest so far.”

The young elonian man nodded quickly and pulled the panicked stricten girl away with him. Lucky J turned and sat on the crate, her thumb picking at her two front teeth in thought. The girl would make a perfect distraction now that she was being looked for. Lucky J crew was making waves within Amnoon’s seedy depths and now was not the time to drown.