The Breakfast Table

(by Issic)

Issic walked out of the kitchen grinning to himself a bit. He enjoyed
peoples reactions at different encounters. Hers was sort of funny as
she thought he had gotten in somehow and tried to explain that they
weren't open, then the dumbfounded look on her face when he told her
that he was hired on the eve before. Soon he found himself sitting at
one of the tables with Silas and the girl. He felt oddly uncomfortable,
every now and then he'd catch the girl looking at him strangely, as if
he were a kid and she was expecting him to spill something. The one
thing that he did notice was that she was very striking. She had sort
of an elegance to her, the way she moved, the way she did things. He
hadn't noticed how physically beautiful she was until now.

"So, when does this place really start to get exciting?" He asked, more
to try and break the moot silence and give him a reason to look at her
again.

Silas watched Issic carefully, noticing his glances towards Caelynn.
Unsure if he really wished for someone to be looking at her with such
eyes. "We open up in a few hours, but normally things gon't get really
hopp'n until later in the eve. Last night was fairly busy because of
the weather, so we'll see what happens tonight."

Issic really had hoped that the girl would have answered so he could
glance at her with a reason but instead Silas did. He sent a bit of a
defensive glace at Issic when Caelynn didn't look at him. Issic sighed
a under his breath. Silas gave Issic a swift, soundless kick to the
shin which made him almost spill his glass of juice. Caelynn suppressed
a giggle from the almost incident of spilling his glass unknowing that
Silas was the one that caused it. She thought to the conversation she
had just had with Silas in the kitchen and smiled.

"I'll need you to run to the market and pick up some things we'll need
for this coming week Issic." Silas stated as he took another bit of his
breakfast.

"I thought I was just the bouncer here, not the errand boy." Issic
commented back with a slight grin.

"You are as I say you are until you are no longer employed by me. I
pray that you and I don't have to have this conversation again." Silas
said without hesitation.

"Hey, it's your money; I am but a humble servant."

Silas handed a piece of parchment to Issic and a bag of coins. "Tell
the merchants that you work for me, I get discounts for the pub. Do not
be late for opening."

Issic took the bag and placed it in one of his inside pockets of his
cloak and nodded towards Silas. "Will I have the pleasure of an escort
around the market of the lovely lady?"

The New Guy

Caelynn stared dumb-founded as the man turned and walked back out to the main room.

"So how long have you really been up?" Her question was whispered.

A chuckle came from the far corner as Silas suddenly appeared, seemingly from nowhere. "About an hour, Caety-girl. I'm sorry I snuck in on you and didn't tell you about him earlier. I wanted to see what he'd do." He walked to her and gave her a hug good morning then stepped aside to stay out of her way as she continued her work.

"His name is Issic," Silas continued. "I brought him on last night as a bouncer. He'll be staying here as well - sleeping in the main room until we figure out a place to put him."

"He's from your guild, Silas, that's obvious. He's not a bouncer. Why's he here?"

"True enough," Silas replied. "He's newly graduated from the guild. But he barely passed. They would have kicked him out except his father is a wealthy man and made a large contribution to the guild. The guild master is an old friend of mine so he sent Issic here asking that I keep him out of the way and try to teach him a few things." Silas hated lying to Caelynn, but now was not the time to tell her the real reason for Issic's arrival.

Stepping up close to her, he lowered his voice as he continued. "Caety.... I always known you were using your wizardry to do some things about here. I don't mind cause it comes natural to you. But you may want to keep it in check while Issic is here. The only magic users the guild accepts are those who either deal with the dead or with stuff that never was living. Poor lad already has enough problems trying to keep from stabbing himself in the foot. No need to make him more nervous with hocus pocus."

Caelynn smiled warmly, her face full of compassion for the poor bumbling boy. Giving Silas a quick hug, she reassured him she would do all she could to help Issic feel at home at the pub. Turning to the counter, she loaded plates of food onto a large tray and carried breakfast out to the main room.

Silas smiled fondly at the girl as he watched her walk out. She was a beautiful woman, both in appearance and soul. Were he a younger man... he shook his head, banishing the thought. He was not a younger man and besides - she deserved better than him anyways. Following her out to the main room, he took a seat at the table where Caelynn and Issic were already seated for breakfast.

The First Day

(by Issic)

He looked at the girl as she stammer out what she was wanting to say.
Something was different about this girl then most other bar wenches. It
wasn't too often that he'd see a girl working in a pub that had powers
as she had just proved without knowing to Issic. He wondered to what
extent her powers had progressed and why she was working for Silas.

"Hmmm, I shall have to remember that for when a customer comes in and we
aren't open yet. As for no customers back here, I guess it's a good
thing that I'm not a customer, else I may be kicked out."

He smirked slightly as she looked at him still with a surprised look in
her eyes. He wondered if she would try to hide the fact that she knew
spells and whatnot from him, even though he had seen some of her
incantations. He decided to play this one out and not say anything
about it yet.

"I was employed last eve by Silas. I'm sure he'll inform you of such
whenever he gets up."

Issic stopped suddenly as he heard a faint noise upstairs. Sounded as
if two feet had stepped upon the floor.

"Hmm, or you can ask him in a few minutes as he's awake now." He winked
at her and turned around to go into the main room and sat down at his
chair.

Surprise Interruption

The petite girl bustled about the kitchen cooking breakfast as well as preparing for the pub's opening at lunch time. Her long, silver hair pulled back once more, a few wispy strand had already escaped the bun and softly framed her heart-shaped face. Though dressed plainly, her graceful moves combined with her fine Avalonian features gave her the air of someone accustom to a more privileged life. Thinking she was still alone, she occasionally muttered a cantrip or incantation - minor spells to make her work a little easier and hinting at her natural talents.

"Smells good."

Caelynn jumped. She'd grown used to suddenly hearing a voice behind her, but what made her jump was that this wasn't the familiar voice of Silas. She turned and recognized the stranger from the night before.

"I... I'm sorry," she stammered, blushing and suddenly feeling self-conscious. "We don't open for another 2 hours. A...and customers aren't allowed back here."

The Morning

(by Issic)

The sound of singing birds all around outside woke him. Thankfully he
had picked the darker of the corners of the pub as there wasn't a clear
angle for the sun to strike him while he slept. Looking across the room
and out one of the windows, the sun was brightly overhead, the sky blue
with few clouds in the sky. He rose to his feet and stretched a bit.
He took a comb out of his pack and brushed his hair back, catching any
stray pieces. He looked around a bit at the pub before he heard someone
else walk from the backroom. A few seconds later he heard sounds from
the kitchen.

He walked towards the sounds down a small hallway. Turning into the
kitchen he saw the girl he had seen outside of the pub the night before.
He stood there and watched her for awhile in the doorway. She
apparently didn't seem to noticed him as she worked. The different
smells that filled the kitchen were very appealing.

"Smells good." He spoke plainly as he stood in the doorway watching
her.

The Next Morning

Heading up the stairs to his room, Silas briefly considered letting Caelynn know about Issic staying at the pub. He quickly discarded the idea as he realized the lass was already asleep. She would find out soon enough. He chuckled as he thought of what must be going through Issic's mind - having to play the part of a bouncer for a has-been old infiltrator. Best to let him wonder at this assignment for a while still.

His mirth was short-lived, though, as he considered all the implications of having Issic around Caelynn so much. Though Silas had no doubts about her, proving her innocence could prove difficult if the suspicions regarding her brother were true. It would be best to let Issic learn for himself what the girl was like before telling him the real reason he was sent to Gothwaite.

***********

The sun was well up when Caelynn emerged from her room. Heading to the kitchen, she quickly set about making some breakfast. There was no sign of Silas yet, so she figured she hadn't over-slept too much. Stacking some wood in the fireplace, she glanced around for Silas before muttering the incantation to make fire spring forth. Though she knew he would never deny her anything, she also knew he wasn't very comfortable around magic so she tried to keep her use of her talents to a minimum.

Remembering the visitor from the night before, she hoped all was well with Silas. She had too much respect for him to pry, but still, she hoped if something was wrong he would confide in her. She shrugged slightly - Silas would tell her if he wanted her to know. Humming softly, she started cooking and getting ready for another busy day in the pub.

The Job

(by Issic)


Issic stood before Silas waiting. He looked over the man before him.
His eyes seemed to look him over carefully trying to find a flaw or size
him up per say. He still couldn't believe that he stood before one of
the most famed of his profession. Something caught his eye in the
reflection behind him, the girl that sat outside had walked back in and
began to clean the tables. No words were spoken from Issic to Silas as
he read the parchment.

He'd catch the girl glancing at the men every now and then. Probably
wondering what was going on with her employer. A few minutes later the
girl said her goodnights to Silas who nodded towards her in
acknowledgement. Once she was in her room Silas looked at Issic.

"I take it you're Issic? Newly graduated from the Shadows." He
questioned but already knew the answer.

"Indeed, graduated a few months ago Sir. I've been sent on a few recon
missions, nothing that really tests my skills yet." Issic replied.

Silas looked back up at him. "First off, do not address me as 'sir'
here. Second, EVERY mission is a test of your skills no matter how dull
or boring. You test your skills each time you set foot to go anywhere.
It would do you well to remember that." He thought for a few minutes.
"I don't have a spare bedroom, you can sleep in the corner of the pub if
you like. I can get you a blanket if you like. I'll need you to be
somewhat of a bouncer in the pub. There are times when we get some
rather rough folks in here. 'IF' you are successful in doing this task.
I may ask you to do other things. Since you're staying here, working
here, you can have a drink on the house once in awhile, and three meals
a day if you choose. Anything over that you pay for."

Issic nodded at him. "Understood."

"One other thing. If things get a little out of control here. You deal
with the situation to what you see sit. I will judge your resolve. If
it has to come down to it, you are welcomed to 'solve' the situation
with deadly measures." Silas turned to lock the pub and go upstairs to
his room and stopped to look back at Issic. "Last thing to keep in
mind. The girls name is Caelynn. Keep an eye on her and keep her safe.
With that said, goodnight." He disappeared as if vanishing in thin air.

Issic went into the corner and sat down on a chair laying his head back
against the wall. Even when he was asleep he was ready to strike, he
could hear the slightest sounds around him, could feel the presence of
another when they entered the room.

Thinking to himself he smirked slightly. "A bouncer to a pub of a
retired Infiltrator...too funny." Soon after Issic had fallen asleep.

Contemplations

She jumped slightly at the unexpected voice beside her. She looked down at the coins he'd left beside her, but when she looked back up to him he was gone. Shrugging slightly, she slipped the coins in a pocket on her apron and stood to go back inside.

Stepping inside, she noticed the look on Silas' face - not so much a grim look, but one devoid of emotion. Noting the stranger standing before him, she figured it was best to leave them to their business. She good-naturedly shooed the last of the customers out the door and set about cleaning the tables, occasionally casting furtive glances to Silas and the stranger.

She finished wiping down the tables and went to pour herself a mug of ale. She bid Silas a good night, casting one last glance at the dark stranger before heading to the small back room where she stayed. Hanging her apron on a nail on the door, she pulled her clothes for the next day out of a small trunk at the foot of her bed. Sitting on the bed, she muttered a small cantrip and watched frost form on the pewter mug. Sipping the cold ale, she wondered who this stranger was and what he wanted with Silas.

He'd been almost like a father to her since she returned to Gothwaite. Knowing she was short on coin and having a difficult time on her own, he'd offered her the job and the place to stay. Over time she learned more about him - one of the few people to actually retire from the Guild of Shadows, he'd never allowed himself the luxury of a family. Though young and in many ways still naive to the ways of the world, Caelynn knew enough to know that even retired, Silas was never fully separated from the guild.

Draining her mug, she quickly undressed and got in bed, hoping all was well with Silas and the stranger.

The Arrival

(by Issic)

He had graduated from the Guild of Shadows a few months ago. Since then
he had been sent on a few random missions. Nothing of any real
importance at all. More of idle tests per say. This time was no
different. He was sent to sneak into a house and do some recon, "they"
always kept a close eye on their political figures in the lands.
Sneaking into the house was easy, staying hidden was even easier. He
made no noise, no sound as he crept through the house looking for
papers, notes, any information that would indicate if the person in
question was conspiring with the enemy or not. He found a small safe in
a wall and managed to pick the lock. All he found was a deed to the
house, a will, and some coin. Nothing of any importance to his mission.


After some time had passed he found himself back in the guild of
shadows. The upstairs of the Shadows held the Mercenary barracks, below
that was the main hall, and further below that were a series of tunnels,
some trapped, some dead ends. Only graduated Infiltrators knew their
way around this area. After some weaving and passing through many
different tunnels he finally got to his destination. There were four
guards, two standing in the hallway, and two more standing before a
large door.

"Halt! What is your purpose here?" One of the guards questioned.

"Issic here to see the Headmaster on official business." He replied
back. The guards nodded and moved to one side. The door guards stood
there as Issic opened the door and walked in. There was a desk in the
middle of an elaborately decorated room. The desk was full of stacks of
papers, behind the desk sat a man, his head down reading over some
documents. Behind him where two very skilled infiltrators standing
guard.

"Sit down Issic." The Headmaster spoke to him without looking up from
his paperwork. Issic sat down and waited silently. "What did you find
out on your mission?" He questioned softly.

"He's clean. There was nothing found in his estate that showed
otherwise, nor did he have any hidden chambers or anything else that
could have hid important information. His safe only held personal
items, coin, a will, and a deed to the house. He himself never had any
"private" conversations that raised any sort of suspicion."

The Headmaster nodded and noted a few things upon his piece of
parchment. "Well done Issic." He reached handed Issic a small pouch
full of coins. "Go ahead and count it if you like."

"That's alright. I can feel here that it's all here." Issic replied
back.

"Good. I have another mission for you. One that is very different from
most you will ever experience. You've heard of one of our own Silas
have you not?"

"Indeed, any infiltrator has heard of him. He was one of the more
skilled of our profession. Well that was until I came." Issic joking
tested the waters.

The Headmaster looked at him and laughed. "Do not sell the "retired"
man short. I'm sure he's still got all of his skills to par, and is
still a very threatening foe. He currently resides in a pub in Goth
Harbor. Go there and aid him in any way he needs." The Headmaster took
a piece of parchment out and began to write a few things down, then
wrapped it up, letting some hot wax drop over the middle edge and sealed
it with the Shadows insignia. He handed the scroll to Issic and looked
back down at some of his other papers. "You may leave now." The
Headmaster spoke without looking back up.

Issic grabbed the scroll and got to his feet, turned towards the door
and left. He, like everyone else in these lands, was fairly familiar to
Gothwaite Harbor. He had stayed away from that area for some time
though, he hadn't been given any missions to go back until now. He
thought to himself, wondering why the Headmaster would send him to
Silas. Was this just lucky for Issic that he got to meet this ledgend
within the Shadows, or was there something else. And if it was
something else, why couldn't he handle it himself. He shrugged to
himself and continued on.

After a long horse ride to Avalon Marsh he was at the portal that bound
the Main Land to Goth Harbor. He stepped through the portal which if
you have never done so before is very disorienting, and people are often
caught falling to the ground the first few times. As he walked away
from the portal he was warmly welcomed by the dark sky and a thick cold
fog. Pulling the hood of his cloak over his head he headed towards a
pub. As he was walking towards it, he saw a girl walk out, sit down,
let her hair down and try to relax. She must of worked there and had a
long shift. She looked as if she was lost in thought and because of
which she hadn't realized Issic had walked up to her. He reached into
one of his hidden pockets within his cloak and grabbed a few coins and
placed them next to the girl.

"Because you look like you have had a hard night." Those were the only
words he spoke as he opened the door of the pub and walked in. There
were only a few people in the pub. A man cleaning up some tables and a
few drunks milling around.

"Pub is closed come back later today." Came from the man cleaning up
the tables. A few half hearted complaining came from the drunkards
still milling around, but Issic said nothing. He just stood there and
looked at the man they called a Legend within the Shadows.

Was this what it all came down to in the end he thought to himself. He
sighed softly to himself and walked slowly over to the man, the scroll
in his hand. "A message sir." Issic said softly as he handed the
scroll over to Silas.

As Silas turned he instantly knew what he was looking out. The look,
the way he carried himself, the way he walked, and even more so a
coldness in the eyes. This person played the "game" and probably more
then anything, loved every second of it. He looked to be a Saracen, of
medium height, fairly athletic build, his hair either a dark brown or
black he couldn't really tell with the shadow that cast over the face
from the hood. He glanced to the sides of the man standing before him,
no weapons, they must be strapped to his back under the cloak in
protective sheathes no less and laced with poison. Silas took the
scroll from this unknown figure before him and broke the seal.

A Rainy Night

It had been a busier night than usual - the cold rain had driven many would-be adventurers to the pub for a hot meal and a few pints. Caelynn bustled about, serving food and drinks to the tables while Silas manned the bar. It was late at night before the place started to clear out. Finally, in the wee hours of the morning only a few lone patrons and one table of rather rough-looking men remained. Silas announced the last call for drinks.

Serving the last of the drinks to the group at the table, Caelynn turned to the bar when she felt a rough hand grab her by the wrist. A sudden yank on her arm and she found herself in the lap of one of the men. "Not so fast, Lassy! Why don'cha stay an have a drink with me chums an' I?"

"I'm sorry," Caelynn tried to placate the drunk to avoid any trouble. "But I've still got work to do." She squirmed, trying to free herself from his grasp - to no avail. His friends laughed at her discomfort.

"There a problem, Caety-girl?" Silas' voice was light but held a deadly serious note of warning. Even more unnerving to the men at the table was that the voice seemed to come from nowhere. Even in their inebriated state they resisted the urge to start trouble - the barkeep was well-known as a "retired" infiltrator. Suddenly appearing at Caelynn's side, Silas offered her his hand to help her stand. Accepting the offered hand, Caelynn quickly went back to work clearing tables.

Silas remained close until the men had finished their drinks and left. "Take a break, Caety. I'll take care of the rest of the customers."

Stepping outside, Caelynn loosened the bun in her hair and let her long, snowy locks fall about her face. With a soft sigh she sat down on a bench by the door and looked out over Gothwaite. The rain had stopped and in its place a cold fog had rolled in from the harbor. She looked wistfully off into the distance - off to the place she used to call home - and wondered if she would ever return there.