rgv

  human trafficking, mistreatment of children, abuse of commoners

  [colpse]

  The next day they shopped for clothes for Iris. Iris knew of several seamstresses used by nobles of various levels, and they went to one who was frequently patronized by Barons. On the way, Iris pyed her part. She kept her nose haughtily up, and sniffed derisively at other pretty women they passed. Some looked like they wanted to have words, but with May and Sir Stuart with them, they all made do with glowers.

  They came to a shop with a mural of a number of women adjusting an eborate wedding robe, and when Iris led them to the gate May looked at it with trepidation.

  "Will they let me in?" she asked.

  "Yes, Miss May. You are my Lady's bodyguard. They cannot refuse to let you in."

  Past the gate, they were brought into a building on the western side of the courtyard, where a seamstress measured Iris and presented them with items that could be adjusted for her. There were a few ready to wear clothes, and a number of accessories id out in trays to accentuate the clothing. The seamstress assured them that everything was within the budget they had given her. Iris looked at several things before trying to convince Biyu that one accessory or another would be perfect for her. Many of them were expensive baubles that neither of them actually wanted, and the point was to improve their bypy and give Biyu practice in turning a pouting Iris down. Biyu selected a few items for Iris to try, a few Iris had picked while making a subtle gesture to say she earnestly wanted it, but many she had passed over that had caught her eye. They looked at long eborate tunics, gowns made up of eborate yers, and robes intended to be worn over clothes for warmth or inclement weather. Biyu noticed a pair of linen hose among the items with a matching short top that she was drawn to.

  Iris tried them on with a frown, her lower lip sticking out petuntly. When she finished changing, Biyu gave the outfit a critical look while Iris blushed and fidgeted. The pants were a bit tight around the hips and butt, while the top cinched at the shoulders and chest with loose sleeves and waist that left the tightness of the hose in open view.

  May eyed it critically. "That's a little indecent, isn't it?"

  "You wander around in undershorts and breast wraps," Iris said.

  "I'm a muscly peasant girl with a sword. It's expected. What do you like about that, anyways?"

  "Can I change now?" asked an irked Iris.

  Biyu shook her head. "I want you to wear it for the rest of the day."

  May shook her head. "I don't think you should do that, Biyu. Men can be pretty aggressive with a woman wearing something like that. I really don't want to have to kill someone for a stupid reason like tight clothes."

  "I thought I was supposed to show her off?"

  "There's showing off, then there's inviting trouble. That? That's something she can wear when you two are alone."

  Iris frowned. "Alone includes you being around, doesn't it, Miss May?"

  May grinned. "Of course! I'm always there." She tapped her temple.

  "Does that mean I'm sleeping with both of you?"

  "Nope, men only for me. Doesn't mean I don't like watching a show, though."

  "She can wear this under a robe, can't she?" Biyu asked.

  "I would rather have a tunic or gown, Lady Biyu."

  Biyu leaned in so she could whisper into Iris's ear, "I want you to walk around with something like this under a robe. You will know I am thinking about you wearing it. That is exciting, yes?"

  Iris swallowed. "It's a little embarrassing, but it's not intimates."

  Biyu's eyes lit up beneath her veil. Iris cursed herself while forcing a smile.

  "I was going to bring that up soon," May chimed in. Saying nothing, the seamstress stood to get more stock.

  Shopping ended with all the women getting something. Lady Biyu got a new robe to wear over her armor, and May was gifted new underwear she could wear when she found a man she fancied. They arranged for the seamstress to deliver their items once they had a new residence secured. Lady Biyu mentioned that in the spring they would have to buy an oxcart to move her expanding household, and May admitted it would be nice to go without a pack.

  As they went to meet with Sir Stuart, who had arranged to meet them around noon in the merchant square, they passed an older man dragging two children by their wrists. The children were screeching and shouting, but the people they passed ignored the poorly dressed children, assuming the man had apprehended them doing mischief.

  The man chided the children, saying, "Come along now. I get a good couple silver if I bring you to the orphanage. They is paying good money for farm hands out on the manors!"

  The children wore rags too thin and worn to be warm enough for the chilling fall days. Iris recognized the girl. It was her father's dear deceased friend's daughter. The boy was her older brother. She knew they were orphans now, but she thought they were being taken care of. Something like this…

  Gritting her teeth, she tugged at Lady Biyu's sleeve. "Help them," she pleaded in a tiny voice. It was selfish she—Miss May disappeared, and in a fsh she was standing in the man's way.

  "Hi there!" May said brightly as she stepped into the peasant's way. "I'm sorry, sir! This girl is working for my Master, so please release her. Now. I would prefer not to get rough."

  The girl, who couldn't have been more than thirteen, squinted uncertainly at Miss May. The boy looked momentarily relieved, until he saw his sister was still tense. He shook his wrist, trying to break free. Failing that, he helped his sister yank free. Released, his sister moved out of arms reach, and watched pensively.

  "I ain't getting cheated out of two silver coins. You just want to turn these brats in for the silver, don't you? Get, you, or I'll call the guard on you!" the man threatened.

  Sir Stuart approached the scene, coming across them by happenstance. "I am a Knight," he said, his face tone almost morose as he tried to protect the commoner from unknowingly irritating a noble. "What's the matter here?"

  The man looked at Sir Stuart suspiciously. "Nah, you are part of this racket, ain't you? Trying to cheat an honest man out of a bit of coin. You ain't got the guards' colors."

  Sir Stuart lifted a brow. He stamped a foot. A rod of stone thrust up between the man's legs, threatening to crush something tender. "I assure you, I am a Knight," he said.

  "Right. This woman is trying to take these kids away. They is worth a silver each at the orphanage."

  At that, Sir Stuart took an honest interest. "That is quite a bit of coin for a few children. Normally orphanages don't pay."

  The man gave a shrug, obviously thinking it was not his concern. "Word is, the orphanages got requests from the manors for children to help work the fields and such. Said the lords are payin' a pretty penny to get more of 'em."

  "And you children don't wish to go to the orphanage?" Sir Stuart asked.

  The two youths shook their heads.

  "Why not?"

  They gnced at each other. "We grew up in this city. It's our home. We don't know the first thing about farming. We were merchant kids."

  Sir Stuart lifted an eyebrow. "Can you read and write?" They nodded. "Math?"

  "I can do accounting, taxes, and assay the value of some goods," said the girl.

  The boy looked a little embarrassed. "My sister is the smart one. I always wanted to be a merchant guard instead. She'd inherit the business, then I'd help with the caravans and stuff."

  Sir Stuart gave a nod. "Sorry, sir, but it doesn't sound like these children are suited to farm work. I don't think you'd get the two silver—"

  May put her face in her hands. The man lifted his hand to point an accusing finger at Sir Stuart. "I knew it! You are trying to rip me off, you bastard! You one of them bandit Knights?" he demanded.

  "Bodies are bodies," May said. "No one is gonna accept a smart person can't hoe a garden."

  Sir Stuart gred. "I shouldn't have tried to keep you from gutting him. I am a goddamn Knight, you prickless fool! Why am I trying to convince some damn peasant into releasing a pair of children? Miss may, kick him in between the legs and just take the children. What will he do? I'm a Knight, you are a Transcendent, your master is an exiled noble Transcendent. This is fucking farce, trying to keep a thankless peasant from death by insult."

  May blinked at Sir Stuart's outburst. The man had always been reserved, if disapproving. This was the most emotive she had seen him.

  The peasant paled. "What, you really is a Knight? Transcendents?" His hand released the girl, and he held up his hands in surrender. "I'll just get on me way, okay?" he asked as he sidled away.

  After giving Sir Stuart, who was calming himself, a side eye, May turned to the children. "Come along. My Master wishes to speak to you."

  Allie, as she liked to be called, looked at the two women they were brought to. One was tiny, smaller than her, with a veil covering half her face and dressed in a clean dyed tunic with trousers under a simple loosely closed robe of expensive material. Her eyes were gray, and she had silky straight bck hair. She was an elite, then, and probably a noble based on what the half-crazed Knight said.

  The other woman wore a rich outer robe, but Allie couldn't make out what she wore beneath the robes. The woman's face was heavily painted, her orange hair was well groomed into ringlets, and her eyes were an unnatural gold. Part of her suspected the woman was a courtesan. There was concern on the made up woman's face as she looked at them. That put Allie's hackles up. She hated being pitied by strangers, especially elite types.

  These people were very well-dressed, compared to the sackcloth tunics and fraying belt she and her brother wore. It was the time of year in which the weather was getting colder. Last year had been pretty bad, but there had been other kids to huddle up with for warmth in the hidden nooks of the city. This year, with the orphanages scooping up children and sending them away? Well, it would be a very hard winter for them.

  Allie and her older brother, Bert, shared a family resembnce. Both had shaggy brown hair, simir bone structures, and thin emaciated limbs. Allie's eyes were a pretty hazel, a rare color that was a beauty point. Her brother had lovely green eyes. Not emeralds, but the green of fresh grass.

  Bert put himself in front of her, but unarmed against Knights and Transcendents that mean little. Allie waited to be addressed. She remembered her lessons about dealing with nobles, and it was the same for most elites.

  The bodyguard spoke, "Don't you two have a pce to stay? Winter is almost here, and you can't be on the streets like this. Not if that's all you've got to wear."

  Allie gred at the woman. "We were in an orphanage, but they wanted to send us to a farm somewhere. So we left. That's all the orphanages want to do, send people out to the farms."

  "Is that normal?" Sir Stuart asked.

  The fancy woman on the veiled woman's arm answered. "It has been this past year. Why you don't see urchins on the street." She frowned at the children. "Were you not offered assistance from family? Friends of your parents?"

  Allie shook her head. So annoying when people pried. She had hoped this would be a chance for a few irons or coppers, but this might end up with them at an orphanage anyways. When people pried, it meant they were going to do something that was 'best for you'. "Our parents moved here, so we have no retions in the city. Our parents' employees were too busy closing up shop and fleeing the city to mind us. Guards give us food sometimes, but not enough. When it gets tough, we do something to get put in jail. They feed us, and we get a warm pce to sleep. We might try to spend the winter there, if they don't take us to the orphanage too."

  The fancy woman scowled at that. The noble patted her arm gently. The bodyguard nodded along. Listening with a frown, the Knight looked concerned.

  Coins appeared in the noble's hand. Five iron and ten copper. "Get a bath. Buy some warm clothes. Come to the Day's End Inn before supper this evening if you want a free meal. We will discuss employment, if you are interested. If not, take the money and go."

  Allie snatched the coins. This was a lot more than they needed for clothes and food. They could probably get a room for a month in the residential quarter. Showing money was dangerous, though. She'd have to hide the coins, and avoid buying anything too fancy that would draw attention.

  She made a decision. Bert, she knew, would follow her lead. "I'm Alison, but people call me Allie. This is my brother, Albert. People call him Bertie, but he prefers Bert."

  The bodyguard spoke. "My name is Lily May, but I go by May. My Master is Biyu Kimmel Lostkes Elderwoods… no longer Exile?" She did not know what to think about that. Nobles had long names, and that one was worse than the ones she remembered. "The woman on her arm is her concubine, Iris." That was a surprise. It also made things even more complicated. She was undoubtedly a noble.

  "Her concubine's a woman?" asked Bert. An obvious question for an oblivious boy.

  "I only recently decided to take her into my household. I intend to have her added to my family register ter today, while I take care of some business in the Imperial Ministry," Biyu said.

  That seemed to surprise the Knight, but he kept mum. The concubine, Lady? Iris, smiled and preened. That was interesting. There was genuine pleasure beneath the affected preening. A pervert woman who liked women wanted to hire her. Did she dare hope the woman had scruples, or should she flee like she did when the madams of the bawdy house started giving her measuring looks?

  She clutched the coins as she curtsied then led Bert away. They'd buy clothes, first. After that, they'd talk. A warm robe, boots, and maybe some real clothes they could stuff with rags. The quilted stuff was nice, but also obvious and expensive.

  Should she get a long tunic and leggings for herself, and tunic and trousers for Bert? They had to pay to stay warm, but they needed to save for food over the winter, too. They could splurge a bit, and accept the job Lady Biyu offered them. Assuming the work she offered wasn't something Allie wouldn't do. It was dangerous to get involved with nobles, but they were free enough with their coin. Maybe that was just bait to capture them. Still, you heard stories, and if she liked women, who knew what else she was into.

  That reminded her, she should get them both a good knife. Winter this year would be dangerous, and they had to protect themselves.

  Biyu led a surprised Iris and Sir Stuart to the Imperial Ministry complex after leaving the children. There were just a few buildings in the Ministry complex to provide offices and living space for not quite a hundred employees. May had elected to wander a bit to get a more intimate feel for the city.

  The building they entered was two stories tall with carved pilrs decorating the front. The frontage was painted with murals depicting famous fights of the Imperial Army, and an embossed facade was erected with the visage of the Emperor over the entryway. Few citizens of the Empire could recognize the Emperor, but the Ministries made sure to present his face to the people. The only people who met with the Emperor regurly was the extended Imperial family, high officials in the Ministries, and his own household staff. There was little need for the commoners to recognize him, so only the Ministry buildings held his likeness, although prints were avaible from the Treasure Hunters for a subsidized fee.

  Within the building was a reception and a hallway of offices. The walls were inscribed with formations that emitted light, and others that Iris informed them circuted the air and maintained a specific humidity and temperature. It was a dry warmth in the cool fall, and Biyu admitted it felt nice. Iris mentioned that such formations were expensive, since they had them in her old patial home, and she had seen the bill to repair one.

  Biyu requested a meeting, offering the paper she was given from the Treasure Hunters. The man working the reception viewed it, and swiftly left to confer with one of the agents. When he returned, there was no waiting. They were taken to an office of the Ministry of the People. Within, the scribe was a cheerful, efficient man who smiled at them pleasantly as they took their seats.

  "The letter?" he inquired. Taking it, he looked it over, and gave a nod. "You are the woman named Lady Biyu who was involved with the recent ordeal in West Pass?"

  Giving a nod, Biyu said, "Yes. That is me."

  "And can you verify your identity for me? Sir Stuart will work once we get his likeness…" Biyu handed over her Letter of Honor, and the man nodded as he looked it over. "And Sir Stuart, you swear this is the woman mentioned in the letter?"

  Sir Stuart so swore.

  "Very well." The man pulled out a paper, and looked it over. "First, while we already know enough about your circumstances to hazard a guess, I will need a statement from you on why you were exiled. It is a formality, you see."

  "My family attempted to sacrifice me. When I returned, I did not wish to be involved with them, and they did not wish to further disgrace themselves after telling others I had died. It was a compromise."

  "I see. We expected as much. Will you please pronounce your name for me, and swear it is yours?"

  "I do swear by the Dragon Gods that my name is Biyu Kimmel Lostkes Elderwoods, that I am the daughter of the Lord of the Fortress Gerald Kimmel Lostkes Elderwoods."

  They waited a moment for some misfortune to befall Biyu.

  "Then I hereby inform you that the head of the Kimmel Elderwoods family is yours. Your parents and your eldest brother have been removed from your family records, and remain as your subjects to await your judgment. When you have decided what you will do with them, please feel free to leave instructions with me. I will be at your service in facilitating communication with Lord Jeffery, who has been made steward of your nds by the Ministry until such time as you return to residence or appoint your own retainer." He looked at the papers.

  "My brothers and sisters?" Biyu asked.

  The agent paused, and looked at a sheet. "I believe that your elder brother was dispatched to pledge his service to you in person… your younger brother and sister were admitted into the Order of Deep Waters to be educated. They remain at Elderwoods Fortress for now, and will leave in the spring. This was offered by the Lord Jeffery, and would be an affront to refuse. Your elder sister… ah, my apologies, but it looks like she is being divorced due this scandal. She will be returned to Elderwoods to await her fate with the rest of your family."

  Giving a nod, Biyu accepted the news.

  Seeing no further questions, the agent moved on. "We will be making arrangements for you to take over the managing of Elderwoods. Shall we have a weekly meeting over the winter months? Or do you intend to move on?"

  "Weekly meetings will be fine. I would also like to take care of one more matter while we are here."

  "Oh? What is that?"

  Biyu reached over and slid an arm around Iris. "I intend to take in this woman as a concubine."

  "I see." The man's affable smile disappeared for a moment, but then he forced it back on. "Congratutions. Let me get the paperwork ready for that. I take it that this woman is not a member of a noble household?"

  "She is not. She is one of the vilgers recovered from the ogre incident."

  "Will you bear witness to this, Sir Stuart?" the agent asked.

  Sir Stuart looked put upon. He gnced at Biyu for a moment, and she thought he was about to say something. Then his face twisted, and he apparently changed his mind. "May I have a moment to discuss this with Lady Bi—Defender Elderwoods, alone? Accept my apologies, Miss Iris, but I do mean alone."

  With a nod, the man stood up. "Miss Iris, shall we go to the refectory and collect some refreshments?" He gnced at Sir Stuart. "Will that be enough time, or shall I treat Miss Iris to a meal and wait for you to collect us?"

  "That will be fine," Sir Stuart said.

  Iris stood up, accompanying the agent.

  Left alone together in the office, Sir Stuart turned to Biyu. "Defend—"

  "Lady Biyu is sufficient. I would tell you to use Biyu, but I do not think that is in your nature."

  Giving a tight-lipped smile, he ducked his head. "Lady Biyu, are you sure this is wise?"

  "Do you have specific concerns?"

  "Yes. You do not know this woman. Your circumstances are in flux. Furthermore, have you not been candid that you did not have those kinds of feelings?"

  Considering for a moment, Biyu started with the simplest part. "I like her. A lot. She reminds me of someone I care for. Currently, she needs me. She is an unattached commoner, and a stranger in this strange city with few funds. I am aware of how dangerous that can be. I have given Oath to protect her until she deems she no longer needs it. This takes care of all those issues."

  "I understand, but you are aware that we could take her in as a servant? In fact, you could have a dalliance with her as a servant and if it doesn't work out, then there is no harm." There was a note that he did not approve of such retionship. "Not to mention the issue of the Archduke's son."

  "That is another reason to do it this way. A servant he can take. A concubine I have every right to defend, even if he is an Archduke's son. Should it come to that, the Archduke will have little recourse in dealing with me for the slight. Censure or rebuke, but that will be the whole of it. Obviously, I will not agree to sell her to him."

  "True, but do you want him to be your enemy?"

  Biyu turned away from Sir Stuart's eyes, looking at the papers on the agent's desk. "I think he is the enemy of status I will make according to the Oracle. Again, I also did promise her my protection."

  Sir Stuart leaned back, his lips pressed tight. "I see. You have thought it out, although I disagree with your conclusion. May I ask one more thing, then?"

  There was a knock on the door, and Sir Stuart called out, "Just a moment, I will get the door."

  "That is?"

  "If Anya asks you, I was against this."

  When they returned, Sir Stuart had a resigned look on his face while Defender Elderwoods—no, Lady Biyu—sat rexed in her seat. "I am satisfied. I will bear witness."

  "Then let us finish up the paperwork." The Ministry agent asked a few more questions as he filled out the required paperwork for them. Some coin changed hands, and then it was done. Technically, that short bit of paperwork and payment was all that was required for her to be brought into Lady Biyu's household as a concubine. Many held some form of ceremony, like a diminished marriage ceremony, but, unlike marriage, there was no standard.

  Concubinage was not marriage. The differences were numerous and pronounced. She was now a member of the household, but not a member of the family. That made her on par with a retainer, who was an employee granted a portion of the family's authority. While she was not a member of the family, her children would be.

  A wife was higher in the hierarchy than her, but a wife's ability to command her was limited. If she was resident in a wife's house, she was expected to help the wife with her duties. She could order servants, make purchases for the household, and she was expected to help entertain guests. If the guest was high ranked enough, she would be expected pour drinks or serve tea when the guest was meeting her partner. However, she was not a base servant, and would not serve meals or clean chambers. When meals were served, she was seated with the family, even at banquets, although she was expected to sit slightly back from the table.

  There was no obligation to furnish her with her own house, the single most important requirement when one sought a consort. If she was granted one, her house would be a private residence, and considered a dower in case her partner died. She could also expect a stipend when she was widowed or retired, if she was not granted an estate.

  There were two common reasons to take a concubine. Either there was love but no home could be furnished, or the concubine was beautiful or had a coveted skill, and they were brought in as a prize to be funted. Noble women were rarely taken as concubines, as love usually came after the marriage, and while many were beautiful or skilled, those were additional selling points in negotiating a marriage and not reasons to value them less than as a full consort.

  All this flitted through Iris's mind as the scribe congratuted them amiably and passed them a receipt. Sir Stuart had signed the paperwork as a witness without further comment.

  Ultimately, Iris was a little sad. She had been raised to run a household as a wife. She knew her duties and responsibilities, and while she had always fantasized about the retionship she currently had, albeit with a man, she had been raised for that other life. For the first time since she died, she felt the sting of the lost opportunities of her old life.

  That brought on another thought. She would never bear a child. Some of her friends growing up had dreamed about their own children and families. That had never been something she had looked forward to, but just… expected.

  With that weighing on her, it was difficult to be happy at having entered Lady Biyu's household. At the moment, she was gd they did not yet have a residence. She did not want to be bogged down by such thoughts when she shared her first intimate moments with her hero.

  Evening came, and with it the children. May had left word they expected guests, and a few copper were paid to cover them. The children were wearing cloaks over simple but warm peasant clothing. The girl, Allie, was wearing a long tunic with a fred hem, trousers beneath, and boots for the weather to come. The boy, Bert, was wearing a short tunic, trousers, and boots. It was enough for the fall, but not for the deep of winter this far south. That was not Biyu's concern, except that Iris cared. Biyu was loath to force the children to do what she thought was right for them. That had not worked out so well for her. She would see how things went.

  The five of them sat together, all except Sir Stuart who was watching their room. May and Lady Biyu sat opposite each other. Iris sat to one side of Biyu, while Allie sat to the other. Bert was between Allie and May.

  They ate in silence. The children had greeted them politely, but they waited for the Biyu to speak first.

  "First, allow me to reintroduce myself. It has changed a little. I am Defender Elderwoods, Biyu Kimmel Lostkes Elderwoods." She waited for the children to bow and greet her before she went on. "Be at your ease." The children sat up, both of them straight. "This is an informal occasion. You may refer to me as Lady Biyu if you wish. I may not answer to Defender Elderwoods. I was only recognized hours ago by the Imperial Ministry."

  "Thank you, Lady Biyu," the children chorused. After that, they went back to silence while they ate. Iris gave their clothes a disapproving look, clucking her tongue.

  "Why are you so drab and colorless? On a noble's steel, you should spend more."

  "We got more cloth for the winter squirreled away, and we were saving the extra coins for food," Allie replied.

  "Shelter?" Lady Biyu asked.

  Allie shook her head. "Maybe ter. The streets aren't that cold yet. And, I have tricks to keep warm."

  Lady Biyu gestured to May. May said, "We are staying the winter in Lonely Knoll. We could use someone who knows the city well as a guide, and porters."

  The children gnced at each other. Allie said, "Alright. What do you need help finding?"

  Lady Biyu looked at Iris thoughtfully. "It might be useful to have our own residence." She gnced over at Miss Iris and May. "Would that be more appropriate?"

  Miss Iris shook her head. "If you are part of Lady Chelsea's entourage, then you should stay with her. However, you should request your own building within their residence."

  May nodded along. "But, we should probably use some of your wealth to improve your armor. Status and all that. Nicer clothes too. Have to look like a Defender, you know?"

  Lady Biyu frowned. "Formal wear for formal occasions, I hope. I would like to dress as I have while traveling."

  "You at least need to have your emblem visible on your clothing, to let others know who you are," Iris said. She frowned. "Actually, we will need to get livery." Her eyes moved to the children. "While you are working with us, you should also have something to indicate that."

  Shaking her head, Lady Biyu said, "That may not be a good idea. While I would be fine taking in the children if that is what they want, if we make enemies it could make them a target for kidnapping or worse."

  "But it would also keep the child snatchers from trying to grab them," Miss Iris replied.

  "If they stay with us, or are with members of Lady Chelsea's retinue, they should be safe," May said.

  "And may as well wear your livery." She gnced at the children. "Allie, Bertie, would you like to enter Lady Biyu's service?"

  Allie pressed her lips together. "Pardon me for saying so, Miss iris," she addressed the lower css woman at the table, "but we do not know Lady Biyu, and…" Allie squirmed. It was best to be honest about these things, but she had to avoid giving insult. "I am worried Lady Biyu may desire other services from us."

  Miss Iris lifted her brows at that, and Lady Biyu looked confused. May burst out ughing. Bert shared Lady Biyu's confusion.

  "Biyu's retionship with Iris is a little different," May expined, while understanding and then disgust pyed over Lady Biyu's eyes. "She does not feel lust, as far as she can tell. Besides, it was Iris who requested Biyu intervene on your behalf in the first pce."

  Allie was a little surprised. "Miss Iris? Why would you do that?"

  "You remind me of the children of my family's friends. I feel compelled to do for you as I would have done for them. Offer you support and shelter."

  "Oh." Allie considered. "Still, if you have powerful enemies who might do those things, I'm not sure if we should hang around you." She gave a bow to Lady Biyu. "My apologies, Lady Biyu, but we cannot accept your offer."

  Giving a nod, Lady Biyu asked, "Will you still help us with the city?"

  "Anything you might recommend showing us?" Miss Iris asked as she drank her beer.

  "There is a py in the theater now. If you are staying the winter there should be two more."

  "That would be a treat," said May. "I've seen puppet shows. They'd travel with the merchants sometimes. A lot of fun as long as you haven't seen the same show a dozen times. I'd like to see one with people instead of puppets at least once."

  "You were a caravan guard?" the boy asked, excitedly. He started chatting with May, and the tall woman was more than happy to share her stories with Bert.

  "They have an Awakened Illusionist, so they can do some spectacur shows. I hear Count and Viscount Lonelyknoll and their families both request private showings up at the pace complex." Allie hoped they would take her to a show, but she tried to hide her own enthusiasm. It would not do to look like she was begging for favors after turning their invitation down.

  Allie thought, before she added, "There is a haunted residence that the owner allows people to visit at your own risk. I have not been." With the few attractions avaible in the winter covered, she talked about shopping. She had to admit that she didn't go to the merchant quarter too often. Merchants didn't like urchins, and a few recognized them as the children of old rivals and relished chasing them off with canes.

  After that, they talked a bit more. The youths talked about some of the pces they regurly visited. There was a public garden that tramps could visit, but the guards who patrolled it would drive off people who lingered too long. There was a bakery that sold bags of bread crust cheap as a form of charity. Sometimes, a passerby would even pay the copper for you. Gunthar's sway was strong in this city, and that included his virtue of charity.

  Seeing the hour was te, Lady Biyu asked, "Will your room with us for the night?"

  Allie quickly shook her head. "Thank you for the meal and the offer, Lady Biyu. We wouldn't want to be too deeply in your debt."

  Lady Biyu nodded. "One more thing. We will be renting a residence for the winter. It will be a small estate, as we are part of a rger entourage including a member of the Stoneshield family. We would be happy to offer you shelter for the winter."

  Miss Iris gave her an appreciative smile, and Allie finally accepted it was this woman's request that had them in Lady Biyu's good graces.

  Allie licked her lips. "Lady Biyu, I thank you for the invitation, but are you certain you should make this decision without talking to your companions?"

  "I have already talked to Sir Stuart. He is their proxy."

  Allie supposed the woman was a Lord of the Fortress. She looked at the painted woman across from her. The concubine was proof enough that Lady Biyu was someone of some importance, if she could afford to keep a woman for her beauty.

  Allie pushed out of her seat, finished with the meal and the hour growing te. She said a gracious goodnight, giving Lady Biyu a bow.

  Lady Biyu told them as they left, "You two have good manners." She felt proud. It had been their parents who had taught them after all.

  In their room after the meal, Iris was sitting on the mattress brushing Lady Biyu's hair. When she completed the ritual, they would switch.

  "Lady Biyu," began Iris.

  "Biyu."

  Iris shifted uneasily. "That still feels… no, I guess it's fine. What do you pn to do with those children?"

  "You want to help them, don't you?"

  Iris was about to nod, but Lady Biyu wouldn't see it. "Yes, Biyu."

  "I have been collecting people tely. First was May. She's told you about how we met?"

  "Not yet. Just a mention that you saved her."

  "You should ask her about it, then. After that, you joined me. You intend to stay with us. I am going to purchase a sve or two tomorrow. Both Elves. Perhaps I will surrender them for May's technique. Maybe I will keep them. I was told to do with them as I liked. Now, there are the children. They say they want to stay in the city, but if they are willing to come with us, then I will need a pce for them. For you and May too. We cannot travel forever, and I received Elderwoods.

  "I am not sure what I want to do in the future, but I have learned that I like having people in my life. I want a pce where people I care about can be safe. Maybe if I have a pce like that, then I can help Anya as well. She asks, and I see the issues she deals with. Only, association with me may cause issues.

  "I do not know what I want to do with the children. I can prepare a pce for them if they choose to join us, but I want them to be able to achieve their own goals. I do not know what that means. Do I adopt them, and grant them the opportunities' nobility affords? Do we make them retainers? Make them a part of the household under our protection, and grant them offices that they will be proud to hold? Should we invest in them, and see if they can succeed their parents in becoming merchants?"

  Iris tittered at that, even as she knew Lady Biyu was serious. However, there was something she heard that needed further expnation. "Who is Anya?"

  That was met with a sigh, and Lady Biyu replied, "She is a member of Lady Chelsea's entourage. A journeyman Healer."

  It took a moment for Iris to realize that was all Biyu was going to say. "Biyu, I think you are leaving too much out."

  Squirming, Lady Biyu said, "She only likes women. She asked to marry me, so her Guild could not force her to marry a man of their choice for a political favor."

  Iris frowned. Guilds were not supposed to do that, but that was custom not w. Usually, pressuring members of a Guild would lead to them leaving. Guilds had Oaths, but they were in the end voluntary associations. On the other hand, an unaffiliated Healer could find themselves in dire circumstances. Svery of citizens was illegal, but she had heard of people, even Awakened, forced into circumstances that were all too simir.

  "Is she pretty?"

  "She refers to herself as gorgeous, and no one has gainsaid her."

  Iris slowed in her brushing, becoming thoughtful. Her training had kicked in, pushing her jealousy aside. "Why didn't you marry her?"

  "I am a wandering Transcendent. I did not have a house to give her. Also, as she likes women… I was afraid of her," Lady Biyu said. "It did not seem like a good idea. I was not confident she would be better off with me."

  "I'll meet her when your companions arrive?" After Lady Biyu nodded, she asked carefully, "what if I asked you to marry her?"

  Lady Biyu's head spun around to stare at Iris in surprise. She could feel Lady Biyu bristle. "Why would you want that?"

  "Healers are a rare and wonderful asset. If she's beautiful, then all the better. With a Guild affiliation, she's a valid marriage prospect regardless of her background. If you have a consort, it will be harder for anyone to pressure you into a marriage. It is traditional for each consort to get their own house, and Fortress families rarely have the wealth to provide more than one. It would strengthen your social and political standing, and if all she wants from you is marriage and protection, it costs you little."

  Frowning, Lady Biyu said, "It feels wrong."

  "Why?"

  "I will be honest. I do not want to be a noble. Promising her protection feels like a lie. With how I am, I am not sure if I can uphold my duties as a consort. I believe Anya would prefer if I did, regardless of what she says." She paused. "There is something else we need to talk about, but not here and now. That is the worst of it, as well. It is the thing I warned you about, and you disregarded it."

  "Does she know this secret?"

  "No."

  "Then you have to give her the opportunity you gave me, at least. I do not know, and you have taken me in on my statement I do not care. Not taking her in because of that, now, would be disrespectful to her."

  "I like you."

  Iris smiled at that. "Thank you, Biyu. However, it does not change the fact that you are making excuses. Do you have any reason other than that to refuse her?"

  Shaking her head, Iris continued to her other objections. "You will always be a noble, Biyu. It is something you are born to be. Between you and May, I cannot see you having difficulty protecting a Healer. Few enough would attempt to harm her. Kidnap her maybe, but I am sure you would rescue your wife. Have you any good arguments against marrying her? Bad personality, questionable habits, and so on?"

  "She sleeps with married women."

  That gave Iris pause. "Only married women?" At Lady Biyu's nod, she said, "Well, she will be expected to after marrying. That should not be an issue."

  "My ck of attraction to her?"

  "We can grant her funds to maintain a mistress or courtesan."

  With a lifted brow, Lady Biyu said, "Those seem mutually exclusive?"

  "Mistresses and courtesans can be married. So long as they are politely discreet, it is not an issue. Particurly if they are both women. We can come to arrangements during the marriage meeting."

  "You want me to marry her?"

  "Yes, and no. No, because I am jealous, and would be beholden to my lover's wife. Yes, because it would be good for our family. If we take in the children, or if we hire soldiers, it would be nothing less than a boon." She paused for a moment. "Or, if one of us were to become pregnant, it would be a salve to know a Guild Healer is avaible. Perhaps she could teach Allison to be a Healer?"

  Lady Biyu did not dismiss her words, but she was mencholic. "You two have to get along, even if you don't like each other," Lady Biyu said. "As will I."

  Iris stroked the smaller woman's head. She'd never really thought about it, but she wasn't sure how old Lady Biyu was. Tiny she might be, but to her, she always seemed rge, strong, and older. "While Isolde is dead, I do have everything she was taught. Running a household is not just ordering servants and checking the rder. Ensuring you get along with your spouse, his concubines, and everything else is all part of the duties. That may not be my responsibility, but I can advise Anya, Lady Biyu. Leave it to me."

  After she comforted Lady Biyu, they changed positions so that Lady Biyu was brushing her hair.

  "Will you tell me again why I interest you?" Iris asked, wanting to move on to less difficult topics.

  Biyu sighed, and enumerated Iris's virtues while brushing her hair. "Part of it is that you are attracted to me despite not seeing my face. That is… special. You do not try to touch or grope me. Instead, the idea of me groping you excites you. It is new and exciting. The faces you show me draw my eye, and seeing them makes me happy. You made a hard decision, and trusted me with your safety when you did not know me. I am honored to be given your trust. You asked me to be kind to those children when I would have passed by, even with the Oracle's advice."

  "An Oracle?" Iris asked.

  "We are acquiring the sves as a payment for a technique May wishes to learn from an Oracle, as well as for the techniques and Awakening she already received. She gave us a few predictions as a favor. A week to train. Save the woman. Be kind to children."

  Biyu could feel the Iris's hackles starting to rise. "Save the woman. You saved me because of an Oracle?" she asked. Biyu could tell there was anger in her tone.

  "No," answered Biyu. "I knew saving you was the right thing to do because of the Oracle. I would have hesitated without it. I did not know what was happening when we came upon you. You could have been a criminal. Neither of you were obviously brigands. It is only in stories that saving the damsel is always the right thing to do."

  Still, anger radiated from in front of her. She felt uncomfortable as Iris remained silent. They finished the hair brushing in silence, then went to bed. Iris joined her in adjoining mattresses, but there was no cuddling. Iris did not even wish her good night.

  Ah, Master, I'll talk to her tomorrow. And thank you. May talked to her in her discomfort through their bond. She was on guard on the veranda.

  For what? asked Biyu.

  Wanting to make a pce for your family, and including me in it, she said.

  Good night, May. "Sleep well, Iris."