Streets of Waterdeep

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As the two went out the back Theodoric spoke up. "No trouble. Though I do need to know why your being followed." Theodoric moved out of the ally and into the street pulling his hood. He was looking around before walking into the open and spotted two men watching the ally. An he stood casually on the wall he signaled her to stop when the men looked away. "Wait... Answer my question and then we can go." He made a seen of looking at people the way a pick mugger, or pick pocket would pick out a mark.

"Followed isn't exactly the word for it." For the first time, Mydra lowered her hood and stared straight into Theo's eyes. He could finally see just how beautiful she really was. Her long white hair was loose for once except for two small braids that were pinned back from her face. Turning her head up ever so slightly, bruising could be seen around her neck as if strong hands had held her there. "Stalked is more like it. I had thought he was a kind man, apparently I was wrong. I'm hoping that I'm not making the same mistake with the three of you." Tears brimmed her eyes at the memories of the past few weeks but Mydra squared her shoulders in defiance and held her head high, refusing to show weakness.

Theodoric was taken back by Mydra's beauty. He then shook his head and sighed a bit of relief. "Well good. That means your not wanted by anyone we can't put back in there place... Your going to like working with us." Theodoric was looking around the streets for a way out. "Dose he employ many men?" His hope was no, but knowing his own luck the two goons out front were this stalkers men. It would make there escape a bit tougher than it needed to be.

Mydra raised her hood back up and nodded her head at the men by the front of the tavern. "As far as I know it's just those two. But I don't know everything about him." One of the men turned in there direction causing Mydra to tense up. Turning her back to the strange men she looked up at Theo. It was rare for someone to be taller then he but it was nice to have to look up at a man for once. "I think we should move."

"Agreed." Theodoric moved back into the ally and headed into the back door of a bakery that was opposite the bar. He moved right through the back of the shop and straight into the store from he grabbed a small bag of flour on the way, and dropped two gold on the counter. "Thank you." Theodoric said as he moved into the street and then sat on a bench right in front of the bakery. "Here. Sit for a bit." As Theodoric sat he no longer had the bag in his hands.

Mydra followed closely behind Theo as they made there way through the bakery. The owner nodded at Mydra, smiling kindly. She pulled her hood more tightly around her face so that she couldn't be seen or recognized. Once outside she sat down beside Theo, crossing one leg over the other. A couple of men on horses walked by them, talking amongst themselves. Crossing her arms over her chest, she slid one hand inside her jacket, around the hilt of a small dagger, waiting patiently.

The two men from the street came into the bakery, and had an exchange with the owner. Then It was out the front door of the bakery, where one knelled. He smirked as he noted flour on the ground. Signaled the other man, and the two were off down the street after a trail of the powder. They didn't even notice Theodoric or Mydra on the bench. "That won't keep them stumped long... Why are they after you?" Theodoric watched as the men followed the wagon he set the powered on and followed as it rounded a corner.

"Because there boss doesn't like it when one of his "pets" gets away." Mydra's voice seemed to grow cold with the topic. Rolling up her sleeve closest to him she showed Theo the bruises that lined her arm. Her body was practically covered in them. "I could have healed myself and had them gone by now, but I've let them heal naturally... as a reminder. He'll never touch me again and if he happens to, I'll cut his throat."

Theodoric nodded and realized the two of them had a bit in common. He shook his head at the abuse. Then stood up offering her his hand. "I'll see to it he has proper motivation to never come after you again." Theodoric said waiting for her to take his hand. "We're going to my safe house in this side of town. So I need to know... Can you climb? And can you roof run?"

Taking his hand, Mydra go to her feet and nodded. "I can climb but I've never had the opportunity to run across roofs before. But I'm always up for a challenge." Sliding her sleeve back down she made sure her hood was secure on her head but if they were going to be running it most likely wouldn't stay on her head.

"No time like the present to learn then." With that Theodoric turned smiling to him self. They needed to get to the church just down the road, and then climb the ladder that lead to the bell free. "Anything you want to know about me?" Theodoric asked as he started walking a bit slower than before.

"That's a loaded question now isn't it. I'd like to know a lot about the three men I'm about to go off with, considering I know nothing about any of you except you appear to be a good fighter, Gord likes to drink and Lance is easily likeable. Not much to go on if you ask me." Mydra followed easily beside him.

"Well. There is a bit more to us all than that. Lance is a Mage, but not a normal one. You'll see what I mean soon enough. Gord drinks when we have down time yes, but you won't find a better man to bar your adversaries path than old, Gord. Then there's me." Theodoric paused for a moment before he went on. "Well I'm swords men. That alone dose not describe me though. I do more than just swing a sword though. I was trained first in a Nobel house by a man from the east. He thought me to make the blade an extension of myself. He thought me how to fight when disarmed, and that I was to never turn my blade on those who did not earn it..." Theodoric seemed almost disappointed or even sad as he got to the end of the last bit about himself. The two stood at the church doors now and before Theodoric could go on a voice called from behind them.

"Think your clever? Can't turn us around knife ears." A brute of an orc with the two human men approved the two. He was at the end of the street and wore a Brest plate, carried a shield and Axe. At his side what seemed to be a dragon the size of a hound stood sniffing the air. He didn't have the intellectual look of a dragon though. Like a lesser breed, and it had no wings. "You give up the girl of I'll tear you apart and feed you to Gragal!" At the name 'Gragal' the dragon monster made a strange almost purring noise as it opened it mouth showing massive teeth. 

The two humans stood behind the Orc and one spoke up. "You were hired to track the girl and leave reviving her to us Bruthasmus." Bruthasmus looked over his shoulder and the second man spoke. "I'll go... Get our lord for your payment!" Then off the two ran.

Mydra was about to respond with a question when the voice interrupted their conversation. Sliding her hand into her jacket she removed a coiled up whip and a dagger. "I guess there's no sense in leaving this up." Removing the hood, she let it fall against her back as she twirled the dagger in her left hand. "I won't be going anywhere with you." Cracking the whip against the ground for emphasis she glared at the ugly orc.

Theodoric sighed a bit. "We can't get away with that Drake following us." He let Mydra know. "we also need to get moving before more of them come to help." Theodoric smiled and drew one sword and reached into a pouch with his other. "Go for the ork." With that Theodoric ran Stright at the drake. All but ignoring the Ork as he rushed for Mydra.

Bruthasmus smiled, and rushed as Theodoric did his desk just a bit behind him. He was going Stright for Mydra howling like a made man. "Give up or die!" He billowed. His ace back for a strike his shield in front of him. He closed fact and threw the swing with the massive weapon.

The Drake found it way on top of Theodoric and was attempting to get after his knees, but Theodoric was badly avoiding the chomps and bites.

Twirling her whip around a few times Mydra lashed out and snapped it at the orc's feet. The whip hit it's mark and wrapped around him several times. Mydra gave a satisfied smiled and yanked with all her strength. The orc's eyes widened in surprise, he hadn't thought she'd be able to unbalance him but down he feel and embarrassingly he ax skidded away. Only left with his shield for defense he began kicking to free his feet but Mydra was on him too fast. Kicking the shield out of the way she stomped the heal of her boot onto her wrist and dug it in. "Should I dig deeper? I'd rather not pierce your artery but I will if I have to!" 

Theodoric let the drake jump onto him, and pushed the contents of his left hand into the beasts snout. It breathed deeply as it did the mixture of sneaking powder and spices filled it's nose, and the east shrieked back in pain classing at its own nostrils with a rage.

The Ork didn't seem to keen on giving up, and a blooded rage filled him. He took the free hand and quite as lisghtning grabbed Mydra's leg and threw her off knocking her to the ground. He took that opertunity to draw a hatchet in his belt and rose to his feet the blood falling from his wrist where Mayda had dig in with her heel. It seemed like he didn't feel the pain. He spoke up. "Little whore, you think your going to stop me!? I'll rape you back into your place before I return you!" As he finished he was standing over the top of Mydra. And raised his hatchet. Then he billowed in pain. Theodoric had stuck a knife in his hamstring, and twisted separating the mussels that allowed him to stand. The Ork came back down to the ground like a pile of lame
flesh and he grunted in pain then let out a low angry growl.

"Run!" As Theodoric said to run he stuck the blad through the neck of Ork and ripped it out the side. He then returned his weapons to his scaberds and opened the church door. As he did a large number of men arrived on the street. Shocked at the sight.

Mydra stared wide eyed for a moment at the sight before her, completely stunned. Gasping for clean air she did as she was told and ran, heading in the direction of the church. She waited for Theo to open the door before slipping inside and propping herself up against a wall and returning her dagger to and inside sheath. Recoiling her whip she placed it in its rightful pocket and panted softly trying not to gag. "Oh my god..." Images of the orc flooded her mind as she stood there. "Can we keep moving?"

Theodoric had just finished baring the door and was making his way to the ladder of the heel tower. "We can lets get going..." He Mydra didn't look like she was adapting to combat well. Theodoric cleaned his own dagger on a red silk cloth from his belt. He herd her comment to the gods and asked. "Do you need a moment?" He needed her head on straight for there escape... Running the roof was not going to be simple, and they had the time to give her a moment.

Mydra shook her head as she made her way up the ladder. "No, that's okay. I'll take a minute later. Right now I just need to forget it." She'd never watched someone die before, let alone taken part in it. It shook her up a bit but she knew that it probably wasn't going to be the last time either.

As Theodoric reached the top of the bell tower he opened up a wooden bench seat and pulled out at cross bow with a single grappling bolt. He pulled it to his shoulder and fired an arch. It leaned between two smoke stacks, and he pulled it tight then tied off the rope tightly, and pulled out a belt with a short rope running off it and carabiners. "I'm going to put this on you." He told Mydra with a smile. "I'll be right behind you. Just keep your head low when you get to the other side." The door was being battered furiously.

Mydra lifted her arms up so he could put the belt on her. Once it was on she nodded her head and climbed through the window. Sitting on the ledge she attached the belt to the rope. Taking a deep breath she scooted of the ledge and flew through the air. She did as Theo told her and ducked her head as she neared another window and slid through carefully. When she came to a stop she unhooked herself and waited for Theo inside.

Theodoric was there almost right behind Mydra, and cut the rope. Then came inside with her. "Okay. Now we just skip onto the streets and walk to the safe house." Then made it all sound so simple. He never had trouble doing that. "Lance at the least should be there." With that he sighed a bit. Realizing he had spilled blood in the streets as if it was no crime to kill- even in self defense on the streets of water deep.

Mydra nodded gently as she made her way to the stairs that led to the main floor. Searching for a back door, she finally found one and slinked out of it and pressed herself to the building, waiting for Theo to lead the way to the safe house.

Theodoric smiled at Mydra as we came out of the building. Though she could not see his mouth from under his mask. "Come now. No need to hide." Theodoric walked out of the ally with no fear and just walked into the crowd. He kept talking to Mydra as he walked. "If you act like nothing is wrong. Then most won't suspect you of having done anything." Theo walked down the street and took a right at the next cross street, and then walked to a door and stopped. They had gone only a block of that. He then pulled his key ring, and found a old rusted key. Then unlocked the door, and offered to let Mydra walk in first.

Mydra followed Theo's advice and walked beside him like everything was normal. Once they were at the safe house she slipped inside and blinked rapidly, allowing her eyes to adjust to the light difference. "So, all three of you stay here together?" She asked as she glanced around.

"Yes and no. It's a safe house. We only come here when we are on the run, or need to just keep our heads down." Theodoric pointed out to Mydra. The home was a small three story town home. And the first floor was not much more than a sitting room, and kitchen. "It's not much, but it keeps the heat off, and bad men away. We all have our own homes, but I won't be going to mine tonight." He pointed out.

"If we have time, before we leave I'd like to pack a few things and say good bye to my parents, if that's alright." Mydra had just jumped into this agreement head first and hadn't thought much about leaving home. Now it came to the front of her mind and she worried slightly. Would they be okay without her? Taking a deep breath she moved around the first floor, taking in tiny details here and there. Of course they'd be fine without her, her father was a strong and capable man.

"Of course." Theodoric answered. "We plan on leaving at the end of the week. So you have time." He hopped she did not plan of going to far with out one of the guys at the least. Her current situation was a bit odd. She would free all need to keep her head down for a few days. As the odds were the men hunting her were watching the house her parents stayed in. "Is there anything I can do to make you feel at home here for the time being?"

Mydra began unbuttoning her jacket and slipped it off. Underneath she was wearing tight leather pants and matching corset with knee high boots. Noticing a coat rack near by she hung it up and shook her long white hair out. Sighing softly she turned back to Theo. "I don't think so. Do you have any food here? I could make you all something to eat."

"I stock the pantry every time we come to town, and the ice box is up kept with a meant of some kind, Lance is the one who provided it." With that said he was about to tell her he would go get wood when Lance appeared at the top of the stairs with Gord in tow. "Well that was no easy negotiation, but I think we convinced the lot to stay away." Lance made his way down the stairs to the landing. "I'm happy your unharmed my lady."

"I couldn't agree more!" Gord said as he made it to the Bottem of the stairs and had a huge smile on his face. "I would have never forgiven Theodoric if you were harmed." He looked like he had sobered a bit.

"Neither would I." Mydra joked as she moved about the kitchen getting a few pans out. She figured she'd make a hearty stew. "Lane would you mind getting some meat to put in stew while Theo gets some wood?" She began washing and chopping veggies as she set a pot of water on the wood burning stove to boil.

"I would love to, I think the fresh beef will go well with what ever your thinking of." Lance was going to the ice box when he called to Gord. "Go fetch a pale of water from the well in the back Gord."

Theodoric smiled as he headed to the wood pile and got ten lives of lumber and a bit of kindling. As he came back in Gord was fighting with the well. "I've got the fire wood." Theodoric announced as he started readying the stove top fire.

"Thanks love." Mydra said in an offhand way as she continued chopping. Grabbing a large pot she dumped all the contents in and waited for Gord so she could add the water and spices. Stew was hearty so they'd definitely have enough to get full on.

Gord strolled in with a Pale of water and set it next to the stove, and then excused himself. As he needed to use the latrine. Sobering was not very night to the old knight.

"I have finally cut up the meat." Lance must have cut up four of five pounds of beef flank. He then used his magic to keep the ice in the ice box from melting. "Anything else you need?" He offered before just strolling off.

Theodoric started the fire, and put the water into the pot. Then went to the garden in the back. "I'll get you fresh spice. We have Thine, Rosemary, garlic, and a few other things to pick from." Theodoric was the one who grew the spices and vegetables. Though the pantry was stock with the harvest from last week.

Mydra smiled down at the meat. "well thank you Lance, perfect size for what I wanted." At Theo's words Mydra looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "Oh... grab whatever Rosemary would be a good one, I just want it to have lots of flavor." Taking another pan she placed the meat in it and put it on the stove to cook a bit before dumping it into the pot.

Theo went to his work out in the yard, and that left Lance. Who sat at the kitchen table and went back to reading the book he had in the bar. "I'm just wondering, Mydra. What made you want to go adventuring..." Lance had been wondering what would make a pretty young women decide to go out and try her hand at such a dangerous profession.

Mydra paused in her stirring of the meat. Sighing she set the spoon aside and turned to look at Lance seriously. "Honestly... This place has never really been my home, after we ran from the others, which that wasn't my home either. Ive never really felt like I had a place I loved. So I figured maybe this would help me find that place or at the least people that made me feel that way." Shrugging her shoulders she smiled. "It didn't really occur to me until recently when I got into this bad... relationship. I needed to leave as soon as possible."

"Hmm." Lance turned a page, and nodded. "This life." Lance tried to find the words but settled on- "it can take you down a dark path... Just take Theo, as a example. He should- by all counts- at this age be leading an army for his fathers glory in the north. Having been born into a Nobel house... Instead. He is cold, calculated, and cunning. There is nothing in his life he won't walk away from in less than thirty seconds." He paused a bit then went on. "I on the other hand... I love life. I find it hard to let things go, let alone walk away from them. I'm just as calculated as he, but only half again as cunning." Lance then had a big smile on his face. "then theres Gord... Talk about a man with his priorities in order! He's a man of plenty and pleasures, but above that he is one who wishes to share the plenty. Good friends, good food, good beer. Good, charity, and love enough for the world." Lance sighed a bit. "It's hard to think that Gord can kill with almost total in-discrimination." He paused a bit. "This path will take you many places, and most will not make you all that happy you were there." Lance's life as a teacher was showing through a bit. He often ended up ranting on, and on, and on when left to talk. "I'm sure at the least though. You will enjoy the pay. If nothing else about this life. You may even find a man, or women you want to spend the rest of it with- living out your days running a nice bed and breakfast on the cost, where your biggest worry is if the stone season will drive the threats away." 

Mydra scoffed at that last bit and shook her head, turning back to the stove to stir the meat. It was cooked now so she dumped it into the big pot with the vegetables and waited for Theo to come back in with the spices. "A bed and breakfast, you're funny. Besides I'm not sure when I'll be ready for another relationship anyway. I'll be too busy taking care of you three." She said this with a big smile on her face as she looked over her shoulder at Lance and winked playfully.

Lance didn't notice the wink. He had not looked up from his book, but the smiled that crossed his face when Mydra winked said he saw it. "I didn't mean you would find your dream man, women, or thing today, tomrrow, or even a year from now. It's just something that may happen." He yawned a bit then shook his head, and closed the book.

"Here you go." Theodoric said with a grin as he came in holding the spices from the garden. "Freshly picked, and if you like ground." Theo had a grin on his face. "How are you enjoying grandpa Lance and his funny stories." It seemed what he brought up may have been a joke between the men, as Lance looked up with a smile, "don't forget it sunny boy." Lance told Theodoric.

Mydra smiled and shook her head as she took the spices from Theo. "He's good company, very knowledgeable." Turning back to the food she dumped the spices into the pot without looking to see what all there was. Stirring it up for a few minutes she then put the lid on top to let it sit for a while. "There all done. Now we just wait for it to do it's thing." Walking into the living area she sat down on a cushioned chair and relaxed.

Theodoric washed his hands after passing in the spices and nodded as Mydra told him she enjoyed Lance's company. After he finished washing he went to the sitting room with a smile. "We all have our skills." He pointed out. "Lance just so happens to know a few more things about everything." He was not even kidding in the slightest either. Lance knew most everything.

Mydra smiled softly and leaned down to unlace her boots, taking them off one by one. Once her boots were off she tucked her feet underneath her and glanced between Theo and Lance. "So when do we leave?"

"Lance? Time line." Theodoric asked him unbuckling his ridding boots.

"We have one month from the end of the week, so I would recommend that we leave first of the month. That way we have two weeks to delve deep into the ruins, and then cut through the deep roads. Then we have two weeks to get back to the top." Lance then turned the page on his note book.

"Good." Theodoric said with a bit of a grin. "So four days... Then after that we will have to head up north a bit to Baulders gate..." Theo removed his boots setting them to the side, and then he took off his gloves, and started to unlatch his Brest plate. "I have a contact there who tells me a lot of work will be available up there in a few months. If we go by ship we should drive just in time to buy a house for a base of operations, and then go job hunting.

"Oh okay, so I'll definitely have time to pack. I should do that after dinner tonight and move in here that way we can get to know each other better. You could all turn out to be crazy killers and I don't know it."

Theodoric was getting ready to speak when Lance beat him to it. "Theo is a crazed killer, and Gord is a drunk." Lance was getting ready to go on when-

"And Lance is a know it all with a silver tongue. So I would watch your back around him." Theodoric said with a smile as he got comfortable in the chair, his eyes closing.

"Right..." Mydra giggled and shook her head as she got to her feet to stir the stew. "This is almost done. Someone want to go fetch Gord?" It would be rude for them to eat without him.

"Gord will find his way out of the head soon enough." Theodoric said with a smile.

"I have to agree with Theo on this on. The smells that man produces could gag a horse fly." Lance said turning the page a bit before stopping mid turn. "I was going to say something... But I lost my train of thought."

Theodoric smiled a bit more. "Oh my! The mighty Lance has finally forgot something? Stop the press. We need to get this to the cities criers." He was proud of his cleverness.

Mydra wrinkled her nose at they comment towards Gord and shook her head. "Gross..." She muttered under her breath as she moved around the kitchen again, looking for eating bowls and utensils. When she found them she placed them neatly at the table and then brought the pot over to the table. "It's the food. The smell is so distracting you couldn't help but forget." Mydra smiled playfully from the kitchen, her hip leaning gently against the table. "Alright boys, come on, time to eat."

Gord walts into the kitchen wiping his wet half soaped hands on his shirt witch was stained with the Ale from the bar when he was drinking. "Oh that smells Devine."

Theodoric got up and walked towards the table and smiled at Mydra. She was rather cute... "It dose smell great." He went to his seat and sat down.

Finally Lance put his book down after marking the page, and made his way to the table. He stopped and pulled out Mydra's chair. "If you would please young lady. I do have to apologize for the rudeness of the companions they have been to long with out a women at the table." But not to long with out the bar whores and serving girls. He though to himself after looking st Gord.

Mydra smiled softly at Lance and kissed his cheek before sitting across from Theo. "Thank you, all of you. I'm glad I'll be able to at least cook you good meals." Smiling across at Theo she cocked her head to the side slightly, admiring his features. Clearing her throat she grabbed Gords bowl and filled it with stew, then she went around to Theo and Lance and did the same thing before filling her own.

"That smells delightful!" Gord announced. Seeming a bit more sober than before. After everyone had a bowl he looked to Mydra. "I'm sure you can do more than cook!" He said taking his spoon and began to eat.

Lance smiled warmly to Mydra as she sat after kissing his cheek. He took his own seat and responded as well. "I'd take her if all she could do was cook." He said with a smile. "Means we won't have to eat flat bred, and jerky the hole trip." He bowed his head and said a few words before "amen." Then he took his spoon and ate.

Theodoric smiled at Mydra as she admired him. Then picked up his own spoon as she finished serving the men. "I'll clean this up after. No need for you to cook and clean." He offered. Why did he find a Drow attractive? They weren't exactly nice to him last time he was with them...

"Oh I can, just cooking is one of the things I do best." Mydra gave a soft laugh at Lance before shaking her head. Glad to know he'd still take her with even if all she could do was cook. "Oh well thank you..." She said softly to Theo when he offered to clean up dinner. Swallowing past her nerves she picked up her spoon and began to eat.

As the meal went on Lance spoke up a bit. "You know. You owe us nothing." Lance didn't know what was making her feel odd, but he could read her body language enough. "What we have done for you. We would have done regardless." Lance didn't want Mydra to feel she owed them for anything.

Gord was helping himself to a second bowl. "He is right you know. You do not owe us a thing." Gord smiles as he put the bowl in front of him. "You were in trouble. So we helped. If you have second thoughts about going to the-"

"Gord, Lance. Shut up. She knows she doesn't owe us a thing... Mydra wants to start adventuring." He finished his bowl of stew and looked at Mydra. "If she had any doubt about wanting to head to the under dark. She would have voiced them by now." As he looked at Mydra he spoke with a softer tone. His eyes seemed to fall to her own and he seems to look right into her. As if he were watching for her answer not in her words but in her eyes.

Mydra smiled softly and nodded her head as she continued eating her stew for a moment. "Yes, I know I don't owe you all anything, but I like helping out. So deal with it." She giggled softly, her eyes twinkling as she stared into Theo's eyes until a slight blush crept across her cheeks.

Gord and Lance exchanged a brief look and then a nod. Lance spoke up first. "I'm finished, and Theo is cleaning up. So I'm going to go read some." He stood up and then smiled to Mydra. "Thank you for dinner. It was great!" He didn't wait for and answer. He was gone quickly.

Gord with full bowl of stew had no real excuse then he shrugged and chugged the contents of the bowl in one swallow and sighed "very good. I need a bit of rest. I'm going to listen to Lance read... It always puts me to sleep." With that he followed Lance.

Theodoric was lost in Mydra's eyes and blush knowing she was being honest when she said she wanted to help, and was taken back when the other two men got up and left. "Wait... What?" He then looked back to Mydra. And laughed a bit. "Well those two sure wanted to get back to the sitting room." He said with a smile as he took another spoon full of soup.

Mydra looked stunned for a moment as they two got up and left. "That was a bit abrupt..." She couldn't help but giggled and gave a soft content sigh as she finished her bowl and pushed it to the side. "I really think I'm going to get along with you all just great."

As Theodoric finished his own bowl he sighed a bit. "I'm sure you will." He stood and set to cleaning up the bowls and spoke up. "If you like I'll escort you to your parents home in the morning to retrieve your things." He offered trying to sound like he was just trying to get to know her a bit more. He got all the bowls and put them in the sink, and then came back to the table.

"That would be nice, thank you. I kind of told them what I was doing but I don't think they'll have expected me to find work so soon." Mydra glanced at the pot at what was left, she had done a good job with portioning and there was only a little bit left at the bottom. "We could dump this outside for the street dogs. That way it doesn't go to waste."

Theodoric smiled at her comment over the contents of the pot. "You always think of others don't you?" He said as he picked up the pot and walked to the kitchen window and dumped the contend into the ally between the houses. "There are quiet a few stray cats and dogs that come through the ally." He said as he finished and then grabbed a pale. "Want to walk with me to the water fountain?" He asked with a smile.

Mydra stood from her spot at the table and smiled. "Yeah I've always been that way. It's a curse I guess." Opening the back door for him she nodded her head. "Sure, it's better than staying in here alone."

As the two went out back the gardens smelled of a beautiful mix of spices, and Theodoric went to the fountain. It was a woman holding a jug, and it would let the water fall down and pool around her feet. Theodoric went over and turned a brass nob. A strange sound started and water flowed out of the jug over the woman's shoulder. Pooling around her feet then following grooves cut into the stone ground and flowing to the gardens like and irrigation system. Theodoric smiled. "Lance designed it. He said its not magic, but I don't believe him. Supposedly it gets the water from the city aqua-duct. Thought how I don't know." He let the pale sit and fill up.

"Huh... interesting..." Mydra sat down on a bench that lined the path and glanced around. "You should add flowers, this place would be like an oasis. Calming and beautiful." She had always wanted a place of her own, away from her prying parents but it had never happened, at least not yet.

"Well I may yet." He replied to Mydra. He made sure the water was flowing properly, and then removed the pail from the fountain. Then slowed the water just slightly faster than a trickle so the water was barley flowing, and offered "would you like to plant a few flowers for us?"

Mydra watched him as he worked at the fountain and when he turned to her she almost seemed nervous, as if she had been caught staring. "Oh... uh... I guess I could if thats what you want, I just didnt want to intrude."

"You wouldn't be." Theodoric set down the water next to the bench, and then say next to Mydra. "You need to talk about today?" Theo asked her.

Mydra looked at him slightly, out of the corner of her eye and shrugged. "I've just been trying not to think about it. I know I'm going to see a lot of it coming up, gods forbid if its one of you." Mydra didn't realize it but she reached out and grabbed his hand. The thought of loosing them scared her to death. "I just hate seeing death, I guess." Mydra turned and looked down at there hands and blushed deeply. "Oh I'm sorry! I-- I didnt mean too."

"It's okay." Theodoric held Mydra's hand and smiled a bit. "It's okay." He paused as she spoke then went on. "If you would have killed someone and felt nothing after then I would be concerned, but you should feel a lot of things right now."

Mydra blushed gently down at their hands but gave a soft smile. "Well then at least we know I'm okay... I guess." Shaking her head she smiled slightly. "I'm just glad someone was there or else it would have ended up a lot worse."

Theodoric squeezed Mydra's hand and nodded a bit, "Just give me a few weeks training you." He smiled to Mydra. "You won't need my help in a one on one after I teach you proper sword play."

Mydra smiled softly and nodded her head. "It would be nice to actually be able to defend myself. Thank you for that." Leaning over she kissed his cheek gently.

Theodoric was cought a bit off guard by the kiss on his cheek, and he felt his face warming. He wanted to kiss her back, but he also didn't want to make the wrong move. "Your very welcome." With that Theodoric stood up and fetched the pale of water. It was a good way to not let her see the blush on his face- at least it getting any worse. Theodoric was not one to be bashful, but he didn't want Mydra to think he had those feelings for her... Thought what those were he didn't know himself. He slowed the flow of the water and let it run. "The garden needs watered." He said as he then turned to head for the door thinking his blush gone, but it was barley fading away.

Mydra looked at him confused at him mention of the garden. "Do you want me to water it or..." Shaking her head she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed in confusion. "Theo, is something wrong?" She asked as he started to head for the door.

"No no no no..." Theodoric felt stupid for saying the garden needed watered like that. "The irrigation system will water it." He then paused and was going to answer the question of anything being wrong and he turned bright red at the thought of what he might say. 'Nothing's wrong... I just lust for you?' Or even. 'Yes. I want to kiss you... And do so much more' As he thought of the responses his blush grew a bit. "Nothing's wrong." Theo sighed a bit. "Just been a while scence I'v had a girl kiss me that's all..." Even that made him feel a bit odd and he made his way to the door. "You're very sweet. Caring too." He paused at the door for a bit longer.

"Oh... I'm sorry I just meant it as a thank you. I'm a touchy feely person." Mydra got to get feet and walked over to the door and opened it for him. She was attracted to Theo that must was sure to her but whether she wanted anything more than friendship she didn't know. She barely knew any of them, but she definitely couldn't deny her attraction to him.

"It's okay!" Theodoric smiled brightly as they both went back into the house.

The next morning Theodoric was up early witch was easy as he had given his bed to Mydra, and slept on the floor of the sitting room in his bed roll. Theodoric was smiling with everything on he needed to escort Mydra through town.

Lance was up next and headed out the door quickly grabbing only a muffin and said. "I'm going to go and find out who believes they own our new friend, and remind them that they own nothing." he said simply as he left the door. calling out only one last statement. "oh and I hope you enjoy sleeping on the floor because it is nice to see you back where you belong." he told Theo in a playful tone.

Mydra stretched like a cat waking up from a long nap, she even groaned slightly. Giving a soft yawn she climbed from bed and put on yesterday's clothes again. Leaving Theo's room she walked through the house and into the kitchen where there was a basket of muffins sitting out. Taking one with what looked like blueberries she began nibbling on it. Glancing around she saw Theo on the ground and frowned. "You know I would have been fine out here..."

Theodoric looked up and smiled. "I'm fine. I do enjoy sleeping on the ground." He stood up and checked his leather. He only wore hardened leather when he was walking through town, and not expecting resistance. He then picked up his belt with the swords on it, and placed it on his waist. the belt was old just like the swords, and just like the swords it was well cared for and oiled to prevent cracking. He then made his way to the table, and smiled as he activated a magic cleaning spell on the room that tidied his pack back to the corner and began cleaning the room by some unseen force. "I already ate, and ill be ready to go when you are." He told her as he went to the kitchen and smiled at Mydra.

Mydra shrugged as she carefully pulled her jacket off of the hook on the wall and slipped it on. All without dropping her muffin. "I can walk and eat." Opening the door she stepped outside and waited for Theo, just outside the house.

Theo stepped out with Mydra. Then offered her his arm before going down the street walking for the dock. He got a few steps then smiled. "Am I going the right way?" He asked a bit bashful as he realized he had never asked for a district, or street name.

Myers pulled her hood up and looped her arm through his before nodding her head. "Mmhmm, they love in Old Town." The most historic part of Waterdeep. It wasnt actually a different town, just a nickname people had come up with over the years.

"well it will be easy to get to then." Theo said with a smile. He led the way and asked her a few questions on the way. "So how do your parents feel about you going off to adventure." Theo looked at Mydra and went on. "you've a bright hart, and I could just no image anyone wanting such a sweet girl to go off and fight monsters and horrid people for a living." Theo knew she was drow, but that didn't mean her parents didn't care for her. 

"I've always wanted to travel and leave this area. They basically knew it was just a matter of time." Mydra shrugged her shoulders as if it were just that simple. "I don't think anyone's ever called me sweet..." She'd been called other, worse names but that was beside the point.

"Well you are one of the sweatiest women I have meet." Theo admitted to Mydra. He decided to play with her a bit and get a feel for her parents at the same time. "I do wonder what they will say about your showing up after being away all night, and bringing a strange man through the door?" Theo hopped she would notice his tone. 

"Mmm I'm not really sure. I've never brought a man to the house. Though staying out all night isn't unusual for me." Shrugging her shoulders she watched as they neared her street. "They may not even be home..." That would be a relief, just avoid them all together.

"You say that like you don't want them to be home..." Theo noticed she seemed to be a bit on the nervous side. "shoukd I wait on the street?" He asked not wanting to make this hard for Mydra. She was after all a member of his group now, and did not want to cause her any trouble if he could help it.

"No!" She grabbed for his hand, and tugged him close, not wanting to go in alone. "No... my mother is going to be a blubbering mess and I just can't deal with that... no one my own." Looking into his eyes she gave a soft sighed before turning and leading the way into the house as they came up to it. "Mom, Pop?" She called out loudly. There were footsteps over head as the two came down to greet her. Hugs and kisses were given out before Mydra's father turned to Theo and frowned. "And who is this?"

"I'm Theodoric sir." Theo offered a bow after entering and watching the exchange between the family. "I'm just a simple sell sword who had the good fortune of meeting Mydra yesterday, and helping her with a disgraceful man who needed to be taught to watch his words." He decided to let Mydra tell her family what she wanted to tell them of yesterday.

Mydra's mother turned to her and frowned. "I thought he had left town... Well I'm glad someone was there to help at least." Mydra glanced about and ushered everyone to the kitchen table. "I need to talk to you guys. You both know how I've been wanting to get out on my own and see the world. Well... Theo and his men need a healer so I've volunteered to join them." The room was silent for a moment only broken by her moms sudden sniffles. "Well... baby you know you've had our blessing from the start, we just want you to be careful out there." Her father spoke softly. Turning to Theo he stiffened up. "And you young man better watch over our baby, you hear me? I don't want her coming back in a cedar box!"

"You have my word sir." Theo bowed his head. "My life before hers." He told the man before returning to his upright position. He felt it best to stay back from the conversation while Mydra told her family of her decision.

"Well, since that's settled I guess I'd better get packed." Her mother gasped softly and shook her head. "So soon? You're leaving already?!" Clearly her mother thought they'd have more time to say their good-byes. "I--uh... we leave in just a couple of days. If you'd like you can come and send us off?" That seemed to ease her mother slightly. Mydra came around the table and hugged both her parents. "I'll be sure to send a carrier pigeon as often as I can. But please don't worry." Kissing the top of her mothers hand she motioned for Theo to follow her to her room. "Come on, help me pack."

Theo nodded and followed slowly and stopped letting Mydra walk ahead of her to her room looking to her parents. "I will make sure we come back through Waterdeep as much as our travels allow." Theo told them both before he headed to help Mydra pack. "Your family cares for you." Theo said as he entered her room.

Mydra looked up from the chest she was digging through and nodded. "I know they do. I'm the only child they ever had." Shrugging her shoulders gently she started stuffing things into a large sack. "You can double check but I think I've got most of what I need." She had several piles on the bed and looked through them. "What do you think? Aside from soap... I'll need to bring some items. I make my own."

Theo looked at the piles and then back to Mydra. "Looks like you got what you need aside from a good pack to put it all in..." Theo thought a moment then nodded. "I'll just have to buy you one." What Theo was talking about was a bag that made travel easier. He then looked a bit confused. "Are you planning on taking all of this?" It was quiet a few piles. He then looked back at Mydra and didn't look away from here eyes.

"Of course not but I'll need 1 or 2 outfits for every type of weather, right? I mean depending on where we go it could get extremely cold." She placed 4 pairs of pants to the side and grabbed 4 tops as well. "I figured this would do for clothing. Oh shoot." Going to a draw she picked up a few undergarments and set them in the pile as well. One for every day of the week, along with several pairs of socks. "I think this'll do me."

"Okay..." the reality was she was going to have to learn. He could say she was over packing everything but undergarments and sock, but she was not likely to believe him until she saw why it was that way. "Get your things organized and then we will pack them and take them to the man in town who makes our bags. He will need to fit you then we can pack your belongs into it." Theo spoke with a smile.

Mydra put away the items she wasnt bringing and then went to the closet in the hall and grabbed a small bag. She began stuffing everything into it and then realized she didn't need that many pants. So she cut her pants down to two and took out one of her thick shits. The boots she was wearing would do fine no matter where they went, they didn't have much of a heal. When she was done putting her things in the bag she went to the bathroom and grabbed her soap stuff, there wasn't much and it didn't weigh anything. Packing all that up she hefted the bag up and smile. "Okay, lead the way."

Theo nodded and Went out to the street and and waited for the last of the good byes then took Mydra's arm for a long walk to the craft guilds district. The walk was as he expected was going to take a bit of time. "Maybe I should take you to lunch after we get you a new bag." He knew a few restaurants in the city, and wanted the excuse to have time with Mydra all there own.

Mydra's eyes flickered over to him as she shrugged gently. "Sure... I'm sure we'll be hungry by then." Smiling softly she walked along with her bag over her shoulder, resting on her back. "So how long are you guys normally gone for on these...adventures?" She wasn't sure what to call them since they hadn't labeled it. "Not that I care... I'm just curious."

Theo knew this was going to be a change for Mydra. He also remembered what it was like to not know when or if you would see your family again. "They some times take little time or they can take years it's the money and the time at home that make this job worth the time away." Theo smiled to Mydra and went on. "I would gladly see us home as often as you need us to return to Waterdeep."

Mydra smiled softly as she nodded her head. "Whatever you say boss... just as long as you keep me alive." As they walked she slipped her arm through his, a soft sigh slipping through her lips. They passed several shops where she frequented on a daily basis but not anymore. Soon she'd be leaving this place.

Theo was enjoying the walk, as the morning fog was burning off. The sound of the waves and smell of salt water made better by Mydra just being there... Theo couldn't explain it. She was different from most women... she was different for a dark elf. Theo just enjoyed spending time with her. "Im not your boss. We're partners, and as long as your with me... I won't let anyone harm you." That was also strange of him to say. Theo knew she was a member of his crew now, and that meant dangerous work. His feels were true, but this was no game, or epic tale of Heroes and monsters. She would need to fight the same as them when that time came, and Theo was a blade dancer. There was no way his fighting style would allow him to stay in one place for long in a fight. The thought now troubled him. As Mydra's arm slipped in with his own Theo grew a smile and the trouble in his mind left. "Are you feeling okay?" He asked noting her expression.

Mydra's eyes flicked up to Theo's as she nodded gently. "Fine... fine. I want you to know... I plan on carrying my own weight. Learning to fight better. Things like that. I don't want to be a burden to the three of you. Just some healer who came along for the ride." Her face grew more serious the longer she talked. She was determined to prove herself. No one had ever had much faith in her since they were a drow family away from their clan, it was odd so most thought that they weren't as strong. The 'runt of the litter' she had been called several times when she was younger so she was determined now more then ever to show him and the others that she could do this.

As Theo listened he had a smile grow on his face. "I belive you will learn quickly to use a proper blade." Theo then looked to Mydra's eyes and went on. "Your no burden Mydra." Theo knew she was though enough to keep herself alive in the city of Water Deep so far, and that let Theo know she was resourceful.

As the two walked a young halfling woman appeared. "Excuse me? Sir?" She pulled on Theo's cloak and Theo stopped and face her. She went on. "Are you an adventurer?"

Theo smiled and nodded. "Yes we are, my friend and I. What can I do for you young lady?" Theo asked trying to judge if she was just bait for a trap.

"My soon to be husband went off into the underground, and said he was going to just see if he could find his family's old holdings down in the underdark. That was almost four weeks ago now, and if your going that way... I just..." the women began to cry and Theo knew where she might have been going with her request, but never handled crying women well.

"You want us to see if he might possibly be down there." Mydra waited for the woman to nod her head before she went on. "If we head that way I'm sure that won't be a problem, but don't fear the worst. It's a different place down there he could have just gotten lost and needs help finding his way out." She turned her head up to Theo a soft smile on her face.

Theo nodded. "It's easy to get lost, but all tunnels lead to the deep roads. So it won't be to hard to find him if we know where he was going to begin with..." Theo hopped the women at least knew where her husband had gone to some degree. Maybe a..?

"I have a map, but he asked I don't give it out to anyone..." the women clutched a scroll case tightly. "His family were Noble when they lived down there, and he is worried that anyone else who found there way would steal his family's long lost wealth." The women explained. "I just need to know your not going to take the money and leave my Briman down there alone..."

Mydra placed her fist over her chest and nodded her head. "I promise we'll only go to get your husband back and nothing more." She hoped she wasn't over stepping her boundaries with Theo but she wanted to help this woman and that map was the only way. "I just want to bring your husband back safely."

Theo agreed "I would never steal from a man, and one so determined to better his family at that." Theo had a feeling that Mydra was going to be a good addition to the team. Her attitude and willingness to do the right thing was a dying idea.

The women smiled a bit and nervously handed the map to Mydra. "I believe you... please... bring him back..."

Mydra tucked the map into the inside pocket of her jacket a small smile spread across her lips. "We will..." Slipping her hand into Theo's she bid the woman good day and tugged him back into the direction they had been heading. Once out of ear shot she leaned over and whispered. "Do you think theres a chance he's still alive?"

"Maybe. Honestly I don't know enough about the man to say rather or not he knows his way around a sword." Theo thought it over for a moment then said. "odds are good as a Dwarf with family connection he at least knows how to use an axe, and I would bet he is hardy enough to survive almost any danger he could encounter down there. After all... It's not to deep." Theo wondered if he was maybe giving the dwarf a bit to much credit. 

She nodded as he explained and thought he could be right, hopefully the dwarf was still alive. They came to a shop with different types of bags in the window and she pointed to it. "Is this where we're going?" She looked into the window of the shop and smiled at all the different types of bags, satchels and purses inside.

"Oh yes it is!" Theo smiled brightly as he walked to the door and opened it up for Mydra. Inside the shop the smell of fine new leather filled the air, and all manor of bag could be found. A halfling waited on the other side of the counter built so he would be eye level with his patrons. The halfling was a bit young in the face, and wore a nice merchants attire set off by a fine leather apron that had leather working tools of all kinds holsted on it. He looked up from a set of fine leather armor he seemed to be repeating from wear and use.

The halfling greater Mydra. "Please come on and look around my lady, and let me know if there is anything I can help you with." He was about to return to work when Theo walked in behind. "Well the young Mis could use a suitable bag for long trips." The halfling smiled and looked up. "Theodoric as I live and breath... I can't believe your not dead yet..." Theo smiled back. "I see a devil has no come to collect on your contract yet good news for us." The half shook his head then came out from behind his counter walk in down the stairs to ground level.

Mydra smiles and steps out of the way so that the two men can great each other while she looks around the shop. The halfling obviously does really good work as she picks up a very well done purse. Opening the bag she admires the detail and sighs happily. "Wow..." She doesn't realize the word slips from her mouth as she sets the purse down to pick up another with buttons. This one has even more detail and she can't help but finger each and every stitch. "Oh my gods..."

The halfling smiled as Mydra admired his work. "Are you sure I shouldn't just get her a special purse or satchel instead of a pack." He offered with a smile. Theo's eyes lit with excitement. "You still make them?" He then looked to Mydra. Theo watched the way she handled the bag. Admiring the craftsmanship the way she felt every stitch... it made a smile appear on his face. She was quiet excited to watch. It was interesting to see the way everything was so new to her or the respect she had for people, there skills, and wears. "I think she may enjoy that."

"I can hear you two you know... and I don't need a purse. It's impractical. But thank you." She set the purse back down and continued walking around the store. "So what are we here for, Theo?"

"Oh well... there a nice bit of work, but the young woman is right Theo. If she is going to travel with you she needs one of my handy sacks." The halfling went to the counter and walked back up the stairs with a smooth motion and quick skip. He used a pole with a hook on the end to pull down two types of bags from a wall display. The first a backpack and the seceond a single strap messenger bag- though it looked much more durable, and had many pockets.

Theo walked to Mydra. "We know your here, and you need a solid back pack that the road won't make you regret wearing. Theo then motioned to the counter. "You'll also need an aid bag for your healing supplies. The two my friend Javeriar pulled down are the best you can get."

"And because your a friend of the man that pulled me from the jaws of a very nasty fate. They are on the house as long as you swear to let me service them, and pay the costs there." Javeiar smiled brightly. "He is one of the best men I know there young lady. Though he is a bit reckless when he fights. So I hope your a skilled healer and know your way around a niddle. As you'll be using one on him often. Theo sighed at his comment in a way that said protest was not worth the argument.

Mydra stared at the two gorgeous bags for a moment and frowned. "Now I know why you stared at me like I was crazy when I was getting my things together..." Sighing gently she shook her head as she crossed the store to look more closely at the bags. "You must think I'm a fool..." She looked up at Jaeviar and smiled softly. "These are gorgeous, thank you..."

Jaeviar smiled brightly and nodded. "It was my pleasure, and it is nice to see Theo with someone plesent for a change." He said before nodding to Theo and going back to the armor set.

Theo smiled a bit at her first comment then shook his head. "I don't think your a fool at all. I think you have never been off on an adventure like this before, and your learning." Theo then looked at the bags. He had gotten her a proper set of bags now, and acter lunch he would need to teach her how to dance with a sword. This was turning out to be a fun indever for him.

"So when we get back to your place you should show me what it needed and what it not. Except don't touch my healing stuff. That you know nothing about so we'll she argue for hours. Deal?" She picked up her new bags and held them to her chest as she left the store.

As they arrived back at the house Theo smiled brightly and helped Mydra with her packing. He decided it would be best if he asked now. "Where did you learn to heal?" He had never asked before, and decided now was the best time to ask. Before they were in the under dark.

"It's a family business. Long... very long line of healers." She watched as he helped picked out what to take and what not to. She wasn't disappointed with his choices so she figured that wasn't a bad thing. Buttoning up the last pouch she sighed and nodded, finally finished. "I've watched a lot of different techniques in my childhood and then when we left it was just me and my mother.

"Well that's instresting. So you must be excited to donthidnfkr the first time on your own?" Theo asked with a grin. He really did wounder if she was excited or nervous.

"It's going to be different that's for sure... but I'm glad for the change. Thank you for the opportunity I can't wait to get started. And to see new places. It's going to be amazing... I just hope I don't mess anything up..."

"I'm sure you will do fine..." Theo then smiled and moved to the door. "Put on your armor, and get your sword... it's time to learn the sword song and dance of death." He then went to the yard in the back and pulled out a striking post and placed it in the center of the garden.

She mostly wore her armor and gear. She didn't have much it was her spread that she relied the most on the thick hide of her armor did well for her a times and the under lining chain links of steel helped out as well. Grabbing her whip she attached her belt of weapons and headed downstairs in her boots meeting him in the garden.

Theo was moving in fluid motions with his swords, fleriahing, and sticking. He moved like water, but the sound of the air cutting showed how much power was behind each blow. He then returned to a start position as Maydra arrived, he stood side ways his right handed sword to her at the ready, and his left handed sword in an angel wing(or ice pick) grip running up arm.

Mydra had attached her belt on the way down and now her whip dangled comfortably, reassuringly against her right hip as she stood there facing him, his sword in her hand. The weapon was slightly heavy and unfamiliar in her hand but that would change after working with it in time. Plus once she had some money she could get one made in the weight that was comfortable for her.

Theo flourished his blades and walked to Mydra as he he returned them to there scabbards. he walked around her examining her stance and after one pass he moved in and raised her for arm level with her shoulder. he then standing behind her put his hand over hers and started the motion of a straight up and down. "Slow and controlled." He whispered in her ear. "this is how you get used to the weight of a sword. Keep the stance, and practice the swings. never ever let your for arm drop below your shoulder."

Mydra let out a deep sigh as she nodded her head and did as she was told but after a while she knew her arm was going to get tired. The weight of the sword was too much for her to handle for a long period of time so without thinking she switched to her other hand and began doing the same thing with her left hand. "Gods, my arms are going to be sore tomorrow."

"I know this is going to be tedious, but you need to learn to train your muscles to take the weight of the blade. Then using your wrist throw it and pull it back to the guard." Theo explained. "There is nothing wrong with changing your hands for you but focus on blade orientation. The striking edge needs to hit first and hit straight. It is angled or diverted then your blade will glance off armor, and will barely cut flesh." Theo moved around her while she manicured the blade then nodded. She seemed to be well suited to this.

Mydra switched back and forth between her hands for quite a while until she stopped and stabbed the blade into the ground with a sigh. "Can we take a break please? Eat something... rest my arms..." She crossed her sore arms across her chest and cried softly. "Ow..."

Theo smiled brightly, and nodded pulling her sword and returning it to her scabbard for her. "You didn't falter tell the end and it took almost an hour. I'm impressed." Theo smiled at her. Like he was beyond proud of her. "What would you like to eat?"

Mydra stared at him for several long moments before shrugging her shoulders. "Food. Preferably the kind that you eat and the good kind." She tilted her head to the side and shrugged her shoulders as she crossed her arms over her chest. "I'm not really a picky eater."

"I got an idea!" Theo said with a grin. A moment later they were in front of Lance as he read his book. "Lance would you mind making that meal you made last week again?"

Lance looked up and shook his head. "You mean you want me to use my magic to make dinner tonight?" Lance smirked, and stood up. "Your in luck that I have what I need for it in the kitchen..." Lance then looked at Mydra and cocked his head to the side. "Are you okay Mydra? You look a bit... sore..."

"Oh, thank you love, that's exactly what a woman wants to hear." Mydra whispered softly as she patted his cheek softly. She glanced around the kitchen, her eyes quirked slightly. "Doesn't magic taste awful? I heard it tastes awful..."

Lance smiled and nodded. "Like absolute shit." He concerned as he pulled out beef, vegetables, fruits, and all manor of foods and spices. "Witch is why I'm not making the food out of Magic, but I would point out you can use magic to prepare a four course dinner," he then snapped his finger and a pot filled with water, and started to boil, "summon living animals." With another snap six large lobsters teleported onto the table. The he used a strange spell that killed all four with a strange knife of force through there brains then some unseen helper began the process of readying them for the pot and threw them in one at a time. "And cook the meal for you as long as you guide it." The home kitchen came to life as spell, magic, and skill merged with cooking talent to make there meal rapidly.

"Lance can also use magic to change the flavor of something after it's been cooked." Theo explained, "he calls it a simple parlor trick, but it is very effective." Theo smiled as the kitchen cooked the food.

"Oh so you're just doing what I did." She placed a reassured hand over her chest and breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank the gods. I'd hoped you weren't that..." She looked up suddenly and smiled. "Sorry... I have no filter." Clearing her throat she took off her long coat and hung it up before she crossed to the sink and scrubbed her hands all the way up to her elbows.

Theo just smiled as Myadra spoke, Lance replied. "It's not that bad!" He said a bit defensive. "It tastes a hole lot better than starving to death i'll tell you that much!"

Theo could no longer contain himself and laughed a bit. "Lance had to survive on conjured food for two months after the battle of Icewind dale. even scene he kinda takes a bit of pride in the way his 'conjured goods come out compared to the average casters."

"Well yes, compared to starving I'm sure it's delicious." Mydra rolled her deep ruby colored eyes as she sat down at the table, crossing one leg over the other. "Did you know that Theo was going to buy those two bags for? Hmmm and then choose not to warn me about it?" She tilted her head at Lance waiting, gauging his response as he cooked.

"Well I ummm..." Lance smirked a bit. "I may have been the one to point it to Theo that you needed a good set of bags." Lance didn't want to make eyes vintage with Mydra.

"Oh... well thank you." Coming over she gave Lance a kiss on the cheek. "I appreciate it." Her eyes turned to Theo then and her lips formed in a soft smile as she crossed to him and planted a soft kiss on his cheek as well. "And again, thank you. They're lovely."

"Your our family now." Lance said as the table began to set itself. Theo then spoke up. "We are trying to make your job easier... all we want is for you to be able to do your best with us Mydra." Theo blushes brightly as she kissed his cheek and he couldn't explain why he had that feeling over it. He knew it was just her showing her sensaraty and thanks... he knew it was nothing more... Lance smirked at him then.

"Well I appreciate it none the less." Her hand gently glided down his arm as she moved away to move her items into her new bags, her hips swaying back and forth as she did. "Let me know if you need any help, Lance. I'm just going to organize my stuff." She opened every pocket and flap and started putting things in it having a certain system to it.

It was a long moment when Lance spoke up. "Theo. Where are you going?" He was responded to by the door slamming. Lance sighed. "Move in you fool." Lance said under his breath before speak to Mydra. "I'm sure he will be back for dinner."

"Whats wrong with him?" She asked Lance. As she zipped up her final pocket and set her bags aside. Curling up on one of the chairs she pulled a pillow onto her lap and glanced over at Lance as he cooked.

"He is going to visit an old friend." Lance told her a froun in his face. "She was Theo's first adenoviring companion. She died last year... it was devastating to Theo... it hurt me as well- but nothing like it did for Theo." Lance sighed then went on. "If you want to know more go to the grave yard in the temple of Kord."

"So he just... randomly decided he needed to go there?" Mydra stared at Lance for a moment in confusion before sighing and climbing off of the chair. She glanced down at herself for a moment and opted to leave her jacket behind. "I'll be back." She closed the door quietly behind her before hurrying across town to the temple where Lance instructed. She spied Theo next to a tombstone and quietly approached him. "Hey..."

"It's not a randomdom decition. He can tell you more though." Lance trailed off as he realized Mydra was up and headed to the door. He didn't think she would go so fast. He thought she might Want to talk a bit more but nodded as she left yelled after her. "Dinner will be ready when you get home!"

Theo was sittong before the tomb stone on witch he had put a dagger that had a black and red leather brade holding a silver holy symbol of Khord- a four pointed star with five rubies- one at each point and the final in the center. Next to it lay a ripped up pice of red silk with a black sunken of some kind. holding a neckless in his hand, and shaking head head as he spoke. He didn't seem to hear Mydra as she approached and was talking like someone was next to him. "It was my fault... I should have checked the floor... I should have known something was to easy. I just..." Theo looked at the dagger. "I should have held on tighter... I just grabbed the first thing I could..." Theo heard Mydra as she spoke and jumped in his skin a bit as she spoke. He didn't know what to say. "Who told you?" He asked knowing it had to be Lance as Gord was likely still out. He knew he would have to talk to Mydra about this sooner or later but right now just seemed like a hard time to do it.

"Lance did," She said softly as she came over to sit beside him. Mydra was quiet for a good while, mainly out of respect. She finally pipped up after it grew uncomfortable. "Who was she?"

"Some one I should have been able to save." Theo handed Mydra a locket with a moving photo of a shocking sight. The women in the locket was an incredibly beautiful half-ork. Her hair was a beautiful raven black and her features were soft and inviting. The girl in the locket was smiling and laughing the only true tell of her being a half-ork was her green skin and crimson red eyes. "Her name's Kaja... cleric of Khord, and she fought like one of the monks from the east." Theo took a deep breath. "We were cell mates when we were slaves... our mistresses back then had a knack for paring fighters together that made both a deadly team, and a beautiful display of blood shed..." Theo looked at Mydra. "She and I were never apart." He smirked and laughed a bit before going on as he thought of something funny. "We slept in the same room even after our escape."

"Oh..." Mydra stared down at the locket in her hands, frowning deeply. "I'm sorry Theo... I didn't know. How long ago did you loose her?" Her words were soft as she spoke, not wanting to break the quietness around them. No wonder he was so shook up when she'd kissed his cheek. Though she hadn't meant anything by it, just being friendly.

Theo shook his head and looked to Mydra. "Two years ago. The part of it that hurts the most is that it was my fault. Lance was there. He was fighting a wizard when the floor feel out from under Kaja's feet." Theo took a deep breath. "Some times I have nightmares of her surviving the fall... and her changing into something dark..." he looked back at the headstone. "She never liked the dark... knowing I left her down there, and that were going back now..." he placed his hand on the stone and sighed.

Mydra moved so she knelt beside him and gently wrapped her arms around his neck it a soft hug. She didn't know what it was about this group of men that softened her up but they did. Normally she had a hard exterior and a cold heart but with Theo, Lance and Gord, she was different. "I'm sorry, Theo. For what happened to her and... for over stepping earlier... it won't happen again." She pulled away quickly and handed back the locket before climbing to her feet. "I'll meet you back at the house." She whispered before turning on her heel and heading out of the cemetery.

Theo was on his feet quick. And grabbed Mydra's hand. "You didn't over step. Never be sorry for being you. It's why we picked you up." Theo explained placed the locket around his neck and smiled. The lifted his scarf over his Lower face again. He then let her hand go and replied. "I'll walk with you. It's getting dark." Theo picked up the dagger and wrapped it in the red silk tabard. Then put it into his belt pouch. "Let's go. We need to eat." As he spoke the sun set and the city grew dark as the lamp lights went around lighting the lamps of the lower wards and districts. The Magic lamps lighting them selfs as the sun set behind the mounts and across the sea to the west. Theo walked Mydra and smiled under his scarf. She didn't find him weak for morning her. That ment a lot.

She gave him a soft smile as he grabbed her and nodded her head. "Alright then..." Thought her softness wasn't at all like her, this was all new ground for her and she wasn't yet sure if she liked it or not. Mydra scuffed softly and shook her head. "This isn't dark... dark is where I am from..." She cleared her throat uncomfortably and shook her head but she fell into step beside him. Her leather boots made no noise on the ground as they walked along the path. It didn't take long before they were back at the house and slipping back inside. "Hey look who I found." She said teasingly. The night had chilled and she was glad they had made it home when they did.

Gord and Lance were in the middle of a conversation when the two came in. Lance looked like a deer in the head lights and smiled. Gord looked a bit to sober for a man who was drinking himself stupid the day prior, but he still looked better health wise than he had before. Gord smiled. "Finally! Let's eat!"

Mydra rolled her eyes as she kicked off her boots and set them by the door. Padding across the floor barefoot she shook her head. "Nice to see you too." She looked over at Lance and gave him a brief smile before patting his shoulder in a silent 'thank you'. "It's getting chilly out there." She mumbled as she took a seat at the table. "I should have worn my jacket when I went out."

Lance shook his head in reply. "Yes, but Theodoric should have offered his clock as the night grew cooler..." Lance glared a bit before going to the dining room and making ready the meal. Removing warning lids and making sure everything was ready to eat.

Theo removed his clock then his sword belts, and daggers. Then went on to remove his thick leather brest plate, and finally his boots. After all that he responeded to Lance. "I wear six swords in town Lance. That is five over the legal limit. I carry twenty throwing knives. That is nineteen over the legal limit. My clock is lined with chainmail for extra protection from all the people here in Watersdeep that would like to see us dead. No. I will not give up my clock on the streets of this city. Hell at one time it was illegal to wear anything thicker than a Lamilar brest play and the only folk aloud to carry weapons other than guards at that time were the people in the upper district." Theo sounded angry as he spoke. Then his tone changed. "Unless it offends you Mydra I'll keep my clock when we go out unless you some how louse your armor."

Gord cut in. "Clam down Theo Lance was just giving you a hard time. Don't take it so soft skinned." Gord walked over to Mydra and payed her a respect of first a hug then a kisses on the cheek. Before pulling out the chair for her.

Mydra stared at Theo while he had his temper tantrum, her walls of protection easily being put back in place as his rudeness and outrageousness ensued. When he was done and directed his comment at her, her red eyes flared threateningly. When Gord stepped in her line of sight she calmed slightly and returned his gentle hug and kiss. She took the chair he offered, her eyes darting over to Theo, her voice colder than it had been earlier in the cemetery. "I never would have dreamed of asking for your cloak, but thank you for that wonderful speech." Rolling her eyes she crossed, one leg over the other at the same time her arms crossed over her chest. He had clearly rubbed her the wrong way. 

Lance Walked to Theo. Getting between him and the table. "I'll not have this source additide in my home. You paid your respects to Kaja. Now act like the proper gentleman I worked to turn you into. Not that Thug I found in the slums holding a blooded sword." Lance wasn't yelling. His tone tone was ferm and words direct, but for some reason he sounded elegant. Like being scolded by a better than confronted by a friend. Theo didn't answer instead he looked raged, but said nothing. "Go upstairs. Wash up for dinner. Wear something nice and be down for dinner in five minutes." Lance turned and walked to the table.

Gord smiled as he took his own seat across from Mydra. He was nervous like a young man looking for his mothers approval. "I took your advice lady Mydra... well your order really. I'm a Knight of the Nordwatch, and palidan of Khord... I haven't been acting like one. Not truly... Two years ago was hard on all of us... That don't mean I should have crawled into a Bottle... I should... I shouldn't have broken faith... I don't know if Khord will ever give me my power back... though that should not stop me acting as the knight I am." He looked a bit bashful as he spoke. Playing with his silver wear. He finally looked up from his plate. "I went to church for the first time in two years... the priest sobered me... the hard way. All at once with alchemists kindness, and the power of Khord... I'm sober for the first time in two years." It seemed like the next words came hard. "Thank you for making me grow back up."

Mydra watched Lance step in front of Theo, not sure it was a good idea with him fuming the way he was but she was sure Lance could hold his own. Her attention turned to Gord as he recanted his story of the day and her wall chipped away slightly. "Oh, Gord that's wonderful, I'm so proud of you. I'm sorry I was so harsh though..."

Theo looked like he was going to say something when he just sighed and moved upstairs quickly as he was told to. Lance sat down and listened as Gord went on. "Oh not all... It was what I needed to make me realize I had a problem." he nodded a bit to Mydra.

"Well, anything I can do to help let me know. If you need anymore cleansing just ask." Mydra glanced towards the stairs and frowned slightly. "I'm sorry for whatever I did there as well. If it's best that I don't come... I'll find my own adventure some other way. I don't want any issues or bad blood at the start of the trip." She looked over at Lance who seemed to be the most level headed out of all of them, even Mydra had a temper, she just didn't show it like Theo did.

"It's not your at all Mydra." Lance pointed out, poring himself a glass of wine and magically poring Gord and Mydra a glass of hot tea from a warming plate on the table. "Theo... He has a troubled history. Kaja being the least of it. You see..." Lance fought for the words then settled on "He spent most of his adult life as a slave to a Drow noblewomen- who used him like a toy, and personal body guard when not having him slaughter in the arena or train his body. She did things to him... not just his body. Not just his mind. Kaja is the only thing that kept him grounded for the longest time during there captivity. When Kaja feel down that trap door, and he lost his grip on her I saw it in his eyes.." Lance took a smell of the wine then a long sip. "It would be like watching your only family fall to there doom. He snapped."

Gord shook his head. "Snaped ain't the right word." He looked at Mydra. "The Theo we had known died. He died just for a moment. The thing that took his place had a name in the arenas of the underdark... HE became the 'Crimson Slaughter' again.." Gord had a chill wash over him as he said it. "Mad man he was."

"Thank you Gord, but I was not going to go there." Lance looked to Mydra again. "What I am trying to say is Theo is troubled. He fears lousing friends whom he cares for. Gord and I have proven our ability. you haven't had the chance to yet." Lance nodded to her. "His out burst tonight is what happens when he goes to the grave. He has a build up of emotion, and it pops at the first negative comment. so I always give him a target to pop on." Lance smiled like doing so might bring him some kind of joy. 

Mydra's eyes widened at the name 'Crimson Slaughter'. The hand that had grasped her glass tightened considerably around in until her knuckles turned white. She stood from the table and began pacing the floor as her nerves began to get the better of her. "I thought he was a myth. Just a story that..." She ran her hand along her braid tugging it over her shoulder nervously. "I need some air..." setting her glass back down on her table a brief memory flashed in her mind of one of her very last night's in underdark but she shoved it aside not wanting to think about it as she stepped outside without grabbing her coat, closing the door behind her. "Shit..."

It was only a moment before Lance opened the door and put a cloak on Mydra's shoulders. He looked her over then just asked. "How do you know that name?" Only someone who lived in drove society-High society at that would fear the name.

Mydra looked up at Lance, thanking him for the cloak. Sighing heavily she shook her head. "Maybe it's best that we never spoke about this. Forgot it was ever even mentioned." She glanced up at Theo's windown and frowned slightly. She crossed her arms over her chest and shook her head before looking at Lance. She realized then, "You aren't going to let this go, are you?"

"I'll be honest. I can't for two reasons." Lance said as he leaned against the door. "One. I want to know who I'm working with. Two..." Lance pushed hateing to have to say it this way, but he knew there was no other way. "Only upper class Drown and Nobelaty would know that name." He paused waiting for an answer. He needed to know who she was.

"I didn't always live up here... in this place." She sighed heavily rubbing her hands up and down her arms. "We lived in the underdark for a good portion of my life. Theo was the there... I remember him because I was instantly curious about him. And then I heard the rumors about him and he frightened me. He of course would have never knew I existed. How could he have there were so many of us down there... until one night he came into my family home... and killed my uncle... that was so long ago I'd forgotten he existed. We left underdark that night... I half chalked it up to being a dream." She turned to look at Lance then her eyes slightly red around the edges as if she had been about to cry. "Satisfied?"

"No... as I wished you would have shared such an important detail as this with us." Lance was far to calculated to let emotion distract him right now. "I'm happy your willing to come clean with me now." Lance thought it over. This was a small lie thstbhw could have seen himself tell to keep suspicions down. He sighed then simply said. "I'll not tell Theo of this. You can do that in your own time- if ever..." Lance then waited on her reply.

"Lance, it's not that I chose not to tell you. I didn't know it was him. Like I said it was so long ago I didn't even recognize him. I would have never have put two and two together if you hadn't brought it up." Her throat tightened slightly as her nails dug into her arm. "I may be a drow but that doesn't instantly make me a liar like the rest of them." Her tone held a bit of venom as she stared across at him, clearly he had hit a nerve. "I think it's best we just drop it here... I'm sure dinner is getting cold and Gord is probably hungry." She turned on her heel heading back inside, putting a stop to any further discussion.

The dinner was a rather splinded afare all things considered. Gord enjoyed himself and Theo apologized for his outburst at the start of the night. The next morning had its own story to tell though.

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Waterdeep Never Sleeps