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Sold Soul

By XP Author

The rat woke up. Unfortunately. A new day came with all the same problems as the last. Each day, it became harder to find the will to even bother sitting up. She didn't know why she bothered lingering anymore. It wasn't like she had much hope of her situation changing, short of a miracle. Those didn't really happen, though, and certainly not to someone like her. She lay there, eyes open, but staring at nothing. Her scarred ear twitched, hearing the rain. She didn't even have the effort to groan about it anymore. It did mean she couldn't stay in her hole for much longer, though. The water would start coming in soon. That was the point of a drainage ditch, after all. She already felt the dampness under her.

Krysa finally found the effort to roll over, enough that she could crawl forward and out of the hole. The rain immediately soaked her to the core. At least it would wash some of the dirt out of her fur. She crawled the rest of the way out, her legs stiff and aching from the cramped place she had called a bed. She stood up slowly, wincing as her back popped a few times, though it did relieve a small amount of the ache. It did mean that the ache in her empty stomach had less competition.

The middle-aged woman looked up at the sky, seeing the dreary grey clouds hanging above. There was little in the way of wind, a blessing and a curse. Even a slight breeze could chill to the bone in rain like this, but it also meant the clouds and their rain were not going anywhere in a hurry. She decided to emulate that, taking her time in moving on. She slowly made her way in the direction of the city gates, specifically the ones just outside the market. Beggars were allowed in the market, as long as they didn't touch anything. The guards usually ignored people like her. Usually. Though if they were bored, they might just decide to use her as entertainment instead. Wouldn't be the first time. She doubted any of them would want to go out into this rain just to rape a homeless rat, though. Small blessings.

It did mean she likely wouldn't be seeing many passing by, either. Those that did would be in a hurry to finish their shopping and get back to the dry comfort of their homes. Not that people gave her much more than a sneer most times anyway. More so than most other homeless. It was not hard to see why. The 'decent' citizens had little love for an ex-thief, even if she was only a shadow of her former self. It was not like she could hide it, either. After a job had gone horribly wrong, she had been caught red-handed. The info was woefully lacking, omitting the fact that the particular storehouse she was caught in was owned by a noble. Punishment was swift. They took her right arm, just above the elbow. After two years in prison, they dumped her on the streets. That was her true punishment. To linger.

At least the thief's guild still looked after her, in their own way. She had once been a member, going by the name nickname Red, due to her once lovely red hair. Though she was hardly among the top ranks... such as it is. It was not like it was any kind of organized guild. More like a cabal of other thieves that agreed to a few standard rules, in exchange for some additional protection. The biggest was the bribes they could provide to the guards and officials. No killing except in self-defense, share a bit of the loot with the guild, help fellow members when able, and never, EVER double-cross the guild. Simple rules. Unfortunately, bribes could only go so far, and she had crossed a noble. The guards were too afraid of the nobles to be swayed by a bit of coin.

The members would still toss a coin or two her way, as long as she provided something for them. The guild always operated like that. You don't get something for free from thieves. Mostly, it was just her silence about them they wanted. Passing on any information she heard would usually net her a few extra coins, or if she was lucky, some food. They had also done her a favor while she was in prison. There was one exception to their no-killing policy: people who double-crossed the guild. They had passed along that her informant had sold her out, probably in the hopes of gaining favor with someone for the capture of a guild member. His body was found in the alley behind that same warehouse, his throat slit.

That was all over ten years ago. Ironically, she had even outlived the noble that she had inadvertently crossed. He had apparently made more enemies than just the thieves. He was found dead in his home, crushed by some ornate trophy. His wife's body was found in the river the next day. The official story was it was an accident, and she drowned herself in grief over the sight of her husband. Everyone knew it was really an assassination. She took some satisfaction in that.

As she predicted, the market was empty. Even most of the usual vendors did not bother tending their stalls to push their wares. Those that were lucky, wealthy, or connected enough to own a store had their doors closed but at least had the signs turned to open. Few people walked the damp, muddy streets. Those that did were in a hurry to get where they were going. Even the guards were nowhere to be found, staying where it was dry. She had her pick of spots to call her own for the day. She chose the one in front of the smithy. The smith was an ally of the guild, with contacts to fences to sell stolen goods. He would not chase her off unless the guards said something.

She pressed her back against the stone corner of the building, sliding down to the ground. The mud made a plop as she sat, and she suddenly felt somehow more wet from it. Not like the rags that served as a dress could get much dirtier. She sat and waited, calling out when people would pass, asking for a coin. Those that didn't stare with contempt ignored her. She saw a few looks of pity, but no one spared her more than that. She expected nothing less.

What she was not expecting was the fox.

* * *

Soro strode with casual confidence down the road, with a swagger as if he owned the place. Technically, he kind of did. As the Earl of Tulku, his family owned much of this region. The land, anyway. Unlike some of his peers, he actually liked to walk around and see the people and businesses that resided on the patch of dirt his family claimed ownership of. Normally, the small city was bustling with people and activity. Though with the rains having come in, it seemed to have driven many inside. He quite liked the rain, however. Even the muddy roads did not bother him, though he was sure to get an earful from the head butler later for the state of his boots.

He stood out as he strode. Partially because of his well-groomed alabaster fur, and the raven hair he kept in an ornate braid. Any one piece of his clothes cost more than most in the city could afford in a year. He did not wear anything gaudy, but the dark blue vest and matching trousers were far too well-tailored, the shirt under a contrasting red wine color. Finishing the look was a pair of dark leather riding boots, currently caked in mud to the ankles. Of course, the umbrella alone was likely enough to make him stand out.

Something suddenly caught his eye. Or more: someone. A rat, one who had obviously fallen on hard times. Though they were likely of her own making. The lack of her right arm, a dirty, red rag tied over the stump, stood out the most. Thieves that got caught often had their arm removed in such a way, though they also often died in prison after. Seeing one who had lived to be thrown back onto the streets was uncommon. She bore many other scars, from lines on her face to a piece missing from her left ear. She must be a survivor at heart.

As he stepped forward, she turned to look up at him, starting her usual plea. "Spare a coin for-" She stopped, voice catching in her throat. Her brown eyes were so dark they were nearly black, and went as big as they could. She recognized him immediately, the lord of the land, at least this corner of it. She quickly turned away, casting her eyes down. "S-sorry, m'lord! I did not mean to disturb you." There was a slight shake in her voice, fear as she had gotten the attention of a noble. He also caught the faintest hint of contempt in her tone. To be expected for one in her position. On average, one did not turn to thievery as a profession if they were not desperate to begin with. Not the kind that would find one left as a beggar on the streets by the end, at least.

He tilted his head, resting the shaft of his umbrella against his shoulder. "Fear not, low beggar. You may look and speak without reproach." Her body language shifted, getting even more tense, but at least she looked back up at him. At his chest, anyway. She could not bring herself to look him in the eye. "Tell me your name, if you have one." While it was a request, it was spoken with a softness more than a demand.

"K-Krysa... Krysa Birqol, sir." She spoke with hesitation, but knew better than to show the disdain she had for a nobleman. If she played her cards right, she may get some pity coins from him. Provided he didn't just kick her into the mud for fun.

"Birqol?" It was very unusual for someone like her to have a surname. As he thought, there was a vague familiarity, something he had heard a long time ago. "What was your chosen name?"

She blinked, confused. "M'lord?"

He motioned to her stump. "When you still had both arms. What name did you go by?"

She winced, instinctively holding the end of her arm, as if it still hurt. There really was no point in hiding it, so she told him. "I was known as Red, Sir." She sighed slightly. "Or the Red Whisper..." She hated that particular title. It sounded more like something an assassin would use. She had never killed anyone in her life.

Soro thought on it. There was definitely something... then it clicked. "Oh yes! You were the thief that got caught up in all that business with the Volks, weren't you?"

She flinched visibly as the name was said. Demen Volk was the noble that she had crossed. "I-I..." She was suddenly very afraid. The fox could be here as some kind of personal vendetta. He could quite literally slit her throat in the middle of the street and walk away if he was so inclined.

Instead, he scoffed. "Arrogant prick deserved what he got." She blinked again. "He and that loathsome wife of his." The Volks had hardly been close to his family, and while he was... fairly certain his father had no hand in their assassination, he certainly had not mourned the loss, either. "Well, that is the past, and it can stay there. Though now I must ask, would you prefer the name Krysa or Red?"

She was left very confused. "Ah...w-whichever you prefer, m'l-"

"I'm asking you." He interrupted. "It is your name. Which do_you_prefer?"

"K-Krysa... sir."

The fox nodded. "Very well then, Krysa. Would you like some food?" Her ears perked up instantly, and he swore he heard her stomach answer for her. "You look like you could use a good meal."

She managed to keep herself under control, turning to look up at him. "What's the catch?" She was pretty sure she could guess it.

His smirk turned into a wry grin. She was sharp. "You'd have to come with me." He saw her eyes narrow just slightly. "The catch is that you'll be seen in the company of a decadent noble like myself. Something that may hurt whatever reputation you may still have with the... less savory types of your past." He was well aware of the thieves' guild's existence. Nearly every city had something of that nature.

"And just where would I been seen going with you?" She dropped the forced politeness in her tone now, suspecting just where this was going. Offer her food, take her somewhere outside the city, bend her over the nearest tree, and have his way. Probably would just leave her there without the food or payment, too.

"To my manor." That clearly caught her off guard. "I will give you a meal, allow you to bathe, and sleep on something softer than a rock." He saw the utter befuddlement, and preempted the obvious question. "Why? Because I want to. You are a survivor, and you were a thorn in the side of a rival to my family, even if briefly. Your alternative is to stay here, sitting in the mud, sleeping in ditches, and starving to death." He held a hand out to her. "I am a man of my word. You will be fed properly first. We can discuss the possibility of you staying after that."

So there was a catch. Still, at least she would get a full belly for the first time in years. That would be worth whatever other stipulation he wanted to add later. After considering his offer, she reached up to take his hand, bony fingers touching his. "Okay then..." He smiled and helped her to her feet. Not a hard task, as light as she was. "Thank you... m'lord." He smirked as the slight contempt was still in her voice, finding it almost charming. Turning, he led her down the streets, in the direction of the edge of town, and his manor farther beyond. He even held the umbrella over her.

* * *

The manor was big. Incredibly big. While not quite the grand majesty of a cathedral, or the impenetrable imposition of a castle, it was a grand construction nonetheless. At least to the rat. She had snuck into manors before, but they were tiny things, only twice or three times the size of an average house. This was easily three times the size of those. She knew of it, of course. Anyone who lived in Tulku did. But to see it firsthand was something else. A gated wall surrounded the front, curving around the edges and continuing back. A garden of flowers decorated either side of the walk to the main door, each one easily sitting on the same space of land a small house would. By her guess, the top floor would be some five stories up. A difficult scale, even for an experienced thief.

Soro led her up the steps to the door. For the last two hours they walked, he had remained mostly silent. She was used to being quiet, so this did not bother her... much. Now that they were here, he simply pushed the doors open, then motioned with a bow, as if she weren't lower than a peasant. "Welcome to Tulku Manor. Please, come in." She stepped forward, happy to be out of the rain finally. Yet she felt more uncomfortable inside than she had out. She did not belong here. She wore tattered rags, covered in dirt and mud from so long sleeping in ditches, they would be impossible to clean. In contrast, the walls were wood, immaculately clean, mostly bare but with a portrait or landscape painting hanging every so often. Heavy curtains hung in front of the walls, each a dark blue. A matching carpet ran the center of the hall, to a set of grand stairs leading up, and further halls winding around behind.

She fidgeted a little as she slowly stepped forward, almost afraid to even touch the ground for fear of leaving uncleanable footprints in her wake. "It is... very... nice, m'lord."

"It's very big. A bit much, I think, but it serves its purpose." He kept looking around, as if expecting something. "It is rather like a bird, puffing itself up and strutting about as fancy as it can to impress. The other nobles may fall for such things, but it is merely an act."

"You are too much like your father in that, young master. Rest his soul." Krysa jumped as the voice spoke nearby. She turned to see an elderly squirrel in a well-tailored uniform standing beside her. She hadn't heard him at all. It was like the butler had simply appeared out of thin air. He turned to glance at her, and it was not quite a look of disgust, not the kind she was used to. More like a weary look of dissatisfaction. "Bringing home strays now?"

The fox grinned wide. "My whims are my own." he motioned to her. "This is Krysa Birqol." He leaned in close, whispering so loud he may as well have shouted. "The Red Whisper." She rolled her eyes, and the butler did not react at all. "She will be my guest." He then motioned to the butler. "Krysa, this is Edmond, head of the household, advisor, tutor, and overall task master for young, upstart nobles."

The squirrel gave him a withering stare. "Clearly, many of those lessons did not sink in properly." He tilted his head a fraction of an angle, and yet it shifted his whole posture to one of subservience again. "I shall be sure to draw up a bath. For the both of you." He turned on the spot. "Please be sure to leave your boots at the door, young master. I'd like not to have muddy footprints track through the house again." With that, he was off at a brisk and surprisingly silent pace.

Soro still called out. "Tell the kitchens to prepare a meal. Nothing overly fancy." He glanced at her. "I ill advise starting with rich food on a stomach as empty as yours is like to be. It will leave you with quite the discomfort." He motioned to a small bench near the front door. "You may leave your shoes th- oh..." He seemed to only just then notice she was barefoot. "Well, that makes it easier." He took a seat on the bench and started to unlace his own boots. "Though you should still try and wipe your feet a little. The carpet is fine here. Edmond does get very cross otherwise. He can be very scary."

She was just left standing there the whole while, not quite knowing how to react to the whole situation. She was so far outside of her comfort zone. It was like stepping into another world. She did do as he said, wiping her feet as best she could on the carpet, at least managing to get most of the mud off. "So... what happens after this meal?"

The fox pulled one boot off and started work on the other. "Well, after you get some real food in you, I can show you to the baths. After that... I'll see if any of the staff have a dress in your size. Though I dare say, even the smallest of my servants may be too big for you, so you might need to make do." He pulled the second boot off, setting both down under the bench. He flexed his toes a little, then pushed himself up. "After that, I can show you where you can sleep."

She tilted her head. "I meant, what exactly do you want with me? You had to have brought me here for a purpose."

He nodded. "Yes. I did. But we can discuss that after I give what I have promised. This first day and night are free. Consider it a preview of the rewards I can offer." She narrowed her eyes as he danced around answering her question. "Now! Follow me and I'll show you to the dining hall." He chuckled. "Then I'll show you to the smaller sitting area where we'll actually eat. The dining hall is meant for large groups. For just the two of us, I think something more intimate is in order."

* * *

"Just through there... miss." Edmond motioned at the door, doing nothing to hide his continued disgust. Though she had learned that it was more about her state of clothes than her specifically.

She nodded to him. "Thank you..." He just turned and walked away, snout in the air. She would probably be more offended if she wasn't so utterly contented. The meal was a simple one, some sliced bread with cuts of meat and cheeses, yet it was the best thing she had ever tasted. The meat was spiced, the cheeses complimenting it. She had to restrain herself from devouring the whole plate in one go. She had even been given a second helping. Her belly had not been so full in... longer than she could remember.

She pushed the door before her open, and got hit with a wave of humidity. The room was large, covered completely in tiles of alternating dark and light blue. In the very center was a sunken area, large enough for three to sit within, filled with water. A bit of steam still rose from the water. How they had managed to get so much heated was a mystery she would never learn. Closing the door behind her, she started to strip herself. As soon as she tugged at one sleeve of the dress, it tore at the shoulder, splitting further down the back. She sighed, and slipped her stump out of the now torn sleeve. The dress was so old and battered, it was amazing it hadn't torn open sooner.

Before long, she was free of the clothing, leaving it in a pile on the floor by the door. It left her brown fur fully exposed, as well as the scars crisscrossing her back and legs. Her time in prison had not been a kind one. It was where she had lost the chunk of her ear and the tip of her tail. Last to be removed was the cloth on her sump, letting it fall to the floor with the rest. She still instinctively held the end, as if there was anyone to hide it from. She realized how silly that was a moment later.

Finding the steps at the edge, she put her foot into the water. "Oh... oh gods..." She took another few steps down, then just sat down in the water. The heat immediately embraced her whole body, seeping into her withered muscles. She leaned back against the edge of the tub, closing her eyes. "Whatever he wants... this may be worth doing it for..." She was pretty sure he was going to offer her to be a concubine or something. If she got food and baths like this, then it was definitely worth it. Not like she could bare him children. The prison guards had done a very good job removing that possibility.

She was not sure how long she let herself soak in the water. Through some marvel of technology she would never understand, the water did not seem to be losing its heat. So when the door opened, she let out a surprised yelp. "Sorry!" A timid voice spoke from the doorway. A young mouse peaked in, dressed in the uniform of a maid. "I didn't mean to disturb you. I've come with a change of clothes for you, m'lady."

Krysa almost flinched being called m'lady like that. "Uh... n-no, it's okay... though... I'm no lady."

"O-oh. I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to offend..." The mouse cautiously stepped in more fully. She set a bundle of clothes down on a table near the door.

The rat sighed, shifting in the water to lean forward against the edge, chin resting on her one good arm. "No one told you much about me, huh?"

The servant shook her head. "N-no... ma'am?" She was clearly not sure what term to use now. "I was told I was the closest to your size and to give any spare clothing I may have." She was about the same height, and while skinny, definitely not as thin. "And... to aid if you needed any assistance."

The ex-thief chuckled. "Yeah. No one around here seems to like explaining anything. I'm no visiting noble. Just the master's newest acquisition." She said 'master' with more than a little sarcasm. "I'm as common as they come, so just call me Krysa."

The mouse let out a relieved sigh, visibly relaxing. She even turned to actually look at the woman for the first time. "Oh... that is a relief. I'm never sure how to speak to nobles. You'd think I would have learned, working in the lord's manor, but... I'm always sticking my foot in my mouth." She let out an embarrassed giggle. "Oh, I'm Muish."

"A pleasure to meet you, Muish. Sorry you had to give up some of your clothes for me." She nodded to the pile of dirty, torn cloth on the floor. "As you can see, my old ones are... uh... falling apart."

The woman looked at the rags in surprise. "Wait, these are your old clothes!? I thought they were just a bunch of old rags someone forgot to pick up..." She squeaked as she realized she said that out loud. "Uh... I mean..."

Krysa couldn't help but chuckle. "It's fine. Dignity and shame are things you lose very quickly living on the street."

The mouse turned and gave her a look of pity. She hated that look. "You lived on the street?"

With a sigh, the rat held up the stump of her arm. "Not many other options for me..."

Muish stared at the arm. "Wait, doesn't that mean that you're..." Her eyes went wide for a moment. "Uh... S-sorry. I'm sorry... th-that that happened to you..."

"Yeah, well... price of not being good enough and listening to the wrong people." She let out another sigh and turned around, leaning back against the edge once again. "Don't worry. I'm not here to steal anything. Unless you consider taking advantage of a noble's quirky whims as stealing."

The mouse was quiet for a long moment. Long enough that Krysa thought she may have just slipped out. Instead, the voice was much closer. "Would you like me to help wash your hair?" She knelt down near the edge of the bath. "I'm sure it's... difficult with just one hand." She squeaked again. "N-not that I don't think you're still capable!"

Krysa smiled. "Sure. It is a bit tricky." She heard the relieved little laugh. A pair of hands dipped into the water, bringing some up to pour onto her head, soaking the once vibrant red locks. Nimble fingers started to run through them, gently working out the mass of tangles and dirt. The rat closed her eyes. The kindness from the fox felt awkward, just knowing there would be strings attached. The same kindness from this mouse felt more genuine, and she was able to actually enjoy it. After a few minutes, she spoke again. "You have very good hands."

"Thank you." The mouse gently pulled a knot apart before continuing with her work. "You have very nice hair. I'm sure it was very lovely before... uh..." She just cleared her throat.

"Yeah, it was kind of my defining feature back when I was your age." After a few more minutes, she took a breath and dunked her head under the water. When she rose back up, she stood up fully, shaking a bit of it off of her. "Ah... I think that's enough time in the water. I should get out before someone thinks I've drowned or something."

Just as she was about to turn around, a large towel was draped over her shoulders. "Here you go. Do... you need any help drying off or... getting dressed again?"

Krysa smiled. "Sure. I wouldn't mind a little help." She accepted the offered hand to get out of the tub entirely.

The mouse took hold of the towel once more and started to gently help dry her. The myriad of scars along the rat's back caught her attention. "You must have seen a lot of action back in the day."

"No. Not really." She held her arm out when the towel was run down it. "If you're talking about the scars, they're almost entirely from my years in prison. The guards like to use prisoners as stress relief. Whips, beatings, rape, you name it. Everything short of outright killing you."

Muisha squeaked. "I-I'm so sorry! That's awful!"

She shrugged. "Well, when you're worth less than dirt, people stop seeing you as a person. Didn't get much better after, either." She glanced at the stump. "People like me aren't exactly held in high regard. You learn to just accept it if you want to eat. The things I've done for food..."

"I'm still sorry." the mouse stepped back, setting the damp towel down and grabbing the dress. "Here, I'll help with this." She helped to get the dress over the rat's head. It was a simple thing, though still leagues nicer than anything the ex-thief had worn in the last few years. Even with the cloth at the middle pulling it in once tied, it still hung loose on her gaunt frame.

Once the salmon-colored clothing was on, Krysa held up her right arm. "Don't suppose there was anything to help cover this?"

The mouse squeaked. "OH! Um... n-no. I'm sorry..."

"Ah... that's okay." She lowered the arm again. "It doesn't hurt or anything. I just don't like leaving it... exposed like this." The end was a mass of poorly healed scars, no fur growing to cover any of it. "It's fine."

Muisha suddenly gasped. "Oh!" She reached up and untied the cloth from her hair. Without even asking, she just started to tie it around the end. "Here, this should work."

The rat looked at her. "Are you sure? I've already taken one of your dresses..."

"It's okay!" She finished tying it with a simple and neat little bow. "There you go." Krysa looked at the cloth. It was a bright red color, not too dissimilar to the shade her hair used to be back in the day. The irony was not lost. "Good?"

She nodded. "Yes. Thank you."

Muisha smiled brightly at her. "Okay!" She cleared her throat. "Um, well... I'll take your own clothes and... uh..."

"Probably just burn them."

The mouse giggled softly. "Yeah, probably... Uh, I'll get Mr. Edmond to come by and he can show you to the room." She stepped away, gathering up all the old rags from the floor into a bundle. "It was a pleasure to talk to you, Krysa! I'll see you around the manor."

"Yes, this was nice. I'm sure we'll talk again." The servant smiled at her, and after nearly dropping the bundle of clothes and opening the door, she was off. Krysa let out a soft sigh once more, stepping out of the bathroom. The difference in humidity and temperature between it and the hallway sent a shiver through her. She figured she should wait here for the uptight butler to find her. The hall was pretty barren, with no paintings decorating anything, just wood paneling with simple eloquence and a dark blue carpet. She went to the end of the hall to peak out of the window. The hall was on the third floor, the window looking down at one of the many gardens outside. Not that she could see all that much, both from the darkness of night, and the rain still coming down outside.

"I see you've finally finished cleaning." She tensed as the butler's terse voice was right behind her. Again it seemed he just appeared out of thin air. "I suppose it was quite the task. I do hope the young Muisha was a help, and not a hindrance?"

Krysa nodded. "Yes, she was very helpful. No bother at all."

Edmond just let out a slight grunt. Even if he did not say it, she could read it all over him. 'May miracles never cease.' It seems the uptight squirrel did not have a high opinion of the mouse. Though she was pretty sure he did not have a high opinion of anything. "Very well." He turned on the spot. "I will show you to your room. Follow me." Without waiting, he started down the hall at a brisk pace. She followed, keeping up with him. After a few turns, he motioned to a door that looked like all the others. "Through here."

She pushed the door open to find herself staring at a bedroom larger than most taverns. The bed was big enough for three to fit comfortably. Five if they didn't mind getting a little cramped. The window had the curtains closed. There were no fancy decorations, but the place still seemed ornate. "Shit..."

Edmond huffed. "I should hope not. I keep the house very tidy. Though if you need, the room beside the bath has such facilities."

"Wha? No, I meant..." She sighed and shook her head. "Never mind. Thank you."

"Of course." He stepped back. "If you need any assistance, there is a bell on the wall by the door. One of the servants will come if you ring it."

"Uh... thanks. I should be okay." She stepped into the room more fully, getting that out-of-place feeling again.

"Whenever you wake, you may ring the bell then and someone will aid you. The master said to let you... 'sleep in.'" He said it like it was a foreign concept. "Good night, Miss Birqol."

It felt odd hearing someone use her name. "Uh, good n-" The door shut before she was even finished speaking. She scoffed, muttering under her breath. "Stuffy prick." After walking around the room for a few minutes, she decided to test the bed. Sitting down at the edge, she felt herself sink in just slightly. It was firm, yet still softer than anything she had used in recent memory. Certainly softer than the ground. She crawled up onto it, laying on her back. Fatigue had been her companion for so long, she learned to ignore it. Yet now it was there again. She closed her eyes, wanting to let it claim her, to take her to sleep.

Sleep that did not come. She shifted to a new position, then another, then another. It was not that she could not get comfortable. Quite the opposite. She was TOO comfortable. It was foreign to her. Even before, she never really knew comfort like this. It felt wrong, only amplifying the feeling that she did not belong here. After tossing and turning for over an hour, she sighed. She grabbed the sheet and yanked it off the bed. She did take one of the pillows, too. She curled up on the floor, back against the wall under the window. This was more her level of comfort. With the firm floor under her, and the sound of rain above, she was finally able to let fatigue claim her and take her to the land of sleep.

* * *

She awoke to an unusual feeling. Or more, it was the _lack_of a feeling that was unusual. Her stomach didn't hurt. She also wasn't freezing cold or uncomfortably damp. In fact, she felt quite pleasant. It was a strange experience, to find basic comfort so foreign. She shifted a little, finding herself still on the floor, wedged against the wall. She had wrapped the sheet around herself tight, the thing coiled up around her like a cocoon. When she pushed herself up, the ache in her bones was lessened. It was still there, but even the floor was better for her than a drainage ditch or hole in the wall. When she unwound herself from the blanket, she saw the dress, the same one she was given the previous night. It was only now that she thought she should have checked if there was some kind of nightgown for her. She was just too used to sleeping in the same clothes every day.

She took some time to push herself up to her feet. She stretched a little, her back popping a few times as always, but even that seemed lessened. She ran her fingers through her hair, finding the clean texture odd... but not unpleasant. "Mmm... maybe this won't be so bad after all..." After taking her time to get up, she spotted something she had not the night before. A small dresser with a few things set atop, though the one that caught her attention most was the hairbrush. She snatched it up and brushed her hair for the first time in years. It was an odd comfort to do, but it felt... amazing to be able to. For several minutes, she groomed and tamed the wavy locks.

When she tried to braid it like she used to, she found the task impossible with only one hand. She settled for leaving it loose for now. Maybe she would ask if one of the others could braid it for her. The face of Muisha immediately popped into her mind. She was sure the mouse would be overjoyed to help her with such a simple task. She found herself hoping that the mouse was a friend, something she was not sure she ever really had. Even when she was a member of the guild, the other members were more amiable acquaintances at best, never friends.

After taking some time to straighten her dress, she opened the door. She took a peak around the halls, but they were completely empty in either direction. She reached in and pulled the bell, hearing it ring not just in her room, but in some other part of the manor. Must be connected around the house. She glanced down the halls again, waiting for one of the servants to approach.

"You rang?" She tensed up as Edmond's voice spoke beside her. How the hell did he keep doing that? She was sure there were secret passages in the manor he was using. She made a note to thoroughly search the place if she decided to stick around.

"Yeah. Um... I guess... tell Soro..." She saw his expression harden. "Erm... 'the master' that I'm awake? Not... sure what I'm supposed to do around her right now."

The squirrel nodded. "Very well. I will inform the young master that you are finally roused from your slumber." She quirked an eyebrow as he found another way to politely insult her. "You may wait in the second dining room. I trust you remember the way there and will not get lost?" She didn't even get the chance to respond before he was off at his typical brisk pace. This time she followed him at a distance. When he turned the corner, she waited a beat before looking around it. She expected him to have vanished into thin air, or catch him opening one of the passages. Instead, he was just walking down the hall like normal. She scowled, but left it for now.

Instead, she made her way to the dining hall, as instructed. She passed by a few maids on her way, most cleaning in some way. Wiping down the walls, sweeping the floors, that sort of thing. She did not see Muisha among them, but she was sure there were quite a few servants for a manor this big. She was probably just somewhere else. Or maybe it was a day she was not working. She sat down at the table and waited. One of the servants gave her a polite nod, then promptly left. She wished she could say she wasn't used to that reaction.

The minutes stretched on. She debated just getting up and wandering, but it was probably a bad idea. At least until she heard whatever this deal the nobleman had for her. Finally, he walked in. "Hello there, Krysa. Apologize for keeping you waiting. I had some matters to attend. Duties of nobility. I won't bore you with the details." He gestured for her to rise and follow. "Come with me, please."

She stood as he suggested. "Um... what about your offer?"

The fox smiled over his shoulder. "Oh, this is related to that." He strode down the halls, heading to the back section of the house. He strode down a set of stairs, then down a hall, and finally stood in front of a large door. She figured they must be somewhere under the manor by now. Just how big was this place? Turning to her, he smiled. "Right. Your task will be on the other side of these doors."

She looked at the doors behind him. They seemed similar to the front door to the place, but nothing else was special about them. "And... just what task is this?"

"In due time. Though before you enter, I must ask that you strip yourself." There it was.

She looked around. "Uh... right here in the middle of the hall?"

He nodded. "Yes." That was all he said.

She had a bad feeling about this. "And... if I say no?"

The fox shrugged. "Then you know the way to the front door. And you can continue your meager existence on the street."

She actually debated it for a moment. Then she just sighed. "Fine." She started to untie the waist and slip herself out of the dress.

As she was pulling it over her head, he spoke again. "This is for your benefit. You just got that new dress. I would hate for it to get dirty so soon."

She finished pulling the clothes off and just dropped them on the floor, standing before him completely nude. The only thing she left on was the cloth at the end of her stump. "There you go."

He nodded, and she was surprised he did not give her a lustful look. Instead, he pushed one of the doors open for her. "Please, step inside." She sighed again, but did ask he asked. She was not sure what she was expecting. A mob of nobles waiting to grope her, maybe? Instead, she found herself in a large, but ultimately empty room. So large it was two floors high. Halfway up the walls was a balcony that ringed the whole room, so anyone up there could look down.

Just as she was about to ask what this was, the door behind her shut. Then she heard the lock click. "HEY!" She spun around, grabbing the handle and giving it a hard tug. It didn't so much as budge. "Fuck..." Now she was really worried. She heard a sound from the second floor, a door opening and closing. Then she saw the fox striding down the way. She called out, her angry voice echoing a little off the bare, wooden walls. "Hey! What the hell is this!?"

He looked down at her. "You will find out in a moment." He then turned to the opposite side she had entered from. "Bring her in!" Another set of doors opened, and Krysa's eyes went wide. Muisha was shoved into the room, the mouse just as naked as she was. A very muscular wolf in a guard's uniform gave her another shove. The mouse had her hands bound behind her back, a gag stuffed into her mouth. The wolf shoved her to her knees, then turned and walked away, the doors shutting behind him with another loud clack from the lock.

Krysa looked at the mouse, seeing tears soaking into the soft, grey fur. She looked up at Soro. "What the hell is this!?"

The fox flashed a malicious grin. "This... is the offer. Muisha here is a spy. She's working with revolutionaries. Anarchists who seek to destroy the government, send the world into chaos, all under the misguided ideal of 'freedom.'" The mouse made a muffled whimper. "There is no point in denying it, of course. We have been intercepting and altering your reports back and forth for weeks. You have given nothing of value to your traitorous allies."

The rat looked back and forth between the two. "And where do I come into all this? I'm no spy. I don't give a fuck about the government or anarchists! You expect me to interrogate her or something?"

Soro chuckled. "No." He tossed something down. She caught the glint of metal. A moment later, a sharp dagger clattered at her feet. "I want you to kill her."

She stared at the blade, then back up at him. "What!? No! I'm not a killer! I've never taken a life before!"

The fox started pacing back and forth. "Let me run your options down for you. One: you can do as I say, kill this traitor, and then stay at my manor and enjoy all the luxuries you wish until I have another task for you. Two: You can free Muisha, try to make a daring escape, and flee. I'll even let you leave the grounds unimpeded. However, I will report both of you to the guards, with detailed descriptions. You would be on the run, wanted for treason. There would be nowhere in this country for you to hide, and we are a long way from the border." He leaned against the railing. "And option three. You free Muisha... but give her the knife."

"...to what end?"

He smiled again. "Muisha. If you kill this ex-thief, then I will forget all about your traitorous ways. You can stay here in her place. Though if you are caught spying again, you will of course be executed without hesitation." His tail swished behind him. "Oh. Option Four. You refuse to do any of the rest, I send in the guards and have both of you executed on the spot. So. Which will it be, rat? The noble escape? The self-sacrifice? The defiant last stand? Or will you set aside your morals for the sake of survival?"

Krysa looked down at the dagger again. She reached down and picked it up, feeling the weight in her hand. She stepped close to the mouse, kneeling down in front of her. "Muisha..." The young woman looked up, terror in her tear-filled eyes. "Is this true? You're a spy?" She spoke softly, intending only the woman to hear. The mouse was shaking, then slowly nodded. "If we ran, do you think we could make it to your allies before we're caught?" The mouse hesitated this time, but nodded again. Krysa read her, though. She didn't think they would.

She took a deep breath, then asked the last question. "If I freed you... would you kill me to save yourself?" The mouse's eyes went wide, and she shook her head quickly. "Muisha. Think about this. I'm just a beggar. An ex-thief and ex-con. My life has no meaning. No value. But it could mean your freedom." She saw the mouse think about it. "Knowing that, my worthless life for yours, would you kill me?" After a long moment, Muisha nodded slowly. Krysa smiled at her. "Alright then."

The rat stood up. "I've made my choice." She walked around behind Muisha. The mouse held none of her tears back, not really wanting to kill the nice woman she just met, but she could not deny the logic. She felt the warmth as Krysa leaned close. She expected to feel the knife cut her bindings. Instead, she heard. "I'm sorry." Muisha's eyes snapped open wide as the blade pressed against her throat. The rat dragged it to the side, slicing the younger rodent's neck open. Blood immediately started to gush from the wound, splashing out onto the floor, running down her chest, and soaking into her fur.

The mouse fell forward, writhing and squirming as her blood pooled under her. Krysa backed up, dropping the knife on the ground, then falling back onto her ass, tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry..." She repeated. Some part of her never gave up struggling to survive. It was how she had lived so long, even with what she had been through. Even if her life had no meaning, she could never throw it away. "I'm sorry..."

Muisha continued to squirm about, her whole body shivering as her heart tried to pump the rapidly dwindling blood around, only making it flow out that much faster. She lost all control of herself in her flailing throes, pissing herself as her legs kicked and flopped about. Her tail smacked against the floor again and again. Slowly, the struggling grew less lively, becoming twitches. Shivers ran through her thighs, her belly quivering. Finally, she grew still, laying face-first on the ground, eyes staring ahead at nothing.

When a hand touched Krysa's shoulder, she flinched away. "You did well, Krysa." Soro smiled down at her, offering a hand. She did not take it, just backed away. He sighed, looking at the guard that walked in with him. "Take the body and dump it in town where the anarchists can find it. Don't forget to leave the knife, too. Hopefully, they'll fall for the Peling crest on the hilt, and they'll focus their efforts on those pompous cats instead of me for a while."

He turned his attention back to the rat. "You should step out now. You did well. I knew you were a survivor at heart."

She forced herself to stand, biting back the sobs that threatened to overtake her. "Of course I'm a survivor." She turned away from him when he offered a hand again. She bit back the thought that came to mind. That he was a monster. "I'll return to my room now..." He let her go for now. She picked up the dress she had left on the floor as she went. She knew he would be by later, all sweet words and explanations about why he made her do it instead of someone else. It did not matter. She saw who he was now.

It was then she made a new vow. She would replace Muisha. She still had contacts in the guild. She was sure they had contacts with these supposed anarchists.

She was going to burn this noble to the ground. He had already sold her soul. She had nothing left to lose.

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