Reilyn stood from the chair, picking up his cloak and wrapping it around his shoulders. He held his hand out for Felix. The rodent hopped from the table into Reilyn’s palm, then climbed onto his shoulder. “Thank you for your help, and service. How much do I owe you?”

“Hmm,” Linda pondered, remembering Reilyn’s order. “Two quid, five bob.” Reilyn nodded and reached for his coin. He frowned upon feeling how light the bag was. He removed the allotted fee from his funds. 

“Ah yes,” he handed Linda the coin. “I meant to ask. Where would I go to find work around here?” 

Linda grinned as she took the pay and dropped it into the pocket of her apron. “Well, Burgomaster Tomos is looking for swords. He won't say why, but quid is quid.” She paused and her eyes lit up, furrowing her eyebrows in thought. “I’m also looking for help around here. So, if you want to earn your keep doing something other than killing bandits, serving mead is an option.” 

The idea was refreshing. Skilled a fighter Reilyn was but he didn’t enjoy violence. “I’ve never worked as a server before,” he said with a wary voice. 

“I provide room and board, and discounts on food and alcohol.” Linda shrugged. 

“Alright.” Reilyn agreed. Food and a roof was enough of a motivator. “This sounds like a nice change of pace.” 

“Can you start tomorrow?” Linda asked enthusiastically. 

“Of course.” 

“Perfect!” She smiled, “I’ll show you to your bedchamber.” 

The two made their way up the stairs, Linda was leading. The hallway floor was creaky but sturdy, and the rooms were standard Inn bedchambers. A bed in the corner of the room, a vanity with a water pail beside it and a wash basin not far from the vanity. There were bookshelves near the beds, mostly empty, the odd old forgotten book was left on them. And on the bedside tables sat lanterns. Linda handed Reilyn a fire steel, tinderbox and a couple wooden splints. He gratefully took them and dropped them into his satchel. 

“I’ve never used this building as an Inn, but it was originally before I bought it, so you really have your pick. But,” she motioned to one of the larger rooms, “this is one of the nicer bedchambers.” Reilyn also noticed the bookshelf in this one had a few extra books on it. 

“Thank you,” Reilyn nodded. “I’ll meet you in the morning.” 

“Rest up!” Linda gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder. Reilyn flinched, not fully expecting the touch. “Oh, right. The privy is just out back and the well is in the square.” She informed him, gave him a kind smile and walked off. 

Reilyn sighed, letting out the breath he was holding in, and entered the room, his room. He lightly tossed his satchel onto the bed and unclipped his cloak. Looking around briefly, he found a hook and hung it up. Felix hopped off Reilyn’s shoulder, bounced across the floor and onto the bed, finding a spot to curl up. Reilyn walked over to the vanity and picked up the empty bucket beside it. He took a quick look out the window and made his way out, down the stairs, and out to the well. 

Reaper’s Paradise was close to the town square, so it was a short walk. The cool air of the night was refreshing. After drawing the bucket from the well, Reilyn went back to his bedchamber. Kicking his boots off, he set the now full bucket beside the vanity and began to take his vambraces and greaves off. He then moved on to removing his tunic, which he folded up neatly and set on the vanity. He raised his hands to untie his hair, letting his hip length locks fall loose. He gave his head a shake and ran his fingers through his silver mane to quickly tidy it. 

He then walked to the bed, grabbed his satchel and sifted through the contents. He snickered as he pulled out the fire starting materials Linda gave him. Eyll’Una had eyes that naturally saw from vespers to prime. Their eyes were more adept at seeing in the dark than in daylight. Linda probably just gave him the materials on habit, or she didn’t know much about Eyll, but most Humans were pretty ignorant towards them. Linda seemed kind though. Reilyn was oddly comfortable with her. He set the materials beside the lantern and went back to digging through his satchel. 

Reilyn pulled out a couple cloths, a small linen one and a wool one. He dipped the linen cloth in the bucket of water and used it to wipe his teeth. Rinsing it out and hanging it to dry, he dipped the wool cloth in the water and used it to wash his face, wiping off the dark blue face paint down his left eye. 

He looked up at his reflection in the vanity mirror, tracing his finger down the scar. He let out a deep breath. 

He set the cloth down and reached for his earrings, gently taking them out. He looked at them as they sat in the palm of his hand. They were red, the same vibrant crimson as his eyes, and made of crystal. Short chains extended from the base and plump hearts hung from them. He huffed and set them aside, picking up the wool cloth and wiping his ears. He then cleaned the earrings and stared at them as they sat in his palm once more. Looking up, he saw her behind himself in the mirror. Cold eyes, sadistic grin, her long nails slowly reaching for him.

—

Llyma looked down at Reilyn, a satisfied, coy smile on her lips. She put the earrings through Reilyn’s ears. Stroking his hair and resting a hand on his shoulder, the words slithered out, “Cailli ku mwsen taigis bodum.” |They suit you well.|

—

Reilyn bit his lip. A shaky breath exited him. He closed his eyes, slowing his breaths. When he opened them, she was gone. He put the earrings back in. 

Taking a step back from the mirror, he pulled off his undershirt, also folding it up and setting it on the vanity. He glanced up and down his body, taking in all the scars. Reliving the moments in his head. “Crasswch…” |Disgusting…| He mumbled. 

He turned away and walked towards the bed, pulling his satchel off and dropping it to the floor. He crawled into bed, curling up under the sheets. Felix adjusted and nestled closer to the necromancer. Reilyn drifted off into one of the most comfortable sleeps he’d had in a long time. 

—

The hour of prime came. Reilyn awoke, wincing at the sunlight. This wasn’t his first time having to be up during the daylight, but it never got any easier. He dressed himself with haste and left his room, walked down the hallway and hopped down the stairs into the tavern. Felix scuttled after him. 

Linda was already at work cleaning tankards and placing them around the bar. “Perfect timing!” A wide grin spread across her face. She tossed a rag at Reilyn, he caught it and raised an eyebrow. “You can help me get ready to open!” Linda motioned towards the tables, Reilyn nodded and went around the dining area, wiping the tables off. 

—

“Phew!” Linda wiped her forehead and looked around the tidy tavern. “Thanks for your help. It’s been a while since I’ve had someone to work for me.” She wrung out the rags they used for dusting and cleaning, then hung them up to dry. 

Reilyn crossed his arms, “You were running this place alone?” He spoke with disbelief. Linda nodded, and shrugged. 

“It’s been…exhausting.” She groaned. She walked back over to her bar and poured herself a shot of whiskey. She turned back to face Reilyn, throwing the shot back, setting the glass down and gave Reilyn a long look, taking his appearance in. “What say I pay you early today. We have a few hours ‘till open. You can go get some new clothes.” 

The Eylles eyes widened slightly, “That would be…really nice. Thank you.” He looked down at himself and chuckled. “I haven’t had new clothes in…nee…a while.” 

“I noticed.” Linda leaned towards Reilyn with a coy smile. She pivoted away and went behind the bar counter, reaching down into the compartment she locked her coin in. After a few moments of fiddling around, she walked back out and handed a small bag to Reilyn. He took it, trying not to look too desperate or starved for funds. “Five quid a day.” 

“Thank you Linda’da. Where would I go in town for the tailor?” 

“Linda’da?” Linda repeated, questioning. 

Reilyn’s cheeks flushed, “Oh, it’s just a polite way to refer to someone.” 

“Oh.” Linda grinned. “Also the tailor’s shop is up…that a way.” She pointed northeast, “Green roof, can’t miss it.” 

“Thank you.” Reilyn nodded again and left the tavern. 

—

During that night’s shift, Reilyn’s first shift, he wore an outfit similar to Linda’s. Their aprons and gloves were the same, black with gold embroidery. His undershirt and boots were new, all were black. Unlike his last undershirt, this one had a v neck. The boots went up to his thighs instead of his knees, and had a taller heel than the last pair. His hair was tied into a loose bun, and in an attempt to get more tips and favour with patrons, he consciously chose not to wear his tunic, letting the tight black undershirt and leggings show off his body shape. 

Business was slightly better than usual, or at least that’s what Linda told Reilyn earlier in the evening. He stepped back towards the bar and handed Linda some menus, pointing out the patrons’ orders. “Alright!” Linda beamed and handed Reilyn some plates she’d readied for a previous table. Reilyn took the plates carefully, carrying them with grace towards the group that ordered them. 

The two continued this song and dance until closing time came around. Reilyn carried dirty dishes from multiple tables back to the bar. Reaper’s Paradise was almost cleared out, a few stragglers were finishing up their drinks. 

“I’ll finish up here, you go take care of those dishes.” Linda delegated. 

“Okay.” Reilyn obliged, and carried them behind the bar counter and towards the wash basin. 

A couple more drinks and a load or two of dirty plates and tankards later, the tavern was completely cleared out, doors locked. Linda and Reilyn were finishing up with some minor cleaning. Felix was sneaking around, stealing scraps and leftovers. 

“So, do you like the gig?” Linda asked, her tone chipper.

“Yeah,” Reilyn answered. “It’s oddly refreshing…to do something different.” 

“Feel free to work here as long as you like.” Linda’s face softened. “I love this place. I came here to be a town guard, I was for a while. But making people happy with mead and food is much more fulfilling than warding off scoundrels.” The glasses in her hands clinked quietly as she set them away. 

“Makes sense.” Reilyn agreed. “I could use a break from fighting, myself.” 

The two of them continued to chat about the night, reminiscing on memorable customers, while they wiped down leftover tables and chairs.