3

The Morning sun shining through the window woke Jassen from a deep and restful, if fitful sleep. He knew how late it had to be for the sun to be over the wall and chastised himself for sleeping so late, though he wasn't sure how late it was when he finally fell asleep.

Getting up, he looked out the window, wondering again at where he was, then donned his armor and headed down to the Tavern. There he found it mostly empty save the morning barkeep. Sitting down to a meal of eggs and sausage in a dark corner so he could take off his helm, he though about what he needed to do. Practicalities first. The how, and why, of where he was second.

He was going to need to re-equip. He had already stored his more interesting weapons in the secret stash locations in the room that he knew only Kreff and maybe Cleef would know of, and until they knew who he was, likely wouldn’t look there. The rest, and more mundane items, his spear and folding blades, he kept on himself as he headed for the merchant section to do some shopping after finishing the meal.

He stepped out into the sun and blinked at the brightness, activating the visor in his helm. An indulgent little bit of tech, but well worth it, and fully functional thanks to Aakeer. As he walked, he saw the way people looked at him. This massive fur, walking down the street in heavy armor. He realized that he was going to have to bite the bullet and get some actual clothes.

Therefore, as he approached the merchant section, he decided to make a tailor shop his first stop, and not bother with the exchange, because what he was going to want was going to be expensive, and just paying with gems, while not likely to get as good an exchange rate at the merchant directly, would mean he wouldn't have to carry around large amounts of cash. He wasn't interested in starting an account with the exchange just yet, as he wasn't sure how long he was going to remain in the city, or if he even should.

He knew, assuming they were still in business, and from Kreff and Cleef’s clothes they were, who to see, and made directly for where the shop was when he was a kid. The same tailor his family had used since their arrival in the city from before he was born.

#

Jassen found the tailor just opening, and still right where he remembered it. Walking up, he watched the fox and his assistant putting out the signs and stage the awning, waiting for them to finish opening and notice him. “Oh My! I’m sorry. Can we help you?”

Smiling inside his helm. He refused to think about, again, how he could possibly be where he was as he recognized the fox from one of his earliest escape attempts. Reaching up he took off his helm and shook out his ears and hair. He liked to keep it long. One of the pleasures he’d come to enjoy since he had became free, and Kef liked it. Smiling again at the shop keepers shocked face. “Actually yes, I need some clothes and I understand your shop has the expertise needed for someone like me.”

Taking a stumbled step back in surprise. “You’re a Tiger-Wolf! And… And not Kreff or Cleef. Where did you come from?″ Taking a breath and trying to collect his thoughts. ″Yes, we have the expertise as you say.” Finally regaining his composure.

“I have come a very long way, and unfortunately all I have right now is my armor, so I would like to get several sets of proper clothing. This should include a formal suit, some standard traveling clothes, and several sets of just general clothes.”

“Not to be too forward, but as of late the Tiger Wolves in this town haven’t been able to pay as timly as they once did.”

“I see. Well. Once you have my proper measurements and can give me an estimate, I’ll be happy to give you a deposit. I’d also, if you are willing, like to settle up any debt my fellow Tiger-Wolves may have developed.”

“No debt. Just not able to pay at once, and a deposit is more than acceptable. Please come in and we’ll get you measured up. What would you like first?” Leading the way inside the shop.

“Thank you.” Following and ducking through the door. “I’d like a set of travelers clothes first.”

Directing Jassen onto the dias and starting to take his measurements. “Easy enough, though I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to take off the armor.”

“Certainly. You may then want to pull the shades. As I said. The armor is all I have right now.”

“OH!” Quickly pulling the shades closed and turning up the internal lights. “You did say that. The lights are better for this work anyway. What name should I put on the invoice?”

“I go by Jassen Jeesic. At least that is the name I was given.” quickly taking the armor off and staging it.

Turning to see Jassen fully naked. “Well. You weren’t kidding. I think I can have a pair of pants and a shirt put together for you in a few minutes if you are willing to wait. What about shoes?”

“I was planning on seeing Kreeevic, assuming they are in business.”

“For someone that has never been in this town, you surely know it.” Running the measuring tape up and down Jassen’s body, wildly taking notes and having him squat, stretch up, etc… Making clothes for a Digitigrade person was an art to make sure that it didn’t bind, that it moved with them, instead of restricting their movements.

“It’s been a very long time since I was here last, but cities like Kreeh don’t change quickly.”

“That is true. I find it funny though.” Taking the last measurement. “Even given that. We have only ever had the one family of Tiger-Wolves here in Kreeh.”

“Nodding. So I understand.” Sitting on the chair to wait, accepting the small cake and coffee from the trainee. “So you’ll understand why I’d appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone who I know you suspect I am.”

Spinning around on Jassen. “Impossible! Does Kreff know? My gods. He has blamed himself all these years. I have blamed myself for not helping. You cannot be Jethen.” The shock of the revelation clear on his face.

“I was Jethen. More than 30 years ago. I fought to keep that name, and a few of the whip scars on my back are a result of that. I consoled myself with simply remembering the name that was once mine as I became the person I am now.”

“I mean, I know that you never drowned in the river like the story. My own freedom is thanks to you. What happened?”

“Kreef and I were in the Eastern forest doing some sparing and light hunting, really just goofing off when those same slavers that caught you came after us. We ran, but I never made the river. He made the jump with one of them on him. I didn’t. I was tackled maybe two strides from jumping myself.”

“My gods. So that is how you came to be there when they caught me.”

“Nodding. Tiger Wolves are not the extinct species we seem to be in this part of the world. We are very numerous in certain parts, but we are also, with a very few exceptions like myself, slaves and gladiators.”

The fox's eyes going wide. “You were a slave? You never got free?”

“Until a few years ago. It nearly cost me my life, but I earned my freedom.”

“So you have been trying to get back here since?”

Chuckling. “Actually no. I created a family there, friends, and a new home. I’m an explorer, mercenary, ruin diver, and muscle for hire, and that is only recently. My being back here in Kreeh... I still don’t understand how it is I come to be here. I’m hoping to get access to the library to figure it out.”

Handing Jassen a shirt. “Try this on.” then handing him some pants. “Then these. If they fit right, we’ll get them finished up so you can go get those shoes.”

Putting on the clothes and moving around, the tailor made some adjustments and had him take them off again. Handing them to his trainee with instructions to complete them. “I appreciate that, and your silence, while I get things figured out. I’m not used to this part of the world anymore. Unless things have changed drastically, being a slave here is not something that happens.”

“Nope. Step foot as a slave in this country, find a guard, and you’ll be a free person very quickly. It is one of the reasons I am free, thanks to you. I was found by a search party that was looking for you.”

Nodding. “That’s what I hoped, and I am glad for it. That said. It’ll be strange to not be challenged to prove that I am a free citizen at any random time. Things have gotten worse in Draakeeth.”

“I cannot imagine.” Handing him the completed clothing and a cord for a belt. “Kreeevic will be able to make you a proper belt and shoes. I will have everything done by the end of the day.”

“That’s excellent. What do I owe you?” Pulling on the pants.

“Gods! Nothing!” Putting up his hands. ″You paid for everything you want and more that day you cut those ropes.″

Frowning. “I owe you. Especially given that I’m going to ask that you use light armor cloth for everything else.”

Stepping back, his nose going gray. “Armor Cloth? But that’s… That’s amazingly expensive.”

“How much?”

Quiet for a moment as Jassen put on his new shirt, he turned to his desk and started writing furiously. “Assuming they have it on hand, I only have one roll here, and I’ll need more to do more than a single set of traveling clothes for you.″ Turning to look at him with a raised eye-ridge. ″You sure you want 3?” Getting a nod from Jassen. “Okay… Let see. Total would be no less than 45,000, using armor cloth. A max of 55,000, depending on where I have to get the cloth from.”

“Only 45,000?” Grinning as he collected and interlocked his armor into it’s carry state. Pulling out the gem pouch he had used the previous night to pay his brother for the room. He pulls out a pair of small gems. “I think these will cover it to what, 50,000? Should cover anything Kreff and Cleef might owe you, and maybe cover a few extra sets of clothes for them. If more is needed, then just let me know.”

Taking the gems and testing them. “Yeah. That will cover it and then some.” Writing out the receipt. “It will however take several days to get the remaining armor cloth I’ll need. You can pick up the first set this evening.”

“Can you deliver it to the Tiger-Wolf inn, room 28?”

“Of course, and that will definitely cover some things for Kreff and Cleef. She’s been eyeing this satin for a dress.″ Fingering a roll of fine blue cloth. ″It has sadly been way outside their price range.”

“Make it up and save it for a birthday or other holiday.” Handing a third gem over. ″As well as something for Kreff.″

“I will. It is good to know that you are still alive after all these years.”

“I am glad that you were able to make it to freedom. At least I saved someone that day.” Finishing tying off his waist with the cord provided.

Just then Kreff walked in with cash in hand, having exchanged the gems Jassen had given him the night before. “Derren. I have the money to square us up.” He stopped dead as he locking eyes with Jassen. He almost fell backwards. “It can’t be.”

“Hello Kreff. I’ve already taken care of any bill you may have had.”

“Yeah, with what you paid me for the room last night, but…″ The recognition clear as a summer day on his brothers face.

Dropping his head in resignation as any hope of keeping secret who he was evaporated. “I used to be, but I am not that child who was just not quite fast enough to make it to the river.”

The play of emotion across Kreff’s face was complex. “Truly? You are. Were. Jethen.” Tears forming in his eyes.

“I was, but I am Jassen. Have been for over 30 years.”

It was clear that Kreff had stopped hearing him as tears started to flow. He leapt forward, and had Jassen not anticipated it, he would have responded violently. As it was, it took an act of will to restrain his reactions. “Jethen!” His tears flowing. “My brother. I am so sorry. I should have been taken with you, carried you, something.”

“You barely made it yourself. There was nothing you could do. I just wasn’t fast enough to outrun full grown wolves.” Finally returning the hug his brother had locked him in and seemed unable to release.

“No excuse. I was supposed to protect you, but now look at you. Where have you been? Why return now? What has your life been like?”

Prying himself free and holding his brother away from him. “I will explain it all Kreff. I promise you that. Tonight. But first, I have shopping I have to do. The method of my arrival here separated me from my things. I wish I’d have kept my pack on me, but it was a narrow squeeze. Anyway. I have to re-build my equipment. Which was why I am here. Next shoes, and then on to other things. Just promise me this. You will not say anything to anyone until after we talk tonight. Okay?” Looking at his brother pleadingly. He didn’t know why it was important that who he was remain secret, but it was important to him in that moment.

Nodding and pulling Jassen back into a hug. “I promise you that. So long as you swear to tell me what happened.”

“I will. I promise.”

They hugged for several more moments, then Jassen headed back out onto the street and to the rest of his shopping, while Kreff stayed to discuss what sets of cloths they had on hold that they would not be able to afford.