"You know, you never did tell me what that was."

Xeri turned, looking up at Dawn as they stood in line to exit the city. On the fifth floor of all places. Why anyone would decide to put a gate up here was beyond her, but it was there, the bastion of slate and steel somehow processing the stream of pedestrians and traffic at height, the capstone at the end of an improvised market district. The line crawled forward at a slug's pace as Xeri frowned, her voice cutting through the murmurs of the crowd and the cries of roadside merchants peddling their wares.

"You mean the request? Don't worry I'll explain everything on the—"

"No! I was talking about that shitshow! Everything was so calm until..."

They had barely made it out of the guild in one piece. As the brawl around the request board died down there were groups that had swarmed Xeri, trying to... encourage her to hand the request over. Xeri had none of it, ignoring bribes, poorly veiled threats and more as she marched up to a receptionist to take on the job. Which had led them here. Xeri shrugged, looking towards the guards at the gate as they finished an inspection and waved a cart through.

"Oh that? That's just how the guild works... for novices and adepts that is."

"Why? That seems really..."

"Stupid?"

"More like crazy. Isn't there a better way to handle that?"

Xeri sighed, shivering from a draft and adjusting her oiled cloak in response.

"Probably, but the guild doesn't care. That lobby is for the meat, the lowest rungs of the ladder. They don't care who does the requests, as long as it gets done in the end."

"Okay, but why fight? Surely you guys can share the—"

"Hah!"

Xeri threw her head back, cocking it to give Dawn a sardonic smirk.

"As if. Think about it, how many dream-filled idiots want to be an adventurer? Then on top of that, think of how many jobs are available for the beginners. For example, if you really needed to, say, save your village from a marauding tribe of goblins... would you try to hire a bunch of weaklings? Or would you make some sacrifices to hire the best you can possibly afford?"

Dawn closed her mouth, pursing her lips. While that did make sense... it didn't make it any less insane. She gave Xeri a questioning glance.

"So you guys get all the shit jobs, but why do this then? You all seem so... tired of it."

Xeri spread her arms with a resigned look on her face.

"Passion? Delusions of achieving wealth or some childish dream? Whatever the case, the common thread is that we want for more, and this is the only good way for a lot of us. But until we rise in rank, most of us take on other odd jobs to make ends meet; which incidentally is exactly why you're now stuck with me. Not that you min—"

Xeri paused, thinking for a moment before turning away and giving up on whatever she was about to say. Dawn looked at Xeri's back, feeling... hurt as she sulked and muttered under her breath.

"So that's what I am? A paycheck?"

If Xeri heard she made no inclination that she did. Dawn knew that she shouldn't be thinking like this, but... She sighed, distracting herself with the vibrant sights and smells of the bazaar as they made their way through the purgatoric queue. As they drew closer to the checkpoint, Xeri suddenly perked up as her eyes found and focused on a pair of guards in the distance. She beamed and waved to the pair she had somehow identified.

"Urizal! Zalin!"

Dawn squinted, barely able to see the two figures as Xeri strode out of the line and provoked a symphony of grumbling. Dawn followed, waving apologetically to the disgruntled orcs before whirling to catch up. Xeri sped forward, moving at a blistering pace through the crowd that soon brought the pair in focus for Dawn's mortal vision.

One was an middle-aged orc woman that was fairly average from what she could tell, but the second made Dawn stop in her tracks. Stripes of blond and black fur covered his entire body, including his long, narrow tail and a set of bushy triangular ears. She looked upon his beady, pink nose, the upturned folds of his mouth, and his slotted eyes that darted around with the energetic playfulness of his lineage. Dawn bit her tongue, trying desperately not to squeal as the literal cat-man turned along with the orc woman and their faces lit up in surprised joy.

"Kid!? Fancy seeing you here! How's your ol' man?"

Xeri grinned as the woman approached, the metallic, azure laminar armor of the city watch clinking with each step. The orc shifted her spear aside and they grasped wrists as Xeri rolled her eyes.

"Well he was doing fine... right up until that bastard Thron came by last night."

The orc scowled as they broke away, spitting and growling with disgust.

"That no good flaccid patch of moss? I have no idea why the floor-masters let that disgrace run about."

A raspy, rumbling voice cut through the din.

"Because they need strength, regardless of the cost. Especially now."

The cat man stepped beside the orc, smiling down at Xeri.

"Xeri, it has been many moons. The winds bring favor for us to meet so soon."

Xeri smiled as she turned, giving him an awkward, sweeping bow.

"Zalin, I take it you just got back? That was quick, I thought you two would be gone for half a year at least!"

Zalin let off a rumbling laugh at the sudden, stiff formality in Xeri's voice.

"It pleases me that you remember the lessons on my culture so well! But please, you need not act so with me. As to why we are back so soon..."

His gaze became troubled before flicking over to Urizal who picked up where he left off, scratching her short, jet-black hair with a look of consternation on her face.

"Well we never actually made it. We ended up getting recalled on the way, all because... have you heard of that gang that's been making their way into the 'Warrens? The -̶̛̟̪͉́-̴̞͚͂̈̽-̸̺͊-̷͚̇͗-̵̣̈́̃-̶̟͖̊-̵̛̞͙̯̐͋-̷͚̆̍"

Dawn blinked, losing balance as her vision went blurry and her ears filled with ringing. She shook her head, frowning as the fog filled her mind and Xeri shuddered.

"Yeah, Smokey told me about them. Those guys aren't normal, even for a gang out of the Pipeways they're... bizarre. But why does the watch care? Last time I checked, the watch doesn't give two shits about what goes down in the Warrens."

The orc closed her eyes and huffed a sigh.

"Yep, and nothing's changed unfortunately. No, they only care now because people have started to go missing on the fifth, even sixth floor."

Xeri shifted with unease.

"Really? But—"

Urizal rested a hand on her shoulder, cutting her off.

"Hey kid? Why don't we talk about this later? This isn't really the best talk for out in the open y'know?"

Xeri paused before giving a reluctant nod, and the orc woman relaxed.

"Besides, we have so much to catch up on! How've ya been Xeri? Is the—"

Dawn's mind drifted away from the conversation as it turned to more inconsequential things. She cast about, content to let them catch up as the last of the fuzziness cleared. They were standing adjacent to the large gate which was really a full on gate house, complete with a set of wrought metal portcullises resting above either end of a muderway. She eyed the countless arrow slits and murderholes cut into the masonry with trepidation, lit by the flickering glow of firelight. For some reason they still used torches here instead of the magelight found throughout the city. Dawn popped up on her toes, trying to see past the throngs of carts and people into the bright light beyo-

Dawn felt a jolt as the cat-man stepped into view, examining her with an intense, unwavering focus. Dawn backed up, holding up her hand to give a sheepish wave.

"Um, hi! Zalin, right? Um, so—"

He broke off the stare, his ears twitching as he turned to Xeri and pointed a claw down at Dawn.

"Who is this? Another one of your... 'friends'? She certainly looks like your typ—"

Dawn yelped as a blurred fist slammed into the cat-man's gut, sending him doubling over into a coughing fit. He looked up, his ears going flat as he gave Xeri an aggrieved glance.

"Xeri! I am only asking—"

An orange hand cuffed him on the top of his head, pinning him into a bowed position as Urizal covered her face with a groan.

"Gods Zalin, you can't say that! This isn't the reedplains! Sorry kid, my moronic husband always forgets."

Xeri shook her head, a look of mortification on her face at the misunderstanding.

"No it's not even like that! Dawn's a—"

Xeri turned, fixing her with a glare that told her to clear this mess up. Dawn thought as she bit her lip. While she easily could... she didn't want to. Be it from spite or petulance, a mischievous idea sprouted in Dawn's mind. She would have her revenge. Dawn looked up as she made her decision, smiling innocently at the orc woman.

"Yeah, it's not like that... we just know each other for business."

Xeri deflated, her relief palpable as she turned back to the doubtful pair.

"See? I swear, you guys always expect the worst from—"

Dawn glanced around before stepping over and wrapping an arm around Xeri's shoulders. The girl froze as Dawn's smile widened and she spoke in a hushed, sultry tone.

"You could say we're business partners, that I'm a... job on the side for her. If you catch my meaning."

The three stood there, stunned by the 'revelation' before Xeri whirled, overcome with equal measure of horror and fury alike. But Dawn was already gone, giggling with glee as she fled the scene... too bad she wasn't nearly as fast. Xeri was only gone a moment, returning with a scowl on her face as she dragged a limp Dawn behind her. She tossed Dawn like a wet rag onto the ground, and Dawn went still, mock laying in a heap to hyperbolize her condition for fun. Zalin eyed Dawn before looking up to Xeri with a raised, questioning brow.

"Is this a joke? I would like to think you would not become so desperate, but I can never tell with—"

"Of course it is! Why would I be leaving the city with... look she's an Enchantress, I'm just taking her on a request!

The pair narrowed their eyes, prompting Xeri to let out an exasperated scoff.

"What did I ever do to deserve... Dawn!"

Dawn turned, gazing up into Xeri's thunderous face that once again suggested it was her problem to solve. Dawn smiled, sticking out her tongue before rolling back over as she shut her eyes, content that her plan was more effective than she could have hoped... right until she was kicked in the stomach. She glared at Xeri's apoplectic expression and stood, whirling, grinning at the duo as she 'accidentally' smacked Xeri square in the face with her hair.

"Yep, totally a joke. We're definitely not going out to be alone and get all wet in the—"

Dawn yelped as a positively volcanic leach growled and latched onto her back, lashing out in righteous fury. The pair watched, bemused at the bizarre spectacle of Dawn trying to buck off a raging gremlin before eventually collapsing back onto the ground. The truth was coerced out of Dawn by force before Xeri swiftly excused herself from the nonplussed couple and whisked her away, treating Dawn as if she was a bomb that could go off at any moment. Xeri pushed her through the checkpoint, being waved through thanks to the privilege of association. When they were past the checkpoint Xeri let her go free, only to leave Dawn in the dust as she stormed ahead through the fortification at a blistering pace. Dawn struggled to catch up, panting as she drew beside her.

"Come on Xeri! Slow down! It was just a—"

They crossed the threshold to the world beyond, emerging from the dim torchlight into the relatively bright world beyond. Dawn was blinded, her eyes struggling to adjust to... Dawn's breath caught as her vision cleared, as she saw what lay beyond.

Massive willows consumed the horizon before her, as mountains, so large that she couldn't really see or begin to comprehend their true size. Each tree was practically an ecosystem unto themselves, with miniature forests growing atop their branches, complete with soil and rock that somehow made it to those heights. She thought she could even see towns nestled up high on some of the branches, resting idyllically behind curtains of toxic green leaves.

And as dominating as they were, the trees were not the only megafauna present. Huge, red-brown vines covered in thorns wormed their way from willow to willow, entangling, ensnaring themselves around the trunks and thicker branches that could support their incredible weight. Several of these vines even made their way to the city, and it was one of these tendrils that Dawn stood before now with only a short drawbridge between. Xeri stood at the end, somehow not mesmerized by the setting one bit as she bore a hole into her, looking at her like she was dirt.

"Come here."

Dawn gulped and filled with dread at the biting tone in the girl's voice. Dawn knew she had been pushing it, but she wondered if she had gone too far as she shuffled after Xeri onto what was the goliath of all vines. Just like the willows, this vine also supported an entire ecology of its own, with normal sized trees and undergrowth rising out of the thick, powderized layer of dead bark that acted as a medium.

Xeri led her along a wide traderoad cut through the growth for a ways, before ducking into the brush, leading her away from the heavily trafficked thoroughfare. Dawn's anxiety began to grow as the boisterous conversations of the pedestrians and the rattling of the carts faded away, replaced only by the song of birds and the pittering of rain against her cloak. Dawn's heart was practically beating out of her chest as they came to the edge of the vine, heading into a recessed crag that looked upon the waters below. It was there Xeri came to a stop, turning to stare with that same judging gaze. Dawn couldn't take the tension anymore. She spoke in a warbling voice.

"H-Hey! So about—"

Xeri bent over shaking and Dawn panicked.

"Look I'm sor—"

"Bwahahahaha!"

Xeri erupted, clutching at her sides as she broke out into full, guttural guffaw. Dawn's face went slack with confusion, the girl's mirth a complete departure from the irate attitude of before. There Dawn stood, stunned as Xeri finally reined herself in and approached, flashing a sharp grin as she punched Dawn on the shoulder.

"Woah, I was completely wrong about you! You're fun. I thought you were just some shut-in rich girl, but you actually have some bite!"

She spun away with a laugh, strolling over and plopping down onto the edge, dangling her feet off the side as Dawn watched transfixed. Who was this person? Her guarded, tense body language was like a memory, replaced by a relaxed and confident poise, her expressions alive with emotion where a stiff mockery had existed before. Dawn sidled forward, ignoring the treacherous drop as she sat next to Xeri with a frown.

"Wait, so you're not mad? Then why were you acting so..."

"Pissed about it?"

Dawn nodded and Xeri shrugged.

"I mean I kind of am? Mainly because you have the subtly of a fucking brick. You got lucky, if it was practically anyone else but those two I would actually be furious... but I'm not. So if you want to know the real reason I acted like that, it was—"

Dawn jumped as she felt Xeri's lips brush against her ear, whispering one, solitary word.

"P a y b a c k."

Dawn whirled, catching a glimpse of Xeri's shit eating grin as she fled. Dawn snarled and took a swing but she missed, too late to hit the unfathomably petty girl as she scooted away with lightning speed. Dawn stood, pointing a trembling finger as she seethed with indignation.

"Really!? You put me through that just for—You're so childish! "

Xeri rolled her eyes.

"Says the girl who smacked me with her hair. But what's wrong with acting childish? I thought you understood."

Xeri jumped up, throwing out her arms for balance as she walked along the edge, tempting death.

"If you can be silly? Goofy? Childish? You take those chances when you get them, after all they are rare enough as it is. I don't know about you but I certainly have enough obligations, enough responsibilities to deal with. I can't exactly have fun and get complacent when I'm crawling through sewer pipes or creeping through some forest... speaking of which."

She looked up, somehow seeming gleam something from the mono-grey, overcast sky. Her grin faded as she stepped away from the edge.

"We need to get moving, we only have so much light and we need to make as much headway as we can. We're really going to have to go deep into the undergroves to find any Barghests."

With that Xeri spun to leave, trudging out of the hidden overlook. Dawn glanced around, letting out a nervous chuckle.

"Did she just say what I think she said?"