Saida opened the door to let Lissa into the inn, “Thanks, I shouldn’t be more than a few minutes. Though it may be a bit longer depending on if he cooperates.” Lissa shrugged her shoulders as she finished. “Don’t take too long now. We still have to find that bathhouse.” Lissa sighed while Saida smirked and watched her disappear into the Inn. Once Saida heard the door click shut, she immediately started pacing.

“What the fuck was that earlier?!” Saida muttered loudly to the air around her, hoping her red-eyed companion could hear her. After a few moments of no reply, she turned and began looking around for them. She spotted them floating lazily at the entrance to a nearby alley and followed them. An eerily smooth voice brushed her ears after she was a few paces in, “My apologies, I am still adjusting after my awakening.” Saida turned to the direction of the sound and saw their eyes level with hers on a nearby wall.

“Adjusting? You call, almost causing me to get in a fight with that woman because you slammed the door adjusting!” Saida glared and pointed a finger. The eyes shifted away from her pointed finger while her glare followed them. “You surprised me, though. I had thought you would enjoy the fighting, but you de-escalated that situation admirably.” Saida sighed while turning to face them directly. “As much as I would have loved to kick their collective asses, it was out of the question. If Micah was sober and not burdening Lissa, I may have done just that. But with both of them being defenseless, I did not want to put them both in an untenable situation.”

Clearly accepting her answer, the eyes closed and mimicked a nod. “I am glad you show restraint in some circumstances, Saida. It does not behoove you to act rashly in all circumstances.” Saida grit her teeth and angrily retorted, “And another thing, you know my name, but I do not know yours. It certainly does not behoove one to have that advantage over one party, you know.” Saida swore she could see the smirk in their eyes before they replied.

“My dear Saida, if I knew my name, I would tell you,” The eyes appeared to look down at some non-existent body. “Considering the present circumstances, you can call me Faceless if that is agreeable.” Saida had to stop herself from laughing after a few calming breaths, she replied. “Fine, if you didn’t want to tell me your name, you could have just said so. Though it is a pleasure to meet you, Faceless.” Saida bowed while rolling her eyes.

“As I said previously, Saida, if I knew my name, I would give it to you. There is no need to feel as though I am hiding this from you.” Faceless replied after a moment, and Saida looked at them with a raised brow. “Wait, you’re serious, aren’t you?” Again Saida could almost feel Faceless raise an eyebrow at her, “Why yes I am, my dear.” Saida mulled over everything for a moment, “In the future, can you at least say something when you decide to do something like slamming doors?” Saida felt Faceless smirk, and before they could answer, she cut them off. “Also, why can I feel when you express yourself. It is a little disconcerting.”

She felt the shock cross Faceless, “You can? How very strange that is something I do not know. Though it is possible, you can only feel them due to our connection. I doubt that you awakening me was a simple matter of coincidence.” Saida put her hand to her chin, “It is possible, but that does make me wonder somethings, why did you choose today of all days to start speaking to me? Can only I hear you? If you could speak before now, why did you not do so? You have been ‘awakened’ for the last week and a half after all.”

Faceless was taken aback by the questions, “That is many questions Saida, but as I said, I am still adjusting to this ‘form’ for lack of a better word. All I could do initially was observe you and your immediate surroundings. I needed time to adjust and gain control over this……” Before they could continue, Saida cut them off. “Wait a moment, only me and my immediate surroundings? Does that mean you have seen me in various states of undress and when I relieve myself this entire time?” Faceless’ brow raised once more, “That is correct though unintentional, the only time I can not see anything is when you are unconscious.”

Saida screamed and punched a nearby wall cracking it slightly and jarring her arm. “Gods damn it, that……that is not something I wanted to hear Faceless! Are you able to at least focus on something else during those times so you can not see me?” Faceless contemplated for a moment while Saida rubbed her arm and fist. “I have not attempted to do so, but seeing and feeling your discomfort from that revelation, I will endeavor to do so.”

“Wait, you can feel what I am feeling does that mean……” Saida trailed off her mind, racing at the possible implications. Faceless sighed, “I misspoke I meant to, say I have felt discomfort like yours. I can not feel anything you feel you need not worry.” Saida, who had started clutching her chest, breathed a sigh of relief, “Oh, thank the gods!” Saida slumped against the cracked wall and slid down it to sit on the dirty alleyway. “Would you like me to continue to answer your various questions from earlier?” Faceless asked after getting to her eye level. Saida bit her cheek before replying, “Yes, if you could, I would appreciate it.”

Faceless nodded, “I needed time to adjust and control this form, so I was unable to interact in any meaningful way with you or the world around you. Speaking was out of the question until now, and the door slamming shut was my attempt to gain your attention. On the question of whether only you can hear me, I do not know the answer to that, though I would tend to think yes is the answer.” Saida listened intently at the explanation and was satisfied with the answers. “Thank you, Faceless, I appreciate the answers, and I apologize for snapping at you earlier.”

Saida stood and turned to look down the alleyway, thankful no one seemed to have seen her or overheard her during this entire exchange. “I think it is time to head out of this alley and see if Lissa is waiting for us.” Faceless nodded and started to melt away to nothing, but not before saying, “If you wish to speak with me, just whisper my name, and I shall answer.” Saida smiled, “Thank you, Faceless, I won’t call upon too much.” She walked out of the alleyway just as Lissa walked out of the front door of the inn.

*****************************************************************

Lissa shrugged Micah off her shoulders and onto his bed, she kissed him on the forehead as he stirred just enough to get fully onto the bed and curl up. “Better sober up soon, Micah. I really don’t want to babysit you again.” Micah mumbled something unintelligible before Lissa shut the door to his room and began walking downstairs.

As she walked, she bumped into one of the room attendants, “Sorry, sir, but can I ask you to do me a favor?” The attendant looked her up and down quickly, seemingly sizing her up. “You may ma’am, what is your request?” He said with a slight bow, the ruffles on his shirt draping low with it. “In that room,” Lissa quickly pointed to Micah’s room, “is my inebriated cousin. Would you be so kind as to make sure he is awake within an hour? I don’t care what you have to do to make sure he is up. Just make sure that he is.” Lissa pulled out two silver coins from her coin purse and showed them to the attendant.

“If you can do that, these are yours,” Lissa watched the man stare at the coins for a moment before he smiled. “Of course, madam. I can do just that though I do have one question, will I receive the payment in advance or when the deed is done?” Lissa pulled a coin into her palm, smirking in victory, “You get half now, and the other half when it is done.” The attendant took the offered coin, and bowed sincerely again. “Your patronage is a most welcome, madam. If there is anything else that either the other staff or myself can do to accommodate you, do not hesitate to ask.”

Lissa returned the bow and put the second coin back in her purse, “I will, thank you for doing this for me. I appreciate it.” The attendant smiled at Lissa’s words and replied as she continued down the stairs. “It is my duty as an attendant to assist in all manners like this, madam.” Lissa sighed quietly as she walked out of sight and earshot of the man. “I just hope Micah isn’t mad at me when he wakes up, especially if that man dumps water on you.” Lissa stopped on the landing above the main floor and contemplated for a moment.

“I wonder if Rian or one of his children would know of a nearby bathhouse or at least where to begin looking for one.” Lissa decided to ask one of them once she was on the main floor since they lived in this city. They must have some inclination where one is. Lissa finished descending the stairs and headed to the bar where Rian’s oldest daughter Andrea tended it.

Andrea heard Lissa’s not so subtle footfalls and turned to look at her. “Lissa, was it? What can I do for you?” Andrea set a fresh shot glass in front of the female patron she was in front of who downed it immediately. “Another…pl…please,” She asked of Andrea while Lissa sat a few chairs down. Andrea rolled her eyes, took the glass, and poured another shot into it. “You are racking up a good tab here, Martha, you know that, right? And are you sure you can even walk out of here?”

Martha downed the shot again. Her tear-filled eyes looked at Andrea. “But he was with another woman again, Andrea and this time I saw them,” She lowered her head and cupped her mouth to whisper something. Andrea rolled her eyes and took away the shot glass, “Have you confronted him about this?” Martha looked down at the bar before replying, “No……” Andrea clenched her fist tightly and almost threw the glass to the ground before calming herself. “Alright, so you need to do two things, Martha,” Andrea said this while putting her hand under Martha’s chin and brought her eyes up.

“First thing you need to do is sober up. Second is you need to confront your husband about this to find out what exactly is going on! I know we have been friends since we were kids, but by all of the gods, you sometimes are still so non-confrontational, it is not going to do you any good.” Martha tried to look away from Andrea as she spoke. “Martha, I love you, but come on, think about this. As far fetched it may be, there may be a reason why he did that with that woman.” Andrea moved her hand away from Martha and pointed towards the back.

“You know where my room is, go lay down sober up and find me if you need anything okay?” Lissa saw the deep concern on Andrea’s face as she spoke while Martha hung on each word. “O…Okay, I will.” Martha stood shakily and started heading to the back while Andrea waved over Norin. “Hey, can you make sure she gets to my room safe?” She asked, and he nodded while dropping off his tray onto the bar.

Andrea finally turned her attention back to Lissa, who, during all of this, sat patiently and tried not to eavesdrop too much. “Sorry, you had to see that she is overly dramatic sometimes,” Andrea said apologetically while walking in front of Lissa. Lissa shrugged, “I know plenty of people that could get like her at times. So there is no need to worry.” Lissa absentmindedly started playing with a water ring left on the bar.

“So, what did you need?” Andrea said, stopping in front of Lissa and wiping the water ring away. “I had a few questions actually, first was, are there any bathhouses in the city? Second is if there are any, do you have any recommendations for one?” Andrea cocked her head at Lissa and raised an eyebrow, “What would you need a bathhouse for we have baths in your rooms.” Andrea shook her head after finishing, “Not my place to question, sorry. The answer is yes, and yes, I do have one I can recommend for you though it isn’t cheap.”

Lissa gently set her head on the bartop while feeling her purse lighten already. “Did I say something wrong?” Andrea asked after seeing Lissa set her head down. “No you didn’t Andrea, I am just dreading the money I will be losing due to this bet I just lost.” Lissa didn’t need to look up to know Andrea was shocked at her answer. “Wait, this is because you lost a bet? What kind of bet was it?” Lissa picked her head up to look at Andrea, “I bet everyone that while we were possibly two days away from here that we couldn’t make it even if we rode all night.” Lissa gestured to herself and the inn.

“As you probably heard from your father, we came in late last night and rented those rooms.” Andrea started laughing as Lissa finished, which caused Lissa to raise an eyebrow. “I thought it was some other guests that caused him to be so grumpy this morning, not all of you. It explains a few things, though.” Lissa bit her lip, not wanting to interrupt, but her foul mood slipped through, and Andrea stopped laughing. “Sorry I got sidetracked, The one I would recommend is the Water Nymph Bathes. They aren’t cheap by any definition, but they will make sure your money is well spent.”

Andrea put a hand out to forestall Lissa’s budding question, “No, they don’t have any actual water nymphs as much as they would love to have them.” Lissa frowned but nodded in understanding since, as far as she was aware, they were very particular about their work and living arrangements. “Though the way I heard it, they did initially have a few on staff when they opened about two hundred years ago, but they either died or left once the city grew.”

Andrea shrugged, “Either way, you should go there, they are by the western gates to make sure the water they get isn’t tainted by the city.” Lissa nodded in understanding, big cities did tend to pollute rivers with various detritus. “Do you happen to know when they stop taking customers?” Lissa inquired after a moment of thought. Andrea shrugged in response, “Dunno, never been there too late myself, but considering the clientele, if you have the money to afford them, you can come anytime.”

Lissa nodded in agreement before standing and placing a silver coin on the bartop. “Thanks for the help. I appreciate it and put it towards covering Martha’s tab.” Andrea beamed as she picked up the coin, “Thank you, Lissa. I will do just that.” Lissa turned and began walking to the door, not before she saw those golden eyes again reflecting in one of the windows. They appeared to be right over her shoulder, and she quickly spun startling a waitress that was walking past.

“My apologies, milady, I didn’t mean to scare you!” The waitress squeaked out while scurrying off. Lissa ignored her and scanned behind her, looking for the eyes but found no trace. Turning back, she muttered under her breath, “It’s nothing Lissa, just your slightly sleep-deprived mind playing tricks on you.” Lissa continued to the door and opened it to see Saida coming out of a nearby alley dusting herself off.

Lissa raised an eyebrow but decided not to question why she was coming out of an alley. “Want the good news or the better news first?” Lissa asked while waiting for Saida to come closer to her. “What do you mean, good news or the better news? You should know my answer already, the better news, obviously!” Lissa smiled as she saw Saida stretch her arms wide as she spoke.

“Alright, so I found a bathhouse that will cater to our needs and come recommended by Andrea.” Saida cocked her head as Lissa replied. “Andrea? Who is that?” Lissa lightly smacked Saida on the head, “She is Rian’s oldest daughter and handles the bar most of the time. It is not my fault you didn’t ask about his family while Norin was serving us breakfast.” Saida gently rubbed her head while rolling her eyes, “Sorry, I am not like you, miss chatterbox.”

“It was basic information gathering that we all learned in the academy. Maybe if you hadn’t slept through some of the courses, you would have learned that.” Lissa chastised Saida before catching out of the corner of her eye two short and eager halflings lunged at both of them. Lissa was barely able to dodge Mera’s tackle hug, while Saida couldn’t avoid Mela’s. “Found them!” the twins simultaneously shouted, drawing a few passersby’s attention.

“Mera, Mela! It is rude to shout that loud! Especially out in the open!” Lissa hissed to the broadly smiling twins whose only response was to wink at her. Lissa walked over to the bowled over Saida to make sure she was alright. As she approached, she could hear Saida muttering angrily under her breath and rubbing the back of her forearms. “……Shits they could have at least made sure that I didn’t……” Saida stopped her muttering as Lissa kneeled next to her.

“You alright?” Lissa asked sincerely, offering her hand in assistance, which Saida graciously accepted. “Just mainly bruised my pride,” Saida replied while glaring at the twins who were giggling at each other. After helping Saida stand, Lissa walked over to Mera and Mela, “So why are you two back, and where are the others?” Mera and Mela both looked at each other, turned to Lissa, and shrugged. “We don’t know, Almios sent me back to find you and Darvick sent Mela back to do the same.” Lissa touched the bridge of her nose squeezing slightly in frustration, “So, you mean to tell me that we now have Garza, Almios, and Darvick on their own in the city?” In response, both Mera and Mela shook their heads.

“Not really, both of them heard a big fight break out and assumed it was Garza and headed that way,” Mela responded. Meanwhile, Mera pointed to the opposite side of the city. “So, both of you had met the other group when this happened?” Lissa asked once again, needing clarification. The twins both nodded before Saida joined them.

“How long ago did this happen?” Saida asked before kneeling down to get eye level with them both. Mera and Mela both put their hands on their chins thinking. Lissa nodded at Saida, acknowledging the excellent question. “Maybe ten minutes ago at most.” Mera and Mela responded in unison, eliciting another round of giggles. Saida turned to look at Lissa, “Do you think we should find them?” Lissa shook her head, “Knowing all of them if they can’t handle a simple brawl, then us joining in won’t help much. Plus, knowing Garza, he probably won’t hold back on whatever is attacking him. If that even is him.

Saida nodded in agreement, “Fair enough, so should we just wait here?” Lissa thought for a moment before turning her gaze to the twins, “Did they mention they would come back here once that was all done?” Both Mera and Mela looked confused for a second before nodding in agreement, “Yeah, they did.” Lissa looked to Saida, “Do you mind scaling one of the nearby buildings to make sure they don’t need assistance?”

Saida smiled, “I thought you would never ask.” Within seconds she was on her feet and leaped to the building on the left of the inn and scaled in promptly. “Umm, Lis, how would she know if they need help?” Mera asked, confused since none of them had signal flares on them. Lissa looked at them both, “Because the guards would be shooting up a signal right about now if things were out of control.” Mela lightly smacked Mera on the back of the head, “How else would they do it?” Mera turned to Mela and began arguing, “I don’t know, shouting we both know that Garza has a good pair of lungs on him after all……”

Lissa tuned out their conversation and looked towards the roof, waiting for Saida to pop her head over. Lissa did not have to wait long before Saida leaned over and shook her head. “…I mean that one time he had two of them, I think and both were……” Lissa turned her attention back to Mera and Mela, of the two Mera was speaking at the moment while Mela was nodding. “Sorry to interrupt your obviously important discussion, but Saida saw nothing. Have either of you eaten since we had breakfast?”

At the mere mention of food, Mera and Mela’s attention immediately snapped to Lissa, who could swear she heard their mouths watering. “Nope!” both of them replied enthusiastically. Saida dropped to the ground next to them rolling with the landing to soften the fall, though almost hitting a couple of children who subsequently screamed and ran away. “Good, because I am starving, we should go inside and get food ordered,” Saida said while rubbing her stomach. Lissa could only nod as her eyes caught Darvick, Almios, and Garza walking. Lissa could clearly see that Garza was carrying, hopefully, an unconscious individual while they argued with each other. Lissa let out a loud sigh, which drew Mera, Mela, and Saida’s attention to what drew her attention. Mela clapped her hand before nearly screaming, “Ooooooo! A test dummy!” Lissa’s hand was already descending to smack her while the boys waved.