"I need information." Rune replies trying to hold Chrysanthe's unwavering gaze.

"How fascinating," The dark-woman drawls amusedly. "And what is it you think that has to do with me?"

Rune breaks eye contact, searching for a way to explain her problem. "I apologize for the intrusion, but you're the only person I could think to ask. I know we haven't spoken in years, I hardly even recognized you, but, there's been an ambush, and-"

"You're rambling." Chrysanthe interrupts, her face impassive, then she sits on her bed with a sigh. "Very well, cousin. Tell me what exactly it is you want to know, and I will listen, but only this once, for the sake of blood. After this, there will be no more favors."

Rune's hadn't even realized how tense her muscles were until after she heard this. The brunette feels her shoulders relax as she pulls a rickety chair away from the table where the lamp sits and takes a seat across from her long estranged cousin.

"I'm sure you've heard that I've become part of the Guard." Rune says slowly.

"One of the best, according to my sources." Chrysanthe interjects as Rune pauses. At this, Rune smiles bitterly before continuing.

"As I was saying, I'm part of the Guard now, in fact, I'm one of Prince Massen's private guards. Three days ago, we were ambushed. I think someone contaminated our canteens. Everyone was so slow, too slow. The Prince . Nearly all of us were killed. The rest were severely wounded. What I need is information. Have you heard anything about any kidnappings or raids?" Rune asks, barely masking the dim glow of desperate hope in her eyes as she turns to the Thief Queen.

"I may." Chrysanthe replies, her face still blank, giving nothing away. Rune eyes flash dangerously. Seeing this, Chrysanthe chuckles, her laugh, deep and rough.

"Easy, cos, I said I would help you if I could and I shall. Now," Chrysanthe reaches for a tattered book, she opens it as she speaks, "why don't you stay here, for the night. I should have some information for you by morning."

Chrysanthe runs her finger down a stained yellow page. "Ah, there are only two in room six. You can share with them. Tomi will let you in."

As Rune digests this, her cousin dims the lamp light once more and lies back upon the bed. 'Wouldn't Tomi be happy to see her again?' Thinking this, weary woman smiles to herself as she heads back out to the bar.

A/N: So I just kinda started the story without any header and that kinda of upset me for some reason, anyway, this is going to be a kinda long story, bear with me ( Reviews would be sooooooo helpful. ( I'll give you a cherry (