Chapter Text
It wasn't in Olivia's nature to be shell-shocked at something as graphic as death. Sure, she's seen people get taken off the chess board from arrows and swords, even some illegal magic, but not like this. Not so publicly and in front of an audience in the city square. His body hung in the air for a solid five minutes before being reluctantly brought down by the guards. Olivia wasn't far away from the podium nor the stage Thjazi was on. She stood in the back, hood up, eyes darted around for any inconveniences but her mind was elsewhere. Rather her stomach was on the verge of coming up on the cobblestone pavement. How could an entire crowd be okay with witnessing something so unsettling? The Creed have never executed someone before.
Olivia wasn't a killer by any means, just an ordinary thief. Paid to steal things from other rich folk and whatever money she had left went to the less fortunate. Of course in dire times, she's raised her knives at people, but she's never drawn blood before, never. It was the one thing Julien never understood about her. "Liv, what if something happens and you need a way out," he would say to her before she left for a job, and Olivia just responded with, "talk my way. It's what I do best."
Speaking of the devil, Olivia was supposed to meet him here. Her eyes glanced over to the guards placing Thjazi's body into a carriage, nothing covering him. It just looked like he passed out drunk on the streets. Taking a deep breath, nausea settled in her stomach, she walked over to the box seats to try to find Julien. The Sundered Houses owned those seats, as many of the royal title did. Very over-dramatic and pious asshole behavior.
Not finding Julien in the House Royce box, Olivia sighed, and rubbed the back of her neck, feeling a pinch nerve take over. Her hood fell back, exposing her curly brown hair that was normally secured with a ribbon, but today was just too much to even bother caring about appearances. Closing her eyes, she looked up at the cloudy skies as various birds flew by.
A much larger body accidentally bumped into her and Olivia opened her eyes rather quickly, her hand going to her dagger attached to her hip.
"My apologies, miss," a rough, low voice said. The man stood, much taller, than Olivia and she had to blink a few times to comprehend what happened. Her hand unclenched the dagger and she straightened up her leather armor.
"My fault," Olivia chuckled, "too busy looking up instead of right in front of me."
The lionfolk man just shook her hand. "Don't be. It's easy to get lost in this vast city." He placed a hand on his chest. "Teor."
"Olivia," she nodded curtly, and reciprocated the handshake. "Just passing through or.." Olivia trailed off as she let go of Teor's hand, watching as the crowd dispersed.
"Returning, actually," Teor said, "in town for a reunion." His mane blew in the wind as a small breeze came over them.
Olivia raised her eyebrows. Interesting. "Let's hope it's better than this and––"
"Liv!"
She turned her head at the sound of her name and Julien stood a few feet away by a carriage, door already opened, and waiting. A tired expression on his face but he remained stern as people passed by. A facade. She held up one finger to him and turned back to Teor.
"My turn to apologize, Teor. See you around. Welcome back to Dol-Makjar," Olivia smiled softly as she walked backwards towards Julien, keeping her eyes on Teor. He's been here before, no one just shows up in this city of all places.
"See you around miss Olivia." Teor nodded his head and crossed his arms over his chest, watching.
Olivia saluted him before turning to put her attention on Julien. She swallowed as she approached him. "He's up to something." She whispered under her breath.
"Really? What gave that impression. Surely, not the talisman at his side or the shield on his back, or his neatly braided mane, or the fact we haven't seen him before." Julien said, fixing the small curtain attached to the window of the door.
Olivia slapped his shoulder. "I was making conversation. It's what I do."
Julien rolled his eyes. "It's what you always do. Now, c'mon, we're attending a funeral." He extended a hand out for her to grab and lead into the carriage. Olivia took it and ignored the feeling of his leather glove on her bare soft skin.
Aranessa was waiting for the two of them inside. Her eyes glossed over with tears as they slide down her round cheeks. She clutched a necklace in her hands and breathed heavily, borderline hyperventilating.
Gingerly, Olivia touched her shoulder, making the older woman look up at her as if she had burned her. "I'm so sorry for your loss." She said gently, and meant it. Her relationship with Aranessa was purely transactional, it didn't mean Olivia was cold-hearted. She actually cared more than she let people on. Something she used to her advantage most of the time.
"Thank you, Olivia," Aranessa sniffled and wiped her nose with a handkerchief. The carriage moved out of the city square and through the neighborhood as the wheels drove over cobblestone streets.
"You shouldn't have had to see that, no one should have." Olivia rubbed Aranessa's shoulder, slowly and gently, as if one wrong move will send the grieving widow into a state of flux. She took her hand off Aranessa's shoulder and entwined her hands with her own in her lap as Julien sat in front of the two of them, legs crossed, but a bump in the road would occasionally have their knees touch.
Olivia sighed and looked out the window but not before glancing at Julien, who had his arms crossed over his chest, his eyes drawn down, pondering something on his mind. He did that a lot. After all, being the heir of his own house was a lot to think about, not to mention how much of a prick his father was. Raimond demanded much for his son and in return got his ass kicked for somewhat retaliating back, which was never in Julien's favor. There wasn't much love there, Olivia knew this since she met Julien all those years ago. You have a duty to the household and an appearance to keep up. No matter what, even though Olivia thought often of what happened behind close doors she wasn't allowed through. Julien only told her as much as he wanted, which often made her bite her tongue back.
Movement out of the corner of her eye made Olivia turn her head from the window to Julien, now in front of her, hands clasped over his knees, he leaned forward tilting his head down. His long curly hair covered half of his face, the side Aranessa sat on. His gauntlet almost grasped her own hands. Stupid heavy metal thing. So obscene.
"You doing alright?" Julien asked. He tightened the gauntlet straps on his arm.
Olivia fought the urge to roll her eyes. "Not really. That was really graphic."
Julien exhaled. "If that was your definition of graphic, you should see me on the battlefield."
"Excuse me, sir," Olivia dragged out the title name. She leaned forward in her seat, eyebrows threaded together. "I've never seen something like that before, let alone draw blood from someone. It was unnerving." She paused. "Think you forget I had my head buried in books before I became a thief."
"How could I? It's how we met." Julien scoffed. The corner of his lips curled up into a small smile. As much as he sometime hated Olivia's methods, he could never, ever be mad at her. "Hey," he began. His non-gauntlet adorned hand reached out to her own. Olivia let him take it. His warm calloused hand held her slightly frigid one. She should've brought her gloves.
"I promise you that you'll never have to see that kind of carnage again," Julien said and meant it truthfully. "Not while I'm around." He squeezed Olivia's hand.
Olivia nodded her head and a genuine smile flashed across her features. "Thanks Julien." She ignored how he didn't let go of her hand until the carriage stopped in the further district of The Rookery. She exited first while Julien had a moment with Aranessa. It wasn't her business what happens here tonight, she was here for support and she can't say no to Julien.
It seemed they weren't the only one out to pay their respects to the fallen Fang brother. She could hear chatter and low conversations from outside of the not-so lavish home, but it felt comfortable, lived in. More so than her own small place that she barely makes rent. Things were different, times were changing in a direction Olivia knew not where to turn.
She paused at the threshold of the house, low vines sprouted from the ground as well as many flowers in their boxes on the windowsill. Olivia stepped over them towards the front door and knocked. The door opened on its own and Olivia raised an eyebrow, taking notice of the decorations above the door frame. A rusted nail. Interesting. There was a slight hum to it.
Olivia clenched her hand at her side and cleared her throat. The only one who caught it was the lionfolk man she met earlier, Teor. He squinted his eyes, wondering why she was here.
"Olivia, pleasure to see you again," Teor said as he approached, only catching the eyes of everyone in the room.
At her side, Olivia cracked her knuckles. "Teor." She nodded her head, respectfully. "Reunion?" She questioned.
"Something like that," he responded. "Would you like a drink?"
Olivia glanced behind him to see Thjazi's body laid out on the table, covered in various trinkets and items. "You offering?" She looked down at the untouched drink in his hand and without waiting, she took it from his grasp and finished it quickly. Not caring what kind of strong liquor it was. It burned her throat, fire settled in her stomach.
"Remind me to never get in a drinking contest with you," Teor said, stunned, at the empty glass. This would be an interesting evening.
"Never get in a drinking contest with me," Olivia repeated and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Excuse me, Teor." She walked past him towards Halandil in conversation with the young boy from Halovar house.
"Hal," Olivia said as she placed a hand on her chest, "sincere apologies for your loss. Thjazi was a good man." Halandil nodded curtly and extended a hand towards the young woman, nothing but a grateful acknowledgement in his expression.
"Olivia, thank you for coming."
"Of course." She nodded, turning to Wicander. "Hello Wick."
The young Halovar's eyes widened and his drink stilled in hand before it could touch his lips. He cleared his throat. "Olivia. Good to see you. A rare appearance indeed."
Olivia lightly chuckled and leaned in close to him, whispering. "Don't believe anything your grandmother says." And took his drink, leaving him completely dumbfounded as she walked away, towards the front door just as Julien entered with Aranessa on his arm. Olivia handed him Wick's drink with a smile on her face and leaned against the wall of the abode.
"A godsend you are," Julien whispered to her as he led Aranessa towards her late-husbands body to say her pleas and goodbyes. It was emotional and how could it not be? Watching someone grieve someone they bared their heart and soul to, something that felt unfathomable for Olivia. Allowing someone to cherish you for their whole life, letting them see the darkest parts of you and loving you all the same. Olivia shook her head and leaned her head against the wall, head almost hitting a small lantern.
She closed her eyes and listened as Aranessa argued with Wicander, bickering back and forth, before his demon friend escorted themselves out. The quiet settled in once more and Olivia exhaled a shaky breath. Many people, friends, colleagues alike, showed up for Thjazi. It was a treat to see, she only hoped when the inevitable happens to her, people will come in rows. Then again, the only person she had was Julien.
Speaking of her friend, Julien stood by Thjazi, paying his respects. His head turned away from the group for a moment of privacy before he nodded his head, and came towards her. His hand rested on the hilt of his rapier. Drink discarded somewhere. He stood tall, regal, next to her, shoulder to shoulder. Though their height difference put her just below his shoulder.
Julien cleared his throat. "Thank you for coming with me, and her," he nudged Olivia in the direction of Aranessa who was having a conversation with Thaisha Lloy.
"Anytime," Olivia said. She placed a hand on the one that held the rapier, allowing him to take a moment to unease and realize danger wouldn't be happening tonight. Julien slowly exhaled and released his tight hold. She looked up at him. The lantern cascaded a light yellow hue across his face as he surveyed the floor. It brought back memories to the two of them in the library, Julien needed help with his studies and his other compatriots were out and about. Olivia was, really, the only one available. Late nights under the small lanterns glow. The two of them hunched over books and tables, the quiet stillness of the night. It felt good, comfortable.
"Julien," Olivia began, opening her mouth to speak, but paused seeing Thaisha come over with a glare in her eye. The older orc woman stopped in front of the two of them. She breathed deeply.
"Crow keeper," Thaisha said to Olivia. To Julien, "could I speak to you?"
"Hello, Thaisha," Olivia replied.
Julien rolled his shoulder back. "Certainly. Here or outside?"
"Outside, please."
"Lead the way, miss Lloy." Julien extended a hand out towards the door. "Stay with Aranessa, please, Liv."
"Sure," Olivia nodded and took her placed next to the widow. A hand on the back of her chair in a protective manner. She breathed deeply. Not knowing things sent her stomach in a frenzy, especially when it came to Julien.
Mere minutes passed by and there was yelling, confusion, and drinks being passed around to a Elven warrior that came questioning Thjazi's belongings and wanting what was stolen from her. Aranessa argued, as politely as she could, in the state she was in. Olivia could see this was taking a toll on her and how could it not? Argument after argument, false accusations about her husband who she adored throughout his life.
Olivia rolled her eyes. Knuckles turning white from the grip she held on the back of Aranessa's chair. "I believe," she spoke, loud and clear. The room quieted down, many faces unknown and known to her stared back, waiting as patiently as they would. "We've forgotten why we're all here. To grieve a man, most all of us knew, and if not, to say our condolences. Death is swift and quick and feral as it comes. A woman lost her husband, a family lost their brother, and instead of being at peace we're sitting here spitting accusations at one another, instead of holding out a fucking hand to this community of people."
"I don't know loss as you have," she said to the Elf, now known as Vaelus. "But, I grieve many people, including my own parents, wherever and whatever plane of existence they may be held. Stay civilized or be forced out. Understood?"
Majority of the group nodded and quickly took sips of their drinks.
"Sure, you're not a bard, Olivia?" Hal jokingly asked, swirling his drink in hand as he followed Thaisha up the stairs, their daughter trailing behind.
"Never in a million years, poet." Olivia laughed as she felt a body next to her. She didn't have to guess if it was Julien, of course it was. He leaned down to her ear, his long hair grazed the back of her neck.
"Where's that Liv when my father is around?" He asked.
Olivia turned her head, resting her chin on Julien's shoulder. "Hiding." She said shamelessly, and well, honestly too. The late night hour made her a bit tired. "You know he's not fond of me."
"Well, I am," Julien said instinctively. "I know you like to hide in the shadows, as most of us do, but you don't have to do that around me."
Olivia didn't say anything and nodded her head, but it just looked like she rubbed her head against Julien's shoulder, much like a small animal offering comfort. Julien fixed her hair and smiled slightly, looking down at her. He cleared his throat once he noticed the dwarven wizard, Murray, eye the two of them.
No faults, no loose ends, no ties.
A loud thud made Olivia jump in place. Her eyes widened at the noise, she nodded for Julien to inspect while she stayed with Aranessa. Watching as he headed up the stairs, hand on his rapier the second time that evening.
"Do you need someone to stay with you tonight, Lady Aranessa?" Olivia asked as she leaned down to the older woman.
Aranessa sipped at her drink, a miracle it was still somewhat full. "No, thank you, Olivia. I can manage, although when Julien returns, I'd like to leave."
"Of course. The hour grows late and there's much to do tomorrow."
Aranessa hummed. "Indeed there is. More to heal."
Olivia raised an eyebrow at that, putting it into the back of her mind to process later, definitely not now. There was too much going on and she'd like to sleep peacefully for once. Something rubbed against her ankle, something furry and small. Olivia looked down to see a small fox-like creature, mix matched fur, and button eyes. Without hesitating, she knelt down and held out a hand for the animal to smell.
"Hello," Olivia said softly. The animal dipped its head into her hand and shivered at the human contact, enjoying it even more when she scratched the back of its ears.
"Apologies. He does that a lot," a young voice spoke.
Olivia looked up at the man whose voice emanated from. The young Tachonis boy. Interesting. "It's no trouble. He's very friendly." She continued to pet the creature.
"He doesn't listen to me very well, but he's nice to have around."
Olivia chuckled. "I can see why." She stood up, watching as the fox stared at her, tilting his head, and outstretched a hand for the Tachonis boy to shake. Seemed like she would be meeting every kind of human tonight. "Olivia."
"Occtis, ma'am," the man, now known as Occtis, shook her head, shakily. He was incredibly young and interestingly enough, a bit skeptical. Intriguing. Olivia's eyes squinted, small lines in the corner of her eyes bunched up.
"Are you here alone?" She questioned, reaching down to take a sip of whatever drink they gave her. She tried to ward off the tiredness, making contacts and finding information.
Occtis' eyes widened. "Oh, no, no. I've been around…came here with Thaisha earlier. She's been great."
Olivia wet her lips. "She's always great, on occasions. Can I ask you something?"
"Am I being threatened? Seems like a lot of that has been happening all evening," Occtis said as he snapped his fingers and the creature apparated from the floor to his arms.
"You would know if you were being threatened by me, young man," Olivia said in a similar tone as she did minutes ago with her small speak. Making her claim, voice known. "Where's Thimble?"
Another thud echoed from upstairs.
"Who?" Occtis said, mouth agape. He rubbed the back of his neck and tried–and failed–to look around the room at anything but Olivia. "I've never met anyone like that, nor with that name."
Olivia squinted, the small creases in the corner of her eyes bunched together, and she sighed. Slapping a hand on Occtis' shoulder. "Well, thank you for your time. Lovely meeting you, Occtis." She cracked her neck as she walked away from the young boy and headed outside for fresh air. She looked up at the rusted nail above the doorway.
Nothing out of the ordinary, but Olivia knew it was bound to light up soon. She just had to wait it out. The cold night air sent shivers along her arms and up her spine. Olivia held her hands together, tightly. Something was amiss, something was wrong, and Olivia didn't like not knowing things, things especially that would harm her and Julien.
Her thoughts were disrupted by Julien, with Aranessa on his arm. Olivia tilted her head at the two of them.
"We're taking our leave. Are you coming with?" Julien asked as he lead Aranessa into their carriage.
"I'll catch up with you." Olivia said, arms crossed over her chest.
Julien gave her a deadpan expression and raised an eyebrow. Not believing her. He sighed and shut the carriage door, standing in front of her. The small cloak on his back blew in the late night breeze, almost as if time stood still for a moment. The crickets quieted down.
"I promise," Olivia said to him, she grabbed his hand and squeeze it, much like he did earlier in the carriage. "I'll be safe." As those words left her lips, Julien nodded his head.
"Livy?" A deep voice a few feet away interrupted them. Although it sounded slightly slurred and intoxicated, it was definitely her name being called.
Olivia turned her head at the incoming sound to see an older rugged man, leaning against the Fang household. A wolf at his side, sat patiently waiting orders.
"Holy shit, Kat!" Olivia gasped, letting go of Julien's hand to hug the older man. Her arms barely clasp around his neck, but he wrapped a strong arm around her waist, lifting her off the ground. He reeked of alcohol and wet grass with a hint of dried leaves. Once he put her down, Olivia touched the scar on his face. It wasn't there the last time they met.
"Where'd you get this from?" She asked, light fingers touched the indentation that ran from his forehead through his eye and onto his cheek.
Kattigan chuckled, bringing her hand down from his face. "Where do you think?" He nudged a finger at the wolf at his side. Olivia shook her head, of course, Wulferic. "Haven't seen you in a minute, how're you?" He pressed a kiss to the crown of her head.
"A bit shaky, you know me," Olivia said, she just smiled. One that didn't reach her cheekbones, but showed off her small dimples.
"Liv, find me in the morning." Julien stated to her. It was an order. His jaw clenched and he breathed deeply, nostrils flaring as he did so. With everything happening, it was right to be more cautious and concerned about the on-goings of the city, especially during a time where the Creed was making high-demands for the other houses. Julien begrudgingly bowed his head at the new arrival, biting his tongue, and headed into the carriage before it took off down the street.
Olivia exhaled and bit the inside of her cheek. Ignoring Kattigan's stare, she bent down to Wulferic. "Hey, buddy." The wolf leaned into her touch, knowing her scent fairly well by now, and let the pats and scratches commence. Wulferic licked her cheek.
"What going on Livy?" Kattigan asked, clearly not letting anything go.
"I need to talk to Thimble," Olivia asked, "did she come with you?" She looked up into the sky around them for any sign of a small pixie lady.
"Think she went inside but–"
Before Kattigan could finish his sentence, Olivia was running inside, surprisingly, with Wulferic at her heels. She looked around the lower floor of the home for the small pixie, eyes darted around every corner, crevice, and air vent, eventually setting eyes on her by Thjazi's body.
"Thimble!" Olivia called out, a hand cupped near her mouth for more volume.
Most of the mourning crowd had dispersed into the backyard and or leaving to head to bed for their morning shift. Most of Thjazi's family and friends stayed behind, mostly to figure out what Vaelus was planning and or other secretes hat were bound to spill out from their short amount of time together.
The small pixie flew up into the air and quickly flew over to Olivia's outstretched hand. Thimble stood as tall as she could on her friend's hand. She looked a bit older than Olivia remembers working with, then again it's been a year or two. Below them, Wulferic began to jump and nip at the fairy. Olivia scratched behind his ears to calm him down.
"Olivia!" Thimble gasped. "He's gone. They got him!" She clenched her hands together.
"I know," Olivia sighed, "I'm so sorry."
"Did you know?" Thimble asked, she breathed heavily. "He was going to be safe. Someone fucking snitched." She let out a small sniffle, eyes bloodshot. "Your people attacked me."
"I had no idea, genuinely. It surprised me the most," Olivia said. "You know me and blood and violence don't mix. I just steal."
"Don't I?" Thimble chucked and wiped her nose with her arm bracer. She leaned against one of Olivia's outstretched fingers that held her like a small protective barrier in case Wulferic tried anything. "Where's your pretty boy?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at the way Olivia blinked before realizing she was talking about Julien.
"He left a couple minutes ago." Olivia answered. Her hand stilled in Wulferic's fur.
"And he didn't take you with him? Shocker." Thimble crossed her arms over her chest.
"I had to talk to you," Olivia argued back, "not everything I do is about him."
Thimble mumbled something under her breath Olivia couldn't hear but behind her, Kattigan laughed with a hand on his chest. The small fairy leaned over Olivia's index finger to see the older man. "Nice of you to finally show up, Kat."
Kattigan just walked past the two of them towards the alcohol. "Made it before the fun started."
Thimble rolled her eyes, turning back to Olivia. "What did you have to tell me?"
Olivia raised her hand higher so the two of them met eyes. "Cas is gone. Fucking dipped out of nowhere." Her eyes showed Thimble nothing but the truth and a hint of fear. Cas was the silent deadly type.
Thimble dug her feet into Olivia's skin, only causing the bare minimum of pressure, and clenched her fists at her side. "Of-fucking-course." She flew off Olivia's hand and into the air. "You're coming with us tomorrow then." Thimble poked at one of the many freckles that lingered the bridge of Olivia's nose.
"Um, what?" Olivia twitched her nose and raised both eyebrows at the pixie. "I can't, I have to–"
Thimble groaned and extended her arms out for dramatic flare. "You can fuck Julien on a different day. This is important business. This is Crow business. Yours."
Olivia hung her head. not daring to comment on the fact that she has never been with Julien like that. He would never. "Alright. In the morning we'll go."
"Fuck yeah!" Thimble exclaimed and flew over to Thjazi, settling by him for the evening.
Olivia shook her head at Thimble's antics as Wulferic rubbed his head against her thigh. Despite being a fully grown wolf, he was getting bigger. "Lead the way, buddy."
"Backyard leads into the woods. Just latch the gate closed," Hal mentioned as Olivia passed by, he handed her two cranberry rolls as a thank you for tonight. "Eat up. You'll need your strength."
She took a bite of one and held the other one out for Wulferic. He smelled it and shook his head, sneezing. "More for me."
An arm slid in between her own, much like a gentleman leading a lady towards a great gala. "You takin' off with my wolf again?" Kattigan joked.
"Not my fault he likes my company better than you. Right, Wulferic?" Olivia called out to the wolf who was now farther than the two humans. His nose caught the scent of something, he had to investigate.
"Ha, looks like he doesn't," Kattigan laughed, tilting his head back as a low rumble echoed from his mouth. Olivia rolled her eyes as she stepped over leaves and fallen tree branches. The woods were quiet besides the crickets and occasional owls hooting as the scavenged for their meal. They followed Wulferic to a small make-shift tent area, Kattigan's doing. No one came out to this area, considering it was near civilization. Most people liked to camp much further away in case of any enemies on their trail. The small hill they sat on had an overview of fields and mountains in the distance. The river flowed nearby, rushing water lit up in the moonlight.
Olivia sighed, resting her arms on her upright knees, and stared at the moon. It shined brightly on them as it did the rest of the population of Dol-Makjar. A constant reminder that things could shine bright in the dark as they do in the light.
"You kickin' it with me tonight?" Kattigan asked. His muscular shoulder touched Olivia's, long hair draped over his neck tangled with his necklaces.
"That okay?" Olivia inquired, turning her head to the older man. He looked more rough than the last time they met, which was a year ago. Olivia had business with the Crow Keepers that sent her to Dol-Rungja. Kattigan was there doing whatever the hell he's doing now and they reconnected.
"More than okay," Kattigan said. He tilted his head, ears twitched as he did so, and Wulferic appeared. A low whistle came from Kattigan's mouth. "If you go back and catch Thimble, I'm sure Olivia here, will find some rabbit for you." He winked at Olivia. "Plus I'm sure Pin would love to play."
Wulferic let out a low howl and scrunched his nose. He walked towards the two of them for pets from Olivia before doing as he was told. Back to the Fang household, again that evening. A loyal companion.
"You didn't have to do that–"
Mid sentence, Olivia was lifted off the ground and placed in Kattigan's lap, his hands grabbed her waist. The leather attire squeaked against his own. Instinctively her hands went to the base of his neck, fingers playing with the roots of his hair.
"Yes, I did," Kattigan said as he kissed her, hard. Biting her lower lip as his tongue slipped into her mouth exploring her as if she was some forgotten meal out in the woods. Olivia let out a low moan as her hips moved against their own will. Kattigan's hands slowly slide down her waist to hold her ass, keeping her in place. He groaned, as she kissed him deeper before pulling away.
"Is this going to happen every time we reconnect?" She asked, breathless, and pressed light kisses down his jaw, neck, pausing at his pulse point before continuing down his chest.
Kattigan brought a hand up to her jaw and lifted her head up. Her dark dilated pupils met his. "I'd like to." It didn't care he smelled like liquor, Olivia had grown used to the smell of it throughout the years she's known him. She was accustomed to it.
Olivia nodded her head. "Okay, good."
"Yeah?" Kattigan grinned, a sly smile formed on his mouth as he angled his head back. Neck on full display.
"Yeah." Olivia teased back as she undid the straps of her top leather armor. The heat already getting to her. Kattigan just leaned back on his elbows and watched patiently. "You gonna help?" She asked, unsnapping the buttons as the top piece of her armor slipped off her shoulders, leaving her in just a black tank-top.
"Nah, I'm enjoying the show," Kattigan said, eyes never leaving her chest. The cold air made her nipples more prominent against the fabric. He brought a hand up to her and rubbed his thumb against one of them. Olivia moaned low and began to grind against the growing tent in Kattigan's trousers. She bit her the inside of her cheek. Heart pounding in her chest as arousal only grew. It's been too long since she's been with anyone, not since the last time with Kat. And after the day she's had, she deserved something good, and that was Kattigan.
"Kat," Olivia mumbled. She undid the tie of her trousers, slipping them halfway down her legs, and Kattigan immediately reached for her. Hand gently grazed her stomach before sliding down to her cunt, slipping a finger, then two into her. Olivia brought a hand to her mouth to suppress her ever going need. He moved ungodly slow, savoring this moment, as he did previously when they reconnected. As his fingers slowly thrust, his thumb circled her clit, and a shiver went up Olivia's spine.
She exhaled slowly, controlling her heavy breathing, and leaned down to rest her forehead against Kattigan's, giving him better access. Her eyelids fluttered. Kattigan watched her like a hawk, noticing the simplest of changes in her body, eyes, and breath. Olivia gripped his arm, nails dug into his skin, his muscles twitched at it, not faded by it.
"Livy," Kattigan said, making Olivia glance at him. She roughly swallowed.
"Yeah?" She whined, voice going a high octave.
"Missed you," Kattigan said as he slid a third finger. He moved faster this time, knowing her little tells when she comes. He kissed her, swallowing her gasping moan, as she gripped his arm, much tighter, shaking as her climax came through. She pulled back and undid the belt buckle of his pants, his hard on full display now.
Kattigan lifted her up with an arm, much like he did when they met outside, and slowly slid his cock into her soaked entrance. He could tell its been awhile, the way she stretched, and accepted it. Olivia breathed through it, holding onto Kattigan. It felt so good. She moved slowly, then faster, wanting to chase this high she had with him. He groaned, grabbing her ass as he began to thrust much deeper into her.
Olivia pressed kiss after kiss to Kattigan's neck, often biting and leaving behind small bruises as a reminder of their time together. Her hips moved at the same pace, sometimes back and forth to get the rhythm moving. She knew Kattigan loved that, his moans came out deeper from the back of his throat.
She wasn't going to last much longer and he knew that, because this was Kattigan, the ever perceptive ranger. Olivia brought her hand to her cunt and touched her clit, circling slowly. More friction will do. She felt anticipation deep in her stomach, and Kattigan did as well. His face slightly flushed and he wasn't breaking a sweat. Olivia rolled her hips once more and a moan escaped her lips, nothing like she's ever heard before.
"Kat," she whispered, eyes fluttering.
"I got you, Livy, baby," Kattigan's voice sounded off as she bit his shoulder when the pressure became too much and she gasped against his chest, coming hard. Specks of black clouded her vision as her heart pounded vigorously in her chest. She breathed slowly, inhaling, exhaling and lifted her head up to look at Kattigan. His hands moved from her ass to her waist, pulling out of her and moving her to a more comfortable position on his chest. Olivia winced slightly at the change of contact.
He pressed a kiss to her forehead and smiled, a light chuckle on his lips.
"What?" Olivia said, voice hoarse. She laid still on top of him, listening to his heart beating. Her grip on him loosened, she rubbed his arm as a cool breeze came across them.
"Thank you," Kattigan said. His body tilted, along with Olivia, in the right direction as he reached for his backpack. He grabbed a spare, but clean, handkerchief and cleaned her up as she lifted her hips for Kattigan to fix himself as well.
"For?" Olivia asked, raising an eyebrow as she felt Kattigan dress her back up. Her leather armor top remained on the ground for now.
"Being there for me when I needed it," Kattigan revealed, earning a mouth agape expression from Olivia. "Genuinely, Livy. I've been around the Rebellion since the beginning and they're like family, old colleagues and what-not, but there's something about you that just gets it, you know?"
Olivia rested her hands on his chest and set her chin on top of them, looking at him as Kattigan leaned back on his backpack. "I understand. It's never not stressful around here with everything happening and all the noises in the city. Sometimes the quiet can be nice, especially with good company."
"You mean Wulferic?"
Olivia slapped his chest as Kattigan laughed. "You, idiot." She smiled, a genuine one this time. "Thank you, Kat."
He reached up and rubbed her cheek, thumb caressing her cheekbone, softly. "Anytime, Livy. And I mean it." Kattigan sighed contently, chest rising then falling.
Olivia rolled her eyes and pressed a kiss to Kattigan's chest before leaning her head down. She knew Julien would be at the brothels. He would always go there after a slightly stressful day. After all, why should he have all the fun and not her.
Birds chirping and whistling woke Olivia up with a start. Momentarily forgetting where she was, comfortably on top of Kattigan, again, for the fifth time. She sat up and rubbed her tired eyes and put her armor back on. She had to meet Julien before she went off with Thimble to the other Crows. Next to her, Kattigan remained sleep, quietly snoring. Olivia threw her shawl back on over her shoulders and stood up just as Wulferic was coming back with breakfast in his mouth. He caught a small rabbit, something that was supposed to be Olivia's job to get but the wolf let it slide after all the other times he's hung out with the rogue.
"Tell him I'll see him soon, okay, buddy," Olivia said to Wulferic and scratched behind his ears. He just licked her hand in agreement.
Walking back the path to the Fang household, Olivia entered through the back door that was gratefully left unlocked. She found Thimble, awake, flying in the air at her appearance this morning. Also wide awake, looking like he barely slept, was Hal, drinking either alcohol or coffee. Olivia couldn't tell what was in this cup, they all looked like the same dark liquor.
"Morning, Olivia," Hal said over the rim of his cup as he took a long sip. "Thimble's been waiting for you."
Thimble nodded her head and flew right in front of Olivia's face, grinning. "I have. Ready to fight some Crows?" She brought her fists up to her chest.
Olivia blinked. "Hopefully not, but we'll see what happens." She slowly walked backwards to the front door, Thimble still trailed behind her.
"I promised Julien I'd see him in the morning, but I'll meet you there."
Thimble said nothing but landed on her shoulder. She sat on Olivia's shoulder, feet dangling off as she held onto her dark hair. "Can I come with?" She asked.
"Yeah, sure," Olivia said, biting her cheek, "but don't say anything about last night."
The two of them exited Halandil's home. The rusted nail above the doorframe calmed from red to normal gray color, signaling the fairy was out of the abode and away. No danger this morning. They have hushed conversations to themselves as Olivia leads herself and Thimble to where Julien is–the brothels, because of course he's there. No one else can see Thimble, with her hidden in Olivia's dark hair. Some on-goers do a double-take at this half-elven woman speaking to herself.
Thimble tells her about their job with Thjazi and other small missions here and there. She failed to mention to Olivia that Occtis and Kattigan were tagging along. They were also meeting them a few blocks from the Crow Keepers place. Olivia just nodded her head along as Thimble spoke and before they knew it they arrivedat the brothels.
A large carriage sat out front and an older gentleman got out, hands on his hips, and called out Julien's name rather loudly for so early in the morning. Raimond Davinos stood tall and proud, a bit uncomfortable, outside.
"Stay hidden," Olivia mumbled to Thimble as she made her way over to her Julien's father. "Sir Davinos." She bowed her head.
Raimond turned, slightly startled by her presence. "Olivia, my dear, lovely to see you." He sighed, heavily. "He's in there, right?"
"It would appear so, sir." She nodded her head and grimaced at the building, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Can you go get him and bring him out? We have matters to attend to." Raimond said, more like demanded. He didn't dare move from is spot on the cobblestone ground. Figured he's be safer outside by the carriage rather than entering whatever hell went on inside.
Rather than arguing, Olivia did as she was told. She breathed deeply entering the Brothels. "He's a prick," Thimble whispered as she looked around the foyer. Multiple rooms on either side of the hallway, doors obviously closed shut and for a reason.
"Julien!" Olivia called out. She walked down the right corridor to see a tall, slightly muscular, curly haired man exit a room as he dropped gold onto the credenza table. He turned at the sound of his name being called.
"Liv," Julien said, tightening the gauntlet on his arm. His eyes were still hazy and he swayed a bit. Clearly tired and a bit hungover. "Please don't shout."
"Your father's here," Olivia began. She tried not to look at the bruises on his collarbone nor his exposed hipbone as he shuffled back into his trousers, trying to look more presentable. "I have business with the Crows so I'll catch you later."
Julien caught her arm. "Everything alright? Where'd you go last night?" He asked, looking her up and down taking notice of her being in the same outfit as she was yesterday. He chuckled. "Seems we have similar habits."
"We're nothing alike, Julien." She didn't mean for her tone to come out as sharp as it did and once Julien's face faltered, Olivia hated herself. She huffed and fixed her leather. "But, yes, we both had company last night, if you cared to know."
Julien walked at her side, hands fixing his belt. "Comes in handy for stressful days as you know." He bumped into her shoulder, playfully. "Who was it?" He asked, curiously. Olivia felt Thimble move under her shawl, more hidden.
"No one you know," Olivia said, honestly, and she was right. Julien doesn't know Kattigan, besides their brief encounter last night. He's never actually had a proper conversation with him.
With her hand on the brothel door, Olivia paused as Julien stopped in his step. "Was it that guy from last night?" He asked, voice deep and raspy.
Olivia bit her tongue and said nothing. Allowing the silence to be her answer, Julien stormed out of the building and into his father where they had an abrupt conversation. She clenched her hands at her side and continue east towards the Crows when Thimble popped out of her clothing. Only her top half poking out, the rest remained covered in the shawl.
"He's pissed," Thimble said, with a hand on her chin.
Olivia scoffed. "What?"
"He likes you, and doesn't know what to do with his feelings so he punishes himself." Thimble stated. She was always a better observer than Olivia, given her small depth perception, it's why she was good at what she did.
"Yeah, maybe when the doors to Faerie re-open," Olivia retorted.
The Crow Keepers place was as busy as it could get with everything going on, so when Olivia walked through the door, the place quieted down. She heard footsteps behind her, Occtis' more noticeable, he was squishy, and Kattigan light on his feet, the door shut behind them.
The small conversation with Solomon finished rather quickly, escalating into a brawl that only made things worse when they threw Thimble into a bag, started punching Kattigan, and the Elven woman from last night–Vaelus– broke though the glass window, shattering it into pieces that landed on the hardwood flooring.
Olivia ducked and covered, but not before one of her own slashed at her forearm, cutting the leather and drawing blood. She winced and kicked him back into a table, toppling over onto the floor. A loud wack and thud quieted the room as Vaelus whispered out, "run."
The rest of the crows obeyed, leaving behind Gavrey who told them everything. Good boy. Cyd, who Olivia found out was Teor's brother, is on the run from Casimir. Headed somewhere near Timmony. Vaelus took the ledger booklet with everything documented, pocked it to look at it later.
"Well, that went well," Olivia said, holding her forearm. "Fucking hell. Guess I'm out of a job or now complicit in whatever this was."
"Apologies," Vaelus said, "it wasn't my intention to wreck your place."
"It's not my place," Olivia sighed. "Not anymore since my boss is dead."
Vaelus held her hand out and placed it gently on Olivia's arm, healing her. Black smoke wrapped around her arm before vanishing and it was like the wound never existed. Olivia's eyes widened and she looked up at the elf. "Thank you."
"My pleasure." The elf nodded her head.
"Back to Hal's!" Thimble exclaimed, raising one of her sewing needles in the air at the direction of the doorway, leading the small group back to where they all came from.
"You're very different," Olivia said, lightly to the Elven figure as the group trudged back to Hal's place for what felt like the fifth time in just two days. She walked next to Vaelus while the other three walked ahead, surveying the area and neighborhood.
Thank you?" Vaelus said, though it came out more like a question she didn't understand. She raised an eyebrow and let her gaze remain straight ahead on the fox creature walking next to Occtis.
"I mean it with no offense, please," Olivia said, hands moving as she over-explained. "You're something I, and I think, many others haven't seen before. Different meaning good, at least I hope you are."
"You would be correct," Valeus spoke, shoulders held high, back straight up like an arrow. "Though some of my methods wouldn't be classified as good, but I do mean well."
Olivia nodded her head, understanding. "As long as you have our back, we'll have yours."
"Much appreciated, Olivia." The Elven warrior just nodded her head and moved to have a conversation with Occtis about his familiar.
Up ahead, and unsurprising to Olivia, Julien had caught up with them, not making eye contact with Olivia, but in a heated conversation with Thimble and Occtis. Something about him looking for the young wizard and wanting to ask questions about his family's disappearance. This was the thing Julien and his father had to be talking about outside of the brothel. Why was House Davinos and by extension House Royce concerned? These were strange times.
Occtis agreed to have a conversation, not thinking anything of it as Vaelus agreed, rather quickly to go with him, and with Pin in her arms for company.
"I'll tag along as well," Olivia said, raising her hand halfway up in front of her person. "I don't believe leaving the city or whatever you're planning on doing, Thimble, but it wouldn't be good for me, right now."
"That's alright, Liv. We'll catch up later," Thimble said as she flew in front of Olivia's face. "Stay safe."
"You too." She extended out her index finger for Thimble to hug before approaching Kattigan, who stood tall as ever with his arms crossed in front of his chest.
"Leaving again?" Olivia asked, giving Wulferic a scratch behind a good ear. His back leg thumped repeatedly against the ground.
"Seems like it," Kattigan paused, looking over Olivia's shoulder to see Julien staring at them, a glare on his face, and once caught he looked anywhere but the older man. Scoffing slightly. Kattigan just grinned, turning his attention back to Olivia. "Stay safe, Livy, okay?
"You too," Olivia said, gently rubbing Kattigan's arm before he enveloped her into a hug, once again lifting her off the ground just a couple inches before he gently set her down and kissed her temple.
Olivia exhaled, slowly, and followed as Julien, Occtis, and Vaelus began their shot journey towards the Davinos estate. Clouds began to roll in as the sunset across the skies of Dol-Makjar, leaving a faded watercolor palette behind. Not wanting to interfere with Occtis' questions and lingering answers, Olivia waited outside alongside Vaelus, who stood by the gate, Pin by her side on the cobblestone. Julien glanced back at her as if surprised she wasn't following, much like she always did when they came back to the estate. He paused in his step before shaking his head and followed behind Occtis.
Looking up at the sky, tilting her head back, Olivia breathed in the chilled air. She had to talk to him, sooner rather than later. It's not like this little… fight? argument? would ruin all of these years they've had together. There was just a lot going on and the city was more important. Their reputation was more important, Julien as more important than her losing her boss. She'll find another one.
As if she summoned him, Julien came back out and stood beside Olivia, eyes glanced over to Vaelus talking to one of the guards and reached a hand out. He rolled his shoulder back and looked down at his gauntlet "Liv, I—" He began, at the same time Olivia.
"Julien–" Olivia stopped, resting a hand on Julien's forearm, "please, let me."
Julien nodded his head and turned his body to full face her. His rapier clinked against her thigh.
"Things have been intense lately and I apologize for the way I acted earlier," Olivia said. Her thumb rubbing the fabric of Julien's armor. "My boss was murdered and I seem to be out of a job now."
Julien's widened a bit, a flicker of skepticism flashed across his green eyes. His non-gauntlet covered hand rested on top of hers.
Olivia continued. "I know that's no excuse. But, everything with Thjazi and seeing that happen was terrifying, Julien. I don't know how you do it. The violence of it all, watching the soul and light leave someone is unfathomable. I don't care that you brought him in for justice and preservation and some mediocre way to prove yourself to your father. You don't need to do that to me, I already know you better than he does. You're invaluable to me."
Julien gripped her hand rightly and brought it up to his lips, pressing a soft kiss on her hand. "Liv," he said, smiling, a genuine one. "You have no idea–"
"Julien!" Raimond Davinos stepped outside of the estate, hand on his rapier as he looked towards his son when suddenly he froze in place. A corporal hand reached inside of his face, fingers flickering and moving through his insides before they touched the base of his neck and pulled out Sir Davinos' skeleton, turning him inside out on the Davinos grounds. The shadow figure made themselves known, a man who looked similar to Occtis took his place
Olivia's eyes widened and gasped, throat feeling like sandpaper and her heart fell into her stomach, eyes moving from the sack of skin towards the man in the doorway. The air got much colder, chilling, as the dead began to make themselves known, floating closer.
"No!" Julien growled, face full of pure hatred and uneasiness. "Stay with the elf," he said to Olivia. Without looking back, he ran into his home, preparing to defend it with everything. Olivia didn't respond, eyes now glassy, and her breath came in quicker, on the verge of hyperventilating. She took a deep breath as Vaelus came towards her as a wolf ran straight past the two of them and into the building.
Vaelus' power lit up the estate grounds, a faint shimmering gold energy encapsulated everything around them. She stood in front of Olivia in a protective fashion. "Take a moment. I can handle them."
Olivia, not finding the words, just shakily nodded her head and looked back at Julien in the foyer fighting the murderous man. Yelling and spell casting were heard, along with a wolf's howl, and ghastly ghouls moving around. Olivia shut her eyes and tried to drown it out as if she were underwater for a long period of time. Her hands clenched together, knuckles turning a shade of white from the grip she held. She heard Vaelus' whip hit something, a spark was sent her way. No damage to her.
She peeked open one eye and saw Julien run up the stairs. Aranessa was still here. Occtis was still here. Olivia took a deep breath and pulled out the dagger she had. Julien said she would need it. She would, she had to.
"Vaelus, follow me," Olivia said to the Elven figure as she darted into the foyer. Vaelus quickly on her toes. The ghouls she were fighting came rather quickly, surrounding the two of them. Each trying to make their attacks on the women. One struck Vaelus, she shook if off fast before throwing her censor into its face, the ghoul vanished.
Olivia ducked an incoming attack and stabbed the ghouls stomach. Nothing happened. Only magically means seemed to do more damage. "Oh shit," she mumbled as the ghoul behind her raked its claw attack across her back, leaving a dark red mark. Olivia winced and put her hand on Vaelus' shoulder before she ducked for her to hit her attacker. It disappeared as well.
Three were left but they weren't a priority as Julien, Aranessa, Thaisha, and Occtis came barreling down the stairs. It didn't go well for them as Thaisha held Occtis' pale body, following Aranessa outside the grounds beyond the gate for safety. "Oh, no," Olivia whispered as they passed them.
Julien took out another ghoul and eyed Olivia's grip on Vaelus. Eyebrows furrowing as he caught the large animalistic claw mark down her back, leather ripped and blood dripping out of the wound. "No, no, no," he said, voice rough and solemn. He grabbed her, lifting her up with one arm as he sliced through the remaining ghouls, Vaelus behind him hitting them with her divine senses.
Olivia's head laid back against Julien's shoulder. She gasped at the sudden running movement. Face slightly pale as sweat dripped from her temple. She looked up at the darkened sky before her eyes moved to Julien. Stern, strong, determined, Julien.
"Julien," she whispered, voice hoarse. Her body hurt to breathe.
Julien's gauntlet made another attack before he put his attention and focus on the woman in his arms. "Liv, stay awake."
"I'm tired," Olivia mumbled, "at least I'll see my parents again." She tried to put a smile on her face but a wave of pain cause her to inhale sharply. Her head tilted to one side.
"You will. Just not today," Julien said to her just as he was passed the gates of his now destroyed and fallen home. He knelt down on one knee to relieve pressure for Olivia. "Liv, stay with me, please." His hand came up to her cheek to wipe the sweat from he brow before resting on her cheek, her cold cheek. "Liv?"
House Tachonis took more than one life that was loved by Julien Davinos and soon his wrath on them will be brought to fruition.