#chapter 2-3

Kallista is resting up, alseep after drinking a healing tea Maylinda made for her along with the ointments and fresh bandages she gave the teifling, she occasionally twitches in her slumber. Kraz is sitting silently, watching her and twitching whenever she does, Maylinda frowns as she glances at him while moving potions and herbal remedies. "Is everything alright Kraz?" His head jerks up in the healers direction. "Oh! Yes...Kraz merely reading thoughts, dreams of friend Kallista. Kallista suffers nightmares, caused on same tragic day she lose voice. Kraz not there on bad day, but....nightmares very telling." Maylinda pauses her potion mixing, moving to one of the cabinets where she stores potions, herbs, and ingredients. "Nightmares you say? Hmm....I think I have something around here somewhere....ah yes, here it is." She walks over to the pair with a wooden bowl filled with a dark green clay-like paste, then proceeds to rub and smear some onto Kallista's temples before rubbing it in. "There, that should calm her worried mind and chase away the nightmares." Kraz stares at Kallista for a moment, then smiles and nods happily.

Elsewhere in Mastith, in a smaller market area, a Drow is talking to a nervous looking shop owner. "So, um....w-which name are you going by today?", the portly old dwarf asks. The Drow chuckles with a slight smile. "You may call me Irae today." Their features are both handsome and beautiful at the same time, most residents of the city who know about them don't know whether the Drow is male or female, but none are brave enough to ask. Those who do know, have been told by the Drow themself. "Of course, Irae. I take it that you are here about the payment I owe you? And of course I do intend to pay you! I am very grateful for your assistance in putting my rivals out of business! Can't have too many shops that sell handmade Royal Dwarven style rugs in one city after all." He smiles nervously, wringing his hands. "Ah, well aren't you a sharp one," Irae grins, "yes indeed. I am here for my payment. Two hundred silver, as we agreed." Irae's hand rests on a strange looking whip that almost looks like a living snake. "I do hope you don't have any ideas about not honoring your end of the bargain. After all, what is a man without his honor?" The Drow practically sneers at the last word.

The rug seller gulps and quickly reaches for an inside shirt pocket, producing a leather pouch filled with coins "No, no! I wouldn't dare go back on my word to you, Irae." He hands over the pouch. "Precisely two hundred silver, not one coin less!" Irae takes the pouch and tosses it in the air lightly a few times, weighing it. "....the payment is sufficient. It has been a pleasure doing business with you, do contact us again should you ever wish to do further business." And with that, the mysterious Drow leaves the shop and simply vanishes into thin air a few steps just outside the door.

Caleb walked slowly and clumsily away from the trial room, looking completely dead. As much as he wanted to hate Toshiaki, he couldn’t do it. Toshiaki deserved it. Toshiaki was disgusting, but Caleb understood. Masks are painful. Tears began to stream down his face as he slowly entered his room and locked the door behind himself. It takes everything in him to not immediately fall to the floor as he walks into the restroom. He avoids looking into the mirror as he takes his hair down, however, he catches a glimpse of himself as he pulls the tie out and he simply stares.

“I hate you.” Caleb looks straight into his own eyes as he says this before angrily turning and exiting the bathroom quickly. He throws himself onto the bed and begins to cry. He was fake. He was disgusting. He was scum of the earth, and everyone around him deserved so much better.