Thank for understanding, guys!

I was crying in the "new" raggedy armchair in the tiny sitting room. Why did he leave? Why did he abandon us?? Didn't he care? Clo came over and sat by me.

"Why are you here? I thought you didn't care about us."

"Sometimes it seems that way, I know. But I could tell you needed me."

I created a hankerchief and blew my nose loudly. Clo stared. Finally, she spoke.

"Guess I'm not the only "dimwit" in the family." I laughed but happiness was replaced by fear when I heard our door be kicked down, and I heard Terra's scream. That was when I realized that Dreg wasn't at home. So Clo and I rose to the challenge. 

Sorry that took so long!

//Clo!//

"Guess I'm not the only dimwit here," I had muttered. How ironic that that was the time my dimwittedness got to me with Terra's scream. I reached Terra just after Melayna did, because I had begun running sooner but tripped. My foot caught at the hem of my old bluish tunic-dress, and down I went. Rubbing my bruised knees, I ran after Melayna towards the woeful sounds of Terra's cries. I saw the small girl lying on the floor in dismay as she said something through sobs.

"A man came--" sob, sniff, "--in just a minute ago! Had a big ole club an' wearin' black!" another breathless sob. "Asked where you were, M'layna, an' you too Clo. I got--" sniff, sniff, "--all confused cause I didn't know how 'e got in! I told 'im I din't know. He said it was a pathetic lie an' smacked me. I did a trick Dreg told me 'bout: I said, 'I need to get going 'cause I had lessons with my daddy who was a fighter for the duke and he left. But my cheek still hurts a little..."

Melayna breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. That's good. Good job, Terra."

"Melayna," I pointed out quietly, "Somebody's after us. What do we do?"

"Nothing." Replied Melayna. "Dreg'll be back soon I hope. We'll consult him."

I didn't reply, because I knew I couldn't argue with Melayna. I had to leave though, or they might come after me the way they did Thresh. I began to form a plan. I'd leave that night, flee somewhere else. I'd keep in touch with Melayna... well, until the danger was over. What danger? I asked myself. I've created some enemy in my mind. Does it even exist? But I was not the type to take a risk like that. My only concern was my sisters. Could they really do alright on their own? Melayna, a twelve-year-old, and five-year-old Terra? Melayna was a strong girl, though, she'd probably do okay.

Um, ok guys. I thought Melayna specifically said something like 'how can a 12-year-old girl do so much work' in one of her earlier posts... oh well. Yes, Noreen should certainly be included, if she would come out and tell us where she is. OK, then, here we go.

//Clo//

Nighttime. My favorite time to be out. Melayna and Noreen were in bed, and Terra had flopped down in a chair because she was so sleepy. Noreen had come in that evening. The entire household was asleep. Except, of course, me. I raised myself off my old bed with my elbows and pushed off the threadbare blankets. As I slipped out of bed I prayed I'd make no noise; I didn't want to wake my sisters, of course. My packing was light: a small dagger and its sheath (It had been our father's. He'd stowed it away, and I had not found it until a few years ago. He wouldn't have wanted me to take it, because he thought it wasn't right for a girl to carry a weapon.... suddenly my eyes filled with tears. I shook them off as I strapped the dagger to my belt.) three loaves of bread, (They had been the underwhelming reward of one of the boys' raiding schemes.) a change of clothes. (I nearly forgot those, but remembered at the last minute.) Stop, Clo. My conscience whispered. Remember the last time this happened. Please remember, Clo. I waved those thoughts away. This could save my life, doing this tonight!

Then I left the house. The door creaked slightly, and I flinched, but I ran out into the winding streets.

//Thresh//

It felt good to shed all the hot leather and the large hat.  The Baron was overjoyed with how well Thresh's disguise had gone over that day.  For himself, Thresh was pretty pleased as well.  It had felt wonderful to inspire such fear and respect in a noble so high-ranking as a Duke.  Everything was going so well.

The Baron assured him that the Courier's message had reached his siblings earlier that morning, Thresh was in some of the finest clothing he'd ever had the fortune to don, and he was sleeping in a real bed instead of some pile of hay infested with fleas.  He smiled as he imagined the Baroness' reaction to the sight of his house.  Hopefully Dreg would be able to hold the family together for the next few days, at least until the Baron first paid Thresh. 

Every penny would go straight to his siblings, of course, but they needed care for the next few days.  Mel's magyk would help things wonderfully--and suddenly, there was a pang in Thresh's chest.  He hoped Mel would understand that he was doing this solely for the family.  For little Terra, who had experienced far too many hungry nights and missed meals.  For Noreen, who would be searching for work over the next few days simply because she had higher standards than her status allowed for.  For Dreg, who needed the chance to take charge and help the family.  Even for Clo, who--though her appearances were rather rare--was still a part of the family, even if it seemed as though she couldn't stand him.  But most of all, it was for Mel. 

Thresh was going to do whatever it took to keep Mel in the house and off the streets.  Mel was the only other one of his siblings who seemed to understand that as long as the family was together and fed nothing else mattered.  And, while he would be away for another thirteen days, he would return and help keep the Stonegates together with her by his side. 

With that happy thought rolling around his mind, Thresh drifted off to sleep.  Tomorrow would hold another fun-filled day masquerading as "the land's top assassin."

I woke up happily, knowing, or at least thinking we were safe. I looked around the shack. Terra, sucking her thumb. Dreg, mumbling, some girl's name. Typical. But, wait. Clo. Clo! No, not again, No, no. Clo HAD to stay. She was part of the family. I needed her. She could teach me so much. Why did she have to go? I shook Dreg awake."Get up! Clo's gone."
"So? She never really was a part of the family." 
"How dare you say that!! How can I call you my brother?" I picked up Terra and walked out of the house. I heard Dreg follow me out.  
"Melyana, I'm Sorry!" For a moment I forgave him, but only a moment. During that moment, I conjured up some blankets for me and Terra. I continued to hear him shout. But I just stood with my back to him. I started to walk away. He followed me. Then I felt a warmth wash over me. I turned back. Our house was in flames. No!!!!!!!! I tried to make water come out of my palms, but it wouldn't work. Only a word came into my head.  Love! Then it clicked. "Dreg, I love you!" As I shouted, water burns from my hands. I slowly but surely doused the fire. Dreg stared at me. Finally, he spoke.
"Ok, let's go find Clo"

Are Dreg, Thresh, and Melayna triplets???

Is it ok to introduce a temporary character? Im just wondering.

//Clo//

I closed in towards a house that looked nice enough. I could make anyone take me in if I talked long enough. I began to run, but I tripped on something. And then, the world went dark.

I know it's really short, I just want to build up suspension. Is anyone still posting?? Where are Noreen and Sar and all those other characters?? The good news is that along with the other RP, we're still at the top. 

@Sasha: Temporary?  Yeah.  I mean, I'm playing two characters right now--mainly because I think it can be more interesting from other points of view--but yeah.  The only restrictions are don't use another writer's character.  Unless they leave the thread. 

@Clair: I concur.  Ages are final... when Sasha tells us how old Clo and Noreen are. 

//Baron Danforth de Gareth//

The Earl of Waterbury arrived right on time and the Baron had orchestrated everything so perfectly that the Duke was leaving the manor just as the Earl's coach pulled up.  Aside from his wife swooning into a dead faint--he had neglected to alert her of this esteemed guest as well--everything went according to plan.  The two nobles had never much cared for one another; a sentiment that was made obvious through their glares as they pretended to ignore each other. 

The Earl waited until the Duke's coach and horsemen were nothing but dust on the manor's long drive before turning imperiously to the Baron. 

"What is this about, Gareth?" he demanded.  "You're meeting with the Duke before me?  Not proper conduct, sir, and I hope you realize that I'll have to report it to the palace." 

Baron Ganforth bowed his head, suppressing a smile.  "Of course, your grace, if that is what you see fit to do.  I do apologize, but it couldn't be avoided.  There is disturbing news from the north and I needed to be sure of where the Duke's loyalties laid before I took the appropriate action." 

"Took the appropriate--loyalties--what news?" sputtered the Earl, his many chins waggling.  It reminded the Baron of a turkey.  "You are but a Baron, sir!  And you have no authority on the borders of this territory unless I say--"

"Or unless your loyalty is called into question," finished the Baron for him.  "Which, regrettably, it has.  I suggest we talk inside.  There is no need for this to become unseemly.  I have the misfortune to be graced with rather nosy neighbors." 

"Come inside?"  The Earl straightened his bulk and the Baron could literally hear the fabric straining, trying not to tear.  He half expected a button to go flying off and hit someone in the eye.  "I most certainly will not!  You invite me here to wrongfully accuse me of disloyalty to the crown and--what is THAT?" 

The Baron smiled wider as the Earl's gaze fell upon something over his shoulder.  Leather stretched and a scabbard clinked softly as Stonegate took a step forward.  He cupped a hand and whispered in the Baron's ear. 

"Anything I can do to help?" Thresh asked.  The Baron smirked.  You just did. 

He shook his head, gave a dismissive wave, and said loudly, "No, no, my friend.  The King has asked for discretion and discussion.  What you propose is neither.  I expect the Earl's guards wouldn't care for it either." 

The Earl eyed Stonegate warily.  "What's wrong with the man's eyes?" 

"Wrong?  Nothing's wrong with them," answered the Baron.  "The King sent him to me in order to sort out this troublesome problem.  Would you be so kind as to come inside now, your grace?  The Scarlet Sorcerer is getting a bit antsy." 

It made the Baron's day as the Earl's eyes went wide and his guards let out a collective gasp at the name.  Everyone knew who the Scarlet Sorcerer was, but few had ever lived to describe him.  The Baron was using that advantage now. 

"The--that's the Sorceror?" stammered the Earl. 

"Indeed."  The Baron swept a hand, motioning for the Earl to precede him inside the manor.  "Shall we?" 

The Earl hesitated only a moment.  Then Stonegate took a step towards him and he hustled into the house, his guards keeping their distance from who they now thought was the kingdom's most fear assassin.  Baron Gareth gave Stonegate the ghost of a smile. 

True to his instructions, Thresh showed no reaction.  Blazes, this boy is good.

Tempest: well I had Clo as 13 but Clair said Noreen was 14, which doesn't make sense now since we made them twins. But ok, 14 works too. Just BTW, I may be in charge of Clo but Noreen is not MY charrie.