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The Rogue:

Drenith

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You see a cloaked presence before you; it glides a hand motioning for you to sit in the chair that appears before you. "Welcome...You're here for a story." His voice smooth upon your ears, as you can only see the tip of his black nose and golden eyes. "Don't worry young one, I'll get to it right now." Before you a table appears, a large white tome with a silver strap lays upon its surface. The cloaked being moves his leather bound hand down the spine of the tome; quickly the strap pops off the book. The leather bound cover flips open slowly as the pages acted as though wind was shuffling through them until they stopped somewhere near the beginning. "This story is of a Rogue named Drenith, and his battle to survive."

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Chapter 1

Loyalty

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Drenith is your average male Fossa; well as average as it can be when you have red fur on most of your body, blue fur on your ear tips, and purple eyes. Being that distinct he tries living an average life in the kingdom of Damasc - More commonly known as the Kingdom of rain.

Drenith sat on the edge of a windowsill in his brown cloak; his mind wondering the vast expanse of the world around him. Growing up in the Kingdom gives one a rather nasty habit of looking at what people wear and not the person themselves. Although when you live in the moistest place on Almina you also have to see the light in the darkest of times. For Drenith it was easy to find the light, especially when that light was some rich bloke sauntering around the slums looking for something illegal.

Jumping from his perch head first; the nimble Fossa put others of his species to shame. Reaching out he grabbed a horizontal shop sign as the force propelled him under and around; landing in a squat on the sign as he watched the Rich bloke walk around a corner into an alley. "Perfect." Thinking to himself as he deftly dropped to the ground with little to no sound due to the rain. Walking passed the alley with his leather bound paws in his pockets; Drenith took a quick glance. The Rich bloke who appeared to be some relation to a boar snorted as he walked into a rundown shop. Doing a slight spin to check his surrounding, Drenith quickly walked down the alley; passing the shop as he glanced inside.

Inside the rundown shop the rich Boar was bent over a display of vials; not the good kind either. He tilted his head left and right as he randomly picked one up then put it back down. From behind the counter a scraggly and old armadillo walked out to meet the Boar. "What can I fin' for you to'ay?" His voice slightly worn with age; as he patiently held his arms behind his back. "Nothing in particular peasant, I am just browsing your wares." The Boar didn't even make eye contact as he mumbled his response.

"Well this is some messy stuff you are lookin at sir; if I I'nt knows better I aught to think you were plannin somethin." The Armadillo stated as the Boar ground his teeth at the mere comment slamming his fist against the wall. "You better watch your tongue knave else I remove that wagging appendage from its home!" The old Armadillo walked back behind the counter; bending down out of sight where a few clinks could be heard.

The old Armadillo rose up from behind the counter with a vial filled with black liquid. "This aught to work for what you plan sir." Sitting the vial on the table as he watched the enraged Boar walk over and pick it up. "I don't think so." Pausing as he examined it further. "It is too noticeable. I need something that is more concealed." Placing it back on the counter the Boar leaned further in. "I need something quick but concealed, something not traceable... if you get my meaning." In hushed tones the Boar spoke as the Armadillo merchant simply smiled. Bending behind the counter again and a few rustles later the merchant stood up with another vial of clear liquid as he too talked in hushed tones. "Fast, silent, and non-traceable." The Boar smiled wickedly as he placed a small satchel on the counter and took the vial.

Meanwhile Drenith was leaning against a wall at the entrance to the alley, his long red tail bobbing up and down as he pinched a patch of fur between his eyes while he waited patiently for his witless victim. Hearing the door open and close after what seemed hours in the rain. The Boar came around the corner with little thought in his head and a giant grin on his face as he bumped into a random peasant. "Watch your step filth!" Yelling at the lowlife was all the Boar did as he watched the poor sap fall into the mud, amusement crossing his face before making his way back into the wealthier part of the Kingdom.

The peasant sat up onto their knees, mud dripping down their cloths and fur as a smile cut across their muzzle. "Dumbass." The only thought to cross Drenith's mind as he pulled two satchels out from under his mud covered cloak.

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After spending some of his hard earned jewels and coins on accommodations at the local tavern, Drenith found himself in clean cloths and relaxing at a table with a mug of mead in his grasp. Gossip was abound as people visiting and regulars talked about their adventures outside the Kingdom. Drenith only dreamed of the outside world; he knew that even if he got out he would end up doing what he grew up doing, just stealing from others to survive. Taking a swig of his mead he leant his head forward as he sighed to himself.

"Hey Blue!" A random voice floated over the rest. Drenith looked up into the crowed of drunkards fighting over a regular brothel maiden, his eyes scanning for somebody. "So what you looking at Blue?" The voice was closer, Drenith turned around in his seat to find a familiar muzzle in his face. "Dan?" His voice cracking as he took in Dan's presence.

Having been off and on friends through a good number of years, the two of them knew - despite the lengthy time apart - what local spots to look for. Dan was slightly above average in height due to his hound-dog heritage, his medium-tan fur made him inconspicuous to authorities. Although his talents lay in the field of hunting/tracking and keeping a cool head when in trouble, though he only found trouble when around a certain Fossa. The nub of an ear he had was testament enough for that.

Dan smiled as he sat in one of the unused seats; crossing his arms and propping his feet up on the table as he spoke. "Been awhile since we last talked Blue, how's the wet life treating the little cub?" Mud dripped from the bottom of his boots. Drenith smiled back. "Dry unlike you." Eyeing Dan has he spoke into his mug of mead. "Still can't cast can you?"

Dan let a hearty laugh out as he gestured with open arms at himself. "Well excuse me for liking the rain a little too much." Drenith laughed as he fought to keep the mouthful of mead in his muzzle as Dan continued. "Besides why would a hunter need to cast when nature is his home. Unlike certain people I won't name." A grin upon his muzzle as Drenith shot him a glare." Sorry I enjoy being dry! So what have you been doing these past few months?" Drenith asked with an arched brow.

Dan took his feet off the table as he waved a hand at the question. "I've been traveling around, killing the creatures and feral animals that are on bounty boards. Selling their bones/hides; to blacksmiths and alchemists, and a few other buyers. So what have you been doing Blue?"

Drenith shook his head. "That sounds like you Dan, always making money through random tasks, and besides getting a surprise visit from you; I have been fine. Scrounging to get by day to day, although I got lucky earlier today as it would seem a coincidence since you showed up."

Dan simply laughed as he patted his friend on the shoulder. "When are you not lucky? I can recall some incidents where you should have lost that tail of yours or worse Blue; besides that you have more lives than any cat I know." Drenith smirked at the comment. "Dan it's true, I have had some close calls; and cats only have nine lives." Dan laughed even more. "My point being!"

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The two friends talked and talked for hours, a few cups of mead between them along with a couple bumps and a few harsh words exchanged between other patrons. After what seemed a day later, Drenith offered his friend Dan a fresh shower and a warm room to rest in for the night. With Dan taking the offer almost immediately, the two of them stammered and tripped their way up the stairs and into a few other patrons before reaching the room. "Do you think those few tavern maids minded us running into them and their 'pets' as they snogged?" Dan's voice was slightly wavy as he took off his hunting gear, leaving his muddy boots at the foot of the bed and his equipment under it.

Drenith watched and snickered as his friend headed into the lavatory. With the door shut the Fossa gathered up some clean clothes for the Hound-dog and placed them in a neat pile on the lone chair in the room. Flopping back onto the only bed Drenith stared at the ceiling thinking about the past with Dan, how they use to run around and show one another little tricks they picked up randomly. Dan showing survival tricks with random plants as Drenith showed him how to pickpocket properly. The memories slowly made his eyes close, a soft smile on his muzzle as he drifted off into the eternal pool of dreams.

Opening his eyes with a soft groan, Drenith pulled the sheets over his head as a scuffle broke out below. "Wake up Blue; it's time to go visit shops." Dan's voice whispered into the Fossa's ear.

Drenith smiled as he thought to himself. "That's a voice I can't be mad at." Grunting as he tried buying more time. "It's way too early to go shopping, can't you do it later." His voice groggy as he pulled the blankets off his head; rolling over to look Dan in the face as he lay next to him. "I mean seriously, you disturbed me beauty sleep last night with your constant cuddling."

Dan grinned as he playfully dragged a claw down his friends shoulder. "What can I say, I was lonely. Besides you didn't protest to me getting in bed with you last night or any of the other times before this." Winking as his tail thudded against the edge of the bed. Drenith sighed as he pushed Dan off the bed with a loud thud. "Oh shut up!" Smiling as he got out of bed stretching.

Dan sat up smiling as he fought to get the sheets off. "You know I would have given you space if you only asked."

The two of them collected their belonging as they gossiped a bit more, once ready they set out into the next district as planned for Dan to buy what he needed. Drenith casted a small barrier to keep them dry while they did their shopping. It was a slight fee for both of them to gain entrance into the next district but as Dan stated. "It'll be worth it." Drenith didn't protest but he felt his fur stand up on end as they entered the center circle of the market area. "Can we make it fast Dan, I have a feeling we aren't welcomed." Dan agreed as he tried getting in and out of the crowds around the stalls. Hitting a few shops along the way to inquire about certain herbs that weren't native to the local area was one of his many habits. Drenith didn't argue but kept his guard up.

Hours flew by as they walked around with a few satchels in tow. Dan smiled at his friend as they made their way over to the outer wall where they sat under a stone gazebo. Pulling a few apples out of a small satchel as he handed Drenith one. Taking a bite out of his apple Dan looked off into the distance watching the civilians go about their daily routines. "Makes you wonder what life would be like if it wasn't raining all the time." Tilting his ear Drenith swallowed his bite of apple. "Probably the same outcome only dryer and fewer leaks in buildings" A smile was all the hound-dog answered with as he took another bite.

Small banter filled the air around them as the rhythm of the rain kept a steady pace; a slight breeze billowed through the town as it started to sing along with the beats.

"So Dan what's got your collar twisted?" Drenith tossed the apple core up and down as he absently asked. Dan shook his head as he stared at the ground, his apple core long tossed randomly to the ground. "I need a favor Blue." His voice shallow, as he kept eye contact with the ground.

Drenith looked at him with a raised brow as he let his apple core plummet to the concrete ground. "You need a favor? Mister do everything alone with no help and aint been in trouble ever, you need help."

"Yes I need help Blue... I need your help!" Dan shot the Fossa a look of help, one he hoped he would never have to do.

Drenith was shocked at the look his friend gave him, mister keep it cool actually needed help. "Have you asked others? Or am I the first?" Dan gave him a slight smile. "Blue you are the only one who I can trust." The Fossa gave a sigh as he recalled the numerous times his friend got him out of a pickle or two. "I'm all ears."

With little notice the hound-dog had leapt into a tackle as he pinned his friend to the ground. "Thanks Blue, I will explain the problem in a more... private location."

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Sometime later after the sun had set below the horizon, and the moons had drifted into the sky behind the clouds, all the districts were asleep. A black presence leapt and bounded gracefully across the roof tops as it recounted earlier events.

= = =

Earlier in the Tavern room-

"Now I need to get my hands on a certain parcel." Dan waved his hand absently as he and his Fossa comrade talked.

Drenith gave a sigh as he stood next to the door. "This particular mission wouldn't be connected to the recent happenings... would it?" Dan didn't reply for a while as he looked out the window. Drenith pinched a patch of fur between his eyes. "You ran into a particular buyer that wasn't just another bloke."

Dan drifted his eyesight toward his friend. "Yeah..."

Shaking his head the Fossa smiled. "I don't care what you're getting into; you always did have a way of knowing the right decisions. And this time is no different." Patting his friend on the shoulder Drenith got ready.

= = =

Stopping in the higher class district, the figure balanced on the edge of a building. "This is suicide... but it's for Dan." Looking down at the ground below, the Fossa watched a group of guards make their routine checks of the district; splitting off into smaller groups of two for each road or alley they passed.

Looking in other directions he made sure the coast was clear, dropping off the roof the Fossa landed gracefully on a balcony where he proceeded to balance along the rail as another guard passed below. Once the coast was clear he dropped down to the ground and made a run for a small pile of boxes across the street. Using the boxes the Fossa made his way up onto the other buildings as he proceeded further into the kingdom's rich neighborhood. Minutes passed as he weaved his way through the district until he stood on the edge of a church looking at the castle; its portcullis gate standing proud on the other side of a moat with the bridge drawn up.

"Can't make it easy for me?" Reaching into his pocket on his vest, Drenith pulled out a small metallic device. Holding it in his hand he just looked at it, the conversation with his friend bubbling back to the surface.

= = =

Earlier in the tavern room-

Dan was pacing back and forth across the room; his brows furrowed as he tapped his chin. "Well the parcel is most likely going to be in the barracks or the high counsel's member chamber. Then once you acquire it, you can make your way out by me distracting the guards watching over the moat.

"I can get in and out of the castle without any help Dan." Drenith was sitting on the bed as he put the finishing touches on his equipment. Dan eyed him suspiciously at the comment. "So those other times...?" A wink was all the Fossa gave him as he stood up patting himself down as he made sure he had everything.

"Blue I don't care what happens, just make sure to get out safe. Even if you don't get the parcel, be sure to get out of there safely alright." The Hound-dog's voice filled with worry as his friend put a foot on the open window seal.

Just as Drenith was about to leap out of the window Dan grabbed his paw. "Meet me where we grew up." Letting go Dan took a step back as he smiled with flatten ears. Leaping out of the window the Fossa made his way onto the roof of the tavern, opening his paw he saw the metallic device his friend had gave him.

= = =

Shaking his head Drenith put the device back in his vest pocket as he made his way down the steeple into the church. Popping out of the lower door he caught a glimpse of a pastor with a quizzical look; waving with a smile the Fossa made his way towards the entrance. Dipping his fingers in the holy water as he passed the basins, he proceeded to tap his forehead, chest, left-right shoulders. Pushing through the doors he made his way to the edge of the moat where he proceeded to take his cloak and boots off as he slid under the water; reaching the bottom he put them under a few rocks. Swimming along the murky bottom he reached the moss covered castle walls where he surfaced; slowly he took a breath as he drifted around to a tunnel with rusted metal bars and a buildup of moss. Taking a few loose ones off he proceeded to climb into the tunnel as he held his breath while crawling through the inner workings of the castle.

Slowly a grate moved on the floor of the kitchen, it was subtle as it lifted up before sliding to the side. Lifting himself out of the tunnel the Fossa took a deep inhalation of air as he put the grate back. "Can't believe they still haven't figured this out." Looking around he just smiled at all the food that was strewn about on the tables and counters, all his life he had scraped by on crumbs and now he was standing in a pool of food ready to be eaten. Reaching for a slice of cake; he stopped mid reach as he recalled his mission, his stomach protesting to the idea of crumbs later.

Softly he walked to the door, his fur damp from the sewer pipes as he left paw-print puddles in his wake. Pressing against the wall he cursed his luck as he noticed a flaw in his plan as he looked back, the Fossa quickly casted a basic evaporation spell on the puddles. Feeling a slight tingle in his cranium, Drenith took a few deep breaths as he steadied himself. "I hate side effects." Recalling what he knew about casting and the many side effects one who abused the arts could go through.

Shaking his head, the Fossa dispersed his barrier for the rain from earlier. The tingle slowly faded as he tried listening through the wooden door; his ear twitching as he slowly pulled on the hook making it creak open. Biting his lip he slipped between the gap and made his way into a small patch of shadows between two suits of armor. Pinching the fur between his eyes he tried recalling the route to the barracks from his childhood as the kitchen door creaked shut.

The memory was a blur; it was garbled and twisted. Letting go of his fur he slowly poked his head out; looking down the corridor. Moving in the shadows the Fossa stayed low to the ground; the bit of his fur color showing not really helping him blend in like most basic colored species.

Minutes or maybe hours passed as he slunk and darted through the castle. Guards passing him every few steps it seemed as he held his breath each and every time. It was a challenge for most thieves; although through determination and a set goal he made his way into the courtyard. The fresh air and rain on his muzzle never feeling so good, although the moment was short lived as he had to dart into a bush as three guards walked around the corner.

"Hey did ya 'er?" The Heavy-set guard on the left asked through his deep accent as he rested his hand on the one in the middle.

The one on the right looked at the Heavy-set guard as he took his helmet off revealing a rat visage. "Well can't say I have Berny."

Berny let a hearty laugh out as he pushed the guard in the center forward making him stumble. "This recruit is a mute Mike; he 'parently used a lot 'o casts." Both of them laughed in sync as the recruit fell to his hands and knees. His helm flipping off his head from the impact; his sight landed on Drenith with tears running down his cheeks.

Drenith put a finger to his lips as he pleaded with his eyes as he looked up the young German shepherd recruit. Motioning a few fingers he pointed at the ground and held up three fingers; following it with two thumbs up. His heart was pounding in his chest as he hoped for the best but knew the worst.

The recruit stood up; picking up his helm he placed it near the bush. Turning around he pointed at Berny, and mike who gave him a raised brow. Undoing his gauntlets and chest piece he tossed them near the bush the Fossa was in; holding up his fists in a mock gesture he hopped back and forth with a grin.

The two senior guards both let another laugh bellow out as they watched the canine. "Hey mike me 'ink this twink wants ta fight us!" Berny clapped his paws together as he popped his fingers. Mike was already undoing his armor as he held a menacing smile on his muzzle. "Sure seems it Berny."

Mike was the first to move in, his long thin tail sliding across the ground as he stretched his arms. The recruit continued to hop back and forth with his dukes held aloft. "I'm going first, alright Berny." Just as he finished Mike dropped to the ground; mid drop he twisted his body around as his tail lashed across the rain soaked ground throwing mud at the recruit.

The recruit put his arms over his face as he felt the mud splatter against his fur; before he knew it his feet were swept out from under him as he crashed on his side. The air getting knocked out of him as he barely saw Mike pouncing at him with mouth agape and incisors shining. Thinking fast and on adrenaline the recruit quickly rolled over out of the way as he scrambled to his feet, as he put his mud covered paws back up.

"Mike he aint 'oppin no more. Guess you broke 'im." Berny crossed his arms as he watched the fight-ensue.

The recruit took on a more composed form than before as he felt the mud weighing his greaves down; knowing that energy is a key component to winning he couldn't exhaust more than he had to. Sliding his feet across the ground he circled Mike; his eyes scanning for any weakness that may present itself.

"You won't find a weak spot, right Berny." Mike blatantly stated as he dropped down again lashing his tail across the ground.

The recruit jumped over Mike's tail; just as he landed he charged forward with rage in his eyes and fury in his fist. The only thing that stopped him from connecting was an immense pain on his side that sent him flying through the air and tumbling across the courtyard ground. Opening his eye that wasn't plastered with mud he watched as Berny and Mike walked up beside him; his mind was furious at the lack of noticing their plan.

"This runt nearly 'ad you Mike." Berny stated as he let a ferocious kick loose connecting it with the German shepherd's abdomen. Mike was strapping his gauntlets back on as he grinned victoriously. "Sure did Berny." He soon joined in with Berny as they both kicked the recruit to the edge of unconsciousness. With blood dripping from his nose and mouth; cuts scattering his torso on both sides, the recruit lay there taking the punishment without making a sound.

"'Ight Mike, he's 'ad enough, let's just leave 'im be." Berny watched as Mike addressed another kick to the German shepherd's muzzle before he responded through open mouthed gasps. "Alright... Berny." The two of them walked into the castle as though nothing had happened; both of them laughing.

Drenith waited awhile longer as he looked upon the defeated recruit. Shaking his head he picked up the armor and helmet as he darted into the open; stopping next to the German shepherd he smiled. "You didn't have to fight them kid." All he got in response was a pained smile. Bending down Drenith looked the hero over as he examined how extensive the wounds were. "Well good news kid, the wounds aren't as bad as they feel. Let me just cast a minor heal barrier on you..." Just as he put his paw over the recruit a shock of electricity arched between them knocking him onto his backside.

Letting a groan of pain out the Fossa ground his teeth together as he placed both paws on his head as the familiar tingle surged through his skull. "Fuck... seems you don't need my help kid." Looking upon the recruit he broke into a smile.

The recruit was sitting up and popping his neck as he looked at the Fossa; his wounds already closing as he pointed at his own throat.

"So what they said was true then? You really did cast your voice away huh?" Drenith stated as he felt the tingling dispersing again. The recruit nodded as he pointed again though this time at the Fossa's head. Tilting his ear Drenith nodded as he looked away. "Yeah... the side effects for me are in my head."

Out of nowhere the recruit was patting the Fossa on the back as he shrugged. It was a common gesture but from a mute who knew a little about casting it meant a lot. Drenith stood up as he scanned the area. "Don't suppose you are one of the rebels in disguise?" The recruit tilted his head slightly as he smiled. "Thought so, otherwise you would have turned me in back there." Holding his hand out he helped the young German shepherd up.

"Well the thing is I am caught in the middle, my friend needs a parcel. I am here to get it." Drenith didn't look at the recruit as he talked. "You have your mission I am guessing, so I guess this is farewell." Feeling a paw on his shoulder he looked at the recruit. The recruit pointed down as he held that same smile. Looking down Drenith saw a name in the mud.

"Max"

"So your name is Max?" Max nodded as the Fossa held a hand out. Shaking it they both headed for the cover of darkness. "So Max you know where the barracks are right?" Drenith asked as he drew a diagram in the soaked soil around a few tulips. Max nodded as he pointed.

"Alright, well if you help me now with this little task of mine. I will repay the favor in the future when you require my services." Max nodded. "First thing first, I need you to go to the barracks and try finding an important parcel. It most likely won't be in plain sight; secondly once you get it I want you to meet me or my friend out in the field to the east. There will be a small shack with a smiley face on the door." Smiling Drenith handed Max the metallic device. "Take care kid, good luck."

As Max looked at the device Drenith ran into the castle in search of the High council member's chamber. Standing Max made his way towards the barracks with a new goal in mind; his armor left to rust in the rain.

Bobbing and weaving the Fossa made his way to the chamber wings of the castle; opening each door as quietly as possible he checked through drawers, cases, shelves, couches, and closets. To no avail the parcel was not to be found; and he was running out of rooms to check. Guards were abundant as every minute a new one would trek through the corridors, it was almost a routine as Drenith could count the seconds till the next would arrive.

After two more rooms the Fossa came to the last room on the top floor; the door was engraved with dragon motifs as they held orbs which happened to be the handles. Each dragon was roaring at the other as they were about to fight, the motif almost life like. _"If this aint the high council person's place, then I just found the kings room."_His thought the only company he had, slowly the door knob turned. With a dull click the Fossa pushed the door open just enough for him to squeeze through.

Once inside he couldn't help but gasp silently to himself, the room was extravagant. The walls were as blue as the clear sky; the floor was a mahogany that shined with power. Lamps placed in every corner of the room, a crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the room. The bed was large enough for a group of twenty or more people; and the sheets looked to be encrusted in gold themselves.

Shaking his head Drenith tried focusing on where to hide a parcel of importance. Again he looked in the usual places, and again he was met with failure. Each time worse than the last, checking the drawer last he gave a sigh of frustration and defeat as he shifted a few papers around. His heart leapt into his throat as he saw the royal insignia on a parcel at the bottom of the pile; gripping it he stuffed the parcel into his vest as he headed for the window.

"Why must you knave always rob the rich at the dead of night?" A gruff voice asked along with an all too familiar click.

Drenith stopped in his tracks; standing still he held his arms up in defeat as his tail tapped the floor. "Because it is fun."

Footsteps echoed in the silent room as the assailant moved closer. "Fun is playing in the street, fun is working a job you like, and fun is making people smile." Pressing a cold object against the Fossa's neck; leaning forward as they whispered into the thief's ear. "Fun is lying in bed with a lover..."

-BANG

To be continued.