Chapter Text
The mud squelched underneath Vax'ildan's boots through the woods of Westruun, panting heavily as he clutched at a fresh gash on his arm. The Clasp, the guild he served loyally for nearly a decade, put a hit on him. The one who took out political leaders in the dead of night, tied up loose ends, took what was asked for and more, now had a hit on his head. Vax had a feeling that it wouldn't just be the Westruun branch of the Clasp looking for him, and he nearly got taken out by his former brothers in arms.
He saw a large building and didn't think twice; he ran towards it. He didn't have anything left to lose but his dignity, and even that was expendable to him. He pushed the large doors open and shut them, sliding against the wall to the cool floor. His breathing got raspy and his vision was getting spotty, but he heard small shuffling coming towards him. He didn't open his eyes, but he felt slight tugging on his arm, and he was getting dragged across the floor by his sleeve.
He finally opened his eyes a crack and saw someone he didn't expect to see judging by how strong they were dragging him. It was a gnome woman with black hair tied in a low bun, wearing plain holy vestments in shades of brown. “What…?”
He croaked, but she shushed him. “Name, now.” She said, still dragging him. “Uh… Vax'ildan.” He said.
She looked down at him with a blank face. “Any nicknames?” She said, and he would've laughed if he wasn’t lapsing in and out of consciousness. “Vax… just Vax is good.” She nodded, and opened a door. “Can you try standing, Vax? It'll only be for a moment.” He rolled onto his side and put his hands on the ground, pushing himself up shakily into a sitting position before pushing himself up to be in a standing position. The gnome put her hand on his thigh and gently guided him to a cushy looking cot.
“Easy now. Don't flop on the bed. I don't want to heal brain damage tonight, that's messy business.” She said, easing him into a sitting position then guiding him to be lying down. She got a blanket from a drawer, and when she was getting it unfolded, loud banging startled them both. “I'll be back, okay? Just stay awake as possible.” She draped the blanket over him and rushed out. Vax looked around. There were several drawers and boxes. In the middle of the wall by the door was a drawer with several lit candles and a picture of a goddess above them, bathed in the golden light of the candle. She was gorgeous, and holding an orb of some kind in cupped hands.
He heard the gnome open the doors and two loud booming voices made his blood run cold. It was Breck and Paren, two of the strongest members of the Clasp. “Where is he?” Breck asked. “Hello gentlemen. Who are you referring to?” Paren scoffed. “Don't play dumb, Sister. Where is our bounty? Tall, a half-elf, cries himself to sleep each night over a ‘Vex’ahlia’.”
Vax's teeth clenched, and he fought the urge to get out of that cot and stick his dagger right in between their eyes. “Ah, I see. I know who you're talking about.” Vax's eyes went wide. The gnome was selling him out? Then why bother putting him here? Was there nobody in this cruel world to trust? Just his luck. “He went towards the main city square, into the mayor's house. Or maybe in some market cart. Now run along, gentlemen. I'm busy prepping salves.” She said, and she closed the doors with a loud bang. Footsteps got closer to the room, and the gnome appeared in the doorway.
“Sorry, but those guys are off your tail.” She said, and opened drawer after drawer, getting a vial of this, some bandages and a mortar and pestle. “I haven't told you my name, have I? I'm Pike. Pike Trickfoot.” Vax frowned. He recognized the name Trickfoot, a renowned gnome thieving family from Westruun, nimble fingers and quick tongues.
Pike must've seen his expression because she sighed as she crushed herbs in the mortar, pouring some clear liquid in with the herbs. “Yep, those Trickfoots. I was one of their best members, and I was completely invested. But, after my PopPop passed, he gave me everything in his will. I still don't really know why, but I felt like I should honor him by continuing his work in the Everlight.” She rubbed a thick layer of the herbs mixture onto the bandage, setting it aside and grabbing a thick handkerchief, dousing it in another clear liquid and holding it to Vax's arm. It stung like hell and was cold at the same time, and he hissed.
“Sorry! It's disinfectant. I should've warned you.” Pike said, but he waved it off. “Don't worry. So, you were a follower of the Everlight just to finish a loved one's dying wish? That's…admirable.” Pike looked up at him with wide eyes. “Really? You don't find it…lame?” She laughed as she held the bandage with the salve on his gash. “Gosh, thanks. I was so worried I was doing it for bad reasons. But, back to you. How'd you get involved with the Clasp?”
He went quiet as the bandage did its magic. He didn't feel comfortable talking about that with her just yet, even though she had been nothing but kind. She sighed. “Okay, so no talking about that just yet, got it. Well, these salves will take about a week at least to completely heal your wound inside and out, so no leaving just yet. Besides, it wouldn't be smart with those jerks on your tail. I hope you're okay with leftovers.” Vax smirked. “I'm definitely not above leftovers.” Pike nodded. “Good. I think this will go well.”