The Chronicles of Phoenix Bloodheart I: Turning Red

Chapter XIX: Fate

Later that evening, Phoenix and Trixie sit next to one another on the golden sands of Tranquil Shore. The calm waves stroke the surface of the shore, a cool breeze occasionally floating by. The moonlight glints off the large bottle of rum in Trixie's hands and twinkles in her eyes. She passes the drink to Phoenix, who takes another gulp before handing it back to the goblin.

Phoenix laughs as the pair share a joke, the fire of the rum trickling down the elf's belly, temporarily patching over the cracks in her relationship with Trixie and removing her inhibitions.

Trixie leans her head on Phoenix's shoulder. "Oh, redhead, you did very well last night. Were you okay with Seven?"

Phoenix nods.

"I like him," she says. "He told me about his past, how he came into contact with you all. He's a good... person."

"That he is," Trixie adds, "And I'm glad I put you with him. I didn't think you'd get along from your first meeting - you both seemed terrified of each other."

"What?" Phoenix asks, shocked. "I was scared of him! Why would he be scared of me?"

Trixie doesn't answer. Instead, she looks out to sea, as if her mind is on something else.

"You are special, Phoenix," Trixie adds. "We must keep you safe, you have great potential I feel. And I'm not just saying that, ya know."

She turns to Phoenix, a more serious look on her face that quickly transforms into a wide smile. She whispers: "Don't tell the others, but I think you're becoming my favourite."

Phoenix doesn't believe her. It kills the jovial mood. She half-smiles anyway and now it's her turn to look out to sea. There is a small sailboat out late, slowly making its way back to shore. Phoenix decides now is the right time.

"Listen, Trixie," she tarts. "I'm not sure I can stay here with you all."

Trixie leans back, frowning and stuttering slightly from her tipsiness, or from shock. "You don't mean that."

"I don't want to leave," Phoenix continues, "But I feel I must. My mother—"

"Will be reunited with you," Trixie cuts her off. "I gave you my word, little red, didn't I?"

"Yes, I know, but I don't want to delay any longer," Phoenix responds, holding her hand out for the bottle once more, prompting the goblin to pass it to her. She takes a large gulp for extra courage, passing it back to Trixie. The taste is deep and she doesn't find it nice as such, but it is warming. Almost comforting. It is growing on her.

"My mother could be in serious danger. Every day that passes is another day we won't get back. Another day I could spend searching for her, taking me closer to her. I'm afraid I will never see her again."

She turns to Trixie: "I can't thank you enough for the opportunity you've given me, but if we do not focus more on finding my mum, I must leave."

The goblin leans back and sighs. "I get it kid, I promise ya I do," she says, the bottle of rum cutting off the sentence sharply as she takes another swig of alcohol. "And I've been working on tracking your mother down. Thing is, no one knows where the Steelfeathers are hiding out. Just as they don't know where we stay. But..."

Phoenix listens intently. Trixie pauses and hiccups.

"I have a lead on some of their bloodthistle farms. While my crew's safety is a top priority, we could torch them. Send a message. Threaten to burn more if they don't hand your mother over."

Phoenix nods slowly - she likes the idea.

"Some of their other places were flushed out a while back and they've taken off elsewhere," Trixie carries on. "I'm guessing their base is to the east or south of Eversong Forest, but I can't be sure. The only way would be to follow one of them back. Even then, those guys have been known for having several hideouts - with only a few senior members knowing where the family resides. It's incredibly dangerous for us to attempt, so I'd suggest disrupting their farms - and their trade for now. When the boss - my boss - returns with the proper force of the full crew, we could stage a proper rescue mission -"