"You summoned by message?" I approached Astrid, smiling warmly at her.
"Yes. What took you so long? The message was sent nearly three hours ago!" She paced in front of me, her hands clasped behind her back.
"I, uh, had a favor to relieve." I pulled off my hood, shaking my hair loose.
"Of course." She started down a small hallway. "Come, Nazir awaits us in the Dining Hall."
I followed, placing my hand on the bulging bag in my pocket. "I got some nice coin for that favor I told you about."
She passed through the bed chambers. "Care to share? Nazir isn't paying enough for these Contracts."
"Sure." I followed Astrid down the steps into the empty Dining Hall, save for Nazir.
"She's returned." Astrid announced as she slid into the throne-like chair across from the Redguard.
"Welcome home, Alisy." Nazir said without turning around.
"Thank you," I chose the seat beside Astrid, pulling a half load of bread to my mouth. I hadn't eaten in at least two days, unless drowning myself in stolen mead counted as eating.
Astrid placed her arms on the table, nicely crossed. "Tell her, Nazir."
"Of course," Nazir shifted his intense gaze to me. "I need for you and Astrid to do something for me."
"Okay." I wiped the bread crumbs from my mouth, reaching for a sweet roll.
"It has nothing to do with what the normal is, now," He warned, scowling.
"Fine with me." I sat the half-eaten sugary mound down. I reached past Astrid and grabbed a goblet filled with ale.
"Just get on with it, Nazir." Astrid murmured restlessly.
He shot her a quick glare, then turned to me. "Babette has been stolen. Captured by filthy, uncivilised bandits. I fear for her safety."
I choked on my drink. "Babette is gone?"
Nazir looked annoyed. "Well, if you wouldn't stay away from home so much-"
"I have things to do. Contracts to finish!" I slammed down the goblet, ale sloshing over the side. "I have a bounty in Falkreath, Winterhold, and Markarth. Guards are after me. A giant is seeking revenge on me because I killed his mammoth and stole his club!"
Astrid giggled, hiding behind her arm.
Nazir sighed. "You are safe at home, Alisy..."
I deflated. "I know, I'm sorry.." I need some rest. When are we to set out for her?"
Nazir leaned back in his chair. "As soon as possible."
Astrid rubbed her eye. "How 'bout this: I'll start looking around the major bandit camps, Alisy, you stay and rest. We can meet up in Whiterun tomorrow evening at the Bannered Mare."
"Alright." I stood. "I'm gonna get an early start on that resting,"
I trudged from the Dining Hall as Nazir and Astrid engaged in conversation. I quickly slipped from my Shrouded Robes, stored it in the chest at the end of my bed, then buried myself under the warm animal skins.
