Flashback [Main Gates] The small and the giant

[Fallon]

20th Spring 500 AV

It was early spring. The cool winter frost having now lifted to leave behind a wet dew and the low clouds filling the skies above the citadel. Not that the majority saw it from within their stone rooms and structures. They were safely tucked away working and toiling in various locations, whilst only a few managed to get outside to face the elements. Or at least, that was the way it seemed to little Fallon. It was quick and light feet that allowed the girl to sneak out within the early bells, to get away from the voices of the other children that filtered through the orphanage – as well as their firm prods and points. In boots that were too big the child ventured out into the world without a sound nor any mention as to where she was going. It was the way she worked after all, seeking segregation over interaction.

Keeping her head down she squirmed and worked her way past the people, shoulders hunched in, arms close and hugging her tiny frame. Nervous feet quickened, eyes turning to stare up at the giants that pushed and pulled. There was the distinct underlying smell of cold and sweat in the air, of flesh and bodies at work. There was a few downward sneers, a few pushes away as they noticed her. Distrust was upon their faces, for she nothing but a stranger to them and a child not to be trusted. Fingers brushed against the stone, a shudder as she shook off the chill of the rock. Syliras was an alien place to her, a maze of corridors and halls that lead to and from the very bowls. A daunting place to say the least, more so with the knights that hid their faces behind their visors. Who knew what frightening features could be found behind them?

Ducking out from around the corner it was the blast of fresh air that hit her first. She gave a gasp, startled almost to find such a source within the city. Feet quickened, small hands helping in wriggling on and through the sea of bodies, the thoughts of the outside world beckoning her. Senses became ensnared, her chin tilting up so she could look upon the breaking sky and the colours that danced across it. Feet gave a turn, eyes widening as she stopped and stared. Her lips gave a twitch as she looked with wonder, the once hugging hands falling to her sides. Strange faces, new people came and went from inside and out. There was a turn as she looked upon the lower buildings and those that were apart from the city proper, yet still remained close and clustered. Beyond that the tops of stores and market tables peaked out, with the voices of traders trying to sell wares to travellers.

Curiosity lead her on; different scents and sounds luring her mind to question her surroundings. Mud, meat, blood, sweat, sales, goods and wood. There was a bustle of hunters, the yapping of a hunting dog from outside the butchers. She paused to look at one of the stalls, or more over she was pushed aside by a larger man. Palms pressing against the edge she felt her chin clip the surface, and the entire stall gave a shudder. The goods moved and shifted, a few rolling to the edge the surface. There was a flinch, the trader turning his head to give a snarl, “Oi! Watch it you brat!”

Staggering away, her back pressed into another only to release another angry shout before a second push away, “Watch where you’re going! Damn it, beat it!” There was a scrabble of movement, a clawing of hands to get away and move. Then there was a firm grab upon the shoulder, followed by a distinct yank by the trader, ”I’m not done with you little lass! Where do you think you’re running off to? Going off to find your little thieving friends eh?”

[Alasdair]

Even this early, people bustled through the main gates and went about their trading business. There were quite a few like him - hunters trying to sell their catch, and barter for supplies or repairs. Men and women who brought fresh meat into the city from the surrounding wilds. Then one had the tired travelers, who's first stops would be Traveler's Row to the left or the Welcome Center directly in front of him. Alasdair patiently waded through the traffic that marched through the gate. It was a steady flow in both directions this morning. After the winter months traveling picked up considerably, when the dangers of the cold were behind them.

That was one less thing for a family on the way to Zeltiva to worry about, or a caravan of traders on their way to Kenash. Even he went out far less in the winter, though around here the temperatures were usually fairly mild.

Once safely inside the city, it was all habit and routine. Like many, Alasdair took his catch to the Alban family who owned the butchery in Syliras. His coin wouldn't be spectacular today, but at least he hadn't come back empty handed. The burlap sack slung over his shoulder carried four mature rabbits that seem to have been born no later than early last spring - three bucks and a doe. Two had been lucky shots, but he'd still got them, so couldn't complain. His quiver, pregnant with white fletched arrows, was strapped tightly to his back and the accompanying shortbow hung over his shoulder and across his chest. It was a convenient, lightweight weapon that he favored considerably. Often his longsword accompanied him, but not today.

The first stalls he came to always held nothing of interest. For some reason, at the fringes of this shopping area, people sold the more useless trinkets that sat around and collected dust in an apartment if they were ever bought. Alasdair was a very practical man. He lived simply, and indulged not in materials but with a nice tank of drink a hearty meal at the Rearing Stallion. Now that he thought about it, that sounded very enticing today. Although it was spring, there was a chill in the air, and a nice hot plate of beef would effectively chase away even the strongest shivers. Alasdair efficiently ignored the inquires and offers of the stall vendors as he passed by, wanting him to have a closer look or see their latest items. Deeper in, he sometimes stopped to have a glance.

This time it seemed he'd be in for a little more than that. Loud voices suddenly rose above the hum of the shopping crowd and a group of women skittered out of the way of some ruckus, offering him a surprisingly good view of what was going on. A trader by the looks of him had a youngster by the shoulder, and looked none too pleased. The child seemed out of sorts and disoriented, so Alasdair moved closer. The stall's items were toppled and scattered across the table. Someone grumbled about clumsy brats. It wasn't hard for him to put two and two together. Either the little girl had bumped into something, or they were blaming it on her. Even if she did, that didn't justify the harsh grip on her narrow shoulder or the acidic implications this man was spouting.

Alasdair was not a tall man, but he wasn't small. What he lacked from his average height he easily made up for with his broad shoulders, barrel chest, and thick limbs. So when he talked, people tended to listen. The trader opened his mouth to spew more thoughtless insults, but before he could, Alasdair's deep voice thundered over the rest. "You'll kindly let go of my daughter." Eyes swiveled around at the sound of his voice. It wasn't a question - but an order. An easy lie to get the upper hand. He moved closer to the two of them, and several people cleared a path. It wasn't hard to look angry. His features naturally set in stern lines, with his heavy brows and long hawkish nose. He frowned grimly at the trader, who suddenly looked a little lost. Apparently the man found no support now in the faces of his customers, so he released the child's shoulder.

"I'm sorry, but she was causing a disturbance and I had to do something. She was trying to steal." Alasdair glanced at the girl. A woman's voice came from behind them. "You're a pitiful liar. I saw the whole thing. The poor creature bumped your table and was getting shoved around. Forget the whole thing." The old vendor's face turned red, and he glanced around. Without a word, he went about straightening her wares. A few people scattered, and some stayed. Alasdair almost placed a hand on the girl's back to lead her away, but hesitated. He didn't want to spook her. So he replaced the hand back at his side and crouched low to get on her level. She was an intelligent looking girl, with pale skin and a rare freckle. Her eyes were striking, and he met her gaze with his.

A smile often changed the way anyone looked, and it did wonders for his serious face. His hard blue eyes crinkled slightly at the edges, softening considerably, and the laugh lines around his mouth deepened as the lips turned up. "Are you alright? I'm sorry he did that. Some people are no good, but you're free to go now. I suggest you find your keepers, whoever they might be, before anything else happens." Alasdair had laid the sack he'd been carrying on his shoulder on the ground as his feet. He held the bowstring spanning across his chest from shoulder to hip so it didn't slip. He spoke softly to her, so the other couldn't hear. Everyone seemed to be effectively ignoring them now though, out of guilt.

[Fallon]

Fallon had frozen in place, shoulders shrinking inwards. Eyes had turned large, the pupils swelling up as the trader continued to hiss at her in angry annoyance. The grip tightened as she was pulled up onto her toes, the eyes of observers turning down to watch the performance. She gave a wriggle, instinct declaring to run away instead of face and fight. Her lips gave a tremble, arms raising to protect her head as she continued her struggling. His voice sliced through the noise, firm and distinct above the wavering crowd. Peeking out from the folds of her arm, Fallon looked up to the two giant men who came toe to toe, one obviously more annoyed that the other. She gave a blink at his scowl, the twinging of those sapphires beneath his dark set brow. The trader slid back, his grip loosening as his morale seemed to fall. She wasted no time flinching away from the firm grip, clumsy feet leading her closer to the bearded man. There was a stumble of words, the support of the trader being lost in an instant as others gave their judgement. Enough had been said, and so the scene was closed. She released a heavy sigh, her brow knitting closely together with thought as she looked upon him following him down until he reached a near level height. Lips pursed, a scrutinising gaze looking upon his face as it eased from anger to one of a smile.

The girl met his gaze, and held it. Even as he asked his question. At first she did not answer, for she had her own questions going through her mind – the most important being on the subject of her being his ‘daughter’. It would be easy to say she did not detect it as a lie; the young mind had a few issues picking upon on such subtleties at present. He had stepped in after all, why else would he step in if it was not for what he said?

She gave a rub at the shoulder that was grabbed mere chimes before, a grimace forming on her features until finally she gave a definite nod to him, “I’m alright thank you Mister.” A grin broke out one full of mischief and thought, her brow rising as she spoke. There was an odd underlying tone behind her few words, a lacking form of control with a distinct harshness at the end. Not that it was intentional, that much was clear. She gave a turn of the head back to the trader only briefly, her cheeks puffing as she gave a shrug. What was done was done, there was no changing that. Besides, the trader had been dealt with, nothing more could be achieved now. At least that was what she thought. There was only a brief flicker of regard to the sack as he lowered it, her eyes quickly returning to his with a spark of curiosity. Who was he? What was he? What was in the sack? Nothing special, or treasure perhaps? Was that a bow on his back? Did that make him a hunter or some brave warrior? Or was he just a show off?

But she did not ask, for the last of his words finally reached her. She blew out the air, shoulders sagging and the grin falling. Of course, her keepers. A mysterious people that were supposed to look after her. Not that they existed to her at present, less of course those who ran the orphanage counted. Hands went to her pockets, her form rolling inwards as she repeated the words in her head. It had been foolish to think such assumptions about the man, for all his brief intervention he was not her ‘keeper’. She nudged the tip of her boot against the ground, the large article slopping about as her toes finally managed to touch the inner edge. How annoying was the current musing upon her brow, more so when her lips pursed into a fine thin line. There was the distinct clicking of the tongue, eyes turning and rolling away almost in defeat. Of course, he was an adult; he did not have time for a child – more so as it was not actually his.

”Yes Mister. Thank you Mister,” she mumbled as she gave a weak kick at the dirt. There was no use with protesting, not directly at least. Time would reveal new opportunities in which to pursue what she wanted, it was just a matter of being patient. She gave a sheepish glance to the crowd that filtered past and around them, but never seeing their gazes. Soon she would have to mimic them, and so preparing herself to do so she turned her attention up to the towering people to time her return to the ocean of bodies. From there she would find a way to entertain herself in the meanwhile - if she was allowed that was.

[Alasdair]

Alasdair watched the emotions and thoughts flit across the young girl's superbly animated face. It was a show to behold, understanding what played across her eyes and twisting mouth. Her posture spoke of reluctance and defiance. If he had known her status as an orphan, he would have never so foolishly stepped forward to play the quick roll of father. In his mind, she had a loving pair of parents to return to - maybe a dog and an unruly brother that wrestled with her. He watched her in her long moment of thought, his brows knitted together but the smile still lifting his mouth. It widened momentarily at the puff of her cheeks, showing her a flash of his teeth.

Could he not keep her out of trouble himself at least a little while? She seemed the curious sort. It didn't go unnoticed the way her eyes scoped the bag at his feet and the bow limb protruding over his back. Perhaps she was the adventurous sort of child. He would leave it up to her. Alasdair pushed off his knees and stood easily. He gave the vendor a long, lingering stare that the merchant refused to return. The man knew he was being stared at. Alasdair could see the uncertainty and paranoia by the way he moved about his wares and refused to look his way. He was fairly confident the man wouldn't trouble the child any longer. More people needed to learn how to tolerate children.

He glanced once more at the child before looking away again, running both big hands through his long hair and pausing to stretch his back. "Well," he said with a sigh to no one in particular - seemingly to an elderly woman examining a particularly shiny bauble, "I think I'll be off to Albanese Meats." Alasdair paused for a moment, as if to let that sink in. The old woman pulled her bauble close to her eyes, not even hearing him. "Yes, the butchery," he emphasized nonchalantly. He looked around at all the stalls, as if distracted, and slowly started to back away. After a few paces he turned on his heel and strode off into the crowd of shoppers. As it grew lighter the number of people out would increase. Already a considerable number of citizens and travelers seemed to be out.

His long stride carried him quickly to the butcher's shop, where he took up at the counter to wait. He could carry comfortable conversation with Dino until - hopefully - the girl came running along. If she did the opposite of what he was assuming she would, then he'd be out some money and a considerable amount of time. It would be a big disappointment, but only one he had put upon himself. The sack with his quarry had been left accidentally at her feet, seemingly forgetting in the heat of the moment. When he told Dino what he'd done, and why he was waiting, the owner of the butchery threw his head back and laughed a great guffaw.

"D'you think she'll bring it?" Alasdair shrugged and ran a rough hand across his bearded jaw and chin. "A man can hope. Those rabbits took a petching while to shoot." Dino shook his head and chuckled. "You're putting a lot of faith in a little girl you just met. Maybe she was a thief, and you only fell for the helpless look about her." It was Alasdair's turn to shake his head. "No, I don't believe she was. Plus a woman who witnessed it all attested for her." He smiled at the butcher. "I think she'll come." I hope.

[Fallon]

He was indeed a giant next to the small Fallon, towering high above – enough so that she was certain he could reach up and pull down the very sky. Her neck craned back to get a good look at him, lips parting as he looked about. Eyes gave a slow blink, and followed his gaze for a few brief ticks. She was not really sure what he was looking at, a good bargain? A familiar face? Her lips only returned to a purse as he spoke, her head tilting in a peculiar fashion. Adults were indeed odd. Speaking out loud to no one in particular for no reason what so ever along with stepping in to defuse a situation – what was the world coming to?

There was only a rock on her heels as the man begun his turning. Something must have caught his sight way up in the clouds, for with only a quick attempt to see what exactly the man had disappeared into the crowd. Little Fallon was left dumbfounded. Within a mere tick he had bravely stepped into the sea of bodies once more, disappearing from her view. Startled almost, she gave a spin on the spot, eyes looking down to the bag he had left, and then snapping back up to the people. A hint or perhaps he was simply forgetful. She did not know. Gingerly, she gave the bag a prod with her toe, before sliding up next to it. What was she supposed to do? Leave it there? Take it for her own? Finders keepers came to mind, but that was both childish and far from fair.

Fallon leaned in closer, nostrils flaring as she stared judgingly at the flap. Her finger lifted it, eyes squinting as she peered into the depths of the folded fabric. It was the distinct fresh scent that hit her first, her head recoiling to get away. Earth, fur, blood, what was in there? It was curiosity that pulled her in further, a seeker for the source. When those large, dead rabbit eyes stared up at her however, the child wish she had not looked. Hands jerked away, not out of repulsion but surprise. It was far from treasure or anything of the sort; it was instead hunting game. She gave a frown. It would explain why he said he was off to the butchery, but without his prize?

She scratched her jaw, contemplation taking her. She knew where he was going, but there was always the issue of him returning to look for his goods. She could not exactly leave them there either, someone else would claim them that way. And if she took them for herself she would be nothing more than a thief – something that she tried not to be. Fingers wrapped around the strap, arms straining as she hauled it up so she was almost cradling it. Quickly glancing around she stumbled into the flow of people, her form being pushed back and forth as she staggered on through. She did not know her way around the main gates, her feet leading her about whilst her eyes searched for a sign she was going in the right direction. It took a long, few chimes to find her bearings and head in the right direction, and even longer to fight her way towards it with the bundle of dead animals in her arms.

Heaving the weight along the girl gave only a brief pause outside. Her eyes turning up to the sign, she released a sigh and worked on hauling the last of the weight through the butchery door. There was a long pause at that point, a flash of worry upon her face as she searched for the man. It was hard to see from her angle, so speaking up she announced herself – though if anything it came out as little more than a nervous croak, “I’m looking for a giant Mister…?” The bag was tugged in as she stepped out of the doorway, a slight hunching in her form. Eyes gave a scan, before brightening at the familiar face. She made a beeline to him, and held the bag up in offering, ”Are you forgetful? You seem like it. Should really try to remember things, else people will be mean and use it against you.” She gave a defiant nod to him, whilst a distinct snicker emerged from Dino the butcher. She only gave him a regarding look, confused as to why he was laughing before finally snapping her attention back to the man, "Don't do it again."

[Alasdair]

The longer the two of them waited at the counter, the more Alasdair's faith in the child weakened. Perhaps he had been foolish, testing and trusting the girl so readily. She had looked like a good kid, and he wanted to give her something to do. Dino looked at the man leaning on the counter across from him, clearly a little piteous. "Don't give me those eyes," Alasdair grumbled, leaning his head in his hands. "What eyes?" Dino asked innocently. He felt sorry for Alasdair - he was a regular customer and they got along, but it had been his own foolish mistake. He grunted and turned his eyes away from the butcher, glancing over a shoulder toward the door. As if willing the child to burst through would actually work. Finally, he stood up straight and sighed with defeat.

"She'll be eating good tonight," he tried to joke nonchalantly, but all he really wanted to do was thump his forehead against the shop's wood counter. "Better luck next time, Alasdair." He smiled weakly. "We'll see. Do you have any chicken left today? I'll need some dinner, it seems." Dino nodded and left him alone up front, leaving to fetch one of the fat birds he'd beheaded, plucked, and cleaned today. Alasdair leaned once more against the counter, propping his lower back against the solid surface after laying his bow atop it, and facing the door. The sound of the butcher rummaging in back filled the silence. While he listened, he crossed his big arms across his broad chest. Unexpectedly, a few short ticks later, the door opened and in came the kid.

He hadn't been expecting her to show up at this point, especially so suddenly. Alasdair pushed away from the counter and took a step toward her, but she made to intercept him after an uncertain inquire. Dino emerged from the back and set the hen down, giving a low laugh to her little speach. It seemed she was to reprimand him for leaving his bag behind. Alasdair smiled down at her indulgently, and scooped the parcel from her small hands. "I'm getting too old to remember everything it seems," he told her with mock seriousness. "Luckily you were around to help. It would've been bad if someone had stolen this." That last part was definitely true. He wouldn't be making any money today - in fact he'd be losing some, buying that hen for dinner. Thankfully the girl hadn't run off with his haul.

"I promise I'll be more careful," he assured her with laughter in his eyes and laced in his voice. "Won't be needing that chicken, Dino," he told the butcher over his shoulder apologetically. There was no harm done though, and the shopkeep returned the meat to the back. Alasdair placed his bag of hares up on the counter to let Dino deal with, and crouched down to Fallon's level. "It was nice of you to bring these back to me," he praised, giving her a smile. "What's your name? Mine is Alasdair." He wondered idly why she'd been wandering around by herself. Syliras was safe by many standards, but still. He personally didn't condone children wandering around by themselves, especially near the gates. What if they happened to slip out and get lost? It might be pretty safe inside the walls, but that same rule didn't apply to outside. Luckily she seemed to have come straight here.

OOCI know I left you waiting forever, and I'm sorry! I got busy keeping up with my main PC, then work and school. I hope to be more active now.

[Fallon]

Fallon gave him a scrutinizing look, her lids pinching up at the giant. He seemed grateful, if not surprised by her sudden appearance and outburst. Well, what did he expect? Adults would have given her a hard time for something similar, so why should she not give it back? She gave him a firm approving nod as he claimed his game, the dead hares being placed up high and out of sight. Rising up onto her toes she tried to gain a peak and what was going on. It was the dull thunk however that made her flinch away and return her attention back to Alasdair.

At first, she broke into a grin, her toe awkwardly pressing against the ground at the praise. Of course, that was until the other civilities of conversation were met. There was a pause, a distinctly long one as Alasdair introduced himself and then promptly questioned her own identity. Eyes refused to make contact, an attempt at feigning distraction and looking elsewhere around the butchery almost as if it would halt the answer in its tracks.

It did not, of course, at the child was forced into giving a sheepish answer between the sound of Dino hacking his way through. Large eyes stared at him, shoulders rising as she mulled over it for a chime or so longer, ”People call me all sorts. But you can call me Fallon if you want.” There was a blink at him, eye contact forced into being held before she shirked away. Hangs wrung together, her brow knitting tightly, ”Well. If you want. Most others call me different things. Lots of things. But I like that one the most. Sounds nicer.” She chewed at her lip, a shrug to validate her answer.

And then she gave a point, her hand darting out to the counter or more in particular to Dino. A serious expression covered her face, a new point of interest – and thus a multitude of questions - being found in an instant. Her head turned away from Alasdair and to the butcher, a gentle rock on her heels as she stared, ”What’s he doing with the hares? Aren’t they yours? Why does he have them now?” she gave a pause, her head snapping back to Alasdair with an almost horrified expression upon her face, ”Mister Alasdair, did you hunt them? And… and…” Fingers twiddled, the wave of emotions finally settling down onto that of sombre, ”But they’re cute…”

[Alasdair]

Such a curious child she was. Eyes roaming and wandering, searching for anything and everything. It was good that she was so observant. The world needed youngsters like this. Children that would surely grow up to be intelligent men and women. His smile was approving and amused, a mixture of pleasant emotions. And so shy it seemed as well. Her eyes stayed down, seemingly uncertain as to whether they should meet with his. Perhaps she didn't want him to know her name. He couldn't exactly blame her. Alasdair was a stranger to the child, and it was wise to question strangers. Finally though, it seemed she decided to give him a chance.

Shy, serious eyes turned up once more and she produced a name. He regarded young Fallon closely as her uncertainty once more enveloped her. Why so meek? His brows drew together, and his expression grew more serious. "I'll call you Fallon, since that's what you prefer. I wouldn't call you anything else, except what you'd want me to," he assured her. Fallon's own face grew intense, as what Dino was doing behind the counter once more drew her interest. He half turned to look from where he squatted in front of her. "Yes those are mine. Some will be his soon. He's preparing them so they can be eaten." Alasdair was careful how he explained that to her. He'd already personally gutted the rabbits and field dressed them. Dino was skinning and hacking them apart for consumption.

But he didn't let her in on those specific details. Probably too gruesome for the child. After all, the expression on her face when she looked at him again made it all too clear that she was on the side of the bounty. Alasdair nodding to her final question. "Yes, I did hunt them. Not because I wanted to hurt them, but because that's how people eat," he explained as kindly and as gently as he could. "They didn't suffer, I promise. I was very careful with them, because I didn't want them to suffer. But I needed to eat tonight, and make a little money. Someone else will get to eat the others. Some other children like you might need to fill their bellies, and the rabbits will do that. Do you understand?"

[Fallon]

Fallon gave a blink, and then a grin. It was both pleasant and refreshing to hear her name for a change. Eyes brightened, her shoulders lifting as if an invisible weight had been taken from them and then her attention once more locked onto Alasdair. Fascinated almost by his answers her mind absorbed them, a sense of wonder having consumed with the knowledge and skill that this hunter managed with the game. Of course, there was still the slight frown upon her face if anything due to the messy business of such employment - least, it was messy to her. Scratching her face she gave another hard look to Dino, a slightly judgemental stare that only received a snort in return, before finally she gave a nod to Alasdair in a sense of approval, ”I understand. I think.”

There was only a short frown, a low hum on her lips and her digits extending out as she tried to almost work something out in her head. Her lips gave a twitch as if counting, ”So… you got four, or three maybe. So some for him, you and children like me?” She promptly pulled a face, ”That doesn’t sound like it will go very far. I mean you two look like you could eat a lot, and others like me down at the or-“ there was a sharp pause, her eyes narrowing into focus and her lips pursing almost in annoyance, ”Or-fe-n-ah... I can’t say it. That place! Well they eat a lot too. And I mean lots!” She gave a firm shake of the hand as if that would suddenly explain her answer in more detail before promptly moving on, ”Just doesn’t seem like much to eat from. I mean, this is a big place. Right? Or maybe it’s because I’m small.” She puffed out her cheeks, her brow finally easing off, ”But… as long as you didn’t want to hurt them and did it for everyone else, I guess that’s okay. People need to eat to do, and work, and live, and stuff.”

And then a new question came to her mind. Folding her arms she looked upon the giant of a man, a look of careful contemplation growing across her face, almost as if confused by something, ”So you hunt hares every day? Just hares? Nothing else? Isn’t that kind of bad if you just go for them?” hands plunged into her pockets, her head tilting in a quizzical fashion, ”Then again, if it’s only you going for them I guess that isn’t so bad. Then again, Wouldn’t eating too much rabbit be bad for you?” She paused, a momentary halt in her speech, ”Actually, never mind. You adults know what’s best right?” And then she promptly gave a broad grin, though it was one that was a little strained, her voice having a distinct ring of uncertainty hovering in the back, ”That’s why you’re adults, you always know what children like me need. Always.”

[Orion Michaels]

Fallon +1 Interrogation Lore : An Accused Thief Location: Butcher of Alban Alasdair: Hunter of Cute Rabbits Questioning Technique: Flurry of Inquiries Adults Know Best Notes Sorry I couldn't give more, Fallon. With all those master skills, the little'un couldn't get you much there. Alasdair, if you return, let me know and I'll get you your grade. Please edit your grade request and let me know if you have questions.