Basia's tale

“I have got to say that I’m quite proud of my notebook. Where other magical notebooks are intellectually on the level of a toddler, this has already reached puberty.” Nikolaus commented on the text “ya’ll gunna shat your pants now” which appeared after his question. He and Silas had tried their best not to interfere in other’s business but after some of Silas’s moonshine and brooding they found themselves from Nikolaus’s office. Personally he just wanted to check out the situation quickly, for he had been regretting the decision to let Basia be kidnapped and Peter to join the Riders. For the illusion to work he needed to sacrifice something and Basia and Peter seemed to have issues which couldn’t be solved in the Tower. The notebook had convinced him that his actions wouldn’t result in death or permanent damage. Silas peered over his shoulder when the notebook started to describe what was happening in the festivities of Miras.

Basia got up so fast her chair fell over. Her cheeks were a burning shade of red and she clenched her fists. There was a hallway leading to the corner rooms behind the table she was sharing with the beaming mayor and his court. She took a deep breath and walked there, with the long stride Arien had advised her to take to look credible.
“Excuse my brother, sir. He is but a simple man and your generosity is overwhelming.” Arien took a healthy swig of punch and wasn’t sure whether to howl with laughter or follow Basia and hope the hallway leads someplace useful, like the heck out.
“Just between you and me sonny, I have to admit having a lot of daughters can make a man feel quite…” the mayor frowned a little before finishing the sentence ever so amiably “generous indeed”. Mayor Curonus then moved his unfinished plate of food away and turned to ask another question about his future son-in-law. This was going to be a long night.

Candlelight danced on the boy’s red hair and Joanna felt curious of why he wasn’t getting drunk with everyone else. After all, he had won the great prize; a woman he couldn’t even dream of if it wasn’t for the mayor’s despair. However there was no sign of gleefulness on his narrow face. It held a mask-like expression that reminded her of the day when Quiftin had come from his audition with her father. Joanna decided to step from the shadows to speak with her fiancé, Basil.

“Would you like to share a pipe with me?” She said after finding her pipe and herbs from the stash she had behind a brick. Basil looked at her with something that was probably supposed to be a smile.
“I have never tried it but if there ever is a good time, it’s probably now.” His voice was a little high but there was softness in it.
“Tough day?” She took a candle from the wall and after fumbling with it for a few times she allowed the boy to work his magic.
“You wouldn’t believe it if I told you. Didn’t catch your name?” Basil breathed the smoke out, and Joanna was impressed he didn’t cough. She took the pipe from his hand and inhaled.
“My name is Joanna and I have a problem.” She looked him in the eye and watched his feeble attempt of smile disappear.

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I didn't shit my pants.