A bit of a slow chapter. But a chapter none the less. I hope you all enjoy! Read and Review my faithful fans! I love you all!

Beka made her way back to her home in the Lower City. Fingering the sword at her side, she walked up to her favorite Tavern, the Blackbird's Rest. It was infamous for their singers. Beka went there often to recruit new entertainment for the Rouges Taverns. It was part of her job requirement.

"Well…if it isn't Melody. Back to recruit some of our singers?" called the bar tended.

"Not today Ace. I'm just here for a drink. It's my night off."

"Well then what you want?" he pulled out a large mug with the name Melody on it in icy blue.

"Usual."

"One Cherry Twist Ale and apple fritter coming right up."

Taking her seat at the bar table, she laid her sword in front of her, the grip only an inch from her right hand. Taverns tended to have some nasty brawls. After the last one, a few months back she wasn't up for that experience again.

"Here ya go Ice."

"Thanks Ace. Here's a tip." She put a silver coin on the counter, "Tell your Missus that I say hello and thanks for that burn balm."

"Anytime Melody-" he stopped and narrowed his eyes at the front door.

Beka tensed up; if Ace who was a well seasoned bar tender and an old-time tavern brawler then there was reason to be on guard. She turned carefully her sword coming out of the sheath slightly. Looking toward the door.

"River Dodgers…" she growled. They weren't her favorite out of the Rouges employees. They were only good for muscle power.

"Aye…but who is that…never seen 'im before."

Beka looked at the man at the forefront. His dark skin and dark eyes made him stand out. Those of Corus mostly looked like she did, blonde hair, fair skin. His startling dark green eyes made him look like a black cat, or one of those carnivorous cats that those savages from the Yamani and Copper Isles bring for their kings personal zoo.

She stood up and drained the cup of ale she had. Settling the sword back at her side she walked over to the River Dodgers.

"Tonight is the Entertainers and River Dodgers night off. Its looks like you're looking for a brawl." She stood in front of them hands on her hips.

"We aren't looking for nothin' but some good ale and pretty ladies such as you." He was ballsy she'd give him that, but the others…they knew who she was and they were looking plenty of different kinds of uncomfortable.

"That's all good and fair. I need to know what your name is friend. Does our King Rouge know that you're running about with his employees? One might think you were looking to overthrow him by gettin' in good with his lackeys." Beka leaned against the support beam looking up at the man.

"I'm just a friend of these River Dodgers no more no less. I just found them and we decided to go out for a pint." He raised his hands as if he was pleading innocent before Mithros himself, but his predatory smile told her otherwise.

"I suppose that's all good and fair then. I'll let you pass. But I'd like to know your name…as you never answered me."

"Name is Geoff. I'm a carpenter, just came around looking for a good time. Perhaps you'll show it to me. What do you say…Ice Melody?" he winked at her, "I'll buy you a drink and we can go back to my place and I'll show you how hospitable I can be to one with a pretty face."

"I'd rather not. Besides, I have work to do in the morning. You'll just get in my way. Now if you'll excuse me." Beka walked straight toward them, the River Dodgers made a pathway, "ACE! Thanks for the Ale it was the best."

She could feel his gaze on her as she left. Turning the corner, she found her informant…Ruckus.

"Ice…"

"Look out for that man Geoff. He may throw a wrench in our plans and we can't have that. Put Canary on him, she can deal with the likes of him. Make sure she reports directly to me also. We can't lose another one like her to traitors like Riot."

"Riot was a louse. I enjoyed dousing him after was he did to Pussycat."

"Pussycat did her job well. I relish seeing the day all her good work will pay off." Beka handed the black robed man a scroll, "Found it in My Lord Provosts house a few weeks back. Looks like he's running up some unsolicited trade with Scanra. Make sure to give this to Beagle, he'll know what to do with it."

"As you say Ice."

"Now go…I want our network to stay as it is. Under wraps until the Rebellion comes around." Beka left the alleyway and made her way back to her rooms in the Rouge's Palace.

She smiled at the Dogs. She could see Tunstall being scolded by Goodwin in the distance. Some things never changed. She shook her head and kept walking. Putting her hands in her pockets she spotted a few of the young foists. She could see a pair of Dogs eyeing them.

"HOY!" She called they looked up and ran to her, "Come now boys. Surly you have to keep a look out! Birch and Tride were looking straight at you while you were trying to get that woman's coin."

"Sorry Melody."

"Now run off and keep your eyes and ears open. I don't want to have to go to the cages to get you out for stealing a few coopers."

They smiled toothy smiles up at her and raced down the street.

"You've gotta stop encouraging them." Came a voice.

"We need foists, you need foists. Besides that woman wouldn't notice missing silver here or there."

"It's the principal of the matter Bek."

"It's the principal of the matter Ersken."

"Do you enjoy making fun of me?"

"Why yes…yes I do actually." She smiled up at the young man in front of her.

"Shouldn't you be on duty or something?"

"They went to collect the Happy Bag and left me outside."

"Aww poor Ersken. He isn't allowed to go and help the big bad Dogs." Beka laughed and nudged Ersken; he patted her on the head. She tried to bite his hand.

"See you should be a Dog, you bite and barks are equally strong."

"I'm not gonna be a Dog. You and Goodwin have been trying to convince me for years. I think you people should just give up. Besides I have work to do." Beka flipped a hand at him.

"Uh… oh. My Dogs are coming I think, you had better get going they don't like me talking with Rats…not that I think your one! I'm just quoting them."

"Yea yea. I get it. I'll see you later." I kissed his cheek and left him laughing in front of the tavern.

Beka made her way back to her home on NickCopper Way. She made her way upstairs and promptly went into her room; shed her clothes down to her breast band and loincloth. Laying in bed, she fell into a dreamless sleep.