"When a world ends, there's always something left over. A story, perhaps, or a vision, or a hope. This inn is a refuge, after the lights go out. For a while."
-The innkeeper, in SANDMAN #56: "World's End," by Neil Gaiman

Red Dragon Inn

It was a night like any other. David wasn?t around and there wasn?t much else to do but wander to the Inn for a nightcap. The little darling appeared in the doorframe, slippered feet seeking to cross the threshold as she peered within. Those off-blue orbs bounced from patron to patron, in search of a familiar face.

She was lonely.

Strange. The floorboards squeaked a warning. What was said? The girl dipped down, still within the sanctuary of the doorframe, staring at the floor. ?What. Do. You. Want.? She said it quietly to the beings beneath the wood, and the inhabitants inside the lumber itself.

Across the way, a conversation:

?I really do need to introduce you to at least one other person Darlin' now that you are here. That is part of my job and you wouldn't want me to get in trouble with my boss now would ya ... ??

?I'm sorry, my dear...But alas, I?m really not interested in your job or in your boss. Do you know the person I'm looking for or not??

But this exchange wasn?t noticed by the girl. Instead, she scolded the invisible forces beneath her feet.

?I can't deal with you right now. I need to find Tara! There's something I want tae.. do.?

That something was anything really. The night was young and she was incredibly bored and Tara always had something going on. Upright again, she left the entranceway, her small feet moving toward the bar in a saunter-shuffle, waving to those she recognized and those she did not.

The conversation across the way continued:

?Of course I know Tara.?

?Excellent. Do you know if she will be by this establishment tonight? Or do you know where I can find her??

Viki?s slender fingers caught the edge of the counter and she hoisted herself into an empty seat. The stool squeaked. Another warning? What was wrong with everything tonight? Everything inanimate was speaking to her - all warnings, all vague.

?Nah it is way too late for Tara to come by here. I have no idea where to find her.?

?Indeed? Do you know how to get in touch with her then? Or is that, too, beyond your skills??

The familiar name of her cousin graced her ears and caught her attention.

?Tara?? Her painted lips curled into a smile. ?Tara's home!? She nodded to the tender, Tera, the one who spoke, the one who had ?no idea where to find her.? She had been speaking to a strange gentleman at the end of the bar.

?Viki!? The woman exclaimed, but it was far too late.

Zonker broke in. Viki recognized him from the wedding. ?Tara? Be she AT home or in a home??

Riddles!

?Huh?? Lashes fluttered. She looked very cute and very confused. ?Well the home is a castle, 'cept when I get lost in all the shadows, and then it is someplace else.?

?Castles be like that, lass. All those bloody rooms and towers,? said Zonker. Later, Viki would agree. The towers?

?I like it though! Tara and I are going to decorate it. It'll be pink and yellow and possibly blue, or I shall invent a colour.?

?What does the Count think of such a palette?? Zonker asked.

?I believe he does not know.? Of course he doesn?t. You just made that all up.

Aside, Tera Destre and the stranger continued. It was very obvious to everyone, the stranger included, that she did not want to give up Tara?s whereabouts.

?You can leave a note for Tara with me. I'll set it back here on the shelf and she will pick it up next time she comes in.?

?Of course, of course. Simply tell her that I'm here. That I have her shipment of collars she requested.?

The mention of ?collars? rubbed everyone the wrong way.

?PARDON me?!? Zonker growled. Icer snorted. And everyone else simply glared.

Except Viki, though her eyes were on the stranger who spoke of her cousin. ?I know you!? She paused and squinted. ?Where do I know you?? She spun around on her stool, creating a blur of legs and lace. A single finger came to rest upon her chin as a very pensive little look crossed her young features.

But Zonker continued to press the man. ?Collars for .... ? Unless ye speak of starched additions for dress shirts, none, e'en Tara ha' need for such monstrosities in Rhydin.?

The man seemed mildly amused. ?Well...for slaves, of course. Didn't she tell you that?? His smirk was dark and the secret things which swirled around his virile frame whispered to her. They spoke of familiar things and familiar settings.

?You are?? Viki blinked at the stranger. ?I know you and yet I do not.?

His dark auburn eyes found hers. Everything about him was vile and wicked and as they sat in silence he only seemed more so. He?d set his sights upon her and locked onto her gaze. She was the perfect target. His eyes spilled into her, as if on a hunt for her soul.

She was cold, but still and silent, yet her eyes said much. As he penetrated her with his gaze, she poured into him, piercing through the flesh with her eyes and searching for that which was within.

They were locked in a silent battle for the secrets of their respective souls.

All she found was darkness.

?There are places in the dark and still women who look like glass and pose forever. And you like them because they are still and they are silent and they are perfect.? When she spoke to him, her voice wavered, until it was not her own. She leaned in, as if possessed. ?And everyone is attached to wires and fed sex and lies, and the lie is sex and the sex is a lie.?

Then, the fog had lifted, and her eyes were clear. She blinked, as if from out of a daze, unaware of what she had said, unaware that anything had happened at all.

But the others had heard her.

?Now I happen to know more than I ever wanted to know. I will not be passing on any messages from you to anyone Travanix. Please forgive me.?

Travanix. Tera had said his name and the name rang little bells in the back of her mind. Victoria sat back, sat straight, and stared.

Zonker spoke again. ?There shall be others who will learn of thy presence as well, Blackguard. Those who shall seek tae make ye a verrae grave man.? It was more promise than threat.

?Many have tried...even Blackguard. I'm here, and they aren't.? A darkness enveloped his speech and sent little shockwaves around the establishment, though no one felt or saw this but the girl at the bar. Travanix threw his gaze back to Tera. ?Well, that is a true shame that you won't deliver my note. Here I thought I had made a good contact...?

The woman stepped out from the bar to look Travanix in the eye. Viki had decided that she was very brave to do such a thing. ?I don't approve of slavery so no, you haven't made a good contact.?

"The past is always knocking at the door, trying to break through into today."
-Dr Occult, in BOOKS OF MAGIC #1, by Neil Gaiman

?Cousin!? Viki almost screamed for Tara from her place at the bar. Her eyes said everything. Look who was here. Look. Look. Look.

Tara and Talomar and Travanix converged in the center.

?Eventide everyone, cousin.? Tara gave Victoria a smile. Talomar followed suit.

?Good eve, my dear.?

Zonker took Tara aside. ?Tara... seems one ha' crawled out of the woodwork seeking ye. Mayhaps ye should help protect thy young cousin.?

Meanwhile, Alma continued to soothe the girl in her arms.

?Oh a man who would touch a girl without her leave is no man at all, is he? No fear, little love, Alma is proof against such petty nightmares.? Alma?s words hit her semi-pointed ears with a spell-like quality. She calmed, though her grip on her did not break. Slowly, she would greet her family.

?Hello My Lord Cousin Talomar.? It was a show of sorts, for Travanix, as if to say, this man is power.

But then, she whispered of Travanix to Alma. ?He is a beast of wires and dark light.?

?A man only, dear, a poor thing all in all....? She swirled the gin in her glass. It was her signature drink.

?Evening, Lady Tara.? Travanix said it with a smile, and his words dripped with polite pleasantries. ?I have your order.?

Tara looked pleased and made with the introductions. ?Allow me to introduce you to my husband, Talomar Longden, King, prince, count, amongst other things.?

Travanix looked him over. ?A pleasure, good sir. Travanix is the name. Though, I'm sure your wife has mentioned me.?

Maybe not. ?Husband, this is an old friend of mine from the circles, Lord Travanix. He is the owner of the Chainned Inn.?

Circles of Slavery.

?The pleasure in mine, sir. And yes, she has. Seems we have some things in common. The Chainned Inn? Hmmm...I've heard of it. Very nice indeed.?

Alma?s painted mouth brushed Viki?s hair over one distinctive little ear. It was the closet the two had ever been, and were it not for the fear within the girl, it was all magick.

?A broken branch,? said Alma, of men, of that man in particular, ?spring grass before the blade.? Spring-grass-before-the-blade. That was her name for Victoria.

?Are you so sure he is not the blade?? Viki drew in a breath ? in and out. Her chest rose and fell somewhat rapidly. Her heart raced, pounding within its cage of bone and flesh, but still, Alma?s words were a blanket, a net.

?There is no blade for you here save Alma.? Her voice was soft and simple.

The trio continued to converse.

?It would seem that we do. Your wife contacted me a few weeks back, ordering some of my unique hardware.? Travanix said to Talomar.

?Ahh...yes. We shall soon need that hardware. As you can see, sir...the rift raff in Rhydin leaves much to be desired.?

?I've brought the initial shipment of supplies, and made arrangements for a steady stream of additional equipment. And I agree. I was just explaining to the uneducated here, that Rhy'din has forgotten that the shadows should still be feared.?

?Good...excellent! Tara my dear, I'm liking your friend already!?

Skado the sandman had entered the place in shadow, as shadows he commanded. His dark eyes came to settle upon the tweed woman and the little seer. He blew clove smoke from his lips in curious directions, eventually framing the two entwined. Viki had met him a day prior and liked him almost immediately. He was a curiosity, and she was a puzzle, and their conversation was strange but interesting if one had taken the time to listen.

But Alma?s attention was for the girl in her arms. ?Will you drink, little one??

?I will drink a great many things if you let me.?

Alma laughed. ?Perhaps you shall, perhaps you shall...? She sipped her drink. Her eyes flickered to the sandman as he took a place by the bar. ?Will you take a water with us?? She asked him.

Viki smiled and whispered to Alma. ?I like him. I gave him a balloon and he wore it
in pieces like a robe.?

But from across the room:

?Lord Travanix, may I buy you a drink? Black Ale is it??

?A black ale? Here...They actually carry it??

Tara?s voice: ?I will go fetch the drinks, Talomar. Sit.?

?Actually, they don't...but Tara and I felt that you might soon show up...so we planned ahead. Yes, Tara, my love. Please.?

?I've re-opened the Chainned Inn, and you and your wife will have whatever you need. I've also made arrangements that should you prefer, I can get your merchandise off planet, and sold to a higher market if desired. Off -planet miners always want companionship...And they are rather... Harsh with it.?

?You are so right about the shadows should still be feared. Together we might have to teach that fear once more. Well, thank you! We shall soon visit your establishment.?

Alma gently guided Viki into an adjacent stool just as Tara moved toward the bar. Passing the girl, Tara touched her cheek.

?Hello dearest.?

Viki snatched her hand. ?Tara. That man. That man.?

But her cousin was lost to her, and she eased out of her ensnarement in search of black ale.

?Hush, child. Spend the currency of your attention better.? Alma said, purring softly.

?I..? Viki began, a flicker of aquamarine to meet Alma?s blues. The woman peered back from beneath her spectacles. Viki was taken in by her eyes. It was as if she were snatched from her place at the bar and lost in another world, a world which smelled of flowers ? Alma?s scent. Juniper? No, rose?

?Lady,? said the girl, as if in a trance, ?You are something else.?

The smile she offered Victoria was quite pretty, but it held nothing: no love, nor kindness. ?Something else? I should hope so, given the options presently available.? She said as she poured a drink for the sandman who sat by and idly watched as he watched all things, always.

?You are.. like.. a forever being. Perhaps. Yes. But I cannot be sure. I am swimming, aren't I??

?I am Alma. You can make me what you will with your eyes and your dreams and I will taste chocolate that holds the scent of your skin.?

Viki blinked. She spoke of art. ?Yes!?

Then, Alma turned, and waved a single gloved hand in the direction of the sandman. ?He is something else indeed, and knows me better than perhaps he thinks, thus I offer water.?

?I like him. I believe I said that already.? Viki pressed her lips together, taking a dainty gloved hand into her own. ?He let me touch him. I wanted to see what he was made of.?

This response brought another bout of bright laughter. ?And can you tell what I am made of by such a simple investigation??

?No.? She grinned impishly. ?There are many layers to peel away.?

The woman seemed surprised. ?Am I an artichoke or an onion, to be so examined??

?If you?ll allow it.? Viki was happily teasing her now, forgetting Travanix?s presence entirely. Perhaps that was Alma?s plan all the while. It was an entirely easy seduction.

?Only if you are careful; I am a delicate bloom.? Her voice was low and dangerously inviting.

?Careful.. I will. .be.?

Yet in the meantime, Travanix and Talomar were continuing to wheel and deal across the way. They spoke of slaves most certainly, and trade, and the tools of such a trade.

?Since I'm not sure if you've seen the product, I thought I'd show you.? The man pulled a silver band from his pocket. It glittered and gleamed in the light of the tavern. The surface was completely smooth.

Its sudden appearance caused a chain-reaction of reactions.

Tera Destre rushed to the serving side of the bar. The woman Charna Lyndra clung to Tera, chewing nervously upon her lower lip. Icer the dragon moved to her side protectively.

?Very nice workmanship, sir. I think these will do very well. Soon to be the latest fashion in Rhydin.?

?The collar is the result of several years worth of experimentation and development. Not to mention considerable expense in lost slaves.?

The tension mounted. The crowd murmured. It didn?t matter who was a part of this crowd. Their thoughts and opinions were one in the same.

?I don't even believe this is going on in here.?

?I don't believe it's going on at all.?

?Mayhaps you should go to a booth, husband?? Tara suggested, taking the rising tension into consideration.

?Why bother...a few weeks from now, the Dragon could be hosting the slavers' ball!? Travanix chuckled as he took another drink.

?Over my dead body!!? Tera blurted out, her eyes blazing with hatred for Travanix.

It was clear. War was in the air.

Cooking considered as one of the fine arts -- "My envelope isn't any good anymore" -- Where all mazes meet -- The other side of the coin -- Life as a glass of bitter wine -- Cherries are counted, and a bargain is made -- An unlikely growth.
- Neil Gaiman, Brief Lives

Red Dragon Inn

?No. I strive for a certain discretion,? Skado said as he followed her inside.

?Discretion. What is that word anyway? I hear things all the time. People scream their secrets.? Stepping in from the back entrance, she looked strange, out of place, as if she were an actress cast into the wrong role. The little darling peered up at the sandman. They were a rather odd pair, and it was a rather odd discussion.

?Perhaps you could ask them to be quiet...? He said, softly. His dark eyes looked back into hers and reflected nothing at all. She heard his claws tap upon the back door before letting it swing closed.

?That is asking much too much, but one might try.? She scanned the room briefly. Tara, Talomar, and Travanix were gone, but in their wake, the patrons murmured accusations and doomsday possibilities.

?Perhaps you should also teach them the method of silence.?

?I should.?

Viki moved to the bar, chattering softly to her companion as she did so. When he followed, he did his best to avoid her footsteps. It was an odd and awkward practice, though it went virtually unnoticed by the girl. ?What do you know about the lady with the cold fingers and the gloves that cages them? Something tells me that you do naut like her though I do naut know why.? She hoisted herself up into a stool again, giving a glance to anyone in the vicinity.

?She was a vessel and perhaps remains a shell for the lack.? His voice grew harsh and cold, which was strange, because he had always addressed Victoria with a quiet and welcomed curiosity.

?A vessel? Did you swim inside of her? She wishes to have me. I think I cannot say no.?

?Life.. Is just a paradox.? Someone said from across the way. The voice was strangely familiar and it hurt when she heard it. Why? ?I have not found what I am looking for yet..?

Her little face was drawn away from the sandman. She'd heard a voice. Now who? Who was it? Ah! Those haunted eyes had fallen upon Kain, and all the colour drained from her face. She really couldn't take another shock tonight.

The sandman regarded her with a tilt of his head and a flick of his ear, as if straining to hear her. ?You go quiet.? And pale.

?I lost my voice in the smoke of his cigarette.? She gestured to Kain, the seeming stranger, but stranger he was not. He was the voice, a familiar ghost in the flesh: Kain Gray.

The stranger-not-stranger met her gaze and knew her. His glacial eyes poured into the depths of her own. There was a lot of that tonight. He took another drag of his cigarette and flashes his signature smirk. Victoria would only smile back. She?d last seen Kain in Lanrette, before the Isle of Chains, before living with Tara and Brutin. They were lovers. They were enemies. And now? Images and memory grew thorns and stuck to her insides and left her confused. Why was she smiling?

?Learn not to breathe.? A coin had danced out onto the sandman?s left hand and it marched with terrible consistency, back and forth, through his fingers.

?But I am a breathing thing.? She peered back to the sandman.

?Lines are never so solid as they purport to be.? He continued his trick, and as the coin marched along his fingers, it flickered black and white. One side was clearly darker than the other. Then, it disappeared, and he held up his empty palm.

Viki did not see how the coin came to vanish. He was a clever one! She leaned in, and marveled at the trick.

?Your hand has eaten it.?

?Has it?? He glanced down to his palm. ?No? no, I think?? His hand shot upwards and pulled the coin from behind her ear. Though his hand was close, it never came to touch that ear. ?Your mind ate it.?

?My mind eats lots and lots of things. Careful should you get to close..? Her curious fingers reached out to inspect the disappearing-reappearing coin. One side was indeed darker than the other: onyx and silver. How quaint!

And it spoke.

A shadow of the past and a spark of the future colliding in the course of an evening.. Viki blinked. Skado, of course, was oblivious to this, and occupied with a drink. Somewhat puzzled by the coin?s conversation, she sat back, and let her mind drift. It was always doing that anyway. She might as well allow it.

Kain?s eyes were on her as she sat still and silent. Yes. He would think of her and his eyes would spill all those secret things. But she had gone down another path, and it was deep and dark and she would not catch his glance. She was aware of him, and aware of the sandman at her side, but something else had drawn her in.

Enter David Dupres, a stunning vision in deep crimson and jet black.