Legend of the Crimson Lotus (IC)

"I'll take patrol duty." Annia said as she hopped off the wagon with her satchel. "I'll make sure nobody makes it past me. Going in... Or out." She added as she glared at the 'new recruits' from behind her helm's visor.

"I'll take next watch." Alshain said, rotating his arm in its socket. He continued stretching.

For now though, it'd be best to sharpen his sword. It's sharpness carried over to his duplicates so maintaining it's edge was a necessary task. Alshain was not nearly skilled enough to sharpen his blade using magic, or to keep the duplicate blades sharp by tweaking with the replication. His knowledge of magic was pitifully basic after all.

"Sure thing chief, I'll see what I can't do about rustling up a discount or something along those lines for us." Said Tiberius as he made his way towards the inn to go try and work his charms.

Strongheim merely nodded in response. He wasn't exactly sure why was he chosen - it's not like he was a particularly outspoken man - but he wasn't going to question. Given that the situation was unusual enough, all of them just needed some rest, Kai and his sister in particular.

Following Tiberius he braced himself for how are they going to fit in that many people inside that inn and not attract attention.

John nodded. "I'll go haunt the back-alleys for a while, make sure we don't have any Imp spies following us from the shadows and maybe get us some useful stuff for the long run." The half-elf turned to leave but paused.

"Kai, we're going to need to go to ground at some point here. Now I don't know much about magic aside from how not to get fried by wards but if the Imps have a method of tracking magic, that gem probably reeks like fish left to rot in the sun for a week. We need a way to hide it from them."

Armelia finished truing up Blackedge and went over to one of the ex-Imperials. "The Empire's able to track down that ruby. How? Is there any way we can block it? Tell me everything you know about it. It's the best way you can repay us for sparing your ass right now."

Kai nodded. Yeah, it made sense. Now, he didn't know much about magic as well, and that was what worried him. He hoped the Imps knew, because if not, they were all screwed.

Unfortunately, Peter shook his head nervously. "I..have no idea. Sarge kept the magic device with him, and we have no idea how any of Doc Schneizer's stuff works."

Kai cursed. Fucking great.

Meanwhile, the two sent to the inn arrived at their destination. The nameless inn was one of the largest buildings in town, and like all the others, was completely made of wood.

Sister Sanguine approached Kai and the others after she had finished unpacking. "Sir, I have finished setting up. Is there something else that is required of me?" She asked, giving a polite curtsy with her long red dress. "Perhaps some healing needs to be done?"

Town's Gate

Annia stood guard silently at the town's gate, watching out for any intruders while lost in thought...

Why Kai? Why would you trust imperials? They're ruthless... I wouldn't be surprised if one of them tried to slit our throats in our sleep... Well... Maybe not the coward. She started to reminisce of her childhood with her father's brethren in arms.

I wish you were here Papa... But don't worry... I'll fight on...

The Inn

Upon arriving at the Inn, Tiberius turned to Strongheim and said "Hope you don't mind if I do the talking here." before heading inside and announcing "My name is Tiberius Calgar, Bard extraordinaire! Might I speak to whoever owns this fine establishment?"

"Doc Schniezer. It's not much, but at least we have a name to work with." She hefted Blackedge and took a few practice swings.

"Kai, what do you think? My instincts say to take the Empire head-on, but even I know that's suicide. We could run, but we'd never get another contract. I'm truly at a loss."

The Inn

"Oh! You are part of that mercenary company from a while back, am I right?" said a woman with dark brown hair. She looked to be about in her mid-twenties, with the look of one who had worked her entire life.

She blushed. "Um, I'm sorry. My name is Milly. I own this inn. How may I help you?"

Kai

Kai sighed. "I...have an idea. It's crazy and stupid, but it's the best I have. We'll talk when 'Heim and Tib get back."

Brand knelt on one knee in the shadows atop a nearby building, his eyes searching for anyone suspicious that he might need to report to Kai. He had told his leader where he would be; a quick signal from him would be all he needed to return to the group.

edited 2nd Oct '14 1:11:58 AM by Insano

Sister Sanguine nodded her head to Kai. "As you wish young master, if there is anything else that you require, do not hesitate to ask."

A large fly began (loudly) buzzing right over Nasako's ear. Not even that, though, was enough to awaken her just yet.

Inn

Every boisterous, Tiberius said "Aye, that I am! The lot of us need a place to sleep, and seeing as it's the only establishment in the general area large enough to hold all of us." Pulling his lute into a position that'd allow him to demonstrate his skills if need be, Tiberius added "Now, I don't suppose you'd be willing to give us a discount if I provide your Inn with the sounds of my songs for the duration of our stay?"

Inn

Unfortunately for Strongheim, bartering wasn't something he could call his forte. As such he was left to stand around rather awkwardly, hoping that Tiberius has this under control and that he himself won't say anything that could damage their case.

"We would be greatly appreciative if you happened to have spare beds for us to rest a night, Lady Milly." He spoke in an official tone, his hands in a reverse arm fold behind his back.