"Oh no reason to worry about me." Lavernius chuckled. "I've been traveling with a trade caravan for most of my life, you get used to not sleeping in a bed. I end up sleeping in such situations often, as you can tell I'm quite the lightweight." He smiled. "So a cup of wine and a nice night is enough to prompt me to sleep outside. I did however, appreciate your handiwork." He pointed at his face. "I'm presuming correctly that you both took part in that?" He wondered what she was trying to bring up initially, well actually he knew what she wanted to talk about by the way she dropped it, it was probably about what had happened in the morning. He wondered if it would be appropriate to bring it up, but they had all agreed to drop it so he felt like not pursuing it. "So today features the works of the Izukanese, I was thinking of going to the marketplace and visiting some of my compatriots, would you like to join? I was thinking of asking Illaya along as well."

Lavernius Mylarc, Faye Petralis & Thalia Valgeiros, the Dancing Horseman
Milanee's cheeks reddened, only to nod weakly at Lavernius' order. She turned to Faye and spoke a bit more easily before running towards the kitchens. The Thaa'nas and the artist sat themselves down, in sight of Illaya and her visitor.

The Dancing Horseman was silent this morning, its stage empty and it seems that everyone was out for the Izukani's performance. The instruments were left there. It didn't take long for the two's orders to arrive. Despite her seemingly frail body, Milanee could balance a lot of plates and glasses on her arms and hands, easily doing so in the relative emptiness of the Dancing Horseman. The server girl delivered Faye's plate first and set it down gently along with her glass then Lavernius' plate. A little pastry was set at the side of his plate, the something sweet he had ordered.

"Milanee," Joyse called from the counter as she raised the kettle. The server girl turned quick and went for the hot container, careful not to rush herself too much. In a few more moments, she came back and began to pour tea for Lavernius. Milanee then moved to Faye's.

"Would you like some tea, Miss Faye?" she asked.

---
Over at a different table, Thalia had sat down with her visitor of questionable origin. A server maid had approached but Ritsuko waved her away and her attention was quickly back with Thalia.

"Oh didn't take much to track you down, Illaya," Ritsuko said as she crossed her legs. "But more important matters have to be addressed first; my Lord wishes to employ you. Your skills are required in order to deal with a problem."




Marianna Laranis, Salvation Point Jail
"Of course, as you will do most of the work in the field, I will keep you safe from the politics that could wrestle you out of your mission," Erenzo said. "But do be careful, I don't know how you got into the hands of the Legion but it does hurt your resume."

Erenzo took notice of the sudden jolt of the door of the hallway. Lord Vysterious herself walked towards the businessman and inspected him from head to toe.

"Are you done Sir Grayore?" She asked.

"If I may have a several more minutes with the prisoner, I can fashion a more promising deal," Erenzo said plainly. "Barging in during negotiations rupture delicate talks you know."

"And what exactly are you after with her?"

"I aim to seek her assistance is all. Information of the criminal underworld is hard to come by," Erenzo said. "And having her executed is simply a waste of resources."

The Lord Commander took another step forward and met Erenzo Grayore eye to eye. "Criminals like her deserve no less than execution."

"Criminals like her could be of use," Grayore countered. "Do you train your men to elude, sabotage and misinform the way her men do? Working under the dirt and grime of our pristine cities make them a different breed of soldier, very much different from a legionnaire. At least, not those under your control, hmm?"

Lord Vysterious stepped back. "What are you after, speak plainly."

"I aim to give you insider information through her," Erenzo smiled. "Crime cannot be stamped down, only controlled. And how you control it is the real question."

The heavily armored woman then looked at the scoundrel behind bars, again, judging her.

"How can you even be sure to control a rogue element such as herself?" the Lord Commander demanded.

"You've caught her once before, yes? Are you saying that the Legion only caught her by chance?" Erenzo asked.

Lord Vysterious gazed at the businessman. Mari could feel the gaze burning through Erenzo but he himself was unfazed, a smile so indifferent that he could have been talking to just anyone.

"The details of her capture do not concern you. What should concern you is the reason you are here and why is that reason with her."

"I am to help the Empire," Erenzo said nonchalantly. "What more could you ask for?"

"I do not play the Game of Houses, Grayore," Lord Vysterious snapped. "You don't need to sugarcoat your words with me. Speak plainly."

Erenzo sighed then straightened. "I aim to serve the Empire as best I can. I recognized her from my own men's description of a woman who leads a group that steals from my businesses. Now, we can execute her and waste all the information or we can use that information and stop more."

Lord Ashtoreth seemed a lot more pleased this time with the answer Erenzo had given. "You are to report to Lieutenant Reevus of your accord with this scoundrel and once that is done, can we iron out the rest of the details."

"Of course, Lord Commander," Erenzo bowed his head slightly.

"You have your seven minutes," Lord Vysterious said as she exited the hallway. "No more, no less."

The businessman breathed in and looked to Mari. "And you have your day. We will meet on the 27th at the Market of Six's entrance. If anything else happens, I will contact you. I will discuss with the Lord Commander on your release to my custody."

Erenzo straightened his coat. "Is there anything you'd like to add?"

Thalia shifted in her seat with a look of disappointment plastered across her face, "You want to commission my trade but you're content lying to my face on your master's behalf? I don't think you understand how these things work. No, the fact that you're sitting here talking directly to me is enough proof of that. The thing is, everyone thinks that their problem is the most important problem. I imagine there are a handful of people who would have guessed my motive in coming here, but I promise you, the next time I disappear all that will be left is a name forgotten." Thalia looked over her shoulder to see Lavernius and Faye starting their meal. She turned back to Ritsuko, "I'm on vacation, but I'll offer you five minutes of professional courtesy. Tell me about your master, and then the client. Give me a reason to stay in this seat and hear you out, or I'll simply just walk back out of existence." The only time Thalia killed without being directed to do so was when it was personal, otherwise it was always under the order of her master, and she very much doubted this woman was a messenger of his. She looked less and less interested by the passing moment, hoping Lavernius, and even Faye, wouldn't finish before she was able to make it over to the table.

"I've got a fair share of travels as well back when I was a Sworn, so I know what you're talking about." Faye smiled faintly, partially happy she managed to change the topic, partially not. "As for the morning 'art'...I knew an artist would appreciate such an explicit piece..." She giggled. "But yeah, the idea was hers but I gave us the tools. Sorry it seemed really funny at the moment. At least we didn't scratch your face with pens as first intended... Oh thank you, that was quick..." Her meal and tea were delivered, and Faye straightened back to make maid's work easier as she laid down the plates. "And yes, please." The girl smiled and moved her cup a little.

She began to cut the tomatoes into slices - this time without use of magic - and put few on side of her plate, and then left the rest on a separate one for others. "Your compatriots? I was absolutely sure you were a crownlander." Faye pointed at her own hair and wiggled her finger a little to indicate what gave her such idea. "Was I wrong? Also..." After tomatoes were done, she began to cut the bread into quite thick slices and spread butter on it. "I'd love to, but you might want to ask Illaya if she's fine with that..." Her smile faded again, but not completely at least. Once she was done preparing her meal, with steaming eggs and neatly sliced tomatoes and buttered bread on the side, she suddenly moved the plate to her right. Interlacing her fingers, the girl placed her chin on them, and her elbows on the table. It was rude to start the meal before everyone took their place, or at least that's how her parents taught her, and so she waited staring at the back of missing person in the distance. "I wonder what this is about..." Faye inquired after brief silence. "Its kind of early to do business already if its not urgent, no? Especially during the festival?" There was childish curiosity in her eyes and voice.

"Thank you Milanee." He smiled as he swept a napkin off the table to make room for the breakfast and onto his lap. "You were working so hard yesterday as well, I do hope you take it easy."

As Milanee poured Faye tea he answered her question. "I guess that bit may be considered confusing. I lived in Izukani for half of my life. I was born in the Crownlands, my mother was an artist and my father was a hair stylist, so they were more than willing to allow me to pursue my artistic dreams. When i was 13 I joined a trade caravan who would travel from the Crownlands to Izukani. I would visit the Crownlands every year or so, but I consider Izukani a second home and the courtesans there my friends." Lavernius sighed with a smile as he looked out the window. "Their art is beautiful, but so is the Crownlands. So I took it upon myself to create a style I call my own, and embraced the two." He began slicing the bread and layering slices of cheese and meat on top of them. Taking a sip of his tea he leaned back and shrugged. "Her business is her own. If someone came looking for her this early then it must be urgent, and it would be rude to keep someone looking for you waiting anyways. I'm sure if she wants to talk about it, she'll talk about it."

"I see, Im not very keen on art styles but the mix does sound interesting..." Faye brought a cup to her mouth as Lavernius continued, but placed it back down by the time he was done, without taking a sip. "I just said that I wonder." The girl frowned, putting a strong emphasis on last words. Her tone of voice and expression pointed to a fact she might've take offense in that. This here was just a simple question. She already got scolded for her curiosity and apologized, what else do they expect? "Of course its her business. It was an opening for speculation, to perhaps keep the conversation going. Nothing more...tch..." Faye shook her head slightly and put her cheek on her fist, looking to the side and through the window, placing the other arm flat on the table. In silence and with blank expression the girl simply watched people pass by, keeping her questions and observations for herself. She should probably just leave and go back to her paperwork. If such innocent, every day question forced such an answer - even if polite, the message was clear.

Mari kept her sight down for the duration of the discussion between the businessman and the Lord Commander. Once the Commander left the room, she rose her head, meeting Erenzo's eyes.

"No sir, everything is crystal clear." she simply stated, her voice lacking any type of emotion.

Lavernius Mylarc, Faye Petralis & Thalia Valgeiros, the Dancing Horseman
Milanee moved forward and poured tea for Faye then set the kettle down onto the table. With a curtsy, she left for the counter and began to deliver other plates to the rest of the customers.

-

Ritsuko was unfazed by the outburst and simply nodded to what Illaya had to say.

"Didn't expect a cold blooded killer to have such a fiery temper," the izukani sniffed but straightened herself. "I know how this works, Illaya. The correct way would have gone to your masters first then simply name drop you as the preffered assassin for the job. But circumstances reveal that you don't answer to them anymore or rather they can't contact you, which brings us here; Me, talking directly to you, the preffered assassin."

"My master is of a Great House¹ whose business is threatened by a group of high class thieves called the Pale and the Pallor². My master and the client are one and the same and he would have seen to you personally if he wasn't busy with another appointment. If you could wait, you could talk to him personally instead."

Ritsuko finished speaking and waited for Illaya's response however it may come.

Marianna Laranis, Salvation Point Jail
"Very well," Erenzo said with a nod. "I will see you on the 27th. Oh, by the way. If Ritsuko Hayata comes into contact with you, she's my personal advisor and would probably be the one to tell you if something goes wrong or right during the final negotiations with Lord Vysterious.

The businessman smiled and left Mari to herself. The same guards from before arrived and resumed their posts. Lieutenant Reevus returned as well.

"Your release is being discussed," he stated. "Wait for further instruction."

After fifteen minutes or so, Erenzo had returned. The businessman inhaled and then smiled. "I have the papers right here. You are free but under my jurisdiction. According to Lord Vysterious, you will be placed under house arrest for a day as they sweep the rest of the Izukani Quarter."

Erenzo nodded to Lieutenant Reevus as he showed the papers. The legionnaire grabbed the keys from his side and opened the bars. "We will be escorted to my choice of inn. I chose the Dancing Horseman. Its close to the plaza, best place if you ask me."

Reevus along with two more of the legionnaires entered the cell. The lieutenant then began to remove the restraints of Mari, and replacing them with a new pair of metal bindings.

"Off we go then," Erenzo said as they left the hallway and outside into the light once more.

FOOTNOTES
¹A Great House controls provinces, city as a seat of power, high seat is often in council of the high lord or lady.
²Thalia recognizes the Pale and the Pallor as one of Lorcas' most mysterious duo of criminal lords. It could be that she was hired before by one of their subordinates but it can never be proven.

"Perhaps if your master was more careful about the people he kept in his circle, he wouldn't be having so much trouble from a group such as the Pale and the Pallor, or is it just you who doesn't seem to know the proper etiquette when discussing such things, Ritsuko Hayata." Thalia would definitely remember the face, and she would say the name as many times as it took to remember that as well. "Sorry to disappoint, Ritsuko Hayata, but I don't think I'm the person you're looking for. She died a couple of years ago." With that, Thalia stood up and excused herself from the table.

As Thalia made her way over to Lavernius and Faye, she stopped Milanee and put in her order, a plate of eggs, bacon, and an assortment of fruit, and then joined the two who were patiently waiting. "You guys can start without me, I don't mind." She sighed, but said nothing of her meeting with Ritsuko. If it concerned the Pale and the Pallor, she knew it was only a matter of time until that woman's master showed up. As much as she hated to admit it, she knew they needed her skills for this job. Retired or not, she considered that it might be in her best interest to get it out of the way for the sake of returning back to the shadows. But even Thalia knew she wasn't the type to give in that easily.

Faye's eyes moved to the side to look at Lavernius. She stared blankly for a moment before leaning back with a sigh, her head tilting back, stopped by the backrest. Gods, why would she put herself in this situation. Every action seemed to be so awkward or inappropriate, and she herself was on such an edge that almost every word sounded like a personal attack directed against her, even though that was not the case. If only she could scream. Just one short yelp to get it all out of her system and clear her mind once and for all. "Maybe you're right...I must've just grown used to it, to kind of treat it like a normal thing..." The girl looked back down and reached for her cup to take a sip.

"Anyway...Im from not far away from here actually. Foriss, small village under Syndarune. You know, just sawmills and paper industry, nothing interesting really. I uh...Nevermind I guess." Faye was about to continue but noticed Illaya approaching, done with her meeting. The girl moved her plate back in front of herself to not occupy her space once she sat down. "If you say so..." She smiled, sprinkled her tomato slices with salt and pepper and began to eat her eggs, before they got completely cold.

"We had no problem waiting." Lavernius smiled politely as he sipped his tea. He picked up one of the small sandwiches he made and bit into it, chewing carefully before swallowing and continuing. "That was quick, hope nothing is of the matter. Me and Faye were planning on going to the marketplace after we eat. I know some of the Izukanese courtesans out there today and was thinking of paying them a visit. I invited Faye to join me and am curious if you would like to come with."

Thalia shrugged, "I would like that very much. Some fresh air would do me a lot of good after all of the excitement lately." She placed her hands on the table and interlaced her fingers, waiting for her food to arrive. Hopefully they could make it out of the tavern before anything else exciting happened, but she doubted it would be that easy. Even if they did, it would only be a matter of time before they tracked her down again, or just waited in the tavern for her return.

Mari unwillingly threw her hands forward, allowing the guards to replace the chains with the handcuffs. The woman followed the businessman without protest, slipping in between the guards. They took a formation around the two, and proceeded to accompany both her and Erenzo all the way out of the prison and into the streets.

Although it was early morning, the streets were still populated by party-goers and events, creating this vibrant atmosphere. As the group of 6 strolled through the streets of Salvation Point, Mari could feel the eyes of the bystanders move towards them, curious. It was an unusual feeling for her, as she was used to always be hiding in plain sight. Soon the party had made their way to the Market of Six. Although the place was blossoming with energy and activities, Mari couldn't help herself but think about her plan.

Suddenly the march halted, making Mari snap back to reality.

"Here we are." Erenzo said, turning around and facing Mari with a smile. The woman looked at him, then a moment later immediately turned at the guard. She raised her hands almost in his face with a large smile on her face.

"If you may." she simply said.

Everyone, the Dancing Horseman
Just outside the door of the inn where four legionnaires that escorted a high class crime lord alongside a businessman. As Marianna's restraints were released, she rubbed her wrists. A bit sore from the metal clamps.

"You will be held here. Any form of escape or crime renders our deal void thus ends in your execution. It'd be wise if you would coordinate well with these Legionnaires and the staff of this inn," Erenzo stated. "If I am correct, my other appointment should be here as well. I forgot to mention that if this other deal goes well, you will have a partner or more. Your targets are dangerous and, I mean no offense, outmatch your group in terms of strength."

One of the legionnaires entered the inn where Faye, Illaya and Lavernius had been eating their breakfast. Joyse approached the soldier from the counter and bowed her head. The few other customers stopped what they were doing as they recognized the black and gold armor. Some blinked in surprise while others simply went on eating.

"What can I do for the Glorious Legion?" The innkeeper asked.

"Orders from Lord Vysterious," the legionnaire answered sternly. "I would like to talk to you in private of the current situation your inn will be in."

"Alright then," the innkeeper nodded. "This won't take too long, yeah?"

The legionnaire kept silent as Joyse lead the man to the corner near the storage room just to the right of the kitchens. Ritsuko took notice to the legionnaire and looked to the door, as if waiting for something else. Soon enough, Erenzo and Marianna Laranis entered the room with three of the remaining legionnaires just behind them. Erenzo quickly recognized a familiar face and acknowledged her presence.

"Ah, Lady Ritsuko," Erenzo said. "How goes your day?"

The izukani woman stood and bowed her head. "Grayore-sai¹, it is well enough."

Erenzo raised an eyebrow and nodded. "I see."

Joyse and the other legionnaire had just finished talking, the soldier returning to the rest of his squad. The innkeeper seemed jovial² and clasped her hands, the apron pocket seemed to be a bit heavier too. "Apologies for the sudden odd occurence, fellows," she said addressing her customers. "The Legion will be staying with us for the meantime, only for a day or so, they say. So don't fret and don't ask."

"As long as they don't cause a ruckus!" One of the customers raised a mug in the air, clearly the man was hung over. "Legionnaires and twisted glory."

Joyse simply called for one of the server maids. One immediately came in, her hair a light brown and flowed down just beyond her shoulders.

"Esther, could you escort Miss Mari to her quarters?" She asked. "And serve that man some bread when you come back. He needs some sobering up."

Esther nodded and approached Mari, avoiding the gazes of the legionnaires. "Come now, Miss Mari," she said with a curtsy and gestured to the stairs. "Your room³ will be on the second floor."

"She stays with me for the moment," Erenzo interrupted. "Thank you Esther but I would like some tea."

The server nodded and went off to the kitchens. Ritsuko cleared her throat and looked to the table where Illaya had sat.

"Patience," Erenzo muttered as he walked towards an empty table and sat down. Erenzo gestured Ritsuko and Mari to sit. "They are eating. It would be rude to disturb breakfast and some chit chat among friends. Would you like some breakfast Mari?"

The legionnaires stationed themselves at the door and at the foot of the staircase in partners and Joyse went back behind the counter.


FOOTNOTES
¹ -sai is an Izukani honorific. Lavernius would understand that this suffix is meant to denote a person with more honor than you.
² Thalia could make out the body language of Joyse as tense and nervous despite her current calm demeanor.
³ To the right of Faye's room.