Into Smoke

The night markets of Dairsmuid were not to be missed, even by a man with little coin. Ashaad browsed a rack of fine javelins as he planned for his trip to Kont-aar in his mind. From there, travel onward to Par Vollen would be easy. He wouldn’t have any further need of coins where he was going. Qunari merchants were more like quartermasters; they’d issue a scout like him whatever he needed.

To be honest, the people here unnerved him. Their mages weren’t just free and unbound, they ruled their communities. Any Rivani woman he talked to might be one of those mysterious seers. Dangerous things.

Oh, but the food stalls here smelled so good. Things that were familiar were prepared in unusual ways, like fried or baked bananas. Cinnamon tea. Ashaad finished bartering for supplies and worked up his courage, buying a pot of tea and a generous slice of Raider Queen’s bread full of Par Vollen bananas from a bent old woman’s counter. He sat at a table in view – lest she fear he’d run off with her pot and cup – and rested his glaive against the other chair.

It was a pleasant way to while away an hour or so. The spices in the tea turned his mouth tingly and numb – a slight shame. Not a good pairing with the subtle sweetness of the cake. Ashaad returned the pot, gathered his weapon and other purchases, and began the long, winding walk back to the hostel where he’d rented a bed.

@Danny @Nairn

Danny moved silently through the shadows, his eyes fixed on Ashaad as he navigated the bustling streets. Nairn's orders were clear: follow Ashaad, wait for the right moment, and then confront him. Danny's heart raced with anticipation, a predator closing in on his prey. He could feel the tension building, knowing that soon he would have to step out of the shadows.

Finally, Ashaad turned down a narrow alleyway, its dim lighting and secluded nature providing the perfect setting for what was about to unfold. Danny's lips curled into a sly grin as he quickened his pace, his movements precise and deliberate.

Stepping into the open, Danny's voice cut through the silence like a knife. Oi, Ashaad, he called, his tone laced with a dangerous edge. My boss fancies a chat!

He didn’t pull his daggers yet, but they were clearly there, but he was confident that should things come down to a fight, he wouldn’t need those extra seconds of drawing his weapons, bit cocky, but also figured if a fight could be avoided and he could just get Ashaad to come with him, it would just be easier in the end.

Look, mate, Danny began, his voice low and menacing, I've been trailing you on Nairn's orders. Now, you’re gonna come with me, nice and quiet-like, or else... He let the threat hang in the air, the unspoken consequences clear in his tone and expression.

@Ashaad

Nairn had sent Danny off to retrieve an asset. They were just up ahead, and he lingered in the shadows, observing his Right Hand's actions. Shadows gathered around him, seamlessly blending with his person.

Acquire the asset, a voiceless whisper, as the rogue stayed concealed. He'd only leave his shadowy corner if Danny required the help.

@Ashaad