>Let's head over then. "Well, that was a rather nice workout. Though I think I lost count of how many I bested....Wonder if chief was keeping track?"
>Shrug. "But at any rate, how's things been holding up?"
>One guy gives you a smile. "Not bad, not bad."
>Another peaks out from under his hat and smirks a bit. "Sure are sure of yourself."
>Yet another elbows the second. "Did you seem him move? Rogues aren't to be messed with, buddy."
>You smirk at them and decide to have a little
fun. Just a little.
>They all jump at your sudden presence right next to them. Using time stop would've been suspicious to trained eyes; this, you can blow off as just speed. Which it is. Kinda.
>"Indeed," you quip, enjoying their reactions. One punches you in the shoulder in a bro like way, another offers some food, and another gestures for you to sit down.
>Not a bad day.
>...
>You all laugh at the latest joke, but enough is enough. After poking the waters a bit, you decide it's time to take a risk.
>It's a technique you're familiar with. Appear to be vaguely familiar with a subject, with a suitable excuse behind it, and ask a question that's more of a statement. If you're right, the conversation continues and confirms your question. If you're wrong, you get corrected as inevitably someone tells you the right answer.
>"Say, I heard the capitol never sees the sun. 's that right? Haven't really traveled into the big parts of cities much, let alone the capitol."
>Their expressions darken immediately. "Them's dangerous words, rogue. You know we're not supposed to talk about the capitol."
>There. A focus point. You wince and begin rubbing the back of your head, feigning embarassment. "Sorry...'ve just been curious. Spent my whole life out in the slums, you know? 's why I do the things I do."
>They murmur agreement, one nodding solemnly. "Yeah, can't blame ya. Getting money for the family? Helping out the loved ones?"
>Under your hood, they can't spot the wry, bitter smile. "Pretty much."
>Another nod. "Well, here's what
I know about it..."
>The entire group gathers closer as the words are spoken in hushed tones.
>...
>Jackpot. The capitol, properly named Sevlen, is in a perpetual dusk. Legend has it that the old god of the Sun was slain there, and his dying wish was that his grave would never be blessed by the light again. A new sun god apparently took over, but no one could undo the curse. It's over a vast ocean, three months of sailing or two weeks by airship, and it's said that the only thing there is the iron grip of the High Lady and High Lord. Rumors had it that the Young Lady and one of her vassals were exiled, but further rumors suggest they were brought back. By force.
>You grind your teeth together. An expensive trip to make, for sure. Vast armies, for sure. And both the High Lady and High Lord to deal with, for certain.
>You're not strong enough. Not yet.
>...
>"Alright, let's go!" Frank calls out, stirring the rest of the caravan and its guards into movement. You climb up on top when he gestures you.
>"Finding things alright, rogue? Exerted yourself quite a bit earlier."
>You nod. "I'm fine."
>"Right then. Dismissed. Report to me if anything happens."
>You nod again, then make to leap down, when you realise this would be a good chance to ask what the man got out of those raiders...
