Certainly, reporting to her parents was important.

But after that, the first thing that Velvetica wanted to do after her arrival was to speak with her older brother.

Elroy Hraeslag was considerably taller then his younger sister, but shared her blond hair and blue eyes. Considered exemplary as a warrior, some of his admirers also favored his looks in addition to his skill with a blade.

For Velvetica, he was the brother who inspired her to step into the world that was the art of the sword.

"You encountered a Witch?"

She'd just finished telling him more of the details of their latest duty.

"I can't say I ever expected to hear those words coming out of my little sister's mouth," he continued, a good-natured smile on his lips.

"She was quite irritating, in all honesty," responded Velvetica, running a hand through her hair with a huff, "However, she did prove to be a source of valuable information, and it appears the doll she gave us may be quite useful. While she may be a heretical Witch, I can't say I'm dismayed by the encounter."

"Always thinking practically, Velvetica," responded Elroy, "Even when you were little, it was like you were always considering the best possible option to get the exact outcome you wanted. Were you just a born strategist?"

"Born with it or not, regardless, it's the duty that I seek to carry out."

Velvetica glanced upwards towards her brother's face.

Indeed, he was the figure that she admired. Certainly, while she utilized her agility and swiftness and he instead used his reach and physical prowess, it was his swordplay that inspired her own.

She had nothing but faith in her older brother, and thus he was one of her most trusted sources of advice.

"What do you think of the Morahti we encountered?" she asked.

"Hmmm..." her older brother paused for a moment, looking thoughtful, "I would think if they'd been hired by Ithillin's crown they'd have been forbidden to take slaves. There is much to be said about them, but Ithillin's people still worship the same goddesses as we do. At the very least I can't see Ithillin's King just allowing mercenaries on their payroll to engage in an abomination."

Velvetica nodded. Ithillin was their chief rival, one that had been testing them greatly as of late as it seemed like open conflict may be looming ever closer. But at the same time, she doubted that mercenaries engaging openly in slavery could be in the employ of the crown.

"Perhaps someone operating without consulting their King?" she asked, "Or perhaps without caring for appearances, if nothing else."

"Mm, maybe..." Elroy was still pondering the possibilities, when he suddenly looked past Velvetica, "Ah, I think there's someone here to speak to you."

Velvetica glanced back over her shoulder, and immediately recognized the nem merchant.

"Lady Lirrah? Is there something you wanted to talk about?"

[@Octo]