[color=a187be]"Hmm...no,"[/color] Charlotte began, responding to Himeko. [color=a187be]"I think it would be better if we stuck together. We are strangers here, and I would rather have your help than have you running off and causing trouble. You don't exactly blend in."[/color] The young alchemist continued walking. Not like she could stop Himeko from doing something if she wanted too, though. Perhaps she should ask someone about a library. [color=a187be]"But hurry up with those shoes of yours. I don't want to linger in one place to long and draw more attention to ourselves."[/color]

[b]"Ho, travelers!"[/b]

Before Himeko and Charlotte could consider their options further, not a few steps away from the restaurant a group of armored individual wearing simple, though finely crafted armor with swords and a few shields between them, numbering around ten in total. The one speaking looked to be a much more prominent member of their party. A large sword was strapped to his side, and his armor was dressed in bright greens and golds.

[b]"Apologies for stopping you, but I couldn't help but notice your attire is a little out of place."[/b] The man was clean shaven, with brown hair and an overall friendly demeanor. [b]"And this is admittedly a little unconventional, but there has recently been an influx of items being smuggled in from outside."[/b] He continued. [b]"I simply would like to check either of you for contraband."[/b]

Charlotte didn't move an inch. Welp, this was bad. 'Contraband' was probably something she had on her in great numbers. She gave him a cool look, trying to decide what exactly her options were here.

[hr]

[color=fff79a]"Indeed,"[/color] Marise replied. [color=fff79a]"It's a shame they didn't want to stick around...I would have enjoyed speaking to them myself a bit[/color]." She shook her head. [color=fff79a]"But they were probably fairly busy people and were only stopping for a bite to eat. I doubt they'll be staying long anyways."[/color] For the most part, Livia remained silent, for the most part deciding to eat rather than speak. Unbeknownst to either Charlotte or Himeko, she had one of her spirits follow them. It could only go so far from her - but she could at least get a general idea of the direction they were heading and she could use them to scout for them later.

[color=fff79a]"...Though, if Livia is right and they aren't human and they run into anyone in the guard..."[/color] Marise frowned, shaking her head. [color=fff79a]"It would end badly for them. Worst case scenario they run into Laurence."[/color]

[color=bc8dbf]"They declined my help already, sister. They should reap what they sow."[/color] Livia harrumphed, smiling a bit to herself. [color=bc8dbf]"Huh, and they might already be doing so."[/color]