[hr][hr][center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjYwLjc4MDBhZC5RVTVPVDFKQklGTlVSVVZNUlEsLC4wAAAA/londinia-medium.regular.png[/img][/center][hr][hr]
[right][sub][b]Location[/b] - Central Thanalan[/sub][/right]

[indent]The steps leading into the city were finally in sight, a blessing for a weary party consisting of an Elezen thaumaturge named Ladert, a lalafel healer called Momoko, a Roegadyn lancer named Harttrach, and the fully armored Annora Steele. After spending the day chasing cactuars and failing to find any that sported the valuable flower they searched for, the troops had decided to avoid heatstroke and head back to the city. Of course, nothing in this life was ever straightforward. It was too much to expect to head into Ul'ah, it was too easy to just walk in, grab a drink at the Quicksand to cool off, and possibly enjoy the festivities.

Instead, the group was faced with a hunt.

Locked in battle, Annora was fighting both the Sabotender Ballarina and heatstroke. Any semblance of wind was welcomed for Annora, who felt like her armor was trying to strangle her in the heat. Normally the heat wouldn't be any issue for her, but she had stupidly decided to test out a new set of armor that was heavier than the sort she was used to. That combined with using the day to chase after elusive cactuars made her feel like she was going to pass out at any second. It was on its last legs, but so were they. She swung her axe into the abnormally large cactuar's leg, hoping to cripple its movement, but it did very little. Instead she got a punch in retaliation sending her flying back.

Coming to the ground, she let out a groan. All she wanted was a cold drink at this point. Pushing herself to her feet, she tried to at least get her helmet off. Just as she was about to get it, however, the Sabotender stood still for a moment, lowering its head towards them. Oh no.

"Watch it!" Gerald warned the melee duo.

Both Annora and Harttrach made a run for it just as the Ballarina spewed out thousands of needles. She felt a few dink against her armor as she turned around, watching it aim its needles at her. If she got a good swing in, she was pretty sure she could finish it. Gripping her axe with both hands, she charged forward. Harttrach seemed to read her mind, using his lance to hold it steady. As skidded to a halt, the Sabotender shook its entire body, sending needles flying everywhere. One made a direct hit with her helmet, freeing Annora from the oppressive heat. The fresh air invigorated her more than a healing spell could, a fire in her eyes as she swung with the intent to kill.

The creature fell, Annora throwing her head back in relief. The thrill of battle had come and gone.[/indent]

[right][sub][b]Location[/b] - Ul'dah, Quicksand[/sub][/right]

[indent]
"Cheers!"

The four were celebrating their victory in the Quicksand, having bought a round of drinks. After a bit of a fuss, Annora had shed her armor, remaining in her casual clothing for the moment. They weren't the only ones drinking, the place buzzing with people as they drank and ate and shared tales and whatnot. She was surprised they managed to get a table in the first place. Still, she was glad for the respite, the fruit of their labor resulting in a pretty gil in their pockets. At this point, however, gil was less of a problem for the hyur; she was in hunting purely for the experience of battle.

After a few rounds, Annora decided it was time to go walk off the food. Stretching her arms above her head, she pushed her chair back to stand. "[color=darkorchid]Well then, I'll be taking my leave. You have my sincere thanks for letting me join you for the hunt,[/color]" She told the group.

"We greatly appreciate it! You were kind enough to repair our gear, the least we could have done was return the favor!" Momoko replied, grinning.

"Already? Won't you stick around?" Harttrach asked.

Ladert seemed to agree, though his flushed face showed he already had one too many. "Miss Steele, you are as elusive as they say," His words slurred slightly. "Coming and going just like the wind."

"[color=darkorchid]I wasn't aware I had a reputation,[/color]" She admitted. It was a half-truth; her smithing skills were known, but not her battle prowess.

"You stick around Ul'dah long enough and people start noticing," Harttrach frowned slightly. "Though I suppose some people have been on the lookout for the Vulcan of Limsa Lominsa."

Lookout? Annora didn't like how that sounded. Her eyes scanned the table and people before her, all quietly looking at her. Considering the amount of people around along with numerous Brass Blades bodyguarding the place, she sincerely doubted they would attempt anything here. Then again, it was easy to disappear into the crowd. "[color=darkorchid]Have they now?[/color]" She asked as she would slowly stand. "[color=darkorchid]I suppose I'll watch where I tread, then.[/color]"

Ladert took a hold of her arm, preventing her from leaving. "Come now, you're among friends! No need to cast such a suspicious eye!" He assured her.

Hmm. She didn't like that. Had they been watching her? She had been in Ul'dah for a few days now, but she didn't think she had drawn any attention to herself. She could also be mistaken, taking their drunken words as a threat despite no ill will being behind them. Either way, she did not appreciate being grabbed. Pulling herself free, she backed into another patron. Said patron was a seemingly irritated Highlander, none too pleased that Annora bumping into him had caused him to drop his food. Before she could properly apologize, she was surprised when he swung. She ducked, resulting in the man hitting Ladert instead. 

Seeing the rage in Ladert's eyes, she knew exactly where this was going. "[color=darkorchid]Don't--!"[/color]" She tried to stop him, but it was too late. The Elezen stood up from his seat, retaliating in a somewhat drunken rage. The Highlander sidestepped him, drawing his fist back. Her judgment said not to get involved, though the only thing she accomplished when she stepped in front of Ladert was getting a strong punch to the face. Oof, it had been some time since that happened. Shaking her head, she noticed several others standing to back up the Highlander. Great. Taking her hand off her jaw, she took a stance, knowing she wasn't getting out of this cleanly.

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