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[h1][color=crimson]Commander Lorelai[/color][/h1][img]http://66.media.tumblr.com/51fc61ac770a524e9468f174afa94d7f/tumblr_inline_n1xc79Kcic1rb3m8r.png[/img][/center]

The inquisition was silent for a time on the Imperials side, the wall of armored guardsmen not shifting an iota out of place from their rigid formation. Contrary to what some of the Black Pentacles thought, these were not sloven or lax men lording over a small town and they took to their work with a zeal passed down from their commanding officer. Said officer quirked her head curiously as the first to speak was every bit the bard she claimed to be, siver tongue included, yet Lorelai held her own and turned her gaze to the next to speak.

It went unnoticed that Akiko's gaze peered beyond the surface layer.

[center][i][color=crimson]A wooden scaffolding dominated the village square, the freshly cut lumber sweet with sap from the haste of its construction. Sweeter still was the fresh blood dripping between the boards, hastening with the thump of another head cleanly severed from a criminals body. A child's perspective took it all in from atop the broad shoulders of her father, happily curling her fingers amidst blonde locks as yet another bandit fell to Imperial justice, never to threaten the roads again. But to the child's mind, all she could focus upon was the executioner with hair a vibrant crimson, her sword stained much the same as she swung and she swung, smiling beautifically all the while.

Her heart thrummed.[/color][/i][/center]

While Akiko was struck with memories and a feeling of blind adoration for the bloody figure, the present Lorelai frowned in the face of Umi's objections to the interview. [color=crimson]"They are already gone, but it is the nature of a thief to strike yet again. Their capture is an eventuality and in the face of greater concern, it is one I will accept the responibility of forestalling fu- Excuse me?"[/color]

Her composure wavered, genuine surprise overflowing as she, and several of the normally stolid soldiers, turned to eye Rose speculatively. Yet Durgan wasn't signalling Rose out for blatant falsehood, leaving the Imperials with more questions then they were comfortable with. 

[color=crimson]"It would seem you are an....ecclectic troupe. Treasure hunters too. You'll pardon me if I insist, but I would not be comfortable leaving those so unaccostomed to our ways to roam about. I shall escort you to the most honored Lady Asgard's chateau and we can better orient you there."[/color] Lorelai said, gesticulating vaguely with one hand that spurred the encirclement to break into two neat lines girding the sides of the avenue with steel and discipline. [color=crimson]"Miss Akiko, perhaps you could tell me of your journey here from the east. Surely you must have passed through the Rexicorg if you were in search of treasure? I've heard of it only in passing but I'd be delighted to hear a first hand account as we walk. The Lady's abode is only an hour away so the time should certainly fly, no?"[/color]