[hr][hr][center][img]https://i.postimg.cc/50VBWNfh/63507c917b644ae085a53d695ad43269.png[/img]
[img]https://66.media.tumblr.com/2fa3b68ea7ccb5e241580009fa3f8dfe/tumblr_nrjjdcXvK71uq1wtvo1_500.gif[/img][/center][hr][hr][h3][b][i][center][color=8519A2]Arc I - Terreille in Trouble[/color][/center][/i][/b][/h3]
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[h3][color=Gold]Eldra ,Shalador[/color][/h3]
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The guards were tense and in shorter numbers, as most took the tunnel vision of their Queen to lax their strict regime retiring to bars and taverns to drink and wench away. With Laska distracted by taking her outrage out on Saetan her men who were in the manor were either jeering the unfortunate male or trying in vain to be unaware of the sounds of Laska's outraged shrieks which echoed out into the town near her Queen's Residence. As two wandered the back allies to avoid being seen drinking on the job by any Aristo who might decide to take exception or try to blackmail them for their lapse. Passing 'Ambrose & Sons: Books and Basics' and it's peeling letters, the dim light from within not a strange thing. Often poorer stores would stay open later in hopes of gaining a few more clients. "I don't know why we have to patrol, even like this. Not like anyone is moving around." Came the gruff voice of the leaner of the two, his face hollow from the horrors he had witnessed.

"As much as they aren't movin' around, they are whisperin'. We might get lucky enough to come across someone we can have our own fun roughenin' up before we had over to the Master of the Guard." The shorter man who was nothing but a blur of darkness against the dusty glass. "Get ourselves a bonus." Stout sounded gleeful at the thought of those extra marks in his pocket.

The slimmer shadow paused and fumbled with a darker blob, fumbling before the faint sound of a cork coming free echoed from the tight alley. A string of swears coming from Stout as the cork rolled out of sight, the torch that bloomed brightly being swept about as the shorter man looked for it while Slim took a long drink. "Leave it, not like it'd be fit for the bottle again." The torch-bearer returned shortly kicking the door. The rattling would have scared the shop-keeper silly, but as it was he had made sure to lock up- for the most part. Retiring back to the apartment above to shelter with his family. The old man had been eager enough to agree that Fatima and the others could stay and pursue his collection, both legal and not, of books. His daughter had even brought down a pot thick with stew and bread. Course fare but edible.

"Doesn't matter." Grunted the stout man. "We'll finish it before we get back to the tavern. At least we aren't standing guard duty tonight." There was a weary chuckle as the two moved on. "Those poor bastards." One of the guards said in a mocking tone.

It was long minutes later when steps sounded on the stairs. Soft footfalls that caused the wood to creak in protest. "They passed onto the street." Came the voice of the bookkeeper, his voice thick with fright and terror with good reason. Looking down into the dark halls created by the shelves of dusty books. "Best I could tell, at least. If you leave now the guard will be the lightest with the Queen distracted with Saetan. I'd suggest you get out of the Territory all-together." While the warning was for Fatima, the man spoke to Jandar and Mikhail. Speaking to a Queen did little good for the people of Terreille. "If you have need of anything else...?"