[i][/i][i][/i][i][/i][h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2] Novak recognized the rat-woman's organization. According to what he had heard from the Oni, it was an intelligence organization that investigated crimes and rooted out dissidents. This was simultaneously an opportune and extremely dangerous situation that Novak put himself in. They would know exactly why Mie and her caravan had received such an unwelcome welcome. They may even know what happened to Haruno and her group. [color=ed1c24][i]Whatever she's doing out here must be very, very important, if she is carrying orders straight from the Tsarita.[/i][/color] [color=ed1c24]"Yes,, I have heard of your organization,"[/color] Novak replied to her question. [color=ed1c24]"Never crossed paths with them though, at least not to my knowledge."[/color] Regarding the woman herself, she seemed pleasant on the surface and easy on the eyes, but given the organization she served, this Krysa was almost certainly quite dangerous. He didn't see a weapon on her, but suspected that her dress was concealing a dagger or some other hidden weapon. Even disregarding her presumed ability to fight, an intelligence officer like her would be quite good at gleaning information out of people through charm, through trickery, or possibly more forceful means as well. She was probably skilled at detecting lies or sensing if a story didn't add up, so Novak would need to be careful with what he said. [color=ed1c24]"As for myself, I am Novak, a traveler and sword-for-hire on my way to seek opportunities in Dawn,"[/color] he introduced himself as he took another short swig from his flask. [color=ed1c24]"I had just stopped here to briefly rest and have a drink before continuing when you came along."[/color] If he was too eager to leave, she'd get suspicious. If he asked too many questions, that'd also rouse her suspicion. But what about the possibility of earning her trust or at least endeavoring to lessen her distrust? [color=ed1c24]"Unless, of course, there is anything I can do for you, to make up for my clumsiness getting in your way."[/color]