[i][/i][i][/i][i][/i][h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]
Novak was a little surprised when Lady Marushka took him by the arm, but it was certainly preferable to any other means that a Krysa state enforcer like her might lead him to the town.  Fortunately, there was no trouble, and he caught a glimpse of Ayumi, the fox's brief appearance providing some assurance that she was unharmed.  In Novak's mind, the fox had earned herself a snack for this- assuming, of course, she didn't simply take it when he isn't looking.

By the time they made it to the village, it had started to gently snow.  Lady Marushka left, presumably to resume her state business and once they were gone, Ayumi returned, making her presence known by brushing against his leg.  He had made it to civilization, and while he couldn't be sure of Lady Marushka's intentions for him, the fact that they hadn't arrested or tried to kill him bode well so far.  Currently, it'd be a good idea to seek shelter before the temperature got colder or the snowfall picked up.  He wasn't going to risk rousing suspicion by snooping around, but there was always the chance that he might overhear something.

Before he could decide on his next move, however, a white-haired Mothraki girl walked up to him.  He suspected that she knew Ayumi and Mie when she offered a piece of meat to the fox; when she quickly and tightly closed her bag before the Ayumi had the chance to get into it, he became even more convinced of her familiarity with his companion.  He didn't recognize her, however, so she was probably from someplace that Mie had already gone through before meeting Novak last year.

The Mothraki introduced herself as a recent arrival, and made it clear that she did indeed know Ayumi, and correctly guessed that if Novak was traveling with the fox, he must be part of the trade caravan, too.  What was also quite important was that she mentioned that she had run into Haruno.

[color=ed1c24]It looks like Haruno has found help.  Once I figure out exactly what is going on, I can figure out my next move.[/color]

[color=ed1c24]"Yes, let us find somewhere warmer, lead the way.  We can discuss our mutual friends there,"[/color] Novak replied, as he beckoned to Ayumi.  The mention of Haruno, and clear familiarity with Ayumi was enough to make him let his guard down somewhat.  He never discounted the possibility of trouble, but considering the circumstances, if she wished him ill will, all she really would need to do was alert the Krysa soldiers.

[@Crusader Lord][@Rune_Alchemist]