[h2][center][b][color=ed1c24]Novak[/color][/b][/center][/h2]

Ayumi had led him to something quite interesting.  It was a cabin, situated in the woods where the Kyrsa were sending their patrols.  He didn't see anyone, but the smoke rising from the chimney suggested that somebody was inside.

Novak considered his next course of action.  There was definitely something strange going on with the Krysa, and this cabin might have the answers he sought.  Why were they so agitated and suspicious of outsiders despite having their supposed culprit under siege?  Who was this person of interest that Lady Marushka was looking for?  Why are their troops patrolling these unimportant-looking woods?  And the most recent question- what is a cabin doing so close to their patrol routes?

Judging by the charms and sigils on the dwelling, whoever lived here probably knew magic.  There meant there was some risk in attempting to get their attention, depending on how benevolent or malevolent they proved to be, or how attached they are to their solitude.  Judging by Ayumi's hesitation to touch the door, Novak judged it wise to likewise not touch it.  For all he knew, that sigil could be a trap.  Still, he needed to obtain the answers he sought, and after steeling his nerves and looking around to make sure nobody was watching them, spoke through the door.

[color=ed1c24]"Hello?  Is anyone home?"[/color] he would ask at first, to see if there was a response.  If he had learned anything from observing Mie interact with her prospective customers and work her mercantile charm, now was the time to put it to use.

[color=ed1c24]"I represent a merchant that traffics in trinkets and exotic goods...the sort of merchandise you might have an interest in,"[/color] he introduced himself.  [color=ed1c24]"Unfortunately, we have found ourselves mired in a rather difficult kerfuffle with the Krysa and Yaga for reasons they refuse to share.  The Krysa in particular are acting very strangely, evidently searching for somebody and routing their patrols in close proximity to your home.  Might you be willing to share with me just what is going on with them?"[/color]

Novak eyed his sword, but did not reach for it quite yet.  He had no idea if this person would be hostile- heck, for all he knew, there could be a Krysa in there- and wanted to be cautious until he knew otherwise.

[@Rune_Alchemist]