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

"Well, thank you for your help,," Novak replied, a bit taken back by both her professed innocence and her fear of the death goddess.  There was no reason to press her further, he had all that he would be getting out of her.  He in fact felt some sympathy for this woman and the Krysa's obsession with finding her just to use her connection to the death goddess.  [color=ed1c24]"I hoped it wouldn't have to come to this, but if I want to get to the bottom of this, I fear my only remaining course of action is to get information directly from the Krysa.  I can't say I'm looking forward to that."[/color]  He bowed respectfully to the Yaga and turned to leave.

[i][color=ed1c24]Getting Mie out of there will be even harder if I give the Krysa a good reason to view us as enemies.  They probably already harbor a grudge against us for the soldiers we killed in the initial attack.[/color][/i]

Suddenly, a knock came at the door.  From outside, a woman asked if she was interrupting.  It was not a voice he recognized, and Novak feared that the Krysa had found them, perhaps having discovered his and Ayumi's footprints in the snow.

[color=ed1c24]"If the rats have found us, you can count on my help,"[/color] he whispered to the Yaga.  He placed one on the hilt of his sword and tentatively approached the door.  With some heavy trepidation, he slightly opened the door and peeked through to see who was knocking.  He wasn't sure if the Yaga would approve of him opening her door, but if the ratfolk had found their way here, trouble would be fast approaching regardless.

It was of great relief when he saw that the person behind the door was not a Krysa, but a white-haired human-looking woman.  Novak immediately released his hand from his sword and opened the door fully.  He had no idea who this woman was, but she at least didn't look like she was with the Krysa.  Perhaps she was the third member of the Dawn group mentioned by the moth girl- she certainly didn't look like one of the locals.

[color=ed1c24]"Apologies, I was afraid you might be one of the Krysa patrols,"[/color] he apologized to her, giving a small bow.  [color=ed1c24]"Friend of yours, by any chance?"[/color] he asked the Yaga.

[@Click This][@Rune_Alchemist]