[center][h1][color=82ca9d]Nadara V’lanis[/color][/h1]
[h2][i]“Sunset”[/i][/h2][/center]
[hr]

As the three walked down a nondescript gravel road interspersed by groups of what might be called “party goers” by some—Nadara doubted heavily whether they were truly celebrating or simply loitering about—all she could focus on was how much happier she would have been had she been able to accompany Liz to the capitol, and subsequently, the party. The heels of her ankle strap platform stilettos left small indents in the uneven ground, kicking up small pebbles that infuriatingly too often found their way inside her shoes. How was she to have known Cerro would be so… [color=82ca9d][i]unassuming[/i][/color]. 

In an exemplary display of her stubbornness, Nadara had refused to wear a more sensible pair of shoes. 

After seeing the advertisements for Bragus’ party when she arrived in Havana, she immediately sought after and purchased a lovely dress that would complement her heels perfectly. Along with her chandelier earrings and matching necklace and bangles, it would have made quite the ensemble, fitting of a socialite of her status. She was convinced it would have drawn the appropriate amount of attention from the other guests so as to establish a favorable networking milieu, but her purchases from earlier had yet to be delivered by the time they departed from the resort. She regretted giving the courier a tip in advance of the delivery. [color=82ca9d][i]It’s so difficult to find good help these days,[/i][/color] she thought, disappointedly. 

In any case, someone recognized the potential implications of searching for a distress signal buried amidst throngs of local gangs and alluded that Nadara’s skill at mediation might be of better use among the ruffians than at an upscale party. Others agreed, and just like that, her chance at a night of revelry was squandered. Liz had seemed to be a positively congenial partner, too… at least after the few glasses of whisky they shared during the meeting. 

Unable to enjoy the evening as she would have preferred, Nadara insisted on salvaging at least a modicum of the festivities and wore the stilettos. She was more than capable of engaging in combat effectively regardless of her footwear. 

Grimacing, the Asari lifted her left foot for what seemed like the hundredth time to dislodge another stone. Thank the Goddess she had stood firm on hailing a taxi instead of following the Quarian’s advice and taking a bus, or worse, walking like some common street urchin. She scoffed to herself at the thought. 

[color=82ca9d]“Can you imagine [i]me[/i] on a bus?”[/color] She had asked at Zenn’s initial suggestion. [color=82ca9d]“The correct answer is a very definitive no,”[/color] she quickly continued. [color=82ca9d]“Honestly, I’d rather die.”[/color]

Nadara offered to rent a road car to which Zenn seemed pleased—[color=82ca9d][i]poor thing, he must not have much means[/i][/color]—but Amina reminded them of their need to remain as nondescript as possible. There was some back and forth on whether a bus would be more inconspicuous, but Nadara refused point blank, and Cerro was too far to go on foot. They settled on taking a taxi.

“Keep your eyes peeled and stay ready.” Amina didn’t seem to be very talkative.

Restraining herself from rolling her eyes, Nadara decided the statement didn’t require a response. It was as obvious as pairing a vintage Sassicaia with truffle-infused mushroom crostini topped with shaved parmesan and a balsamic glaze. She longingly wondered what kind of hors d’oeuvres they would serve at Bragus’ soiree.

[color=0054a6]"Heads up. Just spotted someone around here using camo, but I lost visual. Could be nothing, but I have trouble believing somebody using advanced tech in the same spot we're investigating is a coincidence. If we want to avoid a potential tail or ambush I could try and track them down? But if we don't want to risk separating we can just stick together. Safety in numbers and all that. What do you two think?"[/color]

[color=82ca9d]“We can handle ourselves while you go.”[/color] Nadara absently fingered the handle of her retractable blade. It was the only weapon she’d brought along, but it would be more than enough.