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[b]“What are you people playing at?! The temple is fine woman.”[/b] One of the knights flicked his wrist toward the defeated tower and then tilted his head curiously at how different it appeared. Although the flames were snuffed out completely the smoke remained rising out of the gaping spaces. 

The truth of the matter was that they were not properly following their objective and were the furthest possible distance away from the sight without arousing too much suspicion. They would surely be disciplined or worse for not noticing the dire circumstances first or try to blame the entire situation on these strangers who coincidentally wandered by the town. Not much activity or crime happened in Izumo thus the knight patrol were lax in their duties especially during nighttime hours. To confirm this theory the scent of sake could even be smelt on their breath therefore neglecting to notice the fire all this time. 

It was the final straw when another man decided to intervene that the Knights decided to take the groups tale into investigation. [b]“An arsonist you say? Hmph...As of now each one of you are suspects and we expect you not to leave before this is settled.”[/b] The hostile first knight commanded and pointed sharply at each one including the crimson haired man. His finger hovered in the air an extra second as though it had been rude of the young man to interrupt. Both tipsy Knights threw each other worrisome glances before splitting directions post haste with one headed toward the decimated tower, and the other to gather the authorizes to search for the culprit. 

[b]“Foolish Knights”[/b] Lumen mumbled in Elvish as the sound of their heavy armor became less apparent with each advancing step. She did not have plans to remain here in a town where they had not even noticed such a troubling event. It could be months before the crime could be solved and time was of the essence. Lumen then turned to face the half-elf, the dark elf, and now the human still not bothering to offer any introductions.

[b]“I find it quite pointless to return to the camp deep in the forest to rest. It is probably best to comply at least till dawn or before it and rest at their Ryokan.”[/b] She began walking toward a large multi-tiered building with a wooden sign posted in the ground, which was visible to passersby. 

Abruptly she paused for a second so that the dark-elf could hear her well enough. [b]“I am sure if you keep your hood pulled and stand close behind that your appearance will go unnoticed…a blazing fire went unseen under their watchful eye after all.”[/b] She emphasized the last sentence and then began walking off again without a gracious thank you to the man in red. She just assumed he would simply go his separate way, and not wish to become involved further with their quest—or whatever this turned into.

When inside the cozy inn Lumen retrieved a small bag that had been tucked safely inside her extravagant gold belt. The guests were greeted by a sleepy older woman in a plain komon kimono who felt no need to ask questions like she usually did, and simply took the payment the elf handed. 

[b]“Three rooms…and another just in case a man in red just happens to stay here.”[/b] Lumen seemed detached from the situation and her emotions remained static. Once everything was situated Lumen tucked away the money. 

[b]“Choose any rooms on the first floor. We have not seen many guests lately.”[/b] The old woman bowed to each of them and signaled for them to take their pick. 

[b]“Until morning then.”[/b] Lumen said before heading into a room for the remainder of dark.