Supposedly the Greater Good

[Goblin Cat 😸]

"I'm Rigor Mortis, but you can call me Rigor for short." She returned the glance back to the panther out of the corner of her eye, but assumed that the panther couldn't tell due to her lack of pupils. For a brief moment, she was able to smell the metallic scent of blood mixed with dry leaves drifting through the air.. But then it vanished upstairs along with the presence that had brought it. She smiled, knowing chaos was about to ensue on the streets as darkness crept its way though Cerkath. It was no secret what happened to the ones that went out after dark. The streets were dark now, occasionally lit with an old candle in a glass box upon a post; it was the perfect time to leave.. But she would wait.  "Ah, you know all this waiting has actually left me with no appetite at all." She leaned forward onto the table, propping her head onto her three fingered hand as if she were bored. "Terrible service, I do say. Afraid to take orders from those who make this world diverse in nature."

[Arke]

The inn food was bland but substantial, and the price was right. Shadow paid, a pair of silvers, and gazed out into the seat as the boy finished his meal. "Shouldn't we at least rent a room before we leave?" "No, it is wiser if we tour the town first. If we find the climate too hostile we can always spend another night in the woods." Giving Arke absolutely no warning the feline rises and moves to the table behind him, standing between the human and the wolf, his eyes falling on their table mates briefly. "I hate to seem rude but I was wondering; my companion Archaic and I are new to this town, and I wondered if one of you might be so kind as to show us around. I would be more than willing to pay you for your troubles."

As Shadow spoke, the coyote watched a rather imposing raptor ascend the stairway to the private rooms. The scent of blood trailed him, faint but unmistakable. He smells of death...[/i] When the raptors eyes fell on him Archaic recoiled slightly, and a faint chill ran up his spine. One paw sought the reassuring grip of his bow but he fought the urge to make himself a threat. That man is dangerous...[/i]

[Goblin Cat 😸]

Rigor stood at the cat's request, bowing almost sarcastically. "I believe I can give a proper tour." She smiled revealing her jagged teeth, looking back to her table mates almost sadly. "That is unless me leaving would simply rip their hearts to pieces.. But I'm sure I'm not of that much interest. You might be doing the Barkeep a favor by getting me out of here by the way things look." This was her chance to leave, possibly get two victims in for the fun of it.. To scare people even more about the shaky peace they experienced already. "I'll do it free of charge.. Say a charity for a person in need." She clasped her claws together and brought them to her chest as if imitating an innocent scout.

[Dr. Strange]

The panther watched the dragon more and jumped up from the table. "I'd like to go as well, if that's alright with Rigor?" Her pretty green eyes glittered with interest as she smelled a weird scent coming  from the dragon.

[Fyroh Ilqe Gahn]

"Nikkoli and Rigor." Fyroh replied almost thoughtfully. "Do forgive me if I have to ask you again; I'm awful with names you see." he said, grinning a little. "I wouldn't remember Vlaardi's name if it weren't for the fact he's like my shadow."
Vlaardi looked unimpressed; but suddenly froze stiff as soon as he heard the voices behind him. He remained stiff all the way through the talking.
Fyroh gave a loose smile, and turned to face the others. "I might join you as well... after all, I'm not that hungry or anything." He stood up, straightened his clothes, then gave Vlaardi a fake punch on the arm. "Come on, mate, you coming with us?"
Vlaardi looked over the 'crew'. It looked dangerous. After all, he had no idea who was on what team... Fyroh was going, so they'd be safe, but...

"I- I'd rather stay here." Vlaardi replied, keeping his eyes firm. "Fyroh, what about the meeting? Have you forgotten about that?" Vlaardi wasn't referring to the Justice meeting by name on purpose; if these people were enemies, then who knew what could happen... Ignorance is bliss, Vlaardi told himself.
"Oh, boo to that." Fyroh snapped back. "It's only with a couple of old friends, and besides, we do it all the time. Tell 'em I can't make it." Fyroh knew exactly what Vlaardi was talking about; he too was disguising it. "Come on, come with us."
Vlaardi shook his head. "I'm staying. At least I can let them know you're not coming."
"Suit yourself..." Fyroh sighed, turning to the others. "Sorry, he's always like this, never wants to try anything new. Very shy. I hope you don't mind me tagging along, anyway..."

Vlaardi gave one final look to all of them before turning away. None of them looked particularly trustworthy... in fact, if he didn't know Fyroh, he wouldn't even trust him. However, Vlaardi had a small part of himself that was beginning to regret saying no. He didn't want to go for adventure or excitement... the only reason he'd want to go was to make sure Fyroh wouldn't do anything stupid. Fyroh was always acting without thinking, and he could make a grave error, going out at night with, what, four complete strangers...

[Arke]

Shadow laughs, giving a quick glance over his shoulder. "Well I would hate for him to be all alone here, so I think I'll leave Archaic here." The coyote briefly looked up at the human. He must be around my age. "Let the boys get to know each other, maybe make a friend. Gods know friends are hard to come by of late. Besides, it could be dangerous outside, at night. Best to keep the young ones safe." His eyes run over the three standing before him, and a smile graces his muzzle. "Although I doubt that will turn out to be a problem."

Archaic sat facing Shadow and the strangers, debating whether or not he wanted to go. Likely Shadow had a plan of some sort, but it was hard to tell with him. Maybe he really did want him to make a friend, as out of character as that seemed for him. And as long as the raptor upstairs did not cause any trouble it would likely be safe here, seeing as the human looked about as threatening as... well, not very threatening. [color=teal"Shadow, I-"[/color] The feline turned to him, scowling. "Come now, Archaic, you don't expect me to let our new friend... Vlaardi, is it? Well, I won't be so ungracious as to take away his company and leave him all alone."

[Fyroh Ilqe Gahn]

Vlaardi quickly glanced back to the group, listening in on the conversation. So, someone was being left here...? That was strange. He quickly observed the one that was to be left behind... didn't look too intimidating, at the least, but... "There's no need." Vlaardi said. "Honestly. I'm fine, I'm meeting some others later. Besides, if you're new, you should get a look around the city... with a group, you'll be fine."
Fyroh laughed. "Ah, Vlaardi, always the modest one, eh? Well, ultimately it's up to this fella..." Fyroh paused, briefly motioning at Archaic, "... but I'm sure Vlaardi wouldn't mind either way." Fyroh chuckled. "Well, whatever's fine, as long as we can get a move on. Oh, has anyone got a light or something? We might need one..."

Vlaardi quickly said, "Fyroh, I'll need the money you're looking after for me."
Fyroh almost laughed. "What sparked you to say that?... here, take it." He pulled out a leather pouch from inside his shirt, handing it over to Vlaardi, who sat down again, checking how much he had. "Got enough?" Fyroh asked. Vlaardi nodded, placing the pouch on the table, where he'd be able to see it.

[Somebody]

The raptor assassin made his way upstairs to his room. The air was ripe with the stench of intimacy which came to no suprise given the nature of such places. Before he could make it to his room he was intercepted by a wolven escort. "How about spending some time with me tonight?" she asked in a very in your face manner. "I've never been with a raptor before it could be fun" He sneered at her and raised his bloody claw to her face but it didnt seem to ward her off. Instead she took a more imposing positon and kept stepping in front of the taller raptor as he tried to step past. "Cmon you know you want to have some fun" she tried to smile. He was growing really irritated, though she wasn't that homely by any means he didnt want anybody to get too keen a memory of what he looked like. "Out of the way wench, before I add your blood to his." he said again trying to avoid a confrontation by stepping around her.

Laughter, conversation and less savory noises echoed the halls but none paid any heed to their commotion. She was quite angry at this point and he had reached his limit. "Ok you obviously won't take no for an answer so instead I accept your offer" he said bareing a devilish smile. He opened the door for her and followed suit, quietly unsheathing his blade behind his back and closing the door behind him. In the next few moments all that could be heard was a cutoff scream and a thump on the floor. He reached down and closed her eyes and muttered a prayer under his breath in the raptor tongue. "I really didnt want this to happen but I cannot risk unwanted attention"

He quickly washed his claws off and rushed back down to the entrance, peace and rest it would seem would have to find this raptor another time.

[Arke]

Shadow turns one palm up, conjuring a small flame and letting it burn for a moment. "I think that should suffice for a light. And besides, I can show him the town tomorrow morning, just the two of us." He smiles back at the coyote, placing a paw on his shoulder. Archaic gave the human a nervous smile. "Not to mention he would probably be bored to tears just following us around." "He said he'll be fine, maybe I should come with you, you know, to-" "To what? You honestly want to get stuck touring the town like these ladies?" He smiled slightly, but Archaics attention was elsewhere.

He was watching that raptor. The scent of blood he had picked up on before seemed stronger now, and it did seem odd that he was leaving so soon after renting a room. And in a rush. "Actually, I think I will stay..." Shadow laughed, not looking at the raptor but aware none the less. A threat perhaps, but not to us. Not at the moment. "Ahh, then it is settled. We shall see what this town has to offer, and you shall see to it that our new friend is not as bored as these two will be." The feline gestures to the girls at the table, smiling pleasantly.

[Goblin Cat 😸]

"Ah, a night on the town with friends, oh goody." The dragoness stated disguising her complete disgust for the situation. Grabbing her scythe, she hung it on her back and drifted to the door, looking back to the others to see if they were coming.. Making her completely oblivious to the raptor in which she slammed into. She tumbled onto the ground, taking him down with her, snatching blindly to unsuccessfully prevent her fall.  She smelt blood on him, very faint, but it was there.. And noticed a fresh spatter on his cloak.

[Somebody]

He pulled himself up quickly, unsure if he was under attack or not. He turned quickly and pulled out his blade, noticing the other was still on the ground. The room had grown quiet, as if expecting some kind of showdown but that was the last thing the raptor needed. The night had been spiralling out of control he certainly didnt need a public scene adding to it. He withdrew his weapon but didnt sheath it, noticing she was armed as well. "Foolissh creature watch where your going" he snarled baring his teeth in fustration. It seemed he would find no peace at all. Her companions seem fixated on the blood he bore on his cloth.

 "There needs to be no confrontation, I already have enough blood on my hands for one night." He eyed the reptile on the floor, paying no heed to the rest. None of them seemed to bear the mark of those heavily associated in any of the factions vying for power but she seemed different then the rest. He shrugged off his thoughts and backed torwards the exit while pulling a strange orb from his pocket. As he reached the exit he smiled. "If you value your lives do not attempt to follow" with that subtle remark he threw it down creating a blinding light. Upon the dissipation of the light he was long gone, leaving the room dazed and confused.

He ducked into a alley several blocks over. "That was close. You got careless Tezztor you were lucky none of them tried to attack. Though none of them seemed particularly interested." he said huffing. He pulled out his coin purse and realized it had a hole in it and most of his earnings were gone. "Blasted dragon, her scythe musta grazed it on the way down. Looks like I'll need to go get my money back"

[Goblin Cat 😸]

Something shiny caught her eye on the floor. It was a coin. She smiled, still sitting on the floor and picked it up between two of her claws, and allowed the coin to flip over her thumb and between her fingers of her opposite hand. "For a dramatic exit, you sure left a trail of bread crumbs.." She said to herself, pocketing the coin just in case the raptor returned for it. Rigor stood up, dusting herself off, then eyeing the others to make sure their attention was still on the door. "I seem to be attracting chaos today.." She turned to the door, not quite wanting to admit to herself that her curiosity was sparked to the point of following the stranger to see what he was up to instead of following through with a plan that had been ruined in the first place. I'll just let the wolf take the lead and trail near the back.. And when the time is right disappear... she thought, looking to the wolf. "Oh Fyroh, I just remembered.. I don't exactly know this town at all; I was just trying to be nice and at least escort these gentlemen  through Cerkath in case there was an.. Attack on them.. While they explored. Would you care to take the lead so they can at least know where they are..?"

[Fyroh Ilqe Gahn]

Fyroh had paid little attentiont to the raptor that had passed by, but jumped a little when there was a flash. "What the..." he muttered, but trailed off. When he was asked to take the lead, he grinned a little. "Sure I will. I know the town very well, I must say..."
"Oh, you've got to be kidding, Fyroh's in charge?" Vlaardi moaned aloud. "Right, I'm sorry, but I just have to give you all a warning; he's a fool in a group. He's got armour and weapons, but he'll run head first into anything which seems remotely dangerous. Just watch yourselves, and watch him. And-"
"Vlaardi!" Fyroh growled.
Vlaardi gave him another dull look. "It's for their safety, Fyroh. Oh, and I know it's tempting, but please, none of you attack the kings men. Some of us are interested in sleeping tonight."
Fyroh sighed. "Yeah, he's right about that one. The guards are always in twos; they often let you past if you hide your weapons, but sometimes you get interrogated, whether or not you look like a threat. Some of them are better than others... some just want to keep the peace, some want to fine you as much as they can to make an extra buck for themselves. If you attack one, well, they both make a LOT of noise; attracts all the other guards to you, and then every building in sight gets searched until they find you."
"Luckily we've never been through having to hide from them," Vlaardi muttered, "But Fyroh almost did once. So please, just be careful. Despite his idiotic tendencies, I'd like to see Fyroh again in one piece after tonight."

Fyroh nodded. "Alright, we're set then..."
"Wait." Vlaardi sighed. "I know I'm acting like a mother, but be wary of anyone you don't know in the streets. Keep your weapons handy, but don't draw them; drawing them indicates you're going to attack, then a fight will ensue. Not many people will attack you, I don't think, but the worst will be resistance members, and I can't say any of them are better than the others."
Fyroh didn't look like he entirely agreed, but said, "Vlaardi always acts like this, sorry. He always says that if you get attacked, find a guard, as they can deal with it and get the troublemaker off the streets, but it's easier to battle some of them off, I think. They're only armed with puny weapons like knives, and all they want is for you to support their cause and not yours. If you bite back at them, they often run away, I find... Alright, we've stayed long enough. We ready to depart, then?" Fyroh said, looking over the rest of them.

[XXxMaximuMXXx]

" wait!" she shouted running down to stand infront of them "p...please can i come with you..PLease...i need to get away from here" she gasped slightly from all the running "i wont dawdle dont worry" she added just incase they thought her as a meere girl. she jostled on the spot, looking slightly worried but excited to be hopefully going on a new trip out of her hrrifying nightmare

[Arke]

Shadow smiles at the human boy. "I'm sure we will have little cause for trouble. I don't plan to-" He stopped, turning to the girl and hearing her out before turning back to Fyroh. "Your choice."

Back at his table Archaic was idly poking his empty plate with his fork, sighing softly. It was true he didn't want to go with Shadow, but he did not feel like being left with a stranger either. True, he hardly seemed the harmful type, but at his heart Archaic was always a bit paranoid with strangers. He hardly even noticed the girl, despite her shouting.