We didn't manage to reach the city before nightfall, but that's fine were prepared. Besides most of us can, and did, sleep on the street. But this isn't a street it's the wilderness, I learned that lesson the hard way.

We set up camp and whilst sitting infront of the campfire lit by a little to eager wizardess I was the first to break the silence.

"So should we get acquainted or...?"

"Acquainted?"

The guy sitting across from me asked questioningly, he was young and had slim but muscular build. One couldn't notice it geared up but we're getting ready to sleep.

"I'll demonstrate. I used to be a ranger in the red forest until it was discovered that I was growing a few drug ingredients there. Ever since then I have somehow made a living."

They didn't ask what I meant with 'somehow', it's easy to take a deadmans belongings. Then the inferno sorceress (I really don't know what to call her) stood up and after a look on the ring she took from the mimic nest she told a bit of her story.

"I used to be a pupil in the arcane academia of yui'tzui but was kicked out because of my drug overuse and ever since then I have been trying to gain more power in any way possible."

One didn't need to guess what drug she took, her white hair said enough. The deeper the haircolor of a magus the more natural its connection to the arcane is, her hair rejects the concept of color. Then the guy who impressed me with his breath stood up.

"I used to be a shark hunter on the floating village of storm tide but was exiled after a 'accident', I jet have to earn enough to afford a actual spear."

And he sure enough had the body to call himself a shark hunter, now that I see him without gear I can confidently say that he is intimidating. The guy who was confused by my proposal stood up next.

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"Used to be a swordsman in the guild of blades but after a drunken fight I might have 'hurt' someone important and ever since I have been on the run."

Next stood up someone who I failed to notice.

"Used to be part of the sacred temple of Kulsht, after I had badly beaten four seniors I was punished by having the mark of the sinner branded on my chest and was kicked out rather...unceremoniously."

Next was a rather talkative person.

"I'm just a rogue who wants to be rich."

She was the most honest one from all of us, but I don't mind, we all left out pieces of info.

"I will be the first guard of the night."

----------------------------------------

After whatever talks they had with my hostess (I figured out that she's female) she went to sleep. Thankfully she takes me of beforehand because I don't think I can go unnoticed if she never took me of.

First I cut my connection with the ruby, I used a real ruby for my disguise. Then I took the shape of a teny tiny snake and made my way away from her. Before I could reach the outside the whole tent became bright and unimaginable danger and fear came over me. I looked back and sure enough my hostess was standing infront of a raging fire with her arms crossed and her eyes narrowing on me. Her eyes darted from me to the ruby and then spoke.

"Back"

Heh?

"Come back here."

She landed her hand on the ground.

Wha- why would I listen to you when I can just leav-

The fire behind her roared and the danger I felt increased tenfold.

I moved as fast as I could, right now ring and snake are all I can turn into. Once on her hand she brought me to eye level and I'm very scared please help. Her open hand turned into a fist and I was caught in her tight grasp.

"You do as I say, turn into what I say and never even dare disrespect me. And never even think of leaving."

The pressure was unbearable a real snake of my side would have died by now! Then everything just became a blur and the next thing I know I was in some jar. The flames died down and she let out a deep breath.

"How didn't he notice what just happened her? I swear if he's taking a nap!"

She left to.check on the guy that was supposed to keep guard and I knew that this is my chance. There's a reason I chose a snake over something with legs: flexibility. A normal snake would be trapped but as a mimic I have total body control which allows me to use the belly of the snake as a suction point and slowly inch upwards.

It was slow but steady and surely I almost reached the end when the yelling outside sufficed and I could hear footsteps coming this way. Dammit she's coming back! I let my grip losen, falling was the fastest way down. The landing hurt, in order to hide my pain I turned into the ring but now missing the ruby.

She came back clearly angry and then looked down on me.

"Did I tell you to turn into a ring?"

Well fuck