Fritz kept looking around dumbly as they moved through Trira. Guard stations, and hastily erected shanty shacks littered the town. The townspeople had a rough look to them. They were covered in dirt and grime from a hard day's work. Calluses and scars covered their hands. Tatoos, and clipped ears, were common amongst the residents.
The townsfolk kept an eye on the newcomers. As Fritz passed through the town, he could feel their eyes boring into him. Soon they reached a dirty inn called the Annoying Fairy.
Standing outside with Marcelle and Ada, Fritz did his best to look inconspicuous. Marcelle's long tail shielded Fritz's body from most onlookers. A lingering stench on Ada easily repelled anyone who dared to get too close. A chain gang of convicts was led past Fritz's group. The guards were fully armed. Their tabards proudly displayed a pair of stylized fox ears as they led the weary convicts to inside the city.
The warm light of the inn, in the approaching dusk glowed behind Fritz. Patron's were filing in, ready for hard drinking and grumbling. Neva had gone inside to secure accommodations and find a bath. Ada crossed her arms and tapped her feet as they all waited on the mayor to come back. Fritz heard the door of the inn open. A rush of disgruntled patrons could be heard swearing inside.
"Something big is going down tomorrow." A voice said from behind Fritz. He turned his head slightly to look behind him. A dark alleyway ran next to the inn behind him.
"Keep your voice down!" Another whispered.
"You don't know who's listening." Another voice cautioned.
"Were really gonna meet with one of them! It's really gonna happen!"
"Don't get too excited! Nothing's been decided yet. Keep calm, until we get more orders." Another whispered.
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"But Snake...."
"Shut up."
"Snake..." The voice whined again. "Fine. Whatever you killjoys. Don't ask me to remind you what happiness feels like later."
Fritz heard a few good natured grunts from the alleyway. He heard the sound of their footsteps in the muddy streets moving away. Fritz turned to his other companions, neither seemed interested in the conversation in the alleyway. Neva reappeared from the inn, she made her way towards the party. Ada immediately perked up on her return, eager for good news.
"All right. We've got a place to stay. A large bridal suite was all they had available, so some of you might have to sleep on the floor." Neva said.
Fritz briefly looked up at the building. It stood an impressive three stories. The foundation of the building was built entirely of stone. Fritz looked around at the muddy streets wondering if the inn would one day sink into the ground. "Most importantly, Ada baths are around back. They're free to use for patrons. The innkeeper asked you to enter directly through the back though. Don't come back into the inn until you've scrubbed up."
"Finally!" Ada let out an exasperated sigh. She handed her pack to Neva as she ran around the building.
"I'll join her in a minute. Hopefully, after she washes that stench off." Marcelle grumbled.
"That's probably for the best. Give the poor girl a chance to clean up." Neva replied. "Follow me inside."
Fritz was ushered into the inn behind Neva. The three of them made directly for the stairs. Arriving at the third floor they opened the door to their room.
It had plenty of space for the four of them. A large queen sized bed sat in the middle of the room. Several windows with flimsy light gray curtains were arrayed around the room. Two large dressers sat on either side of the door. In the center of the room, was a rather plain large red rug. To the side, a small table for dining was placed with three chairs. A set of candles had been placed next to the bed's nightstand.
"I'll get us some food. I'll be back in a second." Neva said. Fritz unshouldered his pack. He placed it next to one of the dressers. He rolled his tired shoulders, and started to settle in. Marcelle, immediately pulled out her alchemy set. Fritz looked over towards her. Her long inky black hair obscured her face as she diligently prepared to work. Between the strands of her hair, he could see the fire of her passion.