>>6323629Even as the door shuts behind them, no one in the room dares to make a peep… until Tzah-Tzie breaks free of her spell and collapses into a sobbing mess at your feet.
“I’m… I’m sorry…”
Ten minutes later, TT is still inconsolable as she buries herself in Volka’s embrace. Lutza’s apology is swallowed up by the gang, but no one seems eager to accept it.
“That brute Rolo has a habit of accosting Ms. Lutza without an invite,” Joplin adds as the Tiito Triplets guard the door with renewed vigor, “I assumed your arrival would hasten his departure…” The Gnok’s steely gaze slips floorward. “... But nothing could have prepared us for… him.”
Oh, well that makes it all hunky-dory, then, you snarl! They couldn’t have given you a <span class="mu-i">warning</span>!? Not even a ‘<span class="mu-i">Hey, watch out: SPICE CARTEL’S HERE!</span>’?!
“P-please, Anton…” Lutza pleads, lip trembling as Joplin opens his mouth to retort, “If you have to blame anyone, blame me–I made the call. Not Joplin.”
“So we should roast <span class="mu-i">you</span> then?” Rezzie remarks, idly picking between her teeth with a claw, “Just say the word, Anton.”
You nearly take her up on the offer–seeing TT bawling in Volka’s arms like this awakens a primal anger in the deep recesses of your gut. Not demonic, nor magical… just…
<span class="mu-i">You</span>.
“It’s unfortunate we couldn’t smuggle someone inside their manor… their eyes will be painted on us until the concert…” Morook begins, pausing as he realizes something in his speech. “E-erm, n-not to be grim, of course-”
“Let’s be realistic then: our enemies have no obligation to honor the agreement.” Oti interjects with the usual irritation in his tone, “This concert is our shield, and a flimsy one at that. The minute we step out of the public eye we’ll be dealt with.”
His eyes flicker as they fall upon you. “And if you still intend to infiltrate their home during the festivities, there’s no longer a guarantee that Trier’s… ‘<span class="mu-i">interest</span>’... in you will keep you safe.”
“AAAannd there’s no guarantee Vhale won’t gut you like a mudpoke at your next encounter.” Toppel helpfully adds.
“I… I mean I know he’s scary, but,” Volka begins, her voice softened so as not to disturb the Durher seeking refuge in her lap, “But what’s stopping Rezzie or Anton from, y’know… <span class="mu-i">toasting him?</span>”
“As I mentioned in our… <span class="mu-i">first encounter</span>...” Grumbles the sorceress with a sigh, “Vhale Nessurmos is… well, very difficult to kill, to put it bluntly.”
“Most crime lords are…” Replies Morook with a hint of cheekiness in his tone.
“I meant it <span class="mu-i">literally</span>.” Toppel adds with growing ire in her orange eyes. “I never had a lapse of judgement big enough to convince me to antagonize the man, but from what I’ve gathered here in Umberal, there have been attempts. <span class="mu-i">Many</span> attempts.”
>CONTD. 