Quoted By:
The Cosmos just threw you a bone here–you’re not gonna let it sit on the floor and… and get dirty, or something! Nodding to your guides as if to say ‘<span class="mu-i">we got dis’</span>’, you get about two steps closer to the open door when you feel a polite tap on your arm!
“<span class="mu-i">Err, Rook? What about the guard?</span>”
They’ll get suspicious if he doesn’t come back, you reply in a hushed tone, just let him do his thing! Taking another step, you risk letting out a sigh and turn to face Volka again. What’s wrong?
“<span class="mu-i">I, erm…</span>” She mutters with a sheepish look on her face, “<span class="mu-i">I’m, uh… I’m not good at the whole ‘sneaky’ thing, Anton…</span>”
Yea, you reply as diplomatically as you can manage, she’s, um… her armor’s very jingly…
“<span class="mu-i">Maybe she oughta’ stand guard outside until the scheckt hits the fan?</span>” TT suggests with a shrug! Mayb-hey, what does she mean, ‘<span class="mu-i">UNTIL!?</span>’ <span class="mu-s">’IF’</span>!
“<span class="mu-i">I can do that!</span>” Nods the Skog, her tail hitting the ground with a muffled thump! “<span class="mu-i">Don’t worry–I’ll secure our exit! And if things go South I’ll make a <span class="mu-r">Uulumese Vate</span> call!</span>”
TT gives your forearm a pat. “<span class="mu-i">Trust me, you’ll know it when ya’ hear it.</span>”
Super. Nodding farewell to your bodyguard and the guide gals, you and TT creep in through the open door like a pair of kids sneaking into an R-Rated Movie!
Funnily enough, the air grows even <span class="mu-i">more</span> frigid as you enter the abandoned factory floor, and as you move to get a lay of the land, you hear the sound of metal and glass clanking against a tabletop along with the special brand of idle chit-chat exclusive to people playing some kind of card or board game!
“Empress and her guards,” Drones one of the players, his segmented eyes glittering a bit as the Chytree takes a swig of an unseen beverage! “Try to beat it.”
“Gladly.” Scoffs a one-eyed Mox as some more metal hits the tabletop! “Emperor an’ his men!”
“Damn it all…” Groans a Gnok leaning back in his chair, “Last chance ta’ admit yer cheatin’, Rusk.”
“Queer way ta’ say ‘Good Round’, but I accept!” Laughs the Mox as he scoops two handfuls of <span class="mu-b">BELLS</span> towards him! “Tell Tiro to hurry up so I can whip his arse too.”
“Tell ‘em yerself,” Counters the Gnok with a frown, “I ain’t slippin’ on that feckin’ ice again…”
>CONTD.
