Strange city

You slowly make your way through town, making your way along the directions Victor gave you. Though Sarah gets the occasional second glance, no one otherwise seems to pay you much attention. Even the soldiers, obvious by their uniforms, don’t seem to be on alert. Nevertheless, you try to blend in, not wanting to draw undue attention.

It’s been a while since you’ve been in a city, and at first glance, there doesn’t appear to be much out of the ordinary here, beyond the Order troops. However, the longer you walk, the more you notice the lack of conversation in the streets. People are getting their business done and moving on, with little of the small talk you expect. A closer look shows you that Order soldiers are given a wide berth, and what little conversation there is ceases when they pass by.

You have many questions and few answers, but first you need to get to the inn and off the street. Thankfully, you find your way there fairly easily, and no one seems to pay much attention, except one Order troop who seems to be higher ranking, based on his better armor. The man watches you as you head into the inn, but doesn’t approach or seem agitated, and he turns away as you head inside.

Inside is a different story than on the street. There’s a decent number of people here, and plenty of conversation to go with the food and drinks being served. Off to one side, you see Cassie waving you towards a table with Victor and Melora. The four of you join them, and everyone relaxes a bit.

Victor nods to you. “No trouble getting here, then?”

You shake your head. “No, other than the one guard outside watching us a bit.”

Victor sighs. “There’s a much bigger Order presence here than I remember. And people seem on edge. I don’t think we should stay here long.”

Melora closes her eyes for a moment “It’s not us they’re suspicious of. Something outside the city is causing the problem, but I can’t see what. Still, I agree with Victor.”

Alex pouts. “So only one night with a roof over our head? Then back to tents?”

Victor nods. “Just to be safe, yes. The good news is we’re not far from home now. Less than a week.”

Cassie and Alex share a grin. The chameleon girl giggles, her colors shifting towards pink. “Ooh, good! Not long to wait, then!”

You look at her curiously. “Why are you so excited?”

She giggles again. “Orgy time! It’ll be fun!”

Everyone laughs, and Sarah speaks up. “I suppose that’s one reason to be excited. A proper welcome to Nicholas’s harem, for sure!”

Ferra reaches out and pats Sarah’s hand. “You kept Nicholas safe and sound, and helped bring him back to us. It is only right to give you the treatment you deserve.”

Sarah smiles. “Thank you, Ferra. It means a lot to hear it from his most loyal companion.”

Alex interrupts. “Enough sappy talk! The real question is, who gets to share his bed tonight?”

You chuckle as the girls begin to playfully argue about it, and you sit back and watch the show. Meanwhile, you see Victor looking around the inn, tuning out the argument. After a moment, the panther man looks to you and shrugs.

“Whatever happens, don’t get too comfortable here. Something doesn’t feel right, no matter what Melora says.”

Melora turns from the argument and nods. “I’ll agree there. My powers aren’t infallible, and I agree that something seems off here.”