Another mission begins.

Southwest of Avana, there's a woods nestled away south called Silverleaf that's home to a settlement of elves called Morniwo. Though most of Taern's kin do reside within cities among the other races, they traditionally once lived only within forests in the world, and some still prefer a life within the embrace of mother nature. He actually has never been there before, so he can't help but be excited--both to visit so many of his people, but also because an amazing hot spring resides within those woods. The idea of relaxing there is tempting, but he needs to keep his eyes on the prize. There likely won't be a moment during this mission where he'll be able to go for a dunk, and he'll have to accept that.

He stands at the foot of the woodlands at nightfall. In his pocket is a missive written to him by Dame Tilli Rolia, knight of Tivera and head of a band of warriors known as the Silver Triad. It speaks of the whereabouts of a known assassin that may be linked to several disappearances, and given her title, doing work for her is almost like doing work for Queen Catherine II herself. He's to capture her either dead or alive--a larger reward for the latter.

While he would rather not slay someone in front of these innocent elves, if she's that infamous of an assassin, it could turn into more of a fight. But if he can knock her out, all he has to do is tie her up and carry her back. The people of Morniwo might even assist with that part.

There is no reason to wait. I need to be extra careful, though. I was told the assassin is an elf, so her hearing is going to be as good as mine, and I have very few details about what she looks like. I can not let anyone see me. All I know is that she has an eyepatch and that she is missing her left middle finger. Apparently she changes her hair style and colour up too often for that to be reliable information.

He moves like a leaf in the wind between the trees. His dark attire dresses him like a shadow in the night. As terribly as the last mission went, he is still a ninja with as much training as Snow. They trained together after all. If she can do it, so can he.

It takes time. He doesn't want to be caught in the eyes of a scout, just in case his presence ends up alerting his target before he can find her. However, after awhile, he makes his way through the woods, and soon comes across the quaint town of Morniwo. Walkways and buildings are around the trees--nature being utilized in tandem with their infrastructure. Water pours down carved branches into collection barrels. The people dress in clothing made from animal parts and leaves. The only beings around are elves. Taern inspects the area as he lingers in the outskirts, peering from behind tree trunks and the backs of buildings, hoping to find a girl matching the description he was given.

Suddenly, he sees someone in the corner of his eye. It's an elven woman with short pink hair and an eyepatch. He can't quite see her fingers from his angle, but she's walking into a small hut near the edge of town.

Perfect. But I better act fast.