Party with the Crookblade Bandits.

You're in no rush to get to Tanver's Crossing for any specific reason, so a small detour isn't an issue. You're also not against good food and drinks. Not that you didn't bring a few things, but it feels nice to be treated. They're bandits, so it isn't a five-star, multi-course meal, but the mead is quenching, with far more of a honey flavour than you expected, and they have fresh produce as well as wild boar meat--the latter of which is seasoned better than you thought it would be. Though dry, somebody clearly knows what they're doing. They aren't just random mountain bandits. This is an organized crime syndicate of the wilds, led by a leader who isn't all show.

That being said, she's just as obnoxious as certain others you've met. She sits on a chair, much nicer than any other, and laughs with those who surround her. Though her legs are actually on the back of a man down on his hands and knees, and whenever she snaps her fingers, one approaches to fill her mug to the brim.

"Think she's a dragon?" Eva asks, as if reading your mind.

"Not only does she not have horns, but if she had the ability to hide them, I couldn't imagine a single gold dragon willingly doing so," you answer. "Or maybe any dragon. Guess I've only met a few different colours so far."

Xiaoqing sits down beside you with a turkey drum in her hand. "Hey so," she starts, though keeps her voice down as much as possible. It's a risk to try and whisper near an elf. Their hearing isn't as keen as a bunnyfolk, or even a catfolk, though it's better than hat of a human's. "If we're trying to bait out some sort of a confession from her, I think we need to rattle her a bit. She'll probably talk to you soon, since I figure she'll want to not only figure out why you're here, but also make some deals that benefit her."

You nod to her, sitting up with your own mug to your lips. It's about half finished now. "You're right."

"Got any ideas?"

"I do."

So Monarch loves Demon Kings, and according to Kaelana, especially me for some reason. I wasn't sure if that were true, but then I saw how she looked at me. This is a rare situation. Not that people haven't been attracted to me. That definitely isn't true. But me doing the seducing? They already call me Demon King, so I might as well be an incubus too. Let's see what I can do.

Kaelana reappears. She steps up beside you, and offers back your cape with a grateful, deep bow of her head. "Thank you so much. Seriously."

You turn to see the girl's hair tied up into small pigtails by gold ribbons. Her garb is simple--a muted brown vest, dark and tight-fitting pants, and a tattered black cape like a scarf around her neck. You of course still see the ring on her finger. She sits down nearby, and joins the festivities.

Just as expected, Monarch makes her way to your party after everyone's had a drink and a bite to eat.

Before she sits, two men behind her drag the same chair over, and place it beneath her ass just before she'd have fallen to the ground. Then she leans back, and crosses one leg over the other--a bold maneuver, given her dress isn't all that long. As an elf, those things are a dangerous weapon. She looks to you coyly, and forces you to wait as she takes a long sip of her beverage, sighing in an exaggerated fashion afterwards. "Kyle Warren. We have met face-to-face at last. You know, I have heard many things."

Kaelana said she literally has a picture of me in her hut. Definitely my wanted poster.

You lean forwards, and stare her straight in the eyes. "I haven't heard nearly enough about you."

Her breath is cut short. She abruptly stands from her seat, nearby knocking somebody over in passing. "You should already know more," she attempts to retort. "But alas, you will have to learn."

You then stand to join her. "We do have all night."

"What a silly man. It is not yet evening, let alone night."

Instead of donning the cloak Kaelana returned, you fold it neatly and hand it to the side. "Can you--"

Snow is already there, and she takes the garment with a nod. "Of course."

"Thank you. It's actually pretty warm here," you say as you begin the task of removing your armour as well.

Monarch fans herself with a hand. "Now that you mention it, yes. It is rather warm for late afternoon in autumn," she says with eyes rapidly darting to and from your body. "Well hurry up, and then we may speak business. In fact, come away from your companions. Our words are for each other only."

"Lead the way," you say as Snow immediately accepts yet another piece of equipment handed over.

The catfolk leans in close to whisper before you go. "I believe in you, Kyle. Call for help if needed."

After a nod, you follow behind the swinging hips of the elven bandit.