Plans move ahead

You make your way out of the Gitanna compound, and back to the city proper. No one seems to pay you or Ferra much attention on your return trip either, something you’re thankful for. However, you do notice something a bit unusual. The people going about their business seem to be in a rush, regardless of what they’re doing. You see none of the casual conversations you’ve come to expect in a busy city. Even people haggling prices are quick to finish their business and move on. You expect that the ubiquitous presence of House Thenlan guards is the reason for this.

Regardless, you and Ferra take the hint, and hurry back to the hideout. As you arrive, you get a pulse of warning in your mind from Lilith.

Something is different here. It doesn’t seem dangerous, but there’s magic here that wasn’t when we left.

You pause at the door. Lilith either can’t or won’t elaborate, but she insists that it’s nothing dangerous. You sigh, and look around to ensure no one is watching before pushing through the doorway.

Immediately inside, you see what Lilith sensed. Seated at a table with Nadia and Melora is Samus. The demigod looks at you as you walk in, and waves you over.

“Ahh, you’re back. Come, sit.”

You do so, still a bit surprised to see him. Ferra sits beside you as well. Samus folds his hands on the table. “I apologize for startling you with my presence. Upon my arrival outside the city, I found that there are none here outside of your group that could detect my presence, so long as I do nothing major.”

Melora smiles. “He gave us all a fright when he walked in. I couldn’t sense him at all!”

You chuckle. “Lilith knew something was different.”

See?! I can be useful!

Samus shrugs. “I am wearing several glamours to hide myself. I’d rather not be noticed until we execute your idea.”

Nadia looks at you. “Speaking of your ideas, how did it go? Is House Gitanna an ally?”

You chuckle. “Not yet. I gave her a day to think. I would say that she will likely accept, though. I left enough hints as to what comes next that she’ll see the writing on the wall.”

Subtlety isn’t your strength.

You ignore the jibe. “Regardless, we should move forward with our next steps. I want to get as much intel on Harald Feyran as we can. If we can sway him without violence, the city is as good as ours.”

You look at Samus. “Meanwhile, I want to get moving on Kaeli soon as well. The sooner we snatch her, the sooner the Order begins to fall apart.”

Samus nods. “Very well. Tonight, all of you should meet me in the forest to the east. I will teach you how to channel the power correctly.”

Nadia smiles, glancing at you. “Just don’t wear us out too much. We have some plans…”

You laugh. “I really need to learn to go without sleep.”

Nadia winks at you.