The shining capital of Andoran, Almas is the center of everything the nation holds dear. Sadly the realities do not hold up to the dream, to the surprise of none. More so these days as word spreads of a killer thought dead and buried, their acts continue and the city suffers. To the delight of parties unknown.
Fives years Zatsa had called Almas home. Five years she danced and sang for coin. Five years of living a life of inns and taverns as she collected her meager pay and humble rooms. How much longer would she endure such a life and what was the point of it. Did it matter, did she matter? Such thoughts were common for those that cared to think beyond the simple comforts of life.
Fate was often fickle and more then a little cruel. Perhaps that is why fate is so accepted as just another part of life. For what was life if not fate incarnate. So fate granted Zatsa it's favor.
Strolling to yet another tavern to dance and sing she cut down one of the many side allies of Portside this young night. Only to stop dead in her tracks at the sight of darkness ahead, something her eyes should have no difficulty peering through. Her puzzlement lasted only as long as it took for a flash of yellow and red to throw her aside. Slammed against the ally wall she recovered in moments to find the darkness gone and a body before her. A yellow handkerchief at her feet and the sound of patrolmen coming.
Fate was rarely kind.
Time seemed to slowdown to a crawl for the young Aasimar as she stared at the body and heard the sounds of rushing feet, warning her that she did not have much time.
Various scenarios flashed through her head, her stomach felt like it was sinking to her feet and she started to feel a little panicky.
Fighting wasn't an option, more than likely it was the guards who were rushing to her position and with a snort of disgust, she realized she couldn't run, not in her fancy clothing anyway.
She cursed herself for not wearing her usual coat and trousers but her lovely dress made her look like a lady and customers tipped better that way.
Thinking that she wasn't going to be able to escape, Zatsa decided that playing the part of a scared girl might be the best approach. Opening her mouth wide, she let loose a loud and high-pitched scream.
''Help!!! Come quickly please!''
With in moments a full patrol of guards round the corner. Without so much as a word they spread out and start to surround both you and the scene. Finally one of their number moves forward to address you. A rather severe looking woman in well maintained armor, a equally maintained greatsword, and perfectly clean uniform strides with in a few feet of you. Even in the dark you can clearly see her tanned skin and dark eyes, which were scanning you in detail. Her short tightly braided hair dances as she turns to a guard barking out orders quickly.
"Get another patrol to sweep the area for anymore victims or clues. I doubt our culprit is still around but make sure they are on guard."
Turning back to you with that intense gaze. She speaks slower but just as deliberate.
"Please explain yourself? It is hardly common for a young woman to be walking around Portside alone, if at all really."
Despite the seriousness of the situation Zatsa feels her hackles rise at the implication that she could not defend herself.
Get a hold of yourself woman! She did not mean to step all over your pride.
Done chastising herself, Zatsa looks the guard in the eye and starts to tell her who she is.
''Just a bard and servant of Sarenrae officer. I was on my way to the Winking Dolphin and was running a little late. I am supposed to perform there tonight and was cutting through the alley to save some time when I saw this darkness that I could not see through.
As she tells her story, Zatsa very slowly and deliberately reaches into her bag and grabs her sword hilt first. She angles it so that they can see the Sarenrae's holy symbol engraved on the bottom of the pommel.
''Anyway, something yellow and red burst from the darkness and hit me, flinging me into the wall. By the time I recovered it was gone. As for why I was alone, well I'm not a child and I can defend myself.''
She shrugs her shoulders and smiles a little sheepishly.
''Well I can usually defend myself anyway, but this thing surprised me.''
The woman excuses herself for a moment as she is pulled aside by another guard. He whispers into her ear for a few moments then leaves as she returns to you.
"If you could defend yourself, then you would not have been surprised or thrown back. Nor would your weapon be in a bag where it is very much useless, I will disregard the fact that you even carry such a large weapon to begin with. That push could have easily been an attack, then we would have two bodies instead of one. A citizen should know better in Portside. Considering all this you will be taken into custody for your own safety and to speak with my superior at the Golden Aerie. A carriage will be here shortly. That is all."
The woman calls forth a pair to keep an eye on you while she moves off a short distance to speak with other guards before the carriage arrives.
Zatsa is taken aback by the both the news that she is to be taken in for questioning and the guard's overall attitude.
''This is ridiculous, of course I can defend myself, I just wasn't expecting to have to. As for questioning, I need to get to this inn. My livelyhood depends on it. Im more than happy to come answer all your questions after my performance is over.''
She takes a quick peek at the ground, attempting to see if the handkerchief is still on the ground.
Unable to resist her curiosity, she asks the guardswoman.
''Can you tell me anything about the body?''
The female officer turns to Zatsa, somehow her stern expression had grown harder.
"Enemies, more so those that would ambush you will not wait for you to be prepared. As the murdered man laying not so far from you can attest. Now if you insist upon valuing your livelihood....."
Her voice drips with venom on that word.
"...before that of a life lost to murder. Then you can take that up with my superior."
Clearly the woman was done with you and the many guards around you would not be letting you leave uncontested by her orders.
Zatsa grimaces when the offer pointedly reminds her of the murdered man, she had all but forgotten him in her own indignation.
''You are right officer, Im just a poor girl and I forgot that the world has bigger issues than my own personal lively hood. Take me to your superiors, I am ready.''
Zatsa does not have to wait to long before a carriage arrives to take her to the Golden Aerie. She shares the ride with a silent guard, which promptly gets out first and holds out a hand to help her down. The scene before her is breath taking. Even in the dark night, the pure white marble shines with a pale glow to such a back drop. A glint of gold twinkles among the stars for at it's peak stands the golden statue of Talmandor unseen in the velvet darkness yet making his presence known as the patron of Andoran. Looking more towards ground level the impressive walled fortress stands alone in the field of concord, as steadfast and resolute below as above with it's great tower.
Another guard jumps down from the drivers perch on the carriage. The pair escort Zatsa, flanking her up to the gates. Which in turn had a pair of guards standing ready even at this late hour. The gates opened silently, admitting the visitors.
Zatsa was brought in the impressive entrance and from their a small side room. It had a subdued grandeur to it. A few bookcases and large cabinets behind a polished oak desk littered with papers and the tools of office work. Along with a plain but plush high backed chair. A pair of smaller siblings of the same kind sat across it for guest. Only one guard accompanied you with in and he bid you take a seat while waiting.
"The commander will be here shortly."
Is all the man said as he took his place standing beside the door.
When they arrived at the Golden Aerie, Zarsa was taken aback by the beauty of the place.
For the guard who held out a hand to help her down, she offered him a brilliant smile and a word of thanks.
She sits in the chair that the guard indicates and looks around the room. Her curiosity is palpable and she fidgets in her sit a little, as she craves to get up and examine the books on the shelves and other trinkets in the room.
Reigning in her desire to look around, she tries to sit calmly in her chair, back straight, as her mother would have wanted.
By Sarenrae's light, this place is magnificent. I wonder how much it cost just to construct it all?
A soft knock is heard at the door. The guard opens it, in comes a small boy with a pair of trays. Sliding them down on the desk each holds food and drink respectively. The brown haired child smiles at Zatsa in his blue and white uniform.
"Some goodies for the pretty lady. The blueberry tarts are real good."
He waits on you watching.
Zatsa offers the young boy a wide smile when he offers her food and calls her pretty.
''Awww. Aren't you just the cutest little thing. Have you worked here long? I'll try one of those tarts that you suggested.''
After he has finished serving her, she flashes him another grin and pulls a couple of copper coins out of her coin pouch.
''What's your name sweetie? These are for you by the way, take them with my thanks.''
The boy smiles back widely.
"A while miss."
He moves in a bashful manner. Suddenly he swipes the coin with a mischievous look. Just as startling is the subtle change in his manner, the force of his voice no longer disarming.
"I am Eagle Knight Captain Razo."
He walks smoothly around the desk to sit atop the main chair. A blueberry tart floats into a waiting hand. While the other removes a small book from a inner pocket of his vest.
"From what I have been told, you have had the unique experience of encountering my subordinate. I hope she has not left a bad impression, she is simply strict in her manner. With the misfortune of applying such to not only herself but those around her. Experience and time will sooth that, presently it must be endured with patience."
He nibbles on the tart as he opens the tiny tome.
"Also apologies for any unintended deception. While a halfling is hardly a rarity, one with my childlike appearance is. I admit it is often more a asset then a hindrance. With all that out of the way."
His brown child like eyes locked on her with intensity.
"What has happened this night Zatsa Seastar, adoptive daughter of Jax?"
Zatsa eyebrows rises up when she hears her full name and relation to Jax thrown in her face. Clearly she was looked into while she was awaiting the captain. She relaxes a little since it means they likely realize everything she has said is true and they will be more inclined to believe her when she professes her innocence.
Despite the seriousness of the whole affair, Zatsa cannot contain her mirth however. She claps her hands a couple times in admiration.
''Your apologies are unnecessary. As a patron of the arts, I must applaud your acting sir. I was truly convinced by your performance.''
That out of the way she moves to address his other questions.
''In regards to your officer, she was a little brusque but it is understandable, she was at the sight of a murder with a potential suspect standing right next to the body after all.''
She fiddles with some of the lace on her gown, a nervous habit she has never been able to break.
[b]''As for what happened in the alley, As the officer in question surely told you, I was cutting through the alley to save some time on my way to the Winking Dolphin. A section of the alley was covered in darkness my eyes could not pierce. I did not have an opportunity to check but I believe the darkness was magical. It would explain why i could not see through it.''
She takes a deep breath as she gets to this part in her story, overcome momentarily by the realization of how close to death she came.
''At that point something rushed at me and slammed me into the wall. I saw only a flash of red and yellow. Once I recovered from the hit, I saw the body on the ground and and a yellow handkerchief nearby. I called for help and the guards were with me momentarily.''
Her story done, Zatsa's mismatched eyes locked on to the captain's brown ones.
''Might I inquire who the murdered person was?''
The halfling gives nothing away as he speaks.
"A male laborer, if exceptionally skilled and large by all accounts."
He flips through his little book before reaching for a drawer at his side and pulling out a file.
"While I do not believe you were involved in his death. I feel I must ask. Would you like to be?"
Now he had that mischievous look back.
Zatsa breathes another sigh of relief when she gets confirmation that she is not in fact a suspect in the man's murder.
It was never likely that she would be a suspect for long but it was still trouble that she did not need.
She contemplates his words for a bit, mulling them over as she considers what is best for her.
Her eyes flick back to meet with his as she rubs her chin thoughtfully.
''I can only assume you mean for me to help you catch whatever or whoever killed the laborer. In what capacity are you asking for my help? I am a great singer and dancer and I can hold my own with a blade. But I am not exactly a detective.''
She hastens to add.
''Please do not misunderstand me, I am not saying no, I would just like a few more details before I say yes.''
Razo shakes his head slightly.
"Apologies I was not clear enough."
He taps the file.
"I likely know more about you then you do. To put it simply your being wasted on your current path. I am offering you a chance to walk another. This does not have to do with the case, at least not directly."
He stuffs what's left of his tart into his mouth and gulps it down. Taking a goblet of water from the other tray to wash it down. With a quick lick of his lips to capture escaped crumbs, he continues.
"We know more about this incident but as your currently a citizen. Nothing more can be said on the matter of this murder. That may or may not change depending on your acceptance. But that should play no part in it. Plainly put, are you content with the path you walk? If so then think on it no more and you may leave. The guards will take you where ever you want to go with in Almas. If not then we have more to speak on."
Again he was watching her carefully.
Zatsa's fists clenched as she felt her anger rising and she couldn't help the sharpness of her tone when she replied.
''Of course I am not content on my current path! Would you be? I sing and dance for tips!''
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. She released it as she opened her eyes and pinned the halfling with a very flat look.
''But I have a sick and elderly father to care for. He's a stubborn old man and won't let me risk my life making real gold, which is why I sing. If you told me your opportunity would let me take care of him I'd jump at your offer in a heartbeat.''
She is quiet for another long moment as she thinks about her goals and her future, her past and her father.
What other choice do I have? I’m in a rut and this man is giving me an opportunity to get out.
''Fine. I'll do it. I am yours.''
Razo holds up a hand.
"Now now, don't make assumptions. I will deal with Jax, we have some history."
He tosses a string of gold coins from one of his drawers.
"Your to go home, your done dancing and singing for now. That should cover things. Tomorrow you will return here with Jax first thing. After a little chat we will see how things go for you. I am not going behind his back or anything of the sort."
Zatsa snatches up the coins and makes them disappear into a pocket of her gown. She moves to stand in front of the desk, clasps her hands together and holds them in front of her waist. Bending at the waist, she sinks into a low bow.
''One way or another I thank you for the opportunity. As you said I will bring my father tomorrow.''
Having nothing else to say, she nods at the captain, smiles at the guard and leaves the room.
Zatsa made it home without incident and back the following day with Jax in tow. The old man is bid into the office by the halfling alone. It only takes a few minutes of silent waiting outside the door on a well cushioned chair for the yelling to begin. Shortly followed by the suspicious sounds of objects being thrown or over turned. The door guard opens the door slightly to peer with in and is met with a pair of voices shouting in unison.
Which he does almost as fast as the words are said. The ruckus continues for some time until it dies down. The guard having learned his lesson does not attempt a second foray. That is until he hears the clear sound of his summons, this time when he peers with in it is with more caution. He motions for Zatsa to enter.
When she does it appears as if someone had ransacked the place. Despite the nature of the room now, both halfling and old man are seated without sign of distress. Yet Razo clearly has venom in his eyes for Jax as he speaks.
"We have come to an arrangement concerning where we are going from here. You will be sent to Augustana for unofficial training and assignment."
Six Months Later
Zatsa made her way through Fleet, a massive line of street stalls and open merchant shops that stretched across the city and even over bridges. To make itself the figurative and literal market heart of trade in Augustana. The new city had seen her turn almost into a new person. Her training had been relentless and deep.
True to his word Razo had invested no small amount into her. While she was not spoiled, her needs had been taken care of. Jax sent her almost weekly letters and when she was not being drilled on various techniques. She had no want or worry of little beyond proving her worth. Recently she had been informed that it was coming to an end, soon she would have to prove herself. Today was her last day before her first assignment and the market cared not at all. Trade flowed and that was the only concern of many around her.
Zatsa walked down the streets of Fleet, her eyes wide and shining with excitement. Though she had spent six months in Augustana, the bulk of her time was taken up by her rigorous training and she had not had much time to take in the sights.
But first I have supplies that I need to try and acquire first. She reminded herself.
Walking through the market, walking past stalls where merchants from all over the region are selling all manner of goods, Zatsa mentally goes over the list of things she wants to buy.
Potions, a sturdier backpack and maybe a nice piece of jewelry, since a girl always needs her some jewelry.
Her decision made about what exactly she wants to purchase, Zatsa begins to look for merchants who are selling what she is looking for.
Zatsa manages to find everything she is looking for. Sadly she was marked by the sharp eyed regulars as a new arrival. Only after she has paid for their goods and some time has passed does she begin to notice it. She had over paid for the items she sought, having passed other sellers with the same or similar products at a substantial discount by comparison.
Damn it Zatsa! What is Jax always telling you? ''You're too quick to rush into things lass. Take your time for once.'' Damn old man.
Smiling a little sadly as memories of her father rushed through her head, Zatsa hoped that he was missing her as much as she missed him.
Having only spent a few hours gathering all of her supplies and feeling a little sorry for herself, having overpaid on her goods, Zatsa decides to find an inn or bar. She thinks it might be nice to have a drink or two and hear someone else perform for a change.
Zatsa starts asking around, batting her eyelashes at people (men) if needs be trying to find an inn or bar with a good reputation and a skilled performer.
Zatsa has far better luck in her search for drink and good company. She finds a little gem called the Shipwright's Salon. While it's outer appearance is rough and tumble as expected of those that visit the place by it's name. The inside is another matter. Everything is made of clean and polished well worn wood. The food is good, the stage large and rounded against one wall, and the prices reasonable.
The next day she is brought before the person in charge of her training. A Mr. Cobalt, clearly not his real name but then again you were not being trained officially ether. He was a well built but unassuming older man with blue eyes and graying hair. Today he wore simple white and beige clothes, making him even more plain as he sat at his desk.
"Today you will start your first assignment. You are to go to the location given and observe the person that matches the description given. Do you understand?"
He had a waiting scroll and a no nonsense look for her.
Taking the scroll from his waiting hand, Zatsa broke the seal and began to unroll the scroll as she answered.
''Of course Mr.Cobalt. I understand completely.''
Taking a moment to read the scroll's contents, when she was finished she had but one question.
''Sir, I'm sure it goes without saying that discretion is important, must the target be unaware of my presence or can I observe him while in disguise?''
He shakes his head.
"The farther away from the target you are the better. If we could risk someone getting close then we would not need an observer. If you so much as think that he is aware of you then break off. We do not need to insult the innocent with intrusion or tip our hand to the guilty. Any other questions?"
Zatsa looks Mr. Cobalt in the eye and shakes her head, then offers him a small bow.
''No other questions sir. I'll depart immediately.''
Exiting the room, Zatsa begins to head towards the exit, planning on heading for West Copperdown straight away.
As she is walking she goes over several methods by which she might best survey the man once she has found him. Her instructions didn't seem to give a detailed description so she might need to ask around a bit.
''Ah well, I'll cross that bridge once I get there.''
With a shrug of her shoulders she started heading down the road that would lead her to West Copperdown.
Zatsa moves about the slums known as West Copperdown with no small amount of trouble. The place was a haphazard maze as most slums were as well as dangerous. Her passing did not go unnoticed and her luck ran dry. She finds her path blocked by a pair of local toughs and another comes out of a hiding spot behind her. Cutting off any escape, all bare common but workable longswords. One of the pair before her speaks, a dark eyed man with noticeable stubble on his face.
"Drop all your valuables and you won't get hurt."
They don't seem to be in any hurry, clearly they feel at ease in the slums.
Zatsa regards the speaker as she contemplates the speaker.
Fool of a woman. I should have thought to hide my wealth, before wandering into a cesspool such as Copperdown. Let's see if they can be reasoned and bought.
She smiles politely and addresses all three men.
"Gentlemen, please do not be so hasty. There are several facts I would point out to you. First of all, I am not a damsel in distress. I know how to use the scimitar at my hip. Second of all I have only very little in actual wealth. However, I am willing to share some of what I have if you let me pass unmolested."
Zatsa crosses her arms at her chest as she concludes her little speech, her hands now close to her sword if the thugs prove unwilling to heed reason.
"Well gentlemen, what shall it be? Will you take the easy money? Or will you fight and take the hard path?"
None of the men looked impressed. The same one as before spoke.
"Aye, your no damsel. Your a little girl with a big mouth and a pretty ring."
The three begin to close.
"You should have listened. Now your going to bleed for your sass."
Zatsa has moments to react before they get into sword range.
Zatsa's face registers her surprise that this escalated to blows so quickly, but she is well trained and she reacts quickly.
Guess I'm not as charming as I thought.
Hoping backwards five feet, to give herself a bit of breathing room, Zatsa yanks her scimitar from its sheath and shrugs her shoulders, letting her backpack fall to the ground.
Twirling her arms about, Zatsa wiggles the fingers of her free hand in several patterns as she chants a few quick words in a strange language. When she is done, she points her finger at the man who spoke as a wave of force flies towards him.
The man rushes through the unseen force as if it was so much stale air. He lashes out with his longsword as does his partner. The lone man behind her comes in as well.
Zatsa manages to avoid the first strike, yet gets caught between the second from the front and the last from behind. As promised blood flows and it is Zatsa's. She feels the life drain from her as she is slashed and impaled. Catching sight of something rushing from behind the men before blacking out.
The men barely have time to consider their victim, when a cloaked figure with long horns sticking out of it's hood bears down on them in what seems an instant. The apparent leader is the first to suffer for but a moment, as the twin spirals explode out of his chest. His lifeless body is tossed aside. The two men react with reflexes born of countless fights and keen survival, they flee without even a concept of shame or honor. The horned stranger shakes his head once more to clear it of blood and gore. It kneels beside Zatsa's dying body and places a tan humanoid hand upon her chest. A faint glow creeps out of it's palm and her wounds heal as life flows back into her.
Only a faint shadow of a wound remains where once a hole of open flash had been. Her breathing is steady and slowly she stirs. The stranger gets up and with a ruffle of his cloaked figure. Leaps on to the nearest shanty like roof, disappearing before Zatsa awakens.
Getting up, Zatsa's legs are shaky and her stomach roils in a bundle of nerves.
''By Sarenrae's light that was close. I can't believe I almost died in this awful place.''
Taking a deep breath to steady her nerves, Zatsa takes off both of her rings and her choker. Placing them in pockets in her coat, she retrieves her bag and approaches the dead body of her would be killer.
Did I do that? I don't even remember swinging my sword.
quickly before anyone can arrive she squats next to the body and rifles though his possessions taking anything of any value or note.
Once she is done Zatsa, grabs a handful of dirt from the ground and applies some to her face and clothing. The dirt along with the slashes in her clothing and lack of jewelry, will hopefully help her avoid looking like an easy target for robbery.
Offering a quick prayer for the soul of the dead man, Zatsa continues down the street, intending to find her mark. This time her step is a little less sure and a lot more careful.
Zatsa notices the rather obvious signs of the man's demise, a pair of holes through his chest. It seems he was impaled by something not only sharp but round. The only weapon that came close was a spear.
As she pads him down she finds a number of objects besides his concealed breastplate and back up dagger. Her retrieval and make shaft disguise complete, her departure is well timed as scavengers begin to appear.
She makes it to the general area in the file without incident now that she didn't stand out as much. Their are more people in this part of the slums, the local gang being less oppressive if you had to guess. It takes a while for your target to appear. The file didn't do him justice.
The man is massive, standing nearly eight feet tall. All muscle even with his plain clothes covering most of him up. You notice he has blue eyes and grayish hair yet is clearly still young. He seems not to be working today and you suspect lives near by in one of the many houses that make up this part of the slums.
Zatsa's eyes widen as she gets a look at the hulking brute of a man. She cannot believe the size of him and knows he must not be pure human. She tries to see if she can see any of his ancestry in his features.
Finding a little corner where she has a good vantage point of the area, Zatsa lays out her bedroll, as though she plans on sleeping here. Ducking down and turning her back to the rest of the area, Zatsa carefully places her scimitar within her backpack, at the top in easy reach, and her dagger in the pocket of her coat.
Sitting back down, she faces the rest of the area, her backpack at her side and her bedroll behind her. In front of her she places a pot from her mess kit and with chalk from her pocket writes 'Will beg or dance for coin or food.'
She pulls her tricorn a little lower over her eyes to help obscure her face but still allow her to observe the crowds and more importantly the target.
No matter how much she looks, the man seems nothing else but what he is as far as race goes. He is by all observable accounts a physical paragon of humanity. Perhaps he hailed from the north, no shortage of large men up there.
Besides the odd look of disapproval and annoyance few pay her any mind. These people had barely enough for themselves much less any beggar. More then one shakes their head, their were better places to beg then the slums.
Her target spends some time speaking with some of the locals. Sitting and drinking the hours away with his fellows. Time passes and the sun sails across the sky. Finally it starts to get dark, the large man bids the others farewell. He disappears down an ally for a moment, producing a large rough sack and gear he promptly puts on. A chain shirt he covers up with a mantle, a buckler he straps to one arm, a longbow he strings then slings over his back with quiver, and finally a shortened bardiche he keeps in hand. He checks his bag once more before closing it and tossing it over his other shoulder. He is on the move.
Zatsa ignores all the dirty stares and hints of disapproval she receives in her guise as a beggar, as it allows her to achieve her goal of not being noticed by the target as she observes him.
When he gears up she gives him a moment to put a little distance between them, before rolling up her bedroll and returning her pot to its place with the rest of her mess kit. She retrieves her scimitar and returns it to its proper place at her hip, before moving to follow the walking-mountain.
She follows behind him, trying to keep a distance of about fifty feet, while remaining unobserved bu him. Enough to duck behind something if he seems to notice her presence but close enough that he won't escape the range of her night vision.
She pays careful attention to his posture, trying to get a glimpse of any hints that he might be aware that he is being followed.
Zatsa manages to follow the target. Seemingly without being detected. While she continues to observe she can't get a sense of the man or his intentions. She does notice that he is moving through the territories of multiple gangs without being barred. On more then one occasion you have to avoid the thugs yourself. Yet they openly make way for him at times. Not only that it seems that he is heading to the nearest gate, you suspect the east gate. Soon you will be at the gate house and have to choose to follow him out of the city or stop your pursuit should he go through.
Zatsa is getting a little tired but she has thus far learned very little about the target so she decides to continue to follow him for the moment.
She has learned that the gangs all seem to leave him alone, but that might simply due to his enormous size and for no other significant reason. She needs to learn at least something else before she disengages.
Zatsa takes a look around as she follow the giant man, trying to identify where exactly they are headed based on landmarks.
She continues to follow the man, continuing to stay in the shadows so that he does not see her.
She pays more attention to his form, still trying to determine if he knows she is there.
Zatsa can still not tell much, it does not help that she can only see him from the back or the odd angle. She does realize that he is indeed heading to the east gate. He will be leaving the city it seems.
Some time later they arrive at the gate. The man stops and speaks to the guard that comes out to meet him. Considering the hour it is no surprise the main gate is closed and locked. After a few moments of the men speaking the guard signals another. From the guard house comes a second and the trio move to a side gate from the main one. After another moment the big man is let through and the side gate is closed behind him.
After the man disappears through the gate she puzzles over how she should proceed.
On the one hand she has not learned as much as she would like, though she isn't even sure what it is exactly her superiors wish to know. On the other hand it is unlikely the guards will simply let her through the gates and do to the clandestine nature of her work it is best if no one else knows she is here.
Still she decides to stay here within sight of the gate for a few more hours to see if the man returns and whether or not he has anyone or anything with him.
Finding a little nook in the wall where she can see the gate, she hides herself against the stones and observes.
Sadly Zatsa did not see anything more as the guards made their rounds and the gate remained locked. Finally giving up what appeared to be a fruitless endeavor she heads home.
The sun rose faster then normal it seemed and greeted her before she would like. It was time to report to Mr. Cobalt at the training hall.
After washing the dirt and grime from her body, hair and clothes, Zatsa threw herself unto her bed for a few hours of rest before the sun came up.
Once it rose and she awoke, she spent a few minutes preparing herself, making sure she was presentable. Sitting at her little table she wrote down all the events of the day before as best she could remember.
A little while later she was knocking on the door of Mr. Cobalt's office. She waited a moment until she was bid to enter and let herself into the room. She stopped before his desk, placing the envelope containing her detailed report upon it.
''I am here with my report sir. The full report is in the envelope. Shall I give you a moment to read it or shall I give you the highlights now?''
He holds up a hand to stall anymore words. He daftly opens the envelope with practiced ease. Shaking it open he scans the page quickly with his eyes.
"Do you have anything to say before we begin?"
Zatsa thinks it over for a second or two and finally shakes her head.
''No sir, I believe everything of importance is in the report.''
He gives her a look of disappointment.
"I expected you to be green, not thick. You don't see your mistakes or even question the oddities you observed."
He places the report down and taps it.
"Anyone can watch, we sent you to observe. People tell us plenty with their actions when words and even feelings are fooled. You failed to listen. Think on everything that happened, nothing comes to mind?"
Zatsa feels her hackles start to rise and she has to bite down on her tongue for a second to keep from speaking sharply.
She counts to ten in her head and takes a deep breath before responding.
''With all due respect, my mistakes such as they are, have all been filled out in the report. I neglected to remove my jewelry and spoke far too casually to a group of thugs who proceeded to attack me. Im not sure how I survived the encounter. Clearly something came to my rescue because the leader was dead and I was alive and had all my possessions.''
She pauses for a moment as though thinking before she continues.
''As for any 'oddities'. The target was able to walk right through the territory of many gangs and they openly moved to make way for him. He is either a known quantity to them or they simply fear to tangle with a mountain that walks. He also has some sway with the guards as they let him through after the gates were closed with no obvious payment being made on his part. I followed him as far as the east gate and observed it until almost dawn. He did not reappear. ''
Despite her best efforts there is still a small edge of heat to her words but she manages to get it all out without losing her cool.
Zatsa had stepped in it now, Mr. Cobalt picked up on the heat in her voice and the fire in his blue eyes burned. They seemed to sink into his face as he stared a hole into her. His voice lowered but took on an edge that made you listen even more closely.
"I will now correct you on a few things. I saved you, in that I do not allow novices out on assignment without an observer of their own. It is by their grace of good judgement and proven ability that you are here. Own your failures and show gratitude that you survived it if you can not properly learn from it. As to the guards, anyone can leave the city at night. People are simply discouraged from doing so because of the danger and the understanding that they will not be allowed to enter until daybreak. Something you could have learned had you merely asked the guard instead of branding him corrupt."
He paused to let that sink in, or perhaps to continue to make her wither beneath his gaze.
"You were sent to observe, not judge. It would not matter if that man was instead a giant. The slums can muster those dangerous enough to fell one just as easily. If it could not then it would have been cleared away of scum by the knights with ease long ago."
He lets up as he shakes his head at the whole thing.
"Your true mistakes were that you allowed your view to be narrowed with what you judged to be important or a forgone conclusion. That is why your report has to be shifted through for the real information rather then read."
He takes out a sheet of parchment and a quill, writing down something.
"Three years, that's how long it normally takes to train someone and entrust them with an assignment. Yet they had me train and assign you a task in a mere six months. They had high hopes for you, I disagreed. Yet I obeyed and here we are. Unless you have something to say, you may leave. A messenger will find you later with the results."
Zatsa has many other things she would like to say and she almost opens her mouth to say a few of them. She thinks better of it though and merely shakes her head.
That goddess damned pride of mine is really going to get me into it one of these days.
She offers her trainer a quick, low bow.
"I shall most likely be in my room, catch up on my sleep or something."
She heads to the door before before he can reply, not that she is expecting one.
Upon reaching her room, Zatsa strips off her day clothing and decides to indulge in a little self-pity and a nap, to try and make up for her crappy sleep the night before.
" Well better pack your bags, at this rate its back to the bars for me."