Nullthara: (English, Whispering) "Wow, Alderna is really drunk, I don't think he's taken a single step in a straight line for the past 15 minutes."
Alexander: "Ya, kinda like you not too long ago. Now focus, I've already seen the best alley for our ambush. Let's tail him home, scope it out, then leave."
After another 10 minutes of walking, Alderna starts fumbling with his keys while approaching a two story finely decorated home. Once he eventually enters his abode, Alexander and Nullthara wait 5 more minutes to approach the windows.
"I don't see anything too ostentatious, maybe a couple expensive paintings."
Nullthara: "Oohh, ooh, I see a chest with a lock. Definitely worth taking a look at later…. Ready to head home?"
Alexander: "Ya, let's get going, maybe the others learned something that can help us."
Walking back during the night, humid coastal air caresses the skin of the two children as they saunter back home. The hearth of the home lights the bottom floor's windows as they approach the Petros household. Alexander opens the door, finding Falkas sparing with Torin, while Therra practices her ABC'S.
Alexander: (Common) "I'm glad to see everyone so studious."
Therra: "Welcome back Alexander. What did y'all find?"
Nullthara: "We found an alley to jump him in, also we followed him to his house. The mission should be pretty straightforward."
Alexander: "Was there anything that stood out to you about our target."
Torin: "He seemed to pay a lot of attention specifically to the half-elf waitress. I bet that he has a fetish for our kind."
Alexander looks over at Therra, who's eyes go wide knowing what she will be asked to do.
Alexander: "Looks like we are gonna go shopping."
Therra: "Why am I the only option? What about Nullthara, she could do it too."
Torin: "It's simple. She's barely 14 years old, while you're more developed and older. You're the obvious choice."
Alexander: "Alright everyone get your four hours, tomorrow Nullthara and Therra will come with me to buy clothes. Falkas, Torin, hold down the house."
A new dawn greets Orbis, seagulls are heard off in the distance as ships way anchor, setting sail for distant shores. Alexander has been whipping the new members of the group into shape, while Nullthara practices her marksmanship. Sweet drips down the members of Sol Invictus after three hours of exercise. After they wrap up their routine they all head inside taking a thorough bath, then Alexander, Nullthara, and Therra get dressed before heading towards the Commercia Forum. The forum is as bustling as ever, with people, carts, and horses packed with materials for all kinds of trades. Walking throughout the marketplace the trio eventually come to a shop which seems to be a tailor shop. Hanging above the door is a carved plaque with a dress, followed by the word, Elaine's. Inside, women of all ages browse the store looking at the summer dresses on display.
"You two, find an outfit for tonight. I'll wait outside, come get me when you've found the one that will be used."
As Alexander leaves the building, Nullthara and Therra jump from section to section of the store with a giddy disposition that matches their age. Even with all the sideways glances they receive, a sense of normalcy takes root in the young ladies. Over the next hour the duo nearly lose themselves while trying on a multitude of dresses, shoes, hats, along with other excess accessories. Nullthara eventually peeks out her head finding Alexander leaning against the wall only a couple feet away. Noticing her, Alexander simply raises an eyebrow waiting for Nullthara to speak.
Nullthara: "Umm, is… is it alright if I get a dress with some nice shoes too? Never mind, it's a silly question."
Alexander covers his mouth to prevent himself from bursting into laughter.
Alexander: "Ahem…. Of course you can Nullthara, to be honest I didn't think you would like wearing dresses."
Nullthara steps out of the doorway then looks down at her feet while reminiscing.
Nullthara: "I never did like to wear dresses when I was younger, they were always too frilly, never being practical for anything in life. But, my mother always forced me into them whenever she found an opportunity. I remember one time when she tried to put me into a poofy pink dress, I ran around the house screaming my head off. Eventually, mother was so fed up that she paralyzed me with a spell. When she finally put it on, mother picked me up and brought me to a mirror to show me how I looked."
Alexander: "Let me guess, you were the belle of the ball."
Nullthara: "Haha, by the Gods no. I looked worse than I feared, the shoulders were puffed out being the size of half my head, the skirt designed for a ball gown, the sleeves had horrible pearl colored flower embroideries, and no matter what anybody may say pink clothes do not match grey skin tones. When I looked back at my mother worrying about her decision making skills, I saw her beautiful smile then felt her kiss my forehead. I never appreciated those days when I had them, and now my longing for them is sometimes immeasurable."
Alexander: "Hey, Nullthara."
Nullthara looks back up to Alexander with puffy eyes.
Nullthara: "Yes?"
Alexander: "Go ahead and get two dresses."
Nullthara expression brightens just a bit.
Nullthara: "You're such an ass."
Alexander: "I know."
After rushing back inside Nullthara takes a few minutes to chose her dresses. Therra then steps outside, waving for Alexander to come inside.
Therra: "We're all set. I never would have guessed Nullthara would have liked shopping for dresses."
Alexander: "I wouldn't have either."
Reentering the shop, Alexander follows Therra to the counter where Nullthara is waiting with a saleswoman. Three wooden crates holding the clothes are stacked upon each other. The saleswoman scoffs at seeing Alexander approach.
Saleswoman: "I figured you would have been human, the way they talked about you. Can you even afford these dresses? I bet you couldn't even afford an out of season scarf."
Alexander: "How much are the items?"
Saleswoman: "10 gold for each dress, 4 for each pair of shoes. So the total is 50 gold. So do you have that much?"
Alexander's eyes narrow while he reaches into the bag of holding, then slams 42 gold onto the counter.
Alexander: "I'm sorry. I only have the actual amount of gold needed for purchase. I'm sure you just made an honest mistake. Though, since math doesn't seem like your strong suit, you should find a new job that doesn't require a brain… or personality."
The saleswomans jaw clenches as her face turns red with anger. Yet even with her anger, she cannot respond.
"Therra, Nullthara, grab the boxes we're leaving."
Returning home the group doesn't have any problems save for a single guard who is deterred by the leather symbol that Alexander showed. Both Torin and Falkas are practicing their English as the others enter the house.
"Alright everyone, there will be no afternoon weapons training today. Rest up and try to mentally prepare yourself for what will come tonight."