"Bandits have been roaming freely on our forests. They are spread out, signs all around the vicinity of the area, but we were able to just spot their hideout. I request you two to scout the hideout, gauge the risks and monitor the danger. Please, help this town."
The words of the mayor fresh into their mind, Robin and Thane sets out the next day. Now roaming the forests, Robin leads the way to what was presumed to be the bandit's camp. Thane quietly follows, vigilant of his surroundings. Making full use of his spiritual eyes, he turns them to see presences that are hidden in the thick bodies of the trees. So far, none caught his vigilant eyes.
The sunlight then slowly got covered with the increasing quantity of leaves roofing their heads. It became dimmer and colder as they go deep. A brush of wind was chiller than the wind in fall, much more akin to what it is in winter. Something strange is at work here, the two thought.
Moreover, the farther they went, their anticipation grows. It was a feeling that urges the two to continue, mixed in with impatience and the awareness of the regret they'll have if they retreat now. It took a long time, Thane's legs eventually aches and they had go take a rest. It grows dimmer and dimmer inside the thick forest, the sun was going down and they had to go back. Regrettable as it may be, it seemed like their travels were for naught.
"Where could that camp may be? Did they already moved out? If so then that would be a pity. Thane?"
"I'm not sure. We would have seen tracks if they did move out recently."
"We're going to get nowhere with this. Let's report to the mayor."
Robin and Thane went back on their tracks. By the time they got back it was already evening. The town's noise can be heard from afar, a sign of activity that brought relief from the mercenaries' chest. In a few moments they can finally take their guards down. Caravans enter the town, numerous of it. It was like a festival with how many visitors there is at night.
"Who would have thought Libera has such an active night? Look at the number of caravans!"
Thane blurted out in surprise. The tall lady beside him quietly observes from afar. There should be no reason for people to resort to banditry with how festive it is in the town, Robin thought to herself. The merry and loud chattering of the towns people can be heard on a distance. Silently, she concluded that the bandits were simply lying. However, she recalls the fear on the eyes of the bandits they caught recently. It was true, there were no hints of malice and acting, simply just fear in their eyes.
If so, then what is indeed the truth? Who is the liar and which is the lie? The tall lady thought to herself.
The two entered back to the town, tired and hungry from their small traverse. What greets them was a long line of caravans, different from the line outside. The streets were packed tightly with the parked vehicles. Aristocrats flood the streets, unusual from their sight. People with such statuses wouldn't bother walking on such crowded place, yet here they are, making their way to someplace. Curious, the two hoped to follow where they are headed, yet they saw the mayor just across them, having an enjoyable conversation with a noble.
"Good evening Sir Libera, having a busy night aren't we?"
Robin and Thane approaches the mayor after his fellow excused himself. The mayor rejoiced at the sight of the two and opened his arms. His smile reaches to his cheeks as he excitedly welcomes the two.
"Nathan and Ingrid! Good to see you two safe. I hate to go straight to business but have you found the hideout yet?"
"Unfortunately the report seems to have been wrong. We saw nothing from the direction we came."
"That is...saddening. Have the bandits already retreated...?"
The mayor muttered to himself, his brows crashing to each other and his eyes wanders to the ground as he thinks by himself. Recalling himself back, he turns to the two and notices the familiar pouch of bag on Thane's hands.
"We weren't able to fulfill the side of our bargain, therefore we will be returning your payment."
"Ah, thank you! But atleast take a portion of it for your troubles."
Taking a small portion of it before transferring it to smaller pouch, the mayor hands out his payment for their work.
"Do you have any plans after this? I hope you two will stay for longer and enjoy our town."
"No. We have to keep moving. Nathan, let's go to the tavern."
She was quiet during the whole conversation, observing the guests that the town received tonight. All guests share the same trait, they are all hooded, covering their appearance with a rather expensive choice of cloth. They were no doubt rich, yet Robin can't help but think the event is similar to a masquerade ball, but with hoods.
Robin pulls Thane away in the middle of their conversation and escapes to the tavern to have a drink. The prices remain incredibly high, a mug that costs 50 bronze coins. Almost half the value of a silver coin, which can be used to buy a feast in some other town. Robin and Thane was surprised at the inflation, especially Robin who had her meals here before, yet that was the time she was still wearing her armor.
"It sure is crowded outside, yet nobody seems to like to enter here."
"They're nobles, Nathan. They can't stand the smell of delicious mead."
"Oh c'mon, is alcohol ever tasteful? I had one myself and I didn't like the feeling. Never got intoxicated though. Must have came from my father."
"Heh, you just simply didn't drink enough. Let's drink!"
Robin gets clings to Thane's neck across the table and waved her mug merrily. Her attitude different from the Robin in daytime. Her victim sighed in response.
"You always get this excited when you drink..."
Before waving his hand in motion, following her rhythm. Some wooden mugs fell to the floor as they do so.
"I don't like to drink with this mask on though."
The night passed by as they merrily sing and dance together in their own tune before they went back to the inn with Robin back to her cold and aloof self. As the two sleep soundly on their beds, their windows opened and a quiet thud sounds on the room.