"I can provide you with the paths and other more… crucial intel, let's say. All I want is for you to take me safely to the destination. That's all."
Raised brows, skeptical looks. Her battle-hardened face frowned in thought. Her lips twitched. Signs of refusal and disbelief, a typical first reaction.
In response, a serious look distorted my lackadaisical demeanor. I silenced her half-open lips with a finger.
"I know what you want to say. Who would want to be escorted into the Shadow Forest and not out?"
I moved my finger back swiftly, glancing at the rest of the tavern to elicit a sense of secrecy. The three behind the leader looked at each other and moved to cover this corner table further. I spoke slowly in a low tone that raised their curiosity for 'forbidden knowledge'.
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"He sounds reasonable, but should we trust this guide??"
The leader glanced at the whispering man and the quiet androgynous person beside him who nodded at her before she answered.
"We used treasure bounties as guise for our reconnaissance mission in the Shadow Forest. Since the mission was due to increases in missing adventurer groups, we need further precautions."
"We're very aware," the last member walked into the conversation, "That he may scam us or even be the perpetrator. I've checked every person he greeted and nodded. His background is legit. Almost everybody knows him in this town."
The skeptical duo looked at each other before nodding, choosing to trust their leader.
I left the shadows and 'returned' from beyond their sensory range with 'exploration supplies'.
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Quiet returns to the forest after a successful day at 'work'. I clean my home and inhale the sinister energy of the new moon over the forest.
Strands of shadows twist themselves at the forest's edge into a different body I can use.
As I walk familiarly through the town and tavern, I hypnotize every 'familiar' human I greeted. When a group seems interested in my home, I approach them.
"I have an attractive proposition for you lot."
I start with a lackadaisical demeanor.