The city of Corcilus, despite being under the domain of Moros, the demon of Doom, was embroiled in a clandestine war. The Red Scorpions, a notorious band of mercenaries led by Eris the demon of strife another of the 30 evils, aimed to seize control from Moros and his wardens.
As they approached the dark grey city gates, Adara's heart quickened with a mix of apprehension and determination. She knew the trials in Corcilus would be a threat, especially with her injury and with the city in the midst of a power struggle between Moros's enforcers and the Red Scorpions.
A warden stationed at the gates eyed them suspiciously, equipped in their dark, black armour, his gaze lingering on Lucas's sword strapped to his back. Adara tensed, realizing the potential danger of the weapon's recognition.
"Hold it right there," the warden commanded, stepping forward with a stern expression. "That sword... it bears the emblem of the Iron March."
Adara cursed inwardly, her lapse in caution bringing them perilously close to exposure, again. Curse her injury, it lapsing her judgment.
no that wasn't right, she reminded herself, it's Hypnos and his influence, why does she keep forgetting that? Perhaps that to, is an effect of the bind between the two of them.
The Iron March, sworn enemies of the thirty evil, including Moros and Eris, were deeply despised within Corcilus by both warring factions.
The warden's gaze shifted between Adara and Lucas, suspicion evident in his eyes. "Explain yourselves. Why does this man carry the blade of our adversaries?"
Adara's mind raced, berating herself for overlooking the potential consequences of Lucas's weapon, especially after she vowed not to. She searched for a convincing explanation, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic and urgency.
Before Adara could gather her wits to respond, Lucas stepped forward, his voice steady and confident despite the tension in the air. "I took this sword from one of those bastard's myself! although, i admit i only won because i set up a trap..."
Adara shot Lucas a surprised glance, impressed by his quick thinking amidst the precarious situation, she didn't think he had it in him. nodding subtly, Adara acknowledged his attempt to diffuse the suspicion.
The warden's stern expression softened slightly, yet his resolve remained steadfast. "Your story might check out, but I can't allow a weapon of such origin within the city walls. Hand over the sword."
Adara's eyes widened in concern, realizing the implications of surrendering the blade, it would be the same as her denouncing her lord, She glanced at Lucas, silently conveying her unease.
Lucas, seemingly unfazed, unstrapped the sword from his back, his demeanor calm and collected despite the tension in the air. He handed it over to the warden without protest, meeting his gaze with a placid expression.
'ah right,' thought Adara, 'he's a maniac'
"Understood," Lucas said, his tone composed. "I have no use for it within the city anyway."
Adara bit her lip, grappling with the implications of their predicament. She was relieved by Lucas's compliance but worried about the potential consequences of him being unarmed in a city teeming with danger.
Shaking her head she dismissed the thought, having a connection with him was a mistake, she had already done enough by escorting him through the woods.
The warden accepted the sword, scrutinizing it for a moment before nodding in approval. "You may enter. But mind you, causing trouble won't be taken lightly."
Adara nodded curtly, acknowledging the warden's warning, and with a thankful glance toward Lucas, she led the way into the city, still atop Anox, the weight of their situation lingering heavily on her mind. She hoped fervently that they would navigate Corcilus unscathed and accomplish their mission without further complications.
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"This city reeks of turmoil," Adara muttered, her gaze scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. "Moros's domain is being challenged, and the Red Scorpions seek to sow chaos."
Lucas glanced nervously at the shadows, clearly unsettled by the palpable sense of danger looming over Corcilus. "Are we... are we going to be alright here?"
Adara's expression hardened with resolve. "We must tread carefully. Moros's enforcers may still hold sway in certain areas, but the Red Scorpions have infiltrated many parts of the city, including a heavy majority of these outskirts. We'll need to avoid drawing attention to ourselves, before we get to the city center"
As they navigated the labyrinthine streets, Adara kept a watchful eye on their surroundings. She steered clear of groups congregating in dimly lit corners, and her instincts guided them along less frequented paths, aiming to avoid any confrontation in this perilous landscape.
The city, once a symbol of commerce and civilization, had now become a battleground for power, its residents caught in the crossfire of the struggles between the evils. Adara's heart weighed heavy with the realization that their task in such chaotic surroundings would be far more challenging than she initially anticipated.
"We must reach the underground auction discreetly," Adara whispered, more to herself than Lucas. "Our goal is not to involve ourselves in the city's turmoil but to secure what we came for and depart swiftly."
"We? i thought we were splitting up now?" said Lucas, with a coy smile, happy that Adara was going to stay with him, after the wendigo, he was a bit worried about being alone in this strange world.
Adara hesitated for a moment, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment at her vulnerability. "My wound... It's slowing me down. Besides, you owe me for saving your life," she bargained, a rare admission of her own limitations.
Elves were know for their pride after all, and Adara was a Half-elf, thought Lucas, looking at her pointed ears, he was sure that it was probably a lot of effort to admit that she couldn't do this by herself.
he chuckled, "that kind of adorable..."
all of a sudden, Lucas felt a chill go down his spine, an intense form of bloodlust radiated of Adara. who was now glaring at him from atop the horse, he hadn't even noticed she drew her dagger.
"hmm?"
"it was nothing, forget about it!"