Located this close to the City, Myrand was pleased they wouldn't have to set a watch against marauding bandits. Not that local thugs weren't sufficient to make allowances for.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:15, Thu 25 Jan 2018.

Along the city lurked a shadow.  Indeed, it was a shadow within a shadow.  The shadow moves silently, pausing as the gate closes, wincing at the loud sound.  Like her namesake, the catspaw, she does not like loud sounds.

Cassandra is dressed in her normal clothing, her sword tied to keep it quiet.  She has not entered the city, and at this moment, is reluctant to do so.  True, she could climb, but she is not a girl to enter an area knowing nothing.

She looks away from the city, seeing several small fires.  Perhaps one of them is going into the city.  Perhaps she can join them.  Of course, she can as easily slip away, especially if they are hostile.  Again, a girl can't be too careful.

Still being silent, she moves towards the nearest of the fires.  As she approaches close enough to see shadow, she sees some figures near the fire.  They are talking.  She relaxes a bit, knowing that talking folk are not on watch, and thereby not wary.  That works for her.

She checks her clothing, which is all black, along with her black cap.  Her long auburn hair falls down her back, braided.  She has her usual black makeup as she moves closer.  Finally, being as close as she dares, she stands.

"Hello, the camp!" she calls out softly, her right hand not far from her hip dagger,standing on the balls of her feet in case she has to run.

Rising from the ground Justin peers out into the darkness in the direction the voice originated. Willst Thee step into the firelight, so we may hath the privilege of seeing Who Thee Be anst may Parley? 

ooc Oops I just realised that the hail may have been directed to the occupants of a different campfire.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Thu 25 Jan 2018.

There was a long pause, then the very young woman stepped into the firelight.  She was very petite, just under 5 feet.  She was slight of frame, wearing all black... black tight pants, black shirt, black soft cap.  She even sported black on her lips and on her eyes.  Her skin was pale, her hair long, braided and a redish auburn.  Her nose was pierced, as were her ears.  A bandolier of daggers crossed her slight chest, a short bow on her back, a small sword on her left hip.  She walked and held herself like a dancer. Her arms were tattoo'd and it was clear she wore no armor.  It was also clear that she was very attractive and not fully human.  Her large green eyes looked around distrustfully.

"I am Cassandra, call me Cassie.  Who are you?"

Justin gave Cassandra a Courtly Bow Well met Mistress Cassandra, my comerads at arms be Mistress Myranda of the Glen, anst Messers Haildas, Krwyn. One be Justin Havslane, Devout of Eta. Wouldst Thee hath come to Ironmound for business or entertainment? he asked by way of polite conversation rather than inquisitiveness.

She literally took a step back at his bow.  "Oh nonono, I ain't no mistress!  And I ain't no... um... entertainer.  I just..."  She swallowed.  "I am just leaving one cesspool for hopefully not another.  I am just..."

She pulled off her hat and sighed.  In the light, it was not only clear that she had no armor, but her clothing was skin tight. "I just wanna find a better place, y'know?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

Myranda noticed Cassie's alarm. Springing up she gave Justin's shoulder a shove.  Welcome Cassie. Try not to let his way of speaking bother you; it quite often puzzles people. she states, wagging a reproachful finger at the fellow. He should no better. Most people hear the term 'Mistress' and take it you mean the Professional type. she chides As for looking for a place that's not a cesspool. There's many a Village, Town and City hereabouts that are definitely that. Did you mean any place specifically?

She relaxed a little.  "I ain't goin' nowhere specific.  I mean, I'm just looking for a place to make... I mean, find a place to be.  Anything's better than the gutter I was born in."  She shrugged.  "I'm just a half breed gutter rat.  But I do okay."

She looked around hopefully.  "You got any food?" she asked hopefully.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 614):

Aye Missy, tis Eta's purpose for us to render assistance unto the needy. Justin removes some of the food they had left over from the banquet and passes it to her. Hast Thee ever had opportune to travel to the Blacktimber?

   4 man patrols  walk up and  down the road.. away from the wall, the  merchants are talking to the  night  shift guards,,paying a bit more to have thier goods  checked at night, to  be able to enter as soon as the gates  are opened.

  against the  Monster Walls of the City were the travelers... Mercs... wanderers ..and  families lookign for a  new life...


 There are pipes   and lutes playing music to  go with the smell of  cook food..for some. Others  nibble on road rations, or crusts of dried Bread.

As the lutes and pipes start up Justin gives Casandra another bow. Then with one arm tucked behind his back the other extended he offers her the back of his hand in open invitation.Wouldst Thee care to join One in a lively Jig?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:13, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

She glanced over her shoulder, taking the food.  "Truly, she does, bless her," she replied a bit absently, still looking over her shoulder.  She stepped fully into the firelight and not only was it obvious how petite she was, but that she was quite lithe of movement.

"Nay, I was not there, but I came... far away."  She shivered.  "Cities are all alike, with the poor, the destitute, the ones forced..."  She swallowed.  "But you don't need to hear of that.  I thank you."

She looked at Justin in surprise, looking at his hand almost as if it were a snake.  She looked up in his eyes, then nodded, setting the food down.  "If you insist, M'lord," she replied.

She placed her hand on his and danced with him, and it was obvious she was a very accomplished dancer.  She moved as if on air, and for a moment the lost waif disappeared and a young woman full of life replaced her.  Her steps were light and the girl in black with the black makeup was lost in the swirl of her red hair and the delicate placement of her feet.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 618):

The chink of plate worn by Justin added to the Cacophony of sounds, conversation, animals, footfalls and such that pierced the night; yet his movements were such that they effectively mirrored, albeit a slightly shaded version of Cassandra's own. The lively tune adding to the atmosphere as the pair Jigged a to its beat, Spinning and Turning, Leaping and Prancing as the notes dictated, here a barrida there pas de bourree and pas de chat.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:43, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

She forgot her fears, dancing with him, the music and joy in the air making her forget.  But all too sudden, she remembered her hunger, and she had to draw a close to the dancing.

"Forgive me, it... it has been a long time since I've eaten," she told him.  Anyone looking at her thin frame might think that to be true.

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 620):

Justin flustered at his obvious inattention, quickly leading her to a grassy tuffet to use as a suitable rest. Oh, M'Lady Cassie, tis One's negligence hath diverted Thee from Thy meal, thus tis One who be at fault anst petitions Thee for such. once she was seated comfortably Justin offered her additional foods from his backpack.

She sat and began to hurridly eat, as if she expected the food to disappear.  It took several minutes before she slowed enough to reply.

"Oh, do not worry, big fellow.  I haven't danced with another in a very long time.  Been too focused on survival, I guess.  Doesn't leave a lot of time for a girl to have fun."

She looked at the rest of the group, aware that she had been doing most of the talking.  Se ate, finishing her portion quickly.

"So," she began, trying to swallow her last bites.  "If I can ask, are you going into this city or out?  I mean, they closed the gates."  She bit her lip.  "I was just going to climb over, but I didn't know what was waiting on the inside, y'know? Aside from those annoyed that someone bypassed the gates, that is."

In reply to Cassandra (msg # 622):

Myranda chuckled at the girls bold confession Some would say beyond these walls there are all manner of diversions for others these would be classed as depravities. Overall the area is a mix of Evil and Good, Law and Chaos subject to the prevailing interest of the Emperor. As for climbing over the wall the task would be a challenge especially if you chose not to be seen or captured in the act. When you've eaten and rested sufficiently from your ordeal with the Roller there. Myranda thumbs in Justins direction referring to their jig. You may wish to consider staying the night and accompanying us to a outpost we have base within

Cassandra chuckled.  "Ain't no wall I can't get over unseen.  I coulda snuck up on you and you wouldn't..."

She stopped, as if realizing what she was about to say.

"Yeah, sounds like all cities.  Scum and people too good to be scum.  Or so they think."  She looked around.  "Yeah, I'd like to stay with you, if you don't mind someone like me being here.  I don't take up much room.  Thank you."  That last came out as if she wasn't sure how to say it.

    a Group of   4  City Guards walked back towards  the Gates.. the Check point   had a few  dozen guards  standing about.

    A Ship with a Green  Light  was  Sailing Up the River... It blew a horn three times...

   It was hard to see the guards on the little Isle but  torches were lit and  Some mageling must have casted a spell.

   The Giant Palisades  Ground  again as the River Gate closest to  the  Bowshot  side of the  River Opened  wide  enough to allow the ship  to slowly sail through.., No sooner it was past the   opening.. the  monster Iron bars  closed  again..

 They could her a merchant say,"... Bloody  Navy can  come and go as they please... but me and My wagons  gotta  wait until Morn.."

Indeed Missy Cassi, One doth surmise Thy skill be such that Thee wouldst hath been able to approach us in such a manner that we be oblivious to Thy presence. Justin observed. Thee by more thanst welcome to accompany us.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Fri 26 Jan 2018.

Kr'wyn watches the newcomer and listens to the talk going on, while he observes the girl. When she sits to eat her food, he offers her a hand: "Hello, I'm Kr'wyn, and I'm not as talkative as my two friends here," and he winks at Justin and Myranda. "But you can trust them and us nevertheless to stay this night safe and enter the city tomorrow with us."

In reply to Krwyn (msg # 627):

That's only if you're able to sleep through the abdominal snoring from either Krwyn or Haildas Myranda informs giving Cassie a conspiratorial wink.

Cassie managed a shy smile, taking Krwyn's hand.  "Well, I'm not really one to trust, but you all seem nice enough, so I will stay with my thanks.  And once I get used to their snoring, then I will sleep well enough.  I keep one eye open anyways."

She stood to go pick up her bow and pack where she had set them down to dance, then came to sit again.  "So I'm guessing my partner yonder with the funny speech is a warrior, as maybe you are too, Lady.  You Krwyn, I'm not so sure.  But if you all can handle a half-breed, then we'll be fine."

She looked at Justin.  "Eta has saved my skinny hide more than once, and kept... kept me from being caught too.  I hope being around you helps my luck, such that it is."

With his usual nonchalant manner, Haildas slowly makes his way fireside.  He watches the newcomer with Justin, smiling slightly at how quickly Justin could move between a life of death, and such carefree fancy.

"I say, he may speak strange but he is rather light on his feet.", a soft chuckle rising up.

Agreeing with Myranda on their safety level, Haildas unfurls his bedroll close to the fire.  As he settles in, he slowly begins going through his pack, making certain all is present and deciding what he still may need to purchase once they enter the city.

"So, miss...Cassandra did you say?  A stranger to these lands yourself?"

"You can call me Cassie," she replied, looking around and deciding where she might place her own small bedroll.  "And let's just say I'm nobody from nowhere.  I never want to go back and its best if no one knows me where I'm going."  She shrugged.  "I never had much choice as an orphan, so I am happy to make my own here.  Nothing like a serious group of warriors to make a girl feel protected, I must say," she added.

Setting up her bedroll a short distance away, she took a whet stone from her pack and started removing throwing daggers from the bandolier across her chest, touching up the edges on what looked to be very sharp blades.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Sat 27 Jan 2018.