About time. It seemed like they were going to spend an eternity dancing around each other, not doing anything.

Jill gives Misha a quick thumbs up once Natasha pulls away. "Yes. I do not like the idea of the people who attacked us running away and getting the chance to attack again. And I would like to have some words with the coward who led us into this trap. I can try and track them for us, Kelric."

Following the rogue's advice, Jill tries to trail the thugs, hoping to do better than her clearly still lovestruck companion.

Survival:8

Jill is apparently still distracted by the events of the last few seconds and can't track them. "I don't know Kelric, maybe you should give it a shot since the two of us aren't doing too well. Actually, never mind, Misha's got it. Good job, Misha!"

Misha laughed, patted Tasha lovingly on the rump, happy she could have that affect on her. She looked at the tracks.

Survival: 16

"This way, I think." She said, looking up, glancing to everyone. "Come!"

The thugs' tracks lead through the small settlement and end outside a decrepit brick building in the trading center. It is one of the many abandoned buildings which surround the square, but unlike the others, a faint light emanates from inside.

Misha looks at the others with a smile. 

"Are the three of you ready to go? Because we'll probably be in for another fight when we get in there."

Congratulations! You may all level up.

Misha barked a loud laugh, as if Jill had said a joke. "Always ready, don't be ridiculous! Besides, Bane is with us. He will guide my hammer." She looked quickly at Jill, and playfully slapped her on the back. "Perhaps a leetle better this time, ya?" She smiled.

Suddenly, she tilted her head as if listening to a silent conversation.

"Please, excuse me for one moment. I hef to talk to Legion Commander." She nodded, and walked a short distance away. She found a quiet corner outside, and kneeled - bowing deeply and activated the mental link between superior and subordinate.

(Translated to Common from Acheronian)

MISHA.
Yes, Legion Commander. I am here.
MISHA PRASKOVIA, WE HAVE BEEN WATCHING YOUR DEEDS AND YOU HAVE BEEN JUDGED HONORABLE, AND GLORIOUS. NEVER ALLOW YOUR FEAR TO GAIN MASTERY OVER YOU, BUT DRIVE IT INTO THE HEARTS OF YOUR FOES.
Yes, Legion Commander.
FROM NOW ON, KNOW THAT IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO PUNISH INSUBORDINATION AND DISORDER.
Yes, Legion Commander, I will punish those you deem thus.
YOU WILL CONTINUE TO HONE YOUR COMBAT SKILLS TO PERFECTION, WHETHER YOU ARE A MIGHTY WARLORD OR A LONE MERCENARY.
Yes, Legion Commander, I will bring Glory and Honor to you, and to Lord General Bane.
ARE YOU READY TO ACCEPT THE OATH OF CONQUEST?
My Commander, I was created for this purpose. I have been ready all my life. Instill in me the knowledge and wisdom to conquer in Your Name, and I will serve you and The Lord General with this new power.
I GRANT YOU THE POWER OF THE OATH. CONTINUE YOUR ASSIGNMENT. DO NOT RETURN UNTIL YOU ARE VICTORIOUS.
As you command, Legion Commander.

Misha returned to the group, a radiance glowing on her face. "I am ready." she said proudly, nearly beaming.

"I think I got enough magic to squeeze out another healing spell," Natasha murmurs, feeling a little bit stronger now. "You two could always pull that sweet team work you guys did back there and help each other out again, yeah? Kleric can get behind 'em and I'll do what I do best."

Jill felt something new within her. She felt stronger and more experienced, but she also felt a light, as if maybe after all these years, things were starting to look up for her. She wasn't on the run anymore, she had new friends, and she had even helped play matchmaker for Misha. Apparently that light was more than just positive emotions, because when she bled herself to activate the Crimson Rite, her blade was surrounded by a shining aura instead of frozen energy. This is new. "Yes. Misha and I will strike from both sides, Kelric will sneak up behind them and you will shoot. But perhaps we should leave one alive so that we can get some answers from them."

Misha cracked her knuckles, her arm muscles threatening to burst out of the tight solid black mesh under her plate armor as she did so. "Leave one barely alive. Your will be done, woman with wings."

"No rest for the wicked I suppose"  Kelric stretches out with a yawn before nodding to the others "Sounds like a good plan"

(I guess we just left Oni lying in the gutter. Sorry.)

"So much for loyalty and honor." Flibbertigibbet mutters. " I don't see what makes you mortals so different from us demons. "

Grum will heal Oni (if it's not too late), and set off with him to continue fighting for the Last Alliance. (If it's too late for Oni, Grum will take his corpse and seek a better final resting place for him)

Grum bids the best of luck to the rest of the group, and heads off with Oni into the unknown. 

(Oops)

Even with Grum taking care of things, she still felt bad that she couldn't save Oni or at the very least, keep him company while he died. She shook those feelings off and focused her mind towards busting the door down, kicking ass, and getting some answers. 

(Thanks, Grum. :) )

If the four of you don't mind, perhaps we could pause the game here and wait for another two characters to join us before we continue. It'll be easier for me to insert them into the story.

Sure.

(Sounds good.)

As Misha waited for Oni to die, she stood there at attention- but did nothing. While she did not trust him from the beginning, she at least stood there as he was either dying or was carried away by Grum. She said nothing, did not protest, and let them leave. Those that fled the battlefield, showed doubt, lack of courage, void of honor, or had suspicious behavior were deemed heretics and outcasts in Acheronian society. She kept her thought to herself.

She was again interrupted by a magical communication from Acheron. A magical rune appeared on her gauntlet clad inside wrist, which quickly became a message in a language only she could understand. She read it quickly. It was an update on a situation she was made aware of before she came to Atlas. A different mission after this one.

CLASSIFIED
LOCATION: FAERUN, TORIL
PLANE: PRIME MATERIAL
UPDATE: Adventuring party group DELTA has begun mission. They will reach Red Larch in three days. Mission priority remains the same. ASSET: PALADIN CARRHAE must remain ALIVE. All other members of DELTA expendable. All other parameters are considered SECONDARY.

Misha lowered her wrist and returned to attention, ready to continue.

Attempting to be stealthy (13), a small figure with features obscured by several furs climbs up the outside of the warehouse. Acidic residue is left where they climb (primal savagery used as a climbing aid). Phantom then attempts to get in through a high window or the roof.

Telepathically to Brazen Get ready. Possible danger.

Kelric will stealth ahead of the group attempting to keep an eye out for any of the runners

Stealth: 27

Perception: 16

Perception: 2

(If that's enough to notice our new friends, then..)

Misha perked up, noticed something in the shadows.

"Careful, comrades, we are not alone. What is expression, again? Peel your eyes?"