Tynthis eventually falls asleep where he is. He wakes just a few minutes before everyone else to talk to the orc guard, keeping his voice low.

"Are we the only ones you have seen in the past few days?"

Blair, as you focus back on the conversation unfolding between Marysha and Straightstick you hear:

"... not necessarily an issue for us. Yeah, the Watch is all up in arms about a bomb going off near their command post, but we got orders to treat it as an accident, and apparently the press is going to call it that as well. The Watch has been told to get on board, but if they want to play hardball, the Fist will have to step in to guarantee order and stability in Brampton. The whole situation with Torimesh and his ilk is only adding fuel to the fire there. I know you're planning a takeover, most likely already under way. It's none of my business, the Watch can get their nose bloodied if they wish. All I'm telling you is this- should the Fist intervene, you better keep your boys in line, or else this lucrative deal we've got going will be gone, you understand?" Straightstick, clearly not used to being dictated terms to, grimaces and replies with malice in his voice: "I'm happy to keep things in Brampton down, but I don't want to have to deal with any guards there. Take care of them, and we'll take care of Torimesh in return- help you squash the rebellion and get back to good and lucrative war-profiteering." His thin-lipped smile returns at this point, clearly enticed by his own greed and hoping the Flame would be similarly motivated.

Tynthis, as you speak with the half-orc, she speaks softly, almost under her breath: "The rest of the Craban is out, left about one and a half day ago. They're supposed to be out for four days, a short raid. You can rest up in the meantime, but once they're back, we'll need the space. Unless the captain decides we should move on. As for imps, two days to the south is the trade route, cutting through some hilly terrain- lovely place for an ambush. With the passages across the North waters frozen for several months, they're forced to use the roads, where we can hit them hard."

Parker os listening to the half.orc

"Sounds like a full load. I dont envy you a bit.   Um. Do you have anything on hand so i can make.myself a little bit uh less me if you know what i mean?"

The half-orc looks at parker with a half-cocked eyebrow: "You look tough, for city folk, I give you that much. We got stuff here to help with camouflage, but nothing that'd diguise you, if that's what your looking for."

"We don't intend to stay long. These guys aren't Craban, but definitely enemies of the Fist. Another ambush does sound good, depending on the prize. Nothing else going on?"

"Im not sure whats going on.   Ive kind of been a guest of that place for a bit. Sunce i got caught after trying ti burn n sink a supply ship anyways......got any food??"

(I was asked for a more detailed description of Tynthis, so here it is for everyone)

Tynthis is a tabaxi with dull tan fur with black spots across his body, some of it fur, some of it dirt, not that he cares either way. He's wearing standard leather armor, looking well worn with use but still good, over raggedy common clothes. He has a small short bit of black war ink starting from the eyes and curved slightly up towards his ears, though it has faded during his time as a prisoner. He has the typical slender build of a tabaxi, slim and fit.

Unlike you...

If anything, you're bad luck or worse...

You're soon becoming more trouble than you're worth...

To be dismissed and treated like scum, by 'scum'... Viewed as even lower than the low... It's only when they want something from her, she's given a value.

One day. I'll be visible. They'll see.

Today wasn't that day. Blair clenched her teeth. Straightstick may have nudged her a little off game, silenced her and made her see red, but he also lit a fire under her ass. Go ahead, play with it. Get burned.

Head held high and chest out, the redhead knew how to fall into the backdrop and when. She prowled, then perched. Quiet and listening. Ears open, eyes assessing. Blair wanted to take in her surroundings just as much as the information. Weighing the situation to evaluate any options presented to her.

Blair, having an eye for detail and knowing Marysha as a client, you can see the hint of disgust as her lip curls ever so quickly at Straightstick's suggestion, but she quickly returns to her poised manner:"You know I can't promise that, I don't have that kind of leverage and if I run your suggestion up the chain, it's not going to fly. I know the Flame in command of the FIst patrols in Brampton though and I can let him in on the deal. He'll do what he can to keep the Watch out of your hair. But you better deliver Torimesh, or it's your ass."

-------------------------------------------

After the negotiations conclude, Striaghtstick quickly ushers you both outside. Once out of earshot, Marysha pulls you aside. "I hate that mysogynistic *******. But we're here to suppress the rebels, the criminal gangs are a Watch- matter. Anyway, I wanted you to know that we were aware of who was behind the bomb, but much like the watch, we didn't have evidence. Your testimony is leverage to get the Watch on board, if they want to close the investigation. But I also wanted to test you, see you under pressure. You handled yourself well in there- many a source would be nervous being brought before someone that has power over them and whom they accuse of a crime, but you were chillingly calm. I want you to work as my informant and spy- against the Watch and the resistance groups." Her piercing blue eyes look at you sternly, with icy determination, waiting for your reply.

"Hmmm...yes, you have certainly earned a meal, as far as I'm concerned. I don't have any food on me."

Turning the the orcish woman.

"We will be here, at most, a couple days. I plan on checking out the road you mentioned, no idea what these people plan to do. If possible, we could use some food for today and on the road, if you can spare any."

"That would ve most appreciated"  parker then goes to start checking on Twitch's injuries

Blair could appreciate Marysha’s candid opening line. She was sure they’ve both had their fair share of dealings with the type, but it was the cold determination in her eyes that stirred intrigue. At the beginning of the day those same eyes looked at her as a nuisance, a tease of excitement, then straight to business. In the end, Blair had something she desired. But what was really in it for her?

Unwavering emerald hues met Marysha’s blues. When it came to her career, her clients desire for power and control was palatable. She’d let the silence hang to build up the tension. With slow click of her boots Blair steps in close. “Even a chunk of coal can become a diamond.” She’d reach to tuck a stray hair out of place then run her hands along the flames uniform to brush away any dirt, adjusting it as she does. “I enjoy pressure.” She’d purr next to her ear.

Blair would slowly start to circle Marysha, looking her up and down. “It’s often said to never mix business with pleasure.” Her chin would slightly tilt up as she’d prowl. “However, my rule is to make business a pleasure,” The red head would come to a stop back in front of the Flame. “and pleasure is my business.” Green eyes lock on the woman’s in front of her. 

“What say you?”

Despite Blair's seductive tone, the Flame remains determined. "Great. I'll leave a note and some spending money at the start of each week. Find out what you can and get your missive to me. If you aren't able to get anything within a week, let me know beforehand."

Blair, you can tell that she is putting on a distancing tone to avoid caving to your gaze, and she quickly looks away. "Above all, don't get caught. By either side."

Blair had her answer.

When the Flame would look back, she'd be gone.

Tynthis returns to the hideout and begins passing out some food, if the place has any to spare. As everyone eats, Tynthis will address everyone.

"Alright, not sure how much you know of us, but if you're an enemy of the Fist, you're no enemy of ours. You're talking to a member of The Craban. Or to say it in common, The Ravens. If you hadn't heard of us, that's not surprising, and more than likely you probably already met some of us and didn't even know it. Now a bit about me, I have been making life hell as best i could for the Fist, striking them when and where I can for years. You guys though, if you are able to handle all your missions as subtly as you did last night, you might be of use to us. So, you broke in there to rescue that gnome, Twitch I hear you call them. Friend? Business partner? Did it for pay? Suppose it doesn't matter much, and you got more than you bargained for with rescuing your friend Parker there, as well as me. And just the four of you, very nice work."

Tynthis plops down onto a chair and waits for anyone's response.

Parker nods

"Well my name you know. As the rest. Professionally i am.....or i was a notary and a scribe.  But i suppose i cant do that legally anymore since im likely wanted.  So a forger i guess."

"I am also a decent forger, though i haven't had the chance to use my hands for that purpose yet."

Blair knew she was blurring the lines and treading on a slippery slope, but the fire in her heart was lit. As much as she wanted to stick around, Blair knew that if she lingered even a moment longer she’d come off as needy, even though she was in need, and in turn, open herself up to even more vulnerability. Slipping off into the shadows kept up the dancers facade instead of revealing steps of desperation.

Left alone to her thoughts, reality was setting in. Blair had days of work, with nothing tangible to show for it. Not only was she completely unsatisfied, there was no coin lining her attire. She couldn’t report back now… Not to him…

Swallowing, Blair shifts her focus. She lifts her chin to hold her head high, adjusts herself to puff her chest out and steps forward with full sway and firm steps. Fake it ‘til you make it. Inhaling a deep breath, the red heads boots hit the ground, taking her forward. Perhaps there was an establishment open that could use a little impromptu performance. Anything to avoid going ‘home’…

"So...i'm interested in checking out that trade route and seeing what prizes i can snag. Anyone interested in joinging me, or am I running solo? Or do any of you have better ideas to stick it to the Fist?"

Tynthis hops onto a barrel and crouches on it, crossing his arms.