Gisha Hiara

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

What made it worse was how she was slightly covering for the paladin, likely to avoid the knight reacting worse.

She knew that wasn’t going to be enough. In fact, she worried it might enrage him. “My powers are not idle… I struggle to speak to anyone without exerting a small influence.” She struggled to wax the cranial-side of her horns as she explained. “And short of a Paladin of Banor showing up and threatening me… you might have never known and we would be no worse for wear.”

Once it was closed, eyes gazing over at her, he noticed the struggle and the slight influence before letting out a soft sigh. "Forgive me. I should have considered such to be the case and maintained my trust in you. I do hope you will continue to take care of me and keep our arrangement. Going forward, I will place my complete faith in you. Besides... I would think that such influence would be beneficial to a worry-wart like myself." A slight jab at himself to hopefully ease any potential tension while he eyed her horns.

“No. You do not need forgiveness” she said quietly. “If I assert my influence on you again… it is entirely unconsciously. I will do my best to avoid it.”

Deciding that such was a fair stop, at least for the moment, of that conversation, the mage would listen and watch her. When instructed to approach, Rain went over and sat where told before taking the wax bar. The premise was simple enough for him to understand... how delicate he had to be... was not.

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

What made it worse was how she was slightly covering for the paladin, likely to avoid the knight reacting worse.

She knew that wasn’t going to be enough. In fact, she worried it might enrage him. “My powers are not idle… I struggle to speak to anyone without exerting a small influence.” She struggled to wax the cranial-side of her horns as she explained. “And short of a Paladin of Banor showing up and threatening me… you might have never known and we would be no worse for wear.”

Once it was closed, eyes gazing over at her, he noticed the struggle and the slight influence before letting out a soft sigh. "Forgive me. I should have considered such to be the case and maintained my trust in you. I do hope you will continue to take care of me and keep our arrangement. Going forward, I will place my complete faith in you. Besides... I would think that such influence would be beneficial to a worry-wart like myself." A slight jab at himself to hopefully ease any potential tension while he eyed her horns.

“No. You do not need forgiveness” she said quietly. “If I assert my influence on you again… it is entirely unconsciously. I will do my best to avoid it.”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

What made it worse was how she was slightly covering for the paladin, likely to avoid the knight reacting worse.

She knew that wasn’t going to be enough. In fact, she worried it might enrage him. “My powers are not idle… I struggle to speak to anyone without exerting a small influence.” She struggled to wax the cranial-side of her horns as she explained. “And short of a Paladin of Banor showing up and threatening me… you might have never known and we would be no worse for wear.”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

When pausing to finally notice their surroundings, he was at the gondolas with Gisha. Taking in and memorizing the area around him, careful not to make a sound while they were here. Likely, she would either charm the guards, or he could even use his own talents to help get them through. A confirmation nod was given before taking a peek over the chasm.

"It is a sound plan, I am in full compliance with it. However, I do want you staying close to me if we have to jump for any reason. I do not wish to reveal my full hand just yet, so I will have to ask you to trust me on this, and hopefully it will not come to that. As for the guards... do you plan to bribe or charm them? If possible, I would like to limit the number of charmed guards here... but if it is the only way, then it is fine." A pause while looking at her.

Then she raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? You take issue with my methods? It’s mostly harmless, you know… and it gets us out of trouble.” Her tail swished about knowingly. “Or maybe there’s a personal reason you’re not telling me?” She smirked slyly, eyes narrowed with mischief before she stepped past him.

When calling out Rain on why he might have had an issue with her charming, a bit of pink appeared on his cheeks before looking away from her. "E-Erm... There is... I-I mean... It-It just seems..." Oh how being flustered caused him to be at a loss for words. Seems like she already knew what buttons to press to get him fumbling his speech and thoughts.

Runic threads snapped taut around her torso and limbs. The grew a bright gold as the succubus toppled and landed on her knees. Her tail whipped in agitation as she grunted.

“Hold demon…” came a voice from the nearest corner. A figure in light plate armor and green vestments emerged, tome in hand. The human male was handsome, rugged and clearly the one responsible for the spell. With clairvoyance, he made a gesture with his hands that brought a dim radiance to the space around Gisha. The succubus cringed with discomfort. “Be still, for the Light of Banor subdues your malice. Break ye of fiend heart and bequeath your sour grasp…”

“What the fuck!?” Gisha snarled.

The paladin smirked forgivingly, unsheathed his long sword and hefted it onto his shoulder. The weapon gleamed with a splendor unbound by the night. It seemed to gather the starlight and reflect it twice fold. “Verse, I know…” he chuckled. “Let me try again: Hold still or my god-driven spell with slice you into fiendish chunks. Reduce that lust cloud of yours and release the academic man from your influence…” he nodded towards Rainald.

Hearing that voice coming from the corner and watching the other, eyes were scanning for some form of similarity between this man and the guards or anyone else they'd seen. Were they caught? Was this the time to flee? The radiance around only Gisha gave him a hint that perhaps... he was being 'saved'? That... that annoyed him.

While searching his feelings, he felt Gisha's influence leave him and turned to her for a moment. Well... that stung a bit... seems his own resistances to charm were not as effective here as he thought... but... a knight does not go back on his word or his chosen companion. The scar on his back is proof of that foolishness.

Orange locks now draped over his eyes while looking towards the paladin before looking back at Gisha. "You know... This is going to cause a lot of discussion." Such was stated while walking next to the other male. "<Dismissal>. <Bound by Earth>." As soon as the words spoken in his native tongue, from his own world, the magic binding Gisha disappeared with a brief blue glow. At the same time, the earth rose up around the paladin and grabbed hold of the man's wrists and swallowed his feet before solidifying with a likeness to concrete. "That will be between us, and do not underestimate a knight nor give assistance where none was needed..." The retort was cold, almost venomous as he went back over to Gisha and helped her up onto her feet. "You and I will have a proper discussion elsewhere... for now..." Extending a finger and as if drawing a line in the fabric of the world itself, a portal was opened and from out of it, Rainald pulled out his staff.

He was truly and completely taken aback when his magic, powered by a divinity pact, was dispelled and the ground came up to ensnare him. “What is this… this trickery?” He nearly dropped his blade, bewildered. He didn’t understand on more than one level. Why was the professor so adept at magic? Why was he defending a demon? Why was he standing before a paladin?

Gisha collapsed in the dirt, but allowed herself to be helped to her feet. She drew her blade as pink fire lapped along her arms and surrounded her feet. Still, the paladin only stared. “I… I am ordained of the Light of Banor. I serve the Imperial Court, but answer to the divinity.” His answer was plain and straightforward, like it should be obvious.

“Rain, he’s a knight of a religious order… a paladin. This is just his job,” Gisha said, diminishing her flames.

Still confused, the paladin nodded. “For my part, the creature speaks the truth… I am not alone here. There is a band of us and the town is rife with rumors of a succubus and her vassal…” he shrugged and gave Rainald a discouraged expression. “This is our task, professor… I know not what influence this she-demon has upon you, but she cannot be allowed. She must not persist here and endanger the people of this plane…”

“Im a licensed member of the fighters guild” Gisha growled. That positioned offered her some legitimacy. The paladin deflated slightly. “That… can’t be… the guild? A fiend? But that would make you a citizen of the Empire…?”

"<Dismissal.>" The bindings around the paladin were dismissed before Rainald shoved his shoulder into the other's to catch up to Gisha.

"I swear to the Skies Above, my irritation with how you are being treated is starting to peak." A line was drawn to open the portal again and the staff he held was dropped into it while he scoffs. "I feel like we could both use a drink, but honestly, I would sooner deal with that braggard again before risking another issue with ignorant masses." Growling while pushing his hair back and shaking his head.

"I do not have masters" Gisha snapped, even from her great distance. Her voice pierced the night air as she stood for a moment, then continued on towards the inn. The paladin set his blade against the dirt and leaned on it, offering the two of them a serious look as they departed.

"No. It didn't hurt..." she lied. "Just that Light of Banor was just uncomfortable. The pantheon doesn't actually care what happens to infernals like me. It's up to humans to use their light to cause pain." She rolled her shoulder a little. "Not the first time and won't be the last."

She guided them back to the inn where things were mostly dying down for the night. Most workers were either in bed or on their respective night shift in the mines. Gisha grabbed some food from the tavern and brought it upstairs with them. "Nothing has changed in our plans. We quickly buy some supplies tomorrow... a few extra sacks for food, pemmican, eye shades, a few extra water skins and one or two special items." She made a motion for Rainald to turn around as she disrobed. "Then, at the nightfall shift change, we distract the guards and sneak across the chasm... then we're in the unclaimed lands and on our way."

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

When pausing to finally notice their surroundings, he was at the gondolas with Gisha. Taking in and memorizing the area around him, careful not to make a sound while they were here. Likely, she would either charm the guards, or he could even use his own talents to help get them through. A confirmation nod was given before taking a peek over the chasm.

"It is a sound plan, I am in full compliance with it. However, I do want you staying close to me if we have to jump for any reason. I do not wish to reveal my full hand just yet, so I will have to ask you to trust me on this, and hopefully it will not come to that. As for the guards... do you plan to bribe or charm them? If possible, I would like to limit the number of charmed guards here... but if it is the only way, then it is fine." A pause while looking at her.

Then she raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? You take issue with my methods? It’s mostly harmless, you know… and it gets us out of trouble.” Her tail swished about knowingly. “Or maybe there’s a personal reason you’re not telling me?” She smirked slyly, eyes narrowed with mischief before she stepped past him.

When calling out Rain on why he might have had an issue with her charming, a bit of pink appeared on his cheeks before looking away from her. "E-Erm... There is... I-I mean... It-It just seems..." Oh how being flustered caused him to be at a loss for words. Seems like she already knew what buttons to press to get him fumbling his speech and thoughts.

Runic threads snapped taut around her torso and limbs. The grew a bright gold as the succubus toppled and landed on her knees. Her tail whipped in agitation as she grunted.

“Hold demon…” came a voice from the nearest corner. A figure in light plate armor and green vestments emerged, tome in hand. The human male was handsome, rugged and clearly the one responsible for the spell. With clairvoyance, he made a gesture with his hands that brought a dim radiance to the space around Gisha. The succubus cringed with discomfort. “Be still, for the Light of Banor subdues your malice. Break ye of fiend heart and bequeath your sour grasp…”

“What the fuck!?” Gisha snarled.

The paladin smirked forgivingly, unsheathed his long sword and hefted it onto his shoulder. The weapon gleamed with a splendor unbound by the night. It seemed to gather the starlight and reflect it twice fold. “Verse, I know…” he chuckled. “Let me try again: Hold still or my god-driven spell with slice you into fiendish chunks. Reduce that lust cloud of yours and release the academic man from your influence…” he nodded towards Rainald.

Hearing that voice coming from the corner and watching the other, eyes were scanning for some form of similarity between this man and the guards or anyone else they'd seen. Were they caught? Was this the time to flee? The radiance around only Gisha gave him a hint that perhaps... he was being 'saved'? That... that annoyed him.

While searching his feelings, he felt Gisha's influence leave him and turned to her for a moment. Well... that stung a bit... seems his own resistances to charm were not as effective here as he thought... but... a knight does not go back on his word or his chosen companion. The scar on his back is proof of that foolishness.

Orange locks now draped over his eyes while looking towards the paladin before looking back at Gisha. "You know... This is going to cause a lot of discussion." Such was stated while walking next to the other male. "<Dismissal>. <Bound by Earth>." As soon as the words spoken in his native tongue, from his own world, the magic binding Gisha disappeared with a brief blue glow. At the same time, the earth rose up around the paladin and grabbed hold of the man's wrists and swallowed his feet before solidifying with a likeness to concrete. "That will be between us, and do not underestimate a knight nor give assistance where none was needed..." The retort was cold, almost venomous as he went back over to Gisha and helped her up onto her feet. "You and I will have a proper discussion elsewhere... for now..." Extending a finger and as if drawing a line in the fabric of the world itself, a portal was opened and from out of it, Rainald pulled out his staff.

He was truly and completely taken aback when his magic, powered by a divinity pact, was dispelled and the ground came up to ensnare him. “What is this… this trickery?” He nearly dropped his blade, bewildered. He didn’t understand on more than one level. Why was the professor so adept at magic? Why was he defending a demon? Why was he standing before a paladin?

Gisha collapsed in the dirt, but allowed herself to be helped to her feet. She drew her blade as pink fire lapped along her arms and surrounded her feet. Still, the paladin only stared. “I… I am ordained of the Light of Banor. I serve the Imperial Court, but answer to the divinity.” His answer was plain and straightforward, like it should be obvious.

“Rain, he’s a knight of a religious order… a paladin. This is just his job,” Gisha said, diminishing her flames.

Still confused, the paladin nodded. “For my part, the creature speaks the truth… I am not alone here. There is a band of us and the town is rife with rumors of a succubus and her vassal…” he shrugged and gave Rainald a discouraged expression. “This is our task, professor… I know not what influence this she-demon has upon you, but she cannot be allowed. She must not persist here and endanger the people of this plane…”

“Im a licensed member of the fighters guild” Gisha growled. That positioned offered her some legitimacy. The paladin deflated slightly. “That… can’t be… the guild? A fiend? But that would make you a citizen of the Empire…?”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

When pausing to finally notice their surroundings, he was at the gondolas with Gisha. Taking in and memorizing the area around him, careful not to make a sound while they were here. Likely, she would either charm the guards, or he could even use his own talents to help get them through. A confirmation nod was given before taking a peek over the chasm.

"It is a sound plan, I am in full compliance with it. However, I do want you staying close to me if we have to jump for any reason. I do not wish to reveal my full hand just yet, so I will have to ask you to trust me on this, and hopefully it will not come to that. As for the guards... do you plan to bribe or charm them? If possible, I would like to limit the number of charmed guards here... but if it is the only way, then it is fine." A pause while looking at her.

Then she raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? You take issue with my methods? It’s mostly harmless, you know… and it gets us out of trouble.” Her tail swished about knowingly. “Or maybe there’s a personal reason you’re not telling me?” She smirked slyly, eyes narrowed with mischief before she stepped past him.

When calling out Rain on why he might have had an issue with her charming, a bit of pink appeared on his cheeks before looking away from her. "E-Erm... There is... I-I mean... It-It just seems..." Oh how being flustered caused him to be at a loss for words. Seems like she already knew what buttons to press to get him fumbling his speech and thoughts.

Runic threads snapped taut around her torso and limbs. The grew a bright gold as the succubus toppled and landed on her knees. Her tail whipped in agitation as she grunted.

“Hold demon…” came a voice from the nearest corner. A figure in light plate armor and green vestments emerged, tome in hand. The human male was handsome, rugged and clearly the one responsible for the spell. With clairvoyance, he made a gesture with his hands that brought a dim radiance to the space around Gisha. The succubus cringed with discomfort. “Be still, for the Light of Banor subdues your malice. Break ye of fiend heart and bequeath your sour grasp…”

“What the fuck!?” Gisha snarled.

The paladin smirked forgivingly, unsheathed his long sword and hefted it onto his shoulder. The weapon gleamed with a splendor unbound by the night. It seemed to gather the starlight and reflect it twice fold. “Verse, I know…” he chuckled. “Let me try again: Hold still or my god-driven spell with slice you into fiendish chunks. Reduce that lust cloud of yours and release the academic man from your influence…” he nodded towards Rainald.

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

When pausing to finally notice their surroundings, he was at the gondolas with Gisha. Taking in and memorizing the area around him, careful not to make a sound while they were here. Likely, she would either charm the guards, or he could even use his own talents to help get them through. A confirmation nod was given before taking a peek over the chasm.

"It is a sound plan, I am in full compliance with it. However, I do want you staying close to me if we have to jump for any reason. I do not wish to reveal my full hand just yet, so I will have to ask you to trust me on this, and hopefully it will not come to that. As for the guards... do you plan to bribe or charm them? If possible, I would like to limit the number of charmed guards here... but if it is the only way, then it is fine." A pause while looking at her.

Then she raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? You take issue with my methods? It’s mostly harmless, you know… and it gets us out of trouble.” Her tail swished about knowingly. “Or maybe there’s a personal reason you’re not telling me?” She smirked slyly, eyes narrowed with mischief before she stepped past him.

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

The fervor of the room had picked back up. Conversations had resumed and business slowly returned to normal, but many eyes still flicked their way, especially at Gisha. Some were curious, others hateful. They were, after all, far from the imperial central lands and the metropolitan ideas there. Out here, Gisha stuck out like a sore thumb.

The dwarf put drinks down in front of both of them. “Eight copper bits… or five script” he said, clearly unsure if they used common currency or the local currency. “And uh… boss says he don’t want any trouble, you understand?” He was talking at Gisha. “We run a tight establishment here and we serve all sorts… but I’ve never seen… well, one like uh… one like you.”

Gisha gave him a cool expression, tilting her head slightly as if ponderous. “One like me? How so? What makes me so different?”

The dwarf became flustered, exacerbated by Gisha’s aura pushing out slightly, embracing her space with pleasant feelings. “Well I think you’re a- well what I mean is- I’ve only heard stories…”

“Stories? About… me?” She gave him only the slightest of smiles. The dwarf turned red. “Aye” he replied, then turned away abruptly to go service someone else. Gisha’s aura faded back a little and her tail swayed knowingly. “I didn’t see any open tables… but once we’re done with these drinks, I need to show you something… preferably after sundown.”

The comment about the 'stories' that have been heard almost warranted a response, but he would bite his tongue and allow Gisha to handle it, though... it was unfortunate that she felt the need to use her charm again.

"Personally, after the reception just got here, I do not think I would wish to provide this place with any more of our funds. Quite frankly, that eight copper already felt like too much," Nearly hissing while downing a considerable amount of his own drink. "To be so open with it too... everyone here should be ashamed." Pinching the bridge of his noise for a moment before letting out a sigh.

A short while later they were moving quietly through the industrial streets. All around them, workers houses hid muffled sounds and voices. The walls hid hundreds of miners, all of whom were smoking and drinking, playing cards or gambling, talking and singing as they enjoyed their limited free time. Even so, the night outside was complete. No one was around to see a succubus and a mage slinking towards the gondolas.

Gisha crouched at an overlook, peering two buildings over where the gondola launch hung over the precipice. Two guards were on duty but the rest of the platform was empty. “In the daytime” she whispered, “this place is overrun with people and they’re all in lines. We would never go unnoticed if we wanted to sneak across. But at night…” she nodded towards the two guards. “It’s a much smaller problem.”

This close to the chasm, the depth was truly at scale. Tiny lights flickered hundreds of feet below like a second sky. There truly was no other way across.

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

The fervor of the room had picked back up. Conversations had resumed and business slowly returned to normal, but many eyes still flicked their way, especially at Gisha. Some were curious, others hateful. They were, after all, far from the imperial central lands and the metropolitan ideas there. Out here, Gisha stuck out like a sore thumb.

The dwarf put drinks down in front of both of them. “Eight copper bits… or five script” he said, clearly unsure if they used common currency or the local currency. “And uh… boss says he don’t want any trouble, you understand?” He was talking at Gisha. “We run a tight establishment here and we serve all sorts… but I’ve never seen… well, one like uh… one like you.”

Gisha gave him a cool expression, tilting her head slightly as if ponderous. “One like me? How so? What makes me so different?”

The dwarf became flustered, exacerbated by Gisha’s aura pushing out slightly, embracing her space with pleasant feelings. “Well I think you’re a- well what I mean is- I’ve only heard stories…”

“Stories? About… me?” She gave him only the slightest of smiles. The dwarf turned red. “Aye” he replied, then turned away abruptly to go service someone else. Gisha’s aura faded back a little and her tail swayed knowingly. “I didn’t see any open tables… but once we’re done with these drinks, I need to show you something… preferably after sundown.”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

“Ah… you’re waiting outside?” She said as she approached. She gave him a little push on the back of the shoulder. “Come along” she pushed the door open and entered.

The smokey interior was orange with candle light. Someone was playing a fiddle on a small corner stage. All the tables were crowded with off duty guards, miners, workers and some travels. A lot of eyes turned on Gisha as she entered. She saw them, but made no notice of it. She guided Rainald to the bar with total confidence, her horns, tail and demonic complexion all on full display.

The dwarf being the bar blinked at them. “Afternoon- what’ll you be having?”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

Gisha tried to imagine things like elves and dragons cavorting, but it seemed preposterous. "You have some high fantasies..." she muttered, then began unbuttoning her shirt. "Turn around for a few minutes." She didn't actually look to see if he was complying.

He'd called it right, the chances of her sharing the bed was slim, so she would clearly take the bed. Though... hearing that it was for his own good caused an eyebrow to raise. Before protesting, he decided to remain quiet to hear her out. Once she passed by him, he took notice of her nightwear and blinked for a moment... it was... cute. Though upon mentioning the gate, some more pink appeared on his cheeks and a small bit of a pout. "Well I am unaware what you are talking about... I was more taken off-guard by how you charmed the guard... I expected a spell or some form of mist... d-direct contact was not something I was prepared to see s-so... that is why I reacted the way I did... I... am not all that skilled in public displays such as that." Admitting such while scratching the back of his head and looking away from her.

We must cross the chasm south… gondolas are the way most people get across. I know another route far to the East… two days perhaps. Well out of our way.” She laced her fingers in front of her as her tail began to sway behind her. “The state of Galmere is… different than I expected. The empire is exerting some amount of control here, which apparently means we need papers and identification and bleh” she made a condescending gesture with her hand. “I’m worried we’re going to need those documents again to cross the chasm… it’s probably the mining guilds here trying to control who gets in and out of the mines across the chasm.”

The information she gave him told him enough. Seems like the 'Empire' is trying to maintain hold on this land in order to make use and control it's resources. Likely, due to how fairly easily it was to make it past the guards, even with the charm, they did not have the sway, power, or man-power in order to keep total control, but just enough to hold it down. If they need more documents, then that could be an issue as he would need something he has no idea how to get, or worse, something that would take a long time to get. Considering it's paperwork, it is likely that no amount of funds can speed it up to being obtained within a day, so... best to try and avoid such issues.

In the morning, Gisha departed the room to bathe, then returned smelling fragrant and resplendent. Her aura was a bit more noticeable, though still idle. “You should try the bath down the hall” she hummed pleasantly. “Quite lovely, all considered.”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

Gisha tried to imagine things like elves and dragons cavorting, but it seemed preposterous. "You have some high fantasies..." she muttered, then began unbuttoning her shirt. "Turn around for a few minutes." She didn't actually look to see if he was complying.

He'd called it right, the chances of her sharing the bed was slim, so she would clearly take the bed. Though... hearing that it was for his own good caused an eyebrow to raise. Before protesting, he decided to remain quiet to hear her out. Once she passed by him, he took notice of her nightwear and blinked for a moment... it was... cute. Though upon mentioning the gate, some more pink appeared on his cheeks and a small bit of a pout. "Well I am unaware what you are talking about... I was more taken off-guard by how you charmed the guard... I expected a spell or some form of mist... d-direct contact was not something I was prepared to see s-so... that is why I reacted the way I did... I... am not all that skilled in public displays such as that." Admitting such while scratching the back of his head and looking away from her.

We must cross the chasm south… gondolas are the way most people get across. I know another route far to the East… two days perhaps. Well out of our way.” She laced her fingers in front of her as her tail began to sway behind her. “The state of Galmere is… different than I expected. The empire is exerting some amount of control here, which apparently means we need papers and identification and bleh” she made a condescending gesture with her hand. “I’m worried we’re going to need those documents again to cross the chasm… it’s probably the mining guilds here trying to control who gets in and out of the mines across the chasm.”

The settlement baked at the edge of a massive gorge. Dry, ramshackle, wooden buildings crowded right up to the edge were cranes and lifts and other indurstrial structures dangled over the side. The gorge itself was wide and deep enough to prevent the construction of any bridges, but there were cables and gondolas spanning the chasm to the other side. The far edge was speckled by mining industry and a fort, literally built into the cliff face.

“Galmere” Gisha said. “They call it the gateway to the badlands… it’s more of a pothole to me. It’s also not really under Imperial control… at least it wasn’t the last time I was here, so we should tread carefully. Let’s find an inn.”

Gisha tried to imagine things like elves and dragons cavorting, but it seemed preposterous. "You have some high fantasies..." she muttered, then began unbuttoning her shirt. "Turn around for a few minutes." She didn't actually look to see if he was complying.