Malkai just ran. Ran as fast as he could. He at this point it was instincts that took over, that bestial fight or flight reaction. And if he had wings he would be soaring through the night. The guards would likely have heard the thundering stomps of Malkai's padded feet as he charged towards the gate. His war mask and armed passengers may had made the guards mistake him for attacking, but by the time the gates were within walking distance Malkai had slowed down considerably. He was... Exhausted. He fell onto one knee, low enough for the other two on his back to get off. "We... Are here... That's... It. I'm finished..." Malkai had misjudged how much energy he had combined with his magic. Sure he could cast zero level spells all day, but that still had it's price. And while he only used two level 1 spells, combined with an entire day spent on a forced marched, Malkai had no more power left to sustain himself.

Regardless if the girls got off of him or not, Malkai would have reverted back to his normal form... And even in the night, his green, orcish skin was visible for all to see. Unlike before, Malkai didn't look nearly as giant or muscular as he did the first time they met. Unable to alter his form, Malkai laid in the sand in his true form, and for a few minutes, he was at the mercy of the others. Falchion flew in, landing next to Malkai. He was uncertain of the state of his partner. He did not think he was dead, but he did not know just how exhausted Malkai was.

---

"Then I shall wait with bated breath, Erika." Veridis said after Erika left them to talk to the leaders of the church. He was fairly certain he could navigate the temple easily enough to find the dinning hall, but he did want to explore a bit more. Additionally, while Erika believed that his talents laid mostly in his magical talents (And he is a skilled magician), in combat his true talents manifest in archery. Fortunately, if he could get his hands on some holy water (To anoint regular arrows) or blessed arrows, he was certain that he would be able to deal with the vampire's and any of his thralls. And combined with the support of his songs and spells, Veridis was actually quite confident in his combat abilities.

Now that he had some alone time, Veridis looked over to Elleonora Alnara. To his surprise, she was not a fighter, but a cleric. He supposed that for someone of her occupation both were essentially one and the same, but a cleric certainly had more options than a fighter did. She would be an effective counter against the evil sorceries of the vampire. He wondered what god she served, but figured that something like that was best learned. One way or another. "Elleonora... No... My Sun Shine." If Veridis was correct, Elleonora was a variant of Eleanor. If some languages, it meant sun ray. To Veridis, that meant Ellenora was now his Sun Shine. Pointlessly romantic, but if she was okay with it she will always be Veridis's light of day.

"What say we explore the temple and learn more about one another? If we will fight side-by-side, I would love to know more about you." He offered his hand to Elleonora to take so they may begin looking around the temple.

Catarina fired off a few shots at the undead, but sure enough all of them missed. She was decent with a crossbow, but she was no ranger. There were a few shots that almost hit the zombies, but because they couldn't feel fear they didn't even flinch when a bolt sailed right beside their face. Fortunately Malkai was hauling ass back to the city, so after the zombies were out of range she put her crossbow away and held on tight. They eventually reached the city, and when Malkai let them down Catarina got off. That's when he changed back to his human form... Or rather, his orcish form. There was no mistake; even Catarina could see his green skin from here. This caused the fighter to recoil back from the shock. First he was a druid, and now he's a orc. She didn't know how to react to that. Catarina was fine with Vivian because she's never had problems with dark elves before. But Catarina had been fighting and killing orcs these past few months. It was hard for her to accept one as her ally. But at the same time, Malkai had been helpful, even if he was crass and insulting.

They had to act fast, Catarina could see the city guards coming. Looking between Vivian and Malkai, Catarina made her choice. "Vivian, can you disguise Malkai somehow? We can't leave him out here. The guards will kill him!"

---

As Erika left to visit the headmaster, Parum stood in her path, big bag of holding and all. She smiled politely at the inquisitor and bowed her head. "I hear that you're after a vampire. Word travels fast, Inquisitor, and I've come to tell you that I'd like to help. My name is Parum, traveling merchant and dashing rogue. Your party will need supplies to fight a vampire and it's minions, and I've got just the thing." Sure enough, Parum opened up her bag and revealed her cache of tools and equipment for vampire hunting. Holy Water, silver weapon blanches, wooden stakes, and more. All of this she managed to get by bartering, and it was all thanks to that single jar of honey. "Now, I know for a proper vampire hunter like yourself, what I've got is amateur at best. But with your help, I assure you I'll be able to offer greater goods for the greater good. So how about it?"

“Of course, Inquisitor Erika, but with this hammer I’ve faced many enemies and it would feel odd to simply leave it behind alone.” The cleric replied. This was a weapon with which she traveled for a long while, if she was to leave it behind it would either not be for long, or leave it in a capable hands that would make a good use of it and not waste it’s great craftsmanship.

Elleonora was caught in surprise by the man’s way of referring to her. This was frankly the first time someone called her in such a familiar way. It didn’t feel bad, but was still unusual and foreign to her. Still she didn’t get angry or offended in any way so she just smiled.” I must admit… this is a first.” She finally said calm voice.”… for someone to call me that way. You truly are overly familiar all the time, aren’t you?” She finally asked with a chuckle. She found this man fun, amusing and also somewhat attractive because of his incredibly beautiful looks.

“Sure, lets go then.” She said and took the man’s hand for him to lead the way since he desired to do so. "Will be my first time being in such a bit temple."

“There’s not much to know about me really.” She eventually said to satisfy Veridis’s curiosity.” Grew up in a church until one day I simply left to see the world and help people.” She added with a smile.” Just the usual story more or less. Doubt there will be any epics written about it, but if you have any specific things you want to know, feel free to ask.” Elleonora said with another chuckle in the end.

Erika smirked as she was confronted by a person, a halfling to be exact. She was the cutest little thing. She then proceeded to off her services while also displaying gifts. She bent down to get a closer look at Parum. "Well my friend you just saved me a trip into the monasteries armory." She said. She then rose back up. This little one may just be very useful to the group. "How much do you know about this city? If you could debrief on my way to the headmaster's offices that would be much appreciated." She said.

----------

The guards saw the group as they charged with enough speed to cause alarm. Once the group reached the city gates the elephant let off it's passengers and then something occurred they didn't expect. It transformed into a creature with fairly greenish skin. A orc. Every city on the desert knew what to do with orcs. The woman moved frantically to cover him but the town guard already knew what Malkai was. They drew their bows and aimed about to take aim until something else took their attention. It wasn't Vivian but what was behind the group. Their bows changed path as new targets were found. Without question or hesitation the guards fired off their bows. The arrows hitting the chests of the undead. "Get inside,... Head for the monastery. Inform them that we had a undead horde outside our gates and they need to be exorcised quickly." Because the guards lacked the proper equipment all they could do was stall the undead orcs while the group made it's way inside.

Vivian turned to see what was going on and then towards Malkai. She saw what he truly was. A orc... not just any but a half breed. He had to be. He was to scrawny for a pure blood. A smile began to form as she began to feel something towards the man. He was a druid half-orc. Most likely a outcast of his race just like how she was now. She had to get him inside and quick. But her and Catarina couldn't have the strength to carry him the whole way. She would have to improvise. What she did next was spawn yet another creature. It was more on the neutral side this time so as to not alarm the people. It was a tiger. Big enough to carry the half-orcs weight. The celestial creature lowered itself and allowed the two to lift the orc up enough to lay him on its back. Afterwards it was a race to the monastery....

.... A race that did not take to long. With it being night the streets were not as easily backed like it was during the day. In fact it was mostly empty except for a few wondering bums. When they reached the gates the guards of the monastery saw them and even though they would not be alarmed by what seems like a elf and a human. The half-orc was. The moved their glaives into position. Vivian rose up her hand and by doing so revealed a item that save their lives. The Chalice of Silence. A dark artifact. The guards went wide eyed and looked from it to them. "Get inside quickly,... before anyone sees you. The head master will visit you at dawn. You will find rooms on the path to the right. These are for visitors. You will remain there."

"The guards,.. we were being chased by undead orcs. They will need your help." Vivian said and the knights nodded.
"We will see to it that they will receive it."

Catarina was initially angry when she saw the guards draw their bows. She shielded Malkus the best she could, but she knew that even her armor wouldn't be able to deflect all the arrows from this range. But instead of shooting him, they shot at the undead they followed the group. The gates were open and Vivian summoned a tiger to rush Malkus inside, heading to the monastery. She didn't question it; a holy place was probably the best place to hide from zombies. It was a good thing it was late too; Catarina couldn't imagine the sort of trouble that could arise if people saw a tiger carrying a half-orc on it's back. When Catarina, Vivian, Malkus, and the tiger reached the monastery, the knights at the gate pointed their weapons at them. Mostly to Malkus. This made Catarina roll her eyes underneath her helmet. "Really!? Does he look like he can hurt anyone right now?"

Fortunately Vivian was able to do some quick talking and got the guards off their backs. She did so by showing them the chalice of silence, though Catarina was a bit concerned about why she showed that to them, and how it worked so well. While Catarina wasn't a priest, she knew this monastery was for the god Pelinor (It helped that she had been here once). She had no idea how or why showing them the Chalice of Silence, an artifact by Nerul, would allow them entry. Though Catarina didn't have time to dwell on paranoia right now and just helped Vivian get Malkus into the monastery.

---

Parum smiled widely as she bowed her head and followed after Erika. "I'll admit I haven't been here long, but I've a talent for learning the local area quickly. You should know that this city has quite a bustling thieves guild, and gangs roam the streets daily. Despite the lawlessness however, it can be used to our advantage. You see, the vampire whom you're hunting has both friends and enemies among the thieves and low lives of the city. And I can tell you their names..." Parum informed Erika of what she knew about the Thieves Guild of the city, as well as the various gangs, mobs, and crime families as well. She didn't know who exactly were under the orders of the vampire, but she was able to tell Erika which ones had the best influence and would be most useful for their hunt. The best thing Parum told Erika, however, was the name of the leader gang of thugs she fought earlier that day. Knowing his name, that was one step closer to figuring out where the vampire was.

Malkai could say nothing, do nothing, as he was in his weakened state. He dropped in and out of consciousnesses, only aware that he was being carried off places. He wondered if the others had saved him; surely they didn't. He was an orc, a druid, a liar, and a scoundrel. He would betray them, so it would only make sense that they betrayed him as well. He remembered his lessons in the wild very well; it was survival of the fittest there. He remembered how his mentor had first taught Malkai magic, told him that in their world the only people one should care about is themselves, and even then Malkai had fallen to her tricks. He had developed a sense of trust in his teacher. He remembered when he was cornered by a mighty forest drake they were hunting, and Malkai thought it would be then that his mentor would have saved him. But instead she left him to die as she robbed the nest, which was their main purpose there anyways. The drake had been over populating the forest and dwindling the amount of prey in the forest, and they were sent to return balance. But Malkai was a fool to believe that any of it was for balance; the druids did it for convenience. They were the masters of the forest, of themselves, and they wanted no one else to take that away from them. So they took from others instead.

"Go... Don't need... Your help..."

---

"You can be certain that I want to be very familiar with you, my sun shine." Veridis gave Elleonora a coy smile as he led her through the temple. He frankly had little clue about the lay out, though he was familiar with the deity. However he didn't want to bore her with religious talk, and besides that he didn't want to learn about that. he wanted to know more about Elleonora. "Any tale can be epic, more so with a heroine like you taking the lead. You say that you have traveled the world to help it, but what do you wish to solve? Will you be the traveling knight, righting wrongs wherever she goes, or have you thought about questing against a greater evil?" Both had potential to become legends, and stories about both are both common and enjoyed. Though he was also curious about other aspects to her, such as her warhammer. "I'm also curious about your warhammer. I'm sure it has seen a lot of use, as well as the end of many villains. Just what have you done with such a powerful tool of justice?" Veridis imitated a flowery, almost archaic accent, parodying bards who would drown their verses and dialog with delusions of eloquence . "Or you know, you can just tell me about your adventures and where you came from. That's always fun."

“Oookeyy… not sure if I should consider you simply overly friendly or creepy friendly…” Elleonora said with a girlish giggle that seemed quite not suiting in her full armored current self and that’s without even mentioning the huge battlehammer.” Though that’s not a bad thing, if feels nice actually. People usually stand away from me as if I’m the scariest thing walking down the road.”

“I’m more of the traveling knight type role, I guess.” Elle said with a smile and looked at the bard and his charming face. No way in oblivion that man was a mere human… none at all.” It just felt right to do at the time, unlike the inquisitors or followers of some gods, I don’t have a set goal in stone. I just wanted to help people as I went. You see there are always people going around after all those apocalyptic events and dangers… every now and then you would hear about something that was stopped that could have ended the world or something. I just felt that helping the little guy was also a noble thing to do in the end.”

“Hmmm… I’m from nowhere.” She finally said, throwing a totally serious look at Veridis.” My mother was a member of a traveling band of merchants. Though I guess the caravan was always bad on gold so it broke out in the middle of nowhere in some small town far to the north where the winters are long and dangerous, at the feet of a mountain. I was too young to remember that clearly back then, but what I do remember is that my mother left me at the church under pretense for a few hours. Never saw the woman again and since I never knew my father I was left there.” She explained, chuckling at his over the top accents.” Left that place as soon as I was able to swing a weapon. This hammer is a memento from an old smith I met on the roads. His caravan had gotten attacked by some wayward skeletons that had wandered away from some old crypt I suppose. He forged the hammerhead from the metal of the undead’s weapons after it was cleansed of course. This weapon has been my trusty companions against wild beasts, bandits, orcs and many others annoyances upon these lands.”

Vivian smirked at how simple it was to get in the monastery with the help of their treasure. She wondered how much gold the Order would give them for the Chalice over the Mages Guild. She let the thought go though as resting was the only thing on her mind right now. Once they reached the rooms she just picked one and moved through the door. It had three beds. They were not much to look at. Simple leather cots with a single window to the outside. She guided her animal to the bed and then moved Malkai to it and helped him into it. Once he was on the bed she dismissed the tiger. With that she even let her own disguise drop as she moved to her own bed and laid down in it. She was exhausted from holding Summoned creature for as long as she did on top of the disguise spell.

She rested he Scythe down as she sat down, her eyes moving over to Malkai. To think she thought she was the only outcast in the group. She sighed and looked to the door. "I am a little Nervous being in this area. Not just for my sake but for his as well. I don't know what this order will do to him, but I have a good idea as to what they will do to me...." She spoke. She then shrugged. "Oh well, if trouble where to occur I got some tricks to get myself out of here, and him too if the case should arise." Hopefully she was fully rested by then....

... Erika nodded as the names were given her. This thieves guild was pretty well established in this part of the world. She moved a hand to her chin and stroked it. One of the names she rolled in her head sounded familiar. Not of the thieves guild but of the Mages guild. The fact that one had ties to these... Bandits in the city. The bandits being thrawls made the Orders suspicions of the guild even more stronger.

"Alright, consider yourself hired, I will need you and your toys." She still needed a bigger team. She looked to Parum. "If you could be more of a dear. Do you know of any others that might be good for a small force to help us deal with this Vampire threat. I got two citizens in mind already,... Well not citizens. They are just as much foreign as I am.in fact the more foreign the person is that you can think of the better. I can't trust locals for obvious reasons. He won't escape from me this time."

The two finally came up to a set of doors. She took in a deep breathe and opened one side. She saw a old man look up from his desk as she held it open for Parum. "Greetings Inquisitor, what can I do for you?"

Malkai was laid out on the bed, completely unconscious. While physically well, his stamina was drained due to all the magic usage and thus he needed rest and time to recover. At some point he even fell asleep and had an odd dream. He was in a forest, alone, with nothing but some simple clothes and a spear. He did not see Falchion anywhere near him and he didn’t recognize the forest, which was very strange for a druid. But he marched through the forest regardless, his spear ready to impale anything in it’s way. Malkai noted that the spear was silver-tipped. Many creatures were weak against silver: undead, demons, the cursed. But why he was hunting with such a simple weapon and wearing plain clothes confused him. ”Why am I here? What the hell am I doing?”

Just then he saw some movement in the corner of his eyes. He turned and lunged, but ended up missing and hitting a tree. His spear was stuck when he saw a great beast come out from the shadows, throwing him against the ground and disarming him. The beast pinned Malkus to the ground and he tried to cast a spell, but he couldn’t. He wasn’t able to use any magic at all. The beast glared at him, didn’t even kill him immediately. ”Do it! Finish me off!” The beast brought its jaws onto Malkai’s neck. But instead of getting his throat ripped out and dying, Malkai… Never felt more alive.

Suddenly Malkai’s eyes opened up. He sat up and immediately laid back down as he felt his body grow very sore. He was still fatigued from overusing his spells, so he was in no shape to do much. He was also very hungry and could probably eat without straining himself. He looked around and noticed, to his surprise, that Vivian and Catarina was still here. He had half-thought he was left for dead or picked up by slavers. Though maybe he wasn’t wrong yet.

”Why did you save me? I’ve done nothing but lie and hide secrets from you. And I’m an orc besides. Do you intend to make me beg for mercy as you torture me? Interrogate a confession from me? Or just enslave me?”

---

”Consider me curious.” Veridis said with a roll of the tongue. He smiled as it seemed Elleonora was enjoying his company and spoke more about herself. She was a knight errant looking for evil to stop, wrongs to right, be they big or small. Veridis considered doing the same himself once, though it turned out to be hard to actually find any trouble that he could deal with that wasn’t political in nature. Bandits were (usually) smart enough to only raid lone farmers or pillage a village more quickly than Veridis could arrive, and though Veridis tries his best to just “look” like a wealthy fop, the amount of times he’s been mugged could be counted on one hand.

Then Elleonora started talking about her past. She looked quite serious, so Veridis made sure to listen carefully. It was sad to hear what had become of her mother, more so due to the mystery of it. Veridis has fond memories of his own parents, so he couldn’t claim that he understood the full extent of what it was like being orphaned. He pitied Elleonora, but also felt respect for her. Despite the rough beginnings, Elleonora was quick to grasp her own destiny and a weapon, making her own fate one step at a time.

”That is very impressive, my sunshine. You… You’re like iron.”

Veridis took a few steps forward for dramatic effect, and to avoid Elleonora’s swings if she happened to be offended. ”A common metal that most would pass off as nothing. Others would rather fight over things like gold or diamonds, but these are pretty, pointless things. You are like iron because you’re strong, despite your rough beginnings, and in time you have been forged into something far better. A work of art in the form of a woman that has more power and more beauty than any jewelry or gem. Like a steel blade forged by the hands of a master, you are both a work of art and a mighty individual.”

Around that same time, Veridis spied a strange group. An elven woman with a warrior in a bulky suit of armor that looked like an onion, with a tiger carrying a orc. Very strange. Veridis made it a note to go investigate later.

Once they were safe inside a bedroom Catarina took off her helmet and sat down on a bed. She dumped her back off to the side and laid down, fairly exhausted. Between the hot desert sun, limited water, and just the sheer stress of it all, she could really go for a cold hard drink. But she doubt she'd find any liquor in this monastery, and she was half-tempted to wake up Malkai to use his magic to make her some wine. But she wasn't that much of a jerk and left him alone. As she laid resting there Catarina heard Vivian voice her concerns. A drow and an orc weren't exactly welcomed company, and Catarina had half a mind to leave them too. She didn't want to think herself a racists, but Catarina knew trouble when she saw it. And these two where going to be trouble. However they also had the chalice and Catarina wanted to get paid. If she really wanted to leave them, she can do that after she gets her money. Whether or not the other two are still alive when they get it...

"I'm not going to let them do anything to you two. I got nothing against the church, but I'm not going to let them go on a little crusade to kill you just because you're a drow. So you'll be safe with me, Vivian." Although Catarina was out of her armor, she still acted the role of Vivian's knight, walking over to her bed with Domina and her shield. She sat on Vivian's bed, though on the opposite end. "I'm sure you need some rest to, so go ahead and sleep. I'll watch over us for now." Just as she said that, Malkai had awoken. The first thing that came out of his mouth were questions about why they saved him, which made Catarina roll her eyes.

"Yes yes yes, because Vivian and I are heartless bitches, we're going to sell you out for quick coin. Then we're going to hit a tavern, get drunk until the break of dawn, and then continue out ways of betrayal and slavery. Honestly... Maybe show some appreciation that we didn't just leave you at the gate to become a zombie. We saved you because you've been helpful and I don't betray my allies. Now if you want to end our partnership right now and any reward that comes with partnering with me, then I can leave you to the wolves. But until then we're a team, and a team watches out for each other." Catarina felt like this shouldn't have to be explained to him, but she guessed that some people just aren't use to common courtesy.

---

"Oh of course. Travelers like myself are a dime-a-dozen here, but I've always an eye for a diamond in the rough. Just give me some time and I'm sure I can find you worthy allies." Parum was confident in her abilities. They haven't failed her yet after all. Still, the halfling girl continued to follow Erika to a set of double doors with an old man beyond. He must be quite important, as the inquisitor had to gather her breath to meet him. A tell-tale sign that he was the one that Erika needed to speak to. Parum followed after her after the doors were opened, staying quiet. She would speak when spoken to, but until then Parum was only here to listen.

After Elleonora finished talking, she heard Veridis’s statement about herself. Her first reaction was to raise an eyebrow in a brief confusion while she was thinking it through, before she finally nodded.

”Thank you for the kind words.” The cleric finally said with a smile, looking down for a moment, before she looked at the bard again. It was the first time she was given this sort of compliment. The usual things she heard were that she was manlier than most men or that she was as strong as an ox. While she was glad people appreciated her strength, she was happy someone finally praised her for her personality at least.” You are the first one to even mention that I look beautiful. Most simply concentrate on strength or manliness only. Makes me feel pretty bad sometimes.”

Just as Veridis had noticed the strange group that was present, Elle herself had also spotted them. She kept them tracked for as long as possible with the edge of her sight, without looking at them. That was some very interesting set of heavy armor. The cleric had seen many armors in the past for she was from the far north where well heavy armor was the thing a lot of the time, but she had never seen the onion shape before. Then there was the elf and an orc on a tiger… An orc?’ What in oblivion…!?’ She thought. As a cleric who had dedicated herself to her own justice, she had seen a number of orcs who ended under her hammer, but she had also met some who simply didn’t want to be taken together with the rest of their brethren. This one seemed one of the second type. As for the elf... she didn't like her. Something about the elf woman bugged her and she wasn't sure what exactly, maybe it was the scythe.

“So, I told you about myself, but what about you?” Elleonora asked Veridis suddenly.” Isn’t if fair to tell me about yourself also in return?”

Now it was Vivian's turn to voice her opinion on Malkai. "Oh your an orc, fascinating. Remember the part where I am a drow. Everyone on the surface world know about my race's background. Catarina here has probably heard of a few tales about how treacherous and deceitful my people are. Oh and your a half orc,.. that does count for something." She said scanning him further with her eyes. "Besides your little betrayal of hiding your self is small talk compared to what my house did to me. I failed one mission, just one. Just like that my house's matriarch, who I served loyally sense I could walk on two legs, orders for my death. Even now I am a wanted fugitive by my kin and wouldn't be surprised if a few agents aren't looking for me on the surface. That's why I picked the desert to hide in. With the sun so bright and painful to our skin here, no one would dare follow me here." There it was. Her reasoning for being on the surface. Whether they believed her or not was up to them. They probably didn't which is mostly always the case. "You have a better chance of survival in a city then I Malkai. It doesn't take a grand sorcerer to notice that your arms and body is much smaller then the average which means only two things. You were the runt of the liter or your a half breed." She said the last bits more calmly and respectfully then the her other words. "I am an outcast to my race just like you Malkai,... that's why I saved you." Why did Catarina?.... well most likely because what most humans desire. Gold. The chalice was likely the only thing that Catarina was sticking around for. With everything Vivian has done she could tell the human still didn't trust her.

Vivian sighed and leaned back into the wall. "I am a dead man walking so to speak my friends. Correction allies,... we are not exactly friends. The only relationship we have with one another is this chalice. Once we get the gold for it we will likely all go our seperate ways and forget each others faces so quick it would be like we never meet." She voiced. She hated reality and what it always reminded her of. She was alone in this world and it would take some time before she could get a name for herself and people would begin to trust her,.... hopefully. She had a very strong desire to just leave the chalice here and walk up to the closest guard and let him kill her, but that would make every move she has done so far seem rather wasted. Besides Casandra would be very disappointed in her. Catarina spoke her words of protection towards the two and she smirked.

"Catarina,... do lie to yourself. Your just here for your portion of the gold. You wouldn't care about what happens to me or Malkai. As long as you had the chalice you would be happy. Don't worry,... I do believe this church might give us a bit more gold then what the guild would have given. Pretty sure they would have just killed us anyways and take it. I mean seriously.... what kind of client tells you to go retrieve something without paying you a little something up front to keep you interested and then refuses to tell you how much they would give you afterwards. The guild will likely just kill us or turn us in and get a reward from that." She added. Perhaps she would work for the order,... carrying a seal of Pelinor around would give people a much more better opinion of her. She doubt the order would accept her though... unless she let them convert her from Lolth to Pelinor... then maybe they would. She felt she was being a little too optimistic though and just shook her head. "In the morning... we will see what our fate is. Even as a elf I stand out quite a bit with my Scythe.... every priest that saw us most likely has their suspicions about me." She decided that perhaps it was best she didn't have the chalice... She looked to Catarina and held it out for her. "Go on take it.... if the priests come in you can just tell them you captured a orc and a drow and are waiting to collect a bounty. That way no matter what at least one member of this group comes up on top.".. It was more of a test then a gift. To see if she was wrong about Catarina or was she just another greedy human.

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

"Well headmaster I didn't come here to inspect the mages guild,... although my path might lead me to that anyways from what my friend here tells me." She said. The old man looked from Erika to Parum and then back to Erika.
"You just arrived and you already got a spy network?..fascinating."The old man responded. Erika smirked and shrugged.
"I am just as impressed as you sir... I didn't even know I had a agent here until she came along." She said. She looked down at Parum. "But she has already debriefed me on a lot of very disturbing things." She then turned her head back to him.
"I am here on the trail of Vampire lord that has escaped me on multiple occasions. His trail has lead me here to this very city." She then tossed the pendant she took from the half orc. "That is his mark and from day one I arrived I can tell that he has a lot of power here. From the names that my advisor gave me, your in the thick of a large scale brood nest of vampires and their thrawls." She said.

This news did not make the headmaster happy. He sighed and threw down his pen and sat back in his chair almost exhausted. "Well that explains the undead in the desert and the temple of Nerul that was discovered. The guild found it and wanted the artifact from it." He said. He found out because the guards where on the Order's payroll not the guilds. Erika rose a brow and stroked her chin. That would make sense as to why the guild wanted it. The guild may have been more involved then they are led to believe. It only takes one bad apple to spoil the rest they say. She looked to Parum.... "Bit of a warning Parum... you might have just found yourself in the middle of one giant witch hunt. If at any time you want to back out I won't blame you." She said.

Suddenly the door had slammed open again, only this time it was a gate guard. "Sir,.. three adventurers have informed us that undead attack the gates again. I have already sent men to go deal with it. However,.. I came to you cause the adventurers are a interesting sort. A elf with a scythe, a woman in onion shaped armor, and a orc on a tiger. The elf woman... she carries the artifact that the guild wants." The man said. The headmaster nodded and was about to speak when Erika's hand raised up to stop him.

"Where are they located now?...." She asked. The guard looked to her and moved to stand upright.
"They are in the visitors quarters Ma'am,..." He answered. She nodded and looked to the headmaster.
"I will deal with this... it is my investigation after all and at the moment I have the highest authority." She said. The old man raised his hand in defeat.
"You don't need to remind me of your power Inquisitor." He responded. "The monastery is at your command." She nodded and then proceeded to leave the room. She guided the halfling towards the visitor's quarters.

"A elf with a Scythe.... huh, never thought I would picture a elf with a scythe before. They are always so graceful and carry lighter weapons for speed. Not something like a scythe. Plus they have an orc with them. That is surprising indeed... usually elves kill orcs on sight not carry them into a monastery of all places." She shrugged and waited for any bit of Parum's opinion.

It would seem she was back into the thick of it and she rather enjoyed it. The danger of death was expected in her field and she embrassed it. Death in the service of their lord was not a shameful thing. So undead frequently attack the outer parameter and the order was never told... what was the headmaster thinking. That he can handle such a situation himself. The fool....

[several minutes later]

Erika and Parum came upon the room and she could here talking. Something about drow and half orcs and betrayal. What a weird group. She pushed open the door removing her wide brimmed hat and looking upon the trio. What she saw she did not expect. Well the orc and the onion knight she expected. However, not the drow,... was she drawing her sword in preperation to kill her,.... to the group's surprise no. The order was not so blind to the world to not know that there are rogue drow. Perhaps this is one of them,... perhaps not and this one is just a sleeper assassin waiting for the best moment to strike.

What she saw was the chalice being offered to the onion knight. The artifact the guild was after. A artifact of the god of death, Nerul. She then looked to the orc and he looked.... malnourished. "So you three are what the monastery has just been gossiping about. Look I don't care who you are or what you are. The situation in this part of the world is much more dire then racial backgrounds that lead back sense the days of creation. I will be brief and quick.... I am a Inquisitor, my name is Erika. I am not here to hunt drow, so do not be alarmed." She looked to Malkai and just shrugged.

"As for you,... well orc hunting isn't exactly a inquisitor's job so your safe as well." She then looked to the chalice and then back to the drow elf. "You three must have gone through a lot to achieve that...." She looked to Parum. "Your a merchant right?... what price would you say that is worth?"

Catarina walked up to Vivian after she offered her the chalice, and with only her bare hand, slapped Vivian in the face. "You don't know me, Vivian. My honor... My word... They're not lies. Now maybe the drow can't hold a promise and orcs shouldn't be trusted, and it's true that humans are selfish and greedy, don't compare me to them. I choose to be different. You two chose to be stereotypical. If I had really wanted to take the chalice from you Vivian, I could have easily done so while you were asleep. If I wanted Malkai to be dead I wouldn't have saved him outside the gate. You don't have to trust me, but I will not stand here and let you call me a liar."

There was a slight tear in Catarina's eyes. She wasn't going to let her emotions get the better of her, at least not as tears. She was a warrior; she would be strong. And she will assert herself. "Vivian, your past is the past. Unless your family intends to come after you, you shouldn't let them control you, not after you've already escaped them. Now you have a chance to do things differently. Be better. And if they do come after you? That's what I'm here for. I said I would protect you, and I will protect you. Nothing short of death will stop me, and I won't let that happen or slow me down." Catarina then turned her heads Malkai, walking over to him and slapping him in the face as well. "And for a druid, you don't know what true strength is. It isn't how powerful you are or what sort of animal is better at killing others. Power comes from unity. Working together. That's how humanity, no, any civilization becomes stronger! Kingdoms don't just happen because of one warrior or king who could kill everyone else. People don't get stronger by being the only one left standing. They get stronger because they can work with others who are both weaker and stronger than they are, making everyone stronger and surviving things they couldn't alone. Right now Malkai, you are weak. And if it weren't for me and Vivian, you would have died. You might have been okay with that, but I'm not! There's so much more you can do, and you can't do any of it if you're dead! So stop thinking that we're just going to keep hurting you, and both of you need to stop thinking that I'm just using you! Because you both know I'm stupid."

Catarina looked at the both of them, glaring at them through the tears in her eyes. "I'm stupid, paranoid, and I only know how to fight. I don't know anything about magic or the world. I can't even say I'm a good person... But I can hold onto a promise and protect the both of you. I can make sure never to betray you and ensure that you'll never get hurt again. Even if you grew up suffering, constantly betrayed, or have had someone close to you stab you in the back, you can bet your life that I won't do the same! You will be safe with me!" Catarina shouted at the two, making her passion known to everyone in and near the room. Which also included a woman in black and a halfling, to whom Catarina immediately moved herself to stand against. She made sure to block the inquisitor's path to Malkai and Vivian.

---

Parum simple giggled as Erika warned her of the witchhunt. "Dear inquisitor, I wouldn't have approached you if I didn't know what I was getting myself into. The fact that our simple hunt has become something much greater just means that there is more to profit from. But don't worry. I can assure you that no matter what happens, I'll be there to see it through to the end." Whether or not she'd be dead or alive, Parum didn't say. She didn't really know, but she had no intentions of dying. Aside from that Parum remained quiet and listened to Erika and the headmaster. Soon a guardsman came in and told them about three strange individuals that were carrying some sort of artifact. If Parum had to guess, it was the artifact from the temple of Nerul. He was a death god if Parum was up-to-date about her gods, and would certainly explain all the zombies and vampires in this desert. "Things are certainly escalating. Let's go see these guests."

Parum followed Erika to the guest room. Her halfling senses was able to pick up shouting, though it didn't seem like fighting so much as just yelling. By the time Parum entered the room she saw a woman standing between Erika and a drow plus an orc. Two of some of the most hated and mistrusted races, in a room, being defended from a human by a human. Parum could only chuckle. When Erika asked about how much the chalice would go for, Parum stepped into the room and gave it her appraisal. "Hmm... Considering that it is a magic object from a Temple of Nerul, that alone would make it 10,000 gold. But we have no clue what it's power is, which could increase it's price exponentially. Even a simple spell like a cure light wounds would make the chalice roughly 12,000 gold, and anything higher would make it 20,000 or higher. Not to mention that since it is linked to Nerul, it could be used as a catalyst by his worshipers for twisted rituals for even more wealth and power... Sufficient to say, it is a priceless artifact. I hope you were well paid to get this."

Malkai listened to Catarina, not that he could do much else. He smirked when she slapped Vivian, and laughed when Catarina hit him. It actually really, really hurt. But he couldn’t help but laugh at catarina and her conviction. ”You are a fool, Catarina. But I can’t say I hate that. You are the best kind of fool; the one who accepts it. Too many deny their stupidity and justify their moronic actions with bravado. I disagree with you on other points, such as true strength… But that is a conversation for another time. We have guests.”

Just as he said that, the door opened. A human and halfling entered the room and Malkai could tell that the human was some sort of agent of the church. While she wore armor, hers was black and made of leather, not heavy metal like a paladin or cleric. She was likely a spy or assassin for the church. No one ever expects a holy order to employ assassins, but that unexpected factor is what makes them the best assassins. The human introduced herself as Erika the Inquisitor, a title Malkai was all too familiar with. They were worse than assassins; they were political agents of the church. At least one could fend themselves from a church’s assassin without being accused of murder or avoiding justice. But an Inquisitor had all the ability and authority to murder anyone who threatens their goals. And while and inquisitor's authority was not universal, here in their own temple, Malkai knew that Erika could easily have them all executed without a fuss.

”Hmph. We haven’t even been paid for our last job, and we’re already signing new contracts. I take it you know what this is?” Malkai weakly motioned towards the chalice. He needed a good night’s rest before he would be at fighting order.

---

”Truly, such people are nothing but savages. True beauty is more than just a slender body and a hearty bosom. You are magnificent, my sunshine, and do not let anyone tell you differently.” Veridis said matter-of-factly. Though Veridis couldn’t help but be somewhat distracted by the noise coming from the room with the strange guests. His sense of adventure wanted him to snoop around, but then Elleonora asked him to talk more about himself. ”Ask and you shall receive, my sunshine. However it is rude for me to simply talk about myself if you aren’t interested. Besides that, there are far more interesting things going on right now. I hear some shouting just beyond this wall. Why don’t we discover the source?’

Veridis motioned towards the hall where the noise was coming from. He noticed Erika and a strange halfling walk into the room, only making Veridis even more curious. ”The plot thickens.”

“I don’t or to be precise they don’t dare… I suppose.” Elleonora replied with a small grin. The conversation with Veridis had brightened her mood quite a lot in comparison to her usual calm normal self. Well calm at least when she was not fighting that is.” Still for this you have my thanks, it’s refreshing to hear that from someone every now and then.” The cleric thanked the bard with a honest expression. She then raised an eyebrow as she followed his gaze towards the area where the unusual group was.

“ Heh… this was such an attempt to change the topic, Veridis, but fine.” Elleon stated with a smile and nodded at the bard motioning for them to go.” I’m pretty curious about this myself, so let’s go and see, what is this that’s going on. That elf was giving me an uncomfortable feeling, so time to see what was that all about.”

“The inquisitor’s here too eh?” The cleric said to herself with a smile as she bravely walked forward, nodding for the bard to follow her. If something was to endanger them, she was going to protect him so it was fine.

When she entered, her gaze immediately got drown towards the dark skin of the drow, followed by the orc then and finally at the human who was standing before them, in a protective manner from the inquisitor.” My, that’s an unusual line up for a party.” The cleric said, making a pondering expression as she studied the two of the most well known enemies of all sentient beings. Drows had a certain reputation for a reason and the orcs were usually just big loafs who got muscles for brains. This one seemed different though.

“Anything you recquire aid with, Inquisitor?” The cleric asked, as she entered the room, but stood by the door.

Erika, the inquisitor looked into the face of the one standing before her. The onion knight stood between her and the drow as if the sorceress was in danger. She rolled her eyes and finally the orc spoke. She looked to him and nodded. "It is the Chalice of Silence. A fitting artifact for the god of the undead. The reaper Nerull. The enchantment is as the name suggests. It cancels out all magic making undead very difficult to defeat unless you carry a magical weapon or holy one at that. Very dangerous in the wrong hands." She said. She knew what it was and what it could do. Knowledge was power and the Order guards it well. "Makes sense with why the Mages guild would want it. Especially if it is in league with a Vampire. Again as said my companion here told me a few names belonging to residents in the city. All of them with ties to this said Vampire." As she spoke her gaze turned back to the woman in armor before her. "I have been hunting for this Vampire for six long years and I am getting close to finishing it. Once more I will say this, the orc and the drow are no concern to me. That artifact will be taken by me one way or another and destroyed." She drew forth her sword and repeating crossbow.

"You got two choices, the first one is I will buy it off of you for forty thousand gold and you will hand it over no questions asked.... or I kill all three of you right here and now. The funny thing is,... no one would question a Inquisitor who has slain a orc, a drow, and a human conspirator. However, I wish not to spill your blood. Only that of the Vampire and his thrawls. Mind you the only way your getting out of this monastery alive is the first option."

"The next thing is you will be employed by the order. I know it sounds weird for a inquisitor to convert over a drow and a orc but it is the duty of all who follow Pelinor. Repent and your sins will be forgiven, you have repented therefore all is forgiven." She said. She then handed her weapons over to Elleonora. "Take these,... I am in no threat and neither are they." She showed herself the better and handed her weapons off. Was she harmless and without defense... no. Inquisitors were armed with more then just the weapons they carried but with the word of their god granting them holy powers. Even without a sword or her crossbow she was deadly. She then took her brimmed hat and placed it on that of the head of the onion knight. She then pushed around the woman and sat on the bed right next to Vivian.

"I think we all can be civil with this." She said pulling out a parchment and a pen. She began to write down on that parchment. It was a order of acquisition of payment from the monastery onto the three adventurers. Nothing too fancy, she signed it at the bottom and then handed it to Vivian. "Hand that to the monastery's treasurer and he will pay you the amount I stated. You three can split however you like." She then pulled out another parchment. That of enlistment.
"Only I have the power to keep the monastery from burning you alive and hanging the other two. With this you will not only be under my protection but of that of the order. You can ask the orc,... My word is treated as that of the leader of our Order himself and of our god. The monastery will obey it or be charged with heresy and damned to the nine hells." She ended it with that and sat back handing the parchment to the woman in the armor.

"You three will sign the paper and then I will sign afterwards. You will be under my service until I dismiss thy three. That wont happen until the vampire in charge of this damned desert is dead along with those under him." She looked to the orc once more.

"Get some rest,... all of you. You will need it." With that Erika stood up from her position and walked around the knight once more and then took her weapons from Elle and put them back in place. She was about to leave when she remembered something. She turned and removed her brimmed hat from Catarina's head and then proceeded out.

"Parum,... we found three more people. The witch hunt will begin in the morning. Any of you want to sleep too go ahead."

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

Vivian felt the slap and rather then feel anger a smirk grew on her face. Her hand moving to press upon her cheek. Catarina passed her little test. It hurt but it felt better to know Catarina was going to be her ally. Malkai on the other hand... gold was likely the only thing on his mind. She was about to say something when the door opened in the middle of Catarina's rant and a inquisitor stood within the door way. Her eyes widened with fear,... this was it. This was the moment they were going to die. She felt it,... the end was close and she could feel it. Then suddenly the inquisitors words rang through her ears. She did not wish them harm,...
This was still yet to be undetermined and now Catarina stood between her and the woman in black armor to protect them.

The Inquisitor was named Erika and she began to speak to the halfling at her side about how much the chalice was worth. She then proceeded to give out price and their options. To be honest,... they really had no options. They either accepted the payment and the job proposal or they died in here. She had no plans of dying here. She made that clear earlier. When the inquisitor sat beside her,... she could deny that she was nervous. It could be seen. Even unarmed the woman was dangerous. She began writing on some kind of parchment and signed it. It was that of proof of purchase to be turned it. They would get forty thousand between the three of them and the chalice taken and destroyed. Next came the document of their employment that they would sign.

The payment was handed to her and the contract handed to Catarina. Vivian already accepted both of them. She did not care if the inquisitor was just lying or not. Right now any chance of life would be taken. She was right anyways. She could kill all three of them and no one would ask questions....

"Well I don't speak for my companion or my friend here but I will accept your proposal." She said. Who knows perhaps a job with the order was the kind of thing she needed to be given a name around here. "Question?..." She said and Erika turned around her brow perked.
"Even with these signed... how will the city guard or monastery guards know we are in your service.. we wont always be at your side." She asked. Erika nodded and pulled forth from a pouch in her back pocket three amulets. She proceed to toss one to Vivian and then one to Catarina.
"Here, these will be proof enough..." The red haired woman said. She then proceeded to toss the final one to Malkai.

Catarina didn't like anything about this at all. They were hired to get the chalice and that was it. Catarina herself was willing to lay down her life for Vivian and Malkus, but that didn't mean she was going to go back on her contract with the mage guild. Then again... It's not as if she signed anything either. Lawfully speaking, Catarina had no obligation to work with the mage guild aside from the promise of payment. Now maybe if the guild was as crafty as the inquisitor and had her sign a binding document, Catarina would have had to fight her way out of here. But for now... She and her allies were merely freelance adventurers, who happened to chance across this deadly and powerful artifact in the middle of the desert. It would go to the highest bidder. Frankly, Catarina didn't care who's hands it lands in. She was more concerned about keeping her friends safe.

When it was Catarina's turn to sign the contracts she looked at the both of them. She still didn't like this deal. She wasn't signing on with a messenger of Pellenor so much as a demon. Sign off their loyalty and life to be at this woman's will. Catarina didn't want to sign it. But she knew what would happen to them if she did. She signed off on the contract to reliquish the chalice, but before she signed the other contract she had some questions. "First of all, what exactly do you want us to do? Our money is no good if you want us to sacrifice our wealth on behalf of your inane mission. Second, if or when our contract ends, can you guarantee that we will still be under your protection? Because I would rather much not get into a situation where you and your goons try to kill us because we've outlived our usefulness." This wasn't just for Catarina's sake, but for Vivian and Malkus as well. She didn't know how much they read their contract, and sure this was just Catarina being paranoid again, but she wasn't going to let them get into a tight spot. Catarina was going to protect them, whether it is with a pen or sword.

---

Parum noticed the two newcomers enter the room. A warrior woman and a male who looked like a bard. he had a pretty face, but Parum was able to get a good read on him. He was a manipulator and charmer; the sort of ladykiller who could say sweet nothings and the cold truth in one breath. Parum has dealt with his types before and she was immune to their charm. But that didn't mean she didn't know how to play along. "Hello, you two must be the other two who will be helping the Inquisitor. My name is Parum, a humble halfling merchant. Pleased to meet you." Parum would have shook hands, but the room was rather cramp. Any more people and they'd be getting very close to one another.

Parum turned her head back towards the three strangers when the female fighter spoke about the contracts. It was smart to question a contract; if Parum had written it she would have put in a few hidden conditions to ensure an upper hand in legal matters. However because Erika wrote this contract herself Parum had no idea what she had written, but Parum wasn't going to let the fighter blow her chances at working with the inquisitor. "Oh it'll be nothing like that. What the inqusitor really needs is able-bodied warriors to help her in her quest to slay a... Powerful influence. I don't mean to be vague, but you have to understand that this information is sensitive. We cannot tell you more if we cannot assure your silence, should you choose to deny our contract." Of course if the warrior woman did, she would die. "As for your protection, rest assure that while the inquisitor's means are certainly harsh, she is not a maniac. Should you fulfill your end of the contract you shall be paid accordingly, perhaps even with a bonus for your loyalty. So long as you remain loyal and follow your contract, you shall never be useless to use."

Catarina still didn't like the deal, but she felt the halfling was somewhat more trustworthy. She still considered both her and the Inquisitor to be treacherous, but Halflings had a tendency towards honesty. Which may also serve well to make them great liars, since anyone would believe that a halfling is being honest. As if reading her mind, Parum spoke out to help ease Catarina's worries. "I am not affiliated with the church or the inquisitor beyond my own interests in helping her. If you ever feel unsatisfied with her, you are free to work for me. I can assure you that while my job for you will be far less exciting, they are honest jobs with honest pay. Knowing what the inquisitor faces, I cannot stand idly by and pretend that it isn't my business. But once it's settled, our business would be done and we would part ways. If you'd like, you may come along with me."

Catarina was feeling slightly more willingly, but only if Erika would include it into the contract. "I want to be able to leave this job after we're done. I don't intend to serve as a paladin of the church if I have any say in the matter."

Malkai smirked at the new development. ”So. From the frying pan into the fire huh? Hells… Why not.” It wasn’t as if Malkai could refuse the offer, and besides that, he had nothing better to do. He just wanted his money and leave. But if he was going to get roped into another conspiracy, may as well reap the benefits while he could. When the paper was eventually passed to him Malkai gave it his signature before laying back down into bed. ”Now if you don’t mind, take your meeting elsewhere. I’m going to rest.” Though awakened, Malkai’s body still needed time to recover from the stress of casting so many spells. And he was getting a bit annoyed that people keep barging into the room and bothering him. If he wasn’t so tired he’d cast Deeper Slumber on everyone here so he could get a good night’s rest. He was fairly certainly no one here was an elf… And that Drows don’t have an immunity to sleeping spells. Probably.

---

Veridis merely watched as the trio was browbeaten into servitude. He couldn't’ say he entirely agreed to Erika’s methods, though he understood that this was just standard procedure for Inquisitors. He still wished he could have perhaps given a chance to convince them willingly to cooperate, rather than making death threats if they didn’t. Loyalty isn’t earned through fear of alternatives after all. So for once, Veridis’s tongue was still, merely following along with Erika and Elleonora. Though he was somewhat surprised to see a halfling of all things participating in this vampire hunt. More so since she already seemed familiar with the Inquisitor. Veridis was a bit jealous.

“Nice to meet you, miss Parum.” The cleric greeted the halflight as the other woman presented herself to them.” I’m Elleonora, a wandering cleric of my own volition.” She said with a smile and nodded to the merchant. It wasn’t rare to see merchants traveling about, but a Halfling one on herself was rather rare. That mean she had some skills and probably quite the contacts around the place to secure inventory to sell and protection when it was needed. A truly valuable help to have!

“Worry not adventurers, I’m sure our employer in this situation won’t prosecute you after the task is done. The inquisitor seems like a woman of her word.” The cleric joined the conversation.” Besides the chance to help with something that will earn a just reward is a rare thing these days. Also it shall provide you three a nice reputation boost for future contracts if you are known as trustworthy enough to work with inquisitors.”

That said she still was thinking a little bit into the future. If those three posed danger to the people around them, if they turned out to be evil people it was a nice change to deal with them easily. But if they were an okey bunch and the inquisitor and her posse tried to harm them after the work was done, the cleric was going to help the group. If they helped and in return received evil intention and harm then something was wrong and she wasn’t going to stand for it.

Erika sighed, she turned once more to face the knight. "All I want ma'am is the death of this Vampire. He has plagued this world for far too long and has gotten away from my blade twice now. Each time I was so close to ending his little coven. You three help me bring this blood sucking toad down and I will hold your contract full filled. You will also continue to have the order's protection even afterwards. From now on your three will act as Agents. You wont always be in our service nor do we condemn you to not be in the service of others. You will get to do what you want, whenever you want to who ever you want. As long as you carry the pendants I gave you. Now sleep... you three had a rough night. You will begin when you are well rested." She said. Looking to Malkai as she said the last bit.

"Your a interesting Orc... we will have to talk a bit later on." She said with a smirk and with that she began to head out. She closed the door and looked to Veridis. He did not approve. "I didn't mean to threaten them. But what I said was true. Without my help in giving them those amulets and employing them... the church would have killed them in the morning. Racism is a strong powerful thing. Even if there is a few good eggs in the races of Drow and Orc, people still remember all the bad ones. Thus judge the race as a whole. I put them into contract to save them. The drow herself was lucky to get past the city guard if it were not for the undead. chasing after them. It sounds harsh but it is the truth... everyone here knows what I am talking about." She said and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"I don't care if they help or not... as long as they keep those amulets they are under my protection and my order. Not all Inquisitors are assholes. But we do need there help.... we are outnumbered in this city. Parum's observation of the city is proof of that. I need all the help I can get." She then looked to Elleonara's hammer and saw that it had been bless but it was exactly holy....yet. "If you aren't tired, you should get your hammer put through the process of being made into a holy weapon. Then again... it being a hammer. That's all up to you."

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

Vivian saw the door closed and then looked to her knight in shining armor. "Well Cat, what's your plan? This contract is exactly what I need to make a name for myself. Without having to disguise myself.... well enough of that lets get some rest." She looked at her bed and then back to Cat and smirked. "You know if you feel lonely Cat over there you could join me." She said teasingly. With that she swung her legs over doubting that Cat would actually join her. If only they had separate rooms... she would have preferred sleeping a bit more in the nude or perhaps have a bit of fun with Cat. She let the thought slide however. She feared they wouldn't have any time to do anything. Though Erika did say they could start when they were well rested.