Merchant Rescue

Onslaught Event: Twinkling Twilight

Episode 1

Merchant Rescue

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Obstinate Obstacles

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Great Misunderstandings

Summary

Cassandra's plan is to protect the merchant who has been cut off by the Imperial Army. If the group can get him to town, the lantern festival can proceed. But by the time they track down the man, he has already been beset by imperials. What could their reasons be...?

Dialogue

Phew! This forest is bigger than I expected. I was hoping to have this little jaunt all wrapped up already. But I think we're finally near the highway, so put some hustle in your bustle, Curran! All I wanted from today was to attend a festival. Instead I'm doing...THIS. ...You want to go protect the merchant who's been cut off on the highway? Yes. He's up there on the highway somewhere, but he'll never make it into town with the blockade. We don't know the extent of the Empire's reach, but they're not likely to let that man simply walk away whistling if they happen to come across him. Yeah, true. One poor merchant ain't gonna be no match for a buncha imperials. Exactly. So I propose we cut through the forest to the highway, find the merchant, and lead him back to town the same way. We'll save the poor man from an imperial lashing—and if we get the festival goods delivered along the way, it's stoning two birds with a single rock. That sounds like a decent plan to me. Right then! You two strapping young chaps can leave escorting the merchant to us. I take it I don't qualify as a "strapping young chap" and will instead be dragged about according to your random whims? That little frown of yours makes me worry you are most dissatisfied, Curran. No, my lady. Just...confused. About what, dearie? I certainly don't know you well enough to presume familiarity, but... Well, you just seem very passionate about all of this. Oh? About the festival, I mean. Do you have some special attachment to it, maybe? You seem very upset at the thought of its being interrupted. Do I? Well, isn't that a wonder! But no, there's no special reason. You're not much for lying, are you, my lady? You seem like the type who plans their steps carefully, yet here you are throwing caution to the wind for some small-town festival. I just wonder why. How very rude of you to imply I don't normally help those in trouble. Especially after I just loaned you a great sum of money back in town. Perhaps your position as an inquisitor just makes you naturally suspicious. Guilty as charged, I suppose. When I get curious about something, I can't help but ask questions—it's something of an occupational hazard. I made a horse's rear of myself trying to get a woman to spill her secrets, and for that I apologize, my lady. Oh, posh. You've nothing to apologize for. I WOULD, however, prefer you give that "my lady" bit a rest. I may look a stunner, but I've been around more than twice as many years as you. Magic just keeps me young and fresh. Yes, I'm aware of that. But there's more to being a lady than mere age, agreed? Goodness, you do like to play it cool. Well, we ought to be free of this forest soon, so let's hurry to the highway and— Uwaargh!  ?! What was that? It came from the highway!

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Oy! You there! Gimme all yer goods! *pant* *pant* B-but these items are on their way to my customers! Oh dear. I do hate how right I am sometimes. Damn imperials are faster than I thought. ...HEY! You all right, friend?! Wh-who are you?! We hail from Quinbell. Are you the merchant carrying goods for the festival? Yeah, I've got tools and supplies for the stalls, plus a whole pile of candles for the lanterns. Well, we certainly can't allow all such goodies to be stolen by these ruffians. Now be a dear and get behind us. Thank you so much! I gots no idea who you folks are, but if ya don't wanna get smacked, hand over that there merchant fella! Oh, I most resolutely refuse. You, sir, are little more than a common bandit, and I'll not let you take advantage of this poor and honest working man. Right then! Looks like somebody wants a beatin'! Guess we're done talking here. You ready for this? No former court sorceress worth her salt is ever NOT ready. And honestly, I'm a bit tickled at the thought of engaging in a scrap in this lovely getup.

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Say, do you notice anything...strange about these imperials? Their weapons are in terrible condition, and they don't seem very comfortable handling them. Looks like they might be soldiers defending the nearby border fort. Yes, perhaps. But what would bring such individuals to a place like this? ...Hmm? Curran, over there! Uh oh. That looks like an entire regiment of the Imperial Army! Are you the people who attacked my subordinates? ...Well? Out with it! Why, heavens no! We're just a pair of travelers in a VERY nice set of clothes. But never mind that, dearie—I take it you're the commanding officer here? In that case, I'd like to know why your people are crossing the border in order to harass this poor, innocent merchant? There's a festival being held in the town down the road, and it would be very poor form for you to disrupt such a grand event. Down the road? A festival? Ha ha ha! What's so funny, pal? Ah, but that is rich. I'll have to make sure to tell my superiors that one. Surely a pair like you can come up with a better excuse than a "festival"? What does that mean? Don't play dumb! I sussed out who you are the moment you came all the way out here to protect that merchant. You likely hoped to wear unusual clothes to conceal your identities, but you're clearly soldiers of New Alberia.  ! Heh. Surprised? The Empire isn't so dense as all that, it seems. There's no festival in that town—it's just an excuse to smuggle military supplies to the resistance! What the hell are you talking about?!