<b><span style="font-size: 18px">Beldabar's Rest</span></b><br/><br/><span style="font-size: 15px">Letting Lars depart without commenting on his uncouth manner, Ixana reorients herself in Ivan's direction. And a pleasant enough task that is, her smile turning from polite business to a dreamy, contended thing. <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"Such gruffness did not bode well for his treatment of the rescuers, but you, sir seem more interested in their welfare." </span><br/>
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There was something still a bit odd about Ivan's intensity on the specifics of the plan, but she figures a few details wouldn't hurt. She glances around to make sure prying ears are not present, before continuing with lowered voice, <span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"Indeed, sir, we have arranged to be transported to their very stronghold. My associate, a master binder whose savvy and prowess are matched only by his shortness of stature, will be demonstrating several of his crafts. The intention is for you to accompany him as his bodyguard. I will also be in attendance as his assistant, to help with the demonstration. Given my situation and my associate's small size, the miscreants will not consider either of us threats. Of course, you will be a different story, but surely they cannot refuse a master artisan a single bodyguard." </span><br/>
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<span class="fixed-color" style="color:null">It was a fine plan, even if Ixana did say so herself. All it required was two loyal companions with pure intentions, a little gullibility on the part of the guards, and a dash of luck to find Lo'anta and the other prisoners before the ruffians could respond in force. Strongholds were designed to keep people out, not in, nor were they much use against internal threats. True, it would be better if she had an actual floorplan, or a location of the stronghold, or a size of the force, or really any information at all. But those were just details. Common sense said the place should crack like an egg once they were caught off-guard from within. <br/>
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Ixana brushes a bit of blonde hair out of her eyeline. </span><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(44, 130, 201)">"So, I know you are a dashing and gallant adventurer. Anything else a lady should know about you?"</span></span>