After the man left, and the healer was busy fussing with her items, Raven pushed to her feet. She was unsteady and awkward, but the bandaged leg held her weight. Testing out a crutch she found leaning in the corner, she began moving, trying to work out the stiffness in her body in preparation to leave. There was a sound outside, attracting her attention enough to bring her to the window. She saw the fight as it was under way, easly recognizing the man who'd called himself Jarvan.<br/><br/>But who was he fighting? She leaned closer, unsure whether or not she should step in and help one or the other... and then she froze. Her eyes widened slightly, gaze locking on the assassin. She knew that face. Seeing it did little to calm her nerves. He could only be here for one reason. When she saw him suddenly stop his attack, staring in surprise at Jarvan's face, she let her own gaze linger on Jarvan's profile. It was then that she saw it. The reason she recognized him. Her blood ran cold.<br/><br/>Troubled into silence she paced back to her chair and sat. Just then, Jarvan burst back into the house and began speaking. She repsonded neutrally, doing her best to keep up a calm demeanor. When Jarvan had completed his report, she answered in a serious tone.<br/><br/>"He'll likely be back... and soon. We need to be well hidden by the time he does. He wont come to talk. We need to get moving. Do you have everything you need?"<br/><br/>There was nothing she had to prepare or gather, as the men who'd captured her had taken everything that belonged to her. Some of those items had been priceless. She grit her teeth in frustration at the loss. She would have to do without.<br/><br/>When a new figure suddenly burst into the door, she shoved to her feet, hand gripping the crutch in preparation to wield it if the situation called for it. When it seemed there was no immediate threat, she calmed slightly, chosing to simply listen to the conversation rather than interject. It wasn't until the stranger turned to her that she spoke, responding to his words.<br/><br/>"Now is not the time for idle drinking or a friendly meal my friend. The healer is right. We need to be going. Unless you have business with her..." she trailed off, leaving the rest of the sentence to go implied rather than spoken.<br/><br/>The last thing she expected was for this unknown man to throw his lot in with theirs. Only a fool would do such a thing when it was clear danger was so close. A fool, or a fiend. She didn't trust him, either way.<br/><br/>"Whether you are all with me or not..." she was finished waiting and stalling. She moved toward the door, "It is time we set out. That storm is approaching fast. I wont stand for it while I've a breath in my body with which to oppose it. We need to find Kell."<br/><br/>With that, she limped out into the square and headed off toward the rougher end of town. Her progress was slow, painfully so, but she neer waivered. She moved as fast as she could, hobbling along in the darkness. She never checked to see if they came along with her, assuming that they would either follow, or run to find somewhere to hide. Approaching the alley, she slowed, pausing to look around and make sure there was no one around to witness what she was about to do.<br/><br/>---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br/><br/>Kell's true nature was not harsh enough to hide the look of understanding in his eyes. He had no desire to thrust these men from his company. He truly wanted to simply trust his instinct regarding them. He had his men to think of, however. If they saw him do such a thing, his rule over them would be compromised. He would face mutiny in a time of crisis, which would spell ruin for them all. Unable to speak differently, he stood firm, keeping his ground as he faced the strangers.<br/><br/>As he turned to look at his companion, Kell spoke up, inserting his own comments. "Responsible or no... my opinion here is not what matters. You came with her. She broke her word and openly threatened my life. I cannot know whether she is alive or gone from this world, as you claim. My only option is to go on what I know. I know that she has seen too much. I know that she fled. I have to act on that." glancing at the boy, Jimmy, he whistled sharply, "You. Boy! Are you ready?"<br/><br/>When the stranger continued speaking, he stopped talking, though he began walking as he listened, leading them through the caves. He walked quickly, pushing past the people rushing about, ignoring the preparations to cast the spell.<br/><br/>When they reached the portal, and the strager was finished speaking, he nodded, and answered in a low tone. There were none around to hear his words, giving him the freedom to speak openly.<br/><br/>"This is the most I can do for you, my friends. Do not take this as a dismissal, as it appears. I must maintain the image of control or lose the trust my people have given me. They trust my judgement and my strength. This breach cannot be ignored. I have to act. Whether you were with her or not, is beside the point to my mind. I know a true soul when I meet it. Come with me now, and let me take you from this place. When all is finished here, we will be in a better position to strike back against our enemy regardless. Trust me, my friends, as I have trusted you."<br/><br/>He completed a rune on the wall and the portal appeared. Stepping back, he looked to the strangers, and the boy, waiting for their response.