The Theiri capitol city was a buzz with activity, bakers, brewers, cooks and tailors all readying their wares for the assumed influx of foreign business, sure to accompany the Aserit royalty. Joined by the infamous ranks of the Bloody Ravens, many eager to sample the much renowned culture and nightlife of the Capitol City. Despite the music and scent of freshly cooked food, Sanguine's sharp senses could smell the stench of poverty behind it all. Unwashed masses, who could afford no more than one set of clothes, fabric so worn through that one wash would grind the clothes to dust. Such could well have been Sanguine's fate, had it not been for the bandits.<br/><br/>Eyes, San's faithful, silver wolf-dog, smelled the stench as well. Though she tended to sniff much more deeply of the smells of fresh baked goods.<br/><br/>"Not now, girl." Sanguine warned Eyes, tugging faintly at her harness. "We'll have plenty of cakes and meat after it's all finished. We're working now. Stay the course."<br/><br/>With Eyes helping him to avoid potholes and stray rocks, Sanguine made his way through the city. At the center of the city, the blind man in dark cloaks made his way to the palace gates. Eyes began to snarl as the guards readied their weapons and halted Sanguine's advance with a light prod of a lance to his chest.<br/><br/>"Hold it right there, stranger." The guard on Sanguine's right spoke first. "The palace isn't holding court today, turn around and go back the way you came."<br/><br/>"I'm aware of the events taking place in the palace this evening. In fact I am a scout sent by Henrik and the Aserit Bloody Ravens to ensure that the royal family isn't being led into an ambush. Something your lance in my chest does not bode well for." Sanguine said flatly, a practiced liar telling a convenient half truth. "Shall I return to Lord Henrik and inform him that none at all shall be admitted?"<br/><br/>"What? We should let you in just off your say so?" The other guard chimed in. "Let you fully armed and armored into the palace that you might look around?"<br/><br/>"Besides, animals are not permitted within the palace." The first guard added.<br/><br/>Sanguine just sighed and brushed his hood back over his head to show his pale, sightless eyes.<br/><br/>"You may disarm me if you please, and my sight-hound will wait for me here. I only wish to be shown to the room where the meeting will be held. My name is Sanguine and I am no soldier. I am merely a hired sword, viewed as expendable to those who have bought my loyalty. If I give no report, I will be assumed dead and all these preparations will be for naught." Sanguine continued on, now lying through his teeth. "Will you let me in or not?"<br/><br/>In truth, Henrik had merely offered to hire Sanguine, were the peace talks to fail. When the Bloody Ravens raided the camp that Sanguine had called home for several years, San did what he could to disassociate himself from the criminals and prove himself useful to the conquering Prince. San had decided not to follow the others back to Aserit, lest the king or queen deem him a criminal and decide they would need no help from a blind assassin. Instead San opted to scout the Theiri palace, both for the Aserit royalty and the contract he hoped would follow an unsuccessful negotiation.<br/><br/>Out of sight, out of mind.<br/><br/>"Wait here. We'll send word to the royal court. We shall see if they will receive you, if only to wonder at this hired blind scout." The first guard said curtly, removing Sanguine's heavy blade from its ring scabbard. "If not, you'll swing from a short rope."