<strong>Ada Stonewrought<br/>Sundon<br/>The Sunset's Beauty Inn, Common Room</strong><br/><br/>Once again, Ada found himself forced into following the redheaded woman.  As she led him away from the bar, he flashed a wistful, "Look what I've gotten myself into now," smile at the innkeeper.  She led him along the bar, heading deeper into the building.  A store room was it?  Ada supposed it was secret enough.  He stepped inside, nodding at the sturdy lock she slammed shut on the thick door.  They wouldn't be disturbed by anything less than a battering ram in here.<br/><br/>Realizing he had left his back turned against a unknown, Ada whirled around, hands ready to sprout claws.  His caution, although sensible, proved to be unfounded.  The woman stood off to one side.  He listened carefully, studying the trap door, but not making any move to investigate her belongings.  One could never be to careful: crouching over that, he'd be vulnerable to a dagger between the ribs, or a smoke trap going off in his face.  Besides, the more trusting and/or foolish he came across as, the better.  Tricking the enemy into underestimating you was an extremely effective way of surprising them when the time came.<br/><br/>When she stepped on the pallet and disrobed, Ada watched breathlessly.  She really was pretty, a true siren.  As beautiful as his wife, although in different ways.  The color of their eyes, the curve of their--<em>Focus!</em>The punch dagger looked well crafted and well cared for.  It may be off her now, but he'd have to be aware of it in the future.  And the pick in the hair.  This woman was full of surprises.  Ada fought the urge to grin; he did not want to appear to be leering.<br/><br/>What she said next stunned him.  This was about the Succession?  She was in the Secret Guard?  If the supporters of King Philip were looking for him, then perhaps Matthew was as well, and he doubted his louts would be as friendly.  Ada wet a suddenly dry mouth, looking thoughtful and serious despite his racing thoughts.<br/><br/>Regardless of her actual allegiance, this woman put herself in great danger by taking either side.  She could not have done this lightly.  Ada had always been a confident man, but he knew that he wasn't important enough to warrant such a complex and risky trap for his death.  So, she was telling the truth.<br/><br/>The question now was whether to accept or deny.  That was an easy choice.  He had not seen his family in over half a decade, and siding with Philip seemed to be the only way to see them again.  And he certainly wouldn't swear fealty to Matthew, the runt who dared to deny Ada his rights!<br/><br/>Ada realized his fists were clenched and relaxed them.  He did not want to frighten her unnecessarily.<br/><br/>Finally, after almost a full minute, he nodded.  "You're braver than half the men I fought with in the North, miss.  And I accept your offer."  He stepped up to her, cautiously with hands empty, and bent down to pick up her dress off of the floor.  He averted his gaze respectfully and handed it to her, then turned to face the eastern wall.  His posture was relaxed, but he was ready to defend himself in an instant.<br/><br/>"Two things," he said, eying her pile of belongings.  "First, I'd rather you not call me by my honorifics.  It's grating.  My name is Ada.  Second, I cannot trust you until I arrive at the camp, but that shouldn't stop me from knowing your name."<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">Character Stats</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Ada Stonewrought<br/>Level 3 Sorceror</strong><br/>HP: 20<br/>Subdual: 20<br/>AC: 15<br/><br/><strong>Spell Slots Remaining</strong><br/>Cantrips- ∞<br/>1st - 1<br/>2nd - 1<br/><br/>Character Sheet (http://www.dndsheets.net/view.php?id=38840)</div></div>