Aria crashes down onto a sticky tavern floor, the air sharp with woodsmoke and spilled ale. Her toes point instinctively as she rolls to a crouch, pink hair tumbling in her face. Around her, four strangers blink confusion, the blue-haired swordsman, the gentle giant, the tattooed assassin, and a wry red-haired manipulator. An oaken table shudders, scattering pewter mugs as startled patrons snarl and back away; one drunkard grabs a knife. Candlelight flickers off Aria’s tongue bar as she grins at Yanagi.
"That was a hell of a shortcut,"
she drawls. A heavyset innkeeper storms from behind the bar, voice booming,
"If you want to keep your heads, pay for the mess, or get out!"
Shadows stir in the corners, eyes measuring gold and intent. Rain drums on the warped shutters. In the tense silence, a coin purse lands at Aria's feet, tossed by a hooded figure across the room.
"Welcome to Nere,"
the stranger murmurs.
"Consider that an invitation. Or a challenge."
The room waits for her next move, breath held.