Charlie nodded back and quickly paid for their purchases before leading the way back to the inn. "I have to admit, I'm curious about what this item he found is andd why it's so dangerous." she whispered, changing the topic for Irae's sake as she handed her her new pack.
Irae took it, looping it around her shoulders backwards so that it rested on her front, as her back was still healing. "I am too. It must be worth a fair amount too, probably."
Charlie bit her lip to keep from laughing at how Irae was wearing her pack once she remembered her injuries. “But is the price worth the risk?” she pointed out. “And what was… or is Elric’s “employer’s” intentions with such an item? Obviously, he has concerns otherwise he would have turned it over and received his payment.”
Irae nodded. "Do you think we should try to get it from him? He might be keeping it for his own purposes rather than keeping it out of concern for his employers purposes." She noted.
“I hadn't thought of that.” Charlie mused. “I got the impression that he was genuine but… that is a possibility.” she nodded slightly at Irae’s concern. “I guess we’ll find out when we see it and what it does.”
(sorry, took a nap)
Irae nodded. "That's fair." She mused, falling silent and following Charlie. When they got to the hotel, Irae glanced around for the guy.
(It's ok. I fell asleep)
Charlie sighed a little, her tail flicking as she scanned the inn for Elric, a mix of eagerness and caution filling her in regards to what he was going to tell them. “There he is.” she murmured before leading Irae towards the corner table where he was sitting.
Elric glanced up at the approaching footsteps, a hand reflexively going to his side for a moment, until he recognized the tiefling woman and “Rae”. He gestured at the empty seats and sighed. “Honestly… I was almost hoping you wouldn't come.” he admitted.
Irae's stare hardened at the words, and she set her bag next to her gently, looking the straps around her led so the bag couldn't be stolen. She stayed silent though. Charlie was better at talking to people, so she'd let her.
“Oh, really?” Charlie asked, playing along as she took a seat across from Elric but next to Irae. “And why is that?”
Elric shrugged. “I guess I'm just nervous telling anyone about this thing. Don't get me wrong, I’m also relieved that you are here because… I’m tired of being the only one to know about this and trying to figure out what to do with it.” he admitted before taking a drink of his ale.
Irae nodded. "Well? Let's see it." She said, watching Eldric intently. She had to admit that she was very curious. And she still didn't trust him, but knowing that he was slightly relieved to not be the only one knowing did help. A bit.
“So eager?” Elric chuckled as he set down his mug and reached into his bag. “Don't want a drink first or something?”
Charlie shook her head with a coy smirk. “Maybe later. For now, let's see this dangerous item.”
Elric shrugged and placed a cloth-wrapped tarnished metal handheld mirror onto the table. “Look at it all you want but don't look into it… And I’d recommend not touching it too much either.” he warned.
For its size the mirror was very detailed. Its metal frame was adorned with unsettling designs, only adding to its haunting intricacy. Carved into the cold surface were eerie images that were quite unsettling: a human skull draped in a menacing crown, a single, watchful eye glistening with an otherworldly gaze, and a scroll inscribed with delicate (but illegible) script, its quill piercing through an anatomically correct heart. The frame was further embellished with a dual-faced mask, one half serene and angelic, while the other reveals a monstrous visage, twisted in a silent scream.
Though Elric kept the actual mirror face obscured beneath a protective cloth, a tantalizing glimpse of what lay beneath could be caught along the edge. Instead of the expected reflection, a dark shimmer emerged, resembling polished black obsidian, smooth yet foreboding, tempting the viewer to peer deeper into its abyssal depths.
Irae tore her eyes away. "What does the mirror face do?" She asked. Trying not to look back at the glint, she curled her tail up around her chest. "Does it steal their souls? Switch your place with a mirror clone?" She asked.
“It’s complicated.” Elric sighed, deliberately not looking at the mirror. “It doesn't show a reflection like a normal mirror does. It gives a glimpse of whoever looks in it and… shows how it can change their fate, past, or even their very nature. I think that glimpse is just temptation at first but if you keep looking… then it becomes reality and there’s a good chance that you don't even realize that things have changed.” he explained with a furrowed brow.
Charlie shivered as she looked at the mirror. The imagery alone unsettled her but hearing what it did… “What did you see?” she asked. “I’m assuming you caught that glimpse.”
"Just a black glint. I'm trying hard not to look again. I'm curious what it might show me though. Did you see anything?" She asked, watching Charlie and Eldric.
Charlie shook her head. “I’m trying not to look either. I can’t say that I’m not curious but… I don't want to chance it.”
“I… it's because of the glimpse that I saw when I was sent after this thing that I realized I can't just turn it over.” Elric admitted softly.
"What was it?" Irae asked, her full attention back on Eldric. "What did you see that's so dangerous?" She was intrigued and more curious than ever.
"If you don't mind, I'd rather not talk about what I saw." Elric said, meeting Irae's eyes. "But based on what I saw… how much this thing can change everything, it's far too dangerous for the wrong person to use. I don't know the exact properties of it or if there's certian rituals to make sure of a certian out come, I don't know if there's a choice when you catch the glimpse or if that's a guaranteed change or if you look again you get a different outcome… but the more I think back on it, the more I remember feeling… uncomfortable around the guy who wanted us to get this mirror." he explained. "I don't think he wants it to just change his house. And plus, what kind of guy sends a group of thieves to retrieve an object for him when he clearly has some abilities of his own?"
Charlie nodded thoughtfully. "If he's that powerful, why didn't he go after this himself." she clarified. "Not to mention a party of heroes is much more reputable if his motives were to benefit anything ranging from his local village or a kingdom at large… assuming it and its outcome can be influenced."
Irae nodded. "Maybe.. we should go after him?" She suggested. "I mean, it might help, and we do t really have anything better to do." She shrugged.
"Eldric, you would have to join us though." She said, speaking more directly to him then she had before.
Charlie looked up at Irae, her yellow eyes bright with excitement, and smiled like she was just told it was her birthday. But Elric just looked like a weight had been lifted, leaning back against his chair, his shoulders dropping as he nodded.
“Of course.” he agreed. “Whether we stop him or find a way to… get rid of this mirror so no one can use it, I will help you.” he promised.
Irae nodded. "Should we set off tomorrow? Get a good rest before hand, meet up here, and head off?" She asked, aiming the question to everyone.
“Tomorrow works for me.” Elric nodded as he rewrapped the mirror and put it back in his bag. “I was actually thinking about leaving town already because of the fight in that one-way tunnel.”
“If you’re sure that others are going to keep coming after you, then leaving tomorrow is a good idea.” Charlie agreed. “At least, you won't be alone or such an easy target next time.” she added with a slight smirk.
Irae nodded. "Alright. What time and where should we meet?" She asked the others, still pointedly looking away from the mirror. "Should we meet for or after breakfast?"
"For breakfast is fine with me." Elric shrugged. "We can just meet at a table here and leave after." he suggested.
Charlie nodded. "That works for me too. Rae?"
Irae nodded. "Sounds fine to me. Anything else to talk about today?" She asked, leaning back.
"I can't think of anything." Elric admitted, shaking his head. "At least relating to… our upcoming adventure. Unless you ladies would like to join me for a drink, just get to know each other before we head out?" he offered.
Irae looked to Charlie. "I don't care either way. You?" She asked. "Or we could head to sleep early for a better start tomorrow."
“We can rest and get an early start.” Charlie shrugged. “Less chance of a second attempt of someone trying to catch him.” she pointed out.
“I’m not going to say that’s not a possibility but I think it’s unlikely since Echo and Sskarn were just here.” Elric explained. “They don't usually follow other groups so closely.”
Irae shrugged. "Are you staying here? Or somewhere else." She asked, stretching slightly. "If there are others nearby, it's probably safer for you to stay close."
“I have a room here.” Elric smiled softly. “I should be safe overnight here.”
“So do we, so we’ll be close.” Charlie informed him. “And I doubt he’s completely helpless either.” she smirked a little at Irae.
Irae shrugged. "I mean, we watched those guys take him. He can probably handle himself, but id still rather not take that chance."
She grabbed her bag. "Shall we?" She asked, holding a hand out to Charlie.