Novelux Realgar Springs

[Inkedust]

On a cloudy morning, word had spread quickly of another break in on the industrial side of Realgar Springs. Workers complained about the bevy of tools and supplies taken to a concerning lack of local lawmon that had come to investigate the scene of the crime. They spoke to a hawlucha who kept her arms folded with a bored frown, a greying furfrou busy snuffling and sneezing out ruddy powder, staining his fur, and a vigoroth the Wayfarers quickly recognised as Jaak. Notably, the hawlucha was wearing any kind of badge identifying her as law enforcement.

"No doubt the work of Team Miror," said the furfrou in a hazy voice. "Quite notorious these days, aren't they?"

"Then it's beyond our scope," Hawlucha replied flatly. "Best wait for what's-her-name – the chestnaught – to come in and clear up this mess. Best not disturb the springs with all this noise either, you'll scare off the tourists."

Jaak harrumphed. "What of the supplies then? This stuff was meant to ship out to Magna City tomorrow, you know."

Furfrou brushed back his fur with both forepaws. "Yes, very pressing but I feel inclined to mention the recent kidnapping of that Tyrrian fellow who was staying in and subsequently taken from this very district. I believe that is a greater concern than supplies and tourists, wouldn't you say?"

"Nothing but testimony points to it being a kidnapping," Hawlucha countered. "It's just as likely he got lost and hasn't found his way back or nobody saw him around lately since he never goes out during the day."

"Oh here we go again," Jaak muttered beneath his breath. His reaction made it clear that this idle bickering would continue if they were not interrupted by someone else. Thankfully, his eyes widened with joy and relief the moment he caught the sight of the Wayfarers in the corner of his eye.

 

[Inkedust]

"They appear to be late risers, so strike early. I'm certain it will catch them off their guard," said Bellatrix when reporting her findings on Miror B.'s camp.

So, at the zoroark's behest, the Wayfarers were enroute to Team Miror's camp early in the morning, the sun barely peaking over the horizon. Luckily, it had been a straightforward journey with little distractions, giving the group ample time to shake off their grogginess and prepare for the inevitable fight ahead. Once their destination was reached, Bellatrix left the group to their own devices as she had other matters to attend to, allowing the remaining group to come up with their own strategies and plan of attack. Decisions that would be made beneath the watchful eye of several murkrow who'd been roosting nearby.

Getting a good look at the campsite, the Wayfarers would quickly realise that Team Miror had managed to claim quite a large area that encompassed a forest edge, its nearby clearings and a few rocky outcrops that connected to the nearby mines. At the base of these rough mounds were three tents, one being much larger than the other two; a hoard of supplies laid within this large tent, though it was difficult to discern any further specifics at the angle of approach. And at the centre of it all was a large rock with a flattop which could be used as a makeshift stage, making it apparent as to why this location was chosen as the dancing Cipher admin's main camp beyond the ample amounts of natural cover.

Looking further beyond the rock and fields, there was a large pool of surface runoff from the realgar mines. The water appeared to be closer to mud in consistency and its ruddy surface tarnished in the morning light – which seemed to be a little brighter there compared to the rest of the camp, likely due to the lack of shade. More importantly however, was the unconscious ninetales strewn across a rock close to the centre of the deep, red puddle. He looked to be in very poor shape after being at the mercy of the quaquaval and his posse, his sliver fur, which would have gleamed beautifully in the sunlight, was caked in mud and deeply stained by the realgar.

There seemed to be no sign of Team Miror, giving the Wayfarers an opportunity to approach. Were they still sleeping in their tents?