Hans von Eisenhart and Shuna arrived at the outskirts of E‑Naeul just after midday. The city's distant silhouette rose against a brilliant blue sky—a tapestry of weathered stone and bustling harbor life. Instead of heading straight into the heart of E‑Naeul, the couple exchanged a knowing glance and set their plan into motion.
They spent the early hours surveying the lower quarter of the city. Discreetly, their eyes caught sight of a cluster of dilapidated warehouses near a narrow back alley—a base of operations for a band of thieves. Murmurs on the street painted a picture of a criminal gang notorious for abducting unsuspecting citizens, including several children, and extorting money from local merchants.
After a quiet discussion away from prying eyes, Hans nodded to Shuna. "Let's make our move. It's time to clean up these shadows—and earn some coin while we're at it."
With subtle movements, the couple slipped into the labyrinthine side streets. Their approach was stealthy. They circled the crime base until they had a clear view of the compound's weaknesses. Hans noted the positions of sentries and patrolling members, while Shuna quietly relayed her observations. Their plan was simple yet precise: infiltrate, disable the guards, eliminate the gang, free the captives, and take the criminals' ill-gotten gains thus securing funds.
Under the cover of discreet shadows, the couple launched their assault. Hans led with swift; his blade flashed with lethal precision as he engaged the first wave of guards. Shuna followed, her summoned shadows dancing at her command as she wove between foes and cast measured spells that disoriented and subdued. Within minutes, the compound erupted into controlled chaos.
A brief but fierce skirmish ensued in one of the crumbling warehouses, echoing with clashing steel and urgent whispers of magic. The duo's teamwork was flawless; guards were overwhelmed before they could raise an effective alarm. In the confusion, several hostages—young and old—were discovered locked in a makeshift cell. Hans's signalled Shuna as she quickly picked the lock using her magic, freeing a group of frightened villagers and children.
After the firefight, Hans and Shuna ransacked the criminals' hideout, gathering stacks of pilfered coin and items that was valuable even the documents for further study later on. Knowing that such "acquisitions" would reveal to him the people in cahoots with these thieves—and perhaps later be channeled into more strategic ends—Hans transferred the treasure into his pocket dimension. Their raid was complete; the compound was silent bloodied by the torn apart bodies of the thieves.
By the time they finished, the sun was descending, casting long shadows across the ruined compound. The rescued captives were quickly ushered away by local authorities alerted by the aftermath, and the criminals' money had been secured. Hans and Shuna exhaled a sigh of relief, their mission a resounding success.
"It's almost sunset," Shuna remarked, glancing upward as the golden light spilled across the quiet streets. "We should find an inn to call our temporary base."
Without missing a beat, Shuna summoned a small bird-like familiar. With a few murmured words, a soft veil of green light coalesced around them, marking the path through less conspicuous alleys. "This way," she instructed, leading them toward a narrow, cobbled passageway.
"Where to?" Hans asked, his tone low and curious as he followed her lead.
"A charming inn known as the Mezzo Haven," Shuna replied with a playful lilt, "It should be fancy enough for us to rest in."
Under the gathering dusk, they reached the modest but welcoming establishment. The following morning, the faint light of dawn revealed a tired Shuna stretching with a soft complaint. "I can't believe you made me do such an embarassing thing last night." she said with a slight pout as she adjusted her cloak.
Hans looked over at her with a sincere, apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. Next time, I promise—I'll go easier on you."
Shuna's playful retort was immediate: "Hmpf. Let's head to the Adventurer's Guild and register. That it why we came here after all."
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