The few short hours before the group reconvened at the Floating Dragon passed much too quickly, in Michta Vess's opinion. He had spent the better part of an hour in his room, drinking two cups of tea, so lost in thought that the flavor hardly registered on his tongue. His gaze occasionally settled on the crystal ball that sat silently upon its cradle on the table before him, wondering if he dared to try and use his powers, if only for a moment.
Eventually, he rose from his perch and donned a set of relatively plain black clothing, a silky tunic and sleek trousers. He was loathe to expose his more costly garments to whatever the Bloodletters had planned for him, deigning to keep his manner of dress simple and comfortable enough without diminishing his presence. Without his typical robes, he looked much smaller than usual, his tiny frame making him appear to be more vulnerable than ever. Though he stood with as much poise as he had the first time he had spoken with the Lady Warden, it did little to hide his delicate build.
Descending the staircase into the commons area, he laid eyes on Castor, who was, surprisingly, waiting for him instead of trying to woo the patrons and staff. The captain joined him without a word, and Michta led them out into the street, glancing about absently.
"Are your men ready, Captain?"
"Have been for an hour. I don't like this, elfling."
"You don't have to." Michta replied, doing his best to kill the inflection in his voice. "Just make sure that you stick to the plan. We've been dealt a wild card, and we have to be ready to play it at just the right moment. Otherwise, I am doing this for nothing."
He stopped, turning to face the swordsman, his expression earnest. "And Captain? You mustn't say anything to the others. They must believe that the plan is as we discussed. We cannot afford to have them doubting what they see with their own eyes. If that happens, Crucia will become suspicious."
Castor looked away with a grimace, nodding stiffly. Michta relaxed somewhat, content with the swordsman's obedience. He faced the street once more, looking for the others.
"Perhaps you should go and ready your horse." he suggested quietly.