Confrontation, Aftermath and Elena’s Proposition

Criminal Activity

Day 30 (Morning):   The Iron Fists and Syndicate make final preparations for the meeting. The Iron Fists position a squad of ten men in the inn’s rooms, with Brutus and his second-in-command in the common room, and two enforcers outside. Aurelius and his second are seated with Brutus, their operatives disguised as patrons, ready to use smoke satchels if needed.   Day 31 (Evening):   Dust tips off the Royal Guard about the meeting, leading to a deadly confrontation at the inn. The Royal Guard breaches the inn, Seraphina is mortally wounded by a crossbow bolt from Dust’s hidden man, Brutus is slain in the ensuing chaos, and Aurelius is captured, marking a decisive blow against both factions.   Day 45 (Evening):   Dust, still reflecting on the fallout from the events, is having dinner at The Weary Traveler Inn. The familiar scent of cloves alerts him to Elena’s presence. A note under his mug instructs him to meet her in his room.   Later that Evening: Dust finds Elena in his room, immaculately dressed and flirty. She congratulates him on passing her test and informs him that he is now part of the Hand. As an added bonus, she has arranged a meeting with her patron, Raven, as Dust requested. Before leaving, she leaves Dust with a "gift"—the severed head of Garrick Thorn in a beautifully carved black wooden box tied with a crimson ribbon.