Stopping The Addiction

[*Selebius]

There are many tracks on the ground and Khari realizes soon that there may be a pattern- most leading to only two places nearby.

But she also realizes that she is watched. A woman following her, gaunt and pale, clad in roughspun clothes the colour of mud- on her lower arm a tattoo, looking like a rotting hand.

"Liquid Pain?" The men look at her curiously but also with the fear of those who do not really understand what is going on. "Is it the drug? A poison?"

[*Selebius]

At her warning they get nervous what she reveals to them about the drug was disturbing as well.

One of them looks back, scanning the crowd curiously but probably failing to see their shadow- however probably alarming said shadow about her quarry's increased vigilance.

"I.. I know this. It is painted at walls too. Deep in the Hive, down the way to the Trash Warrens. It is the Putrid Hands! Some are Collectors, some are thugs and other deal in drugs and other illegal stuff. They are a wicked bunch, really."

[*DarkArc]

"Let's just keep moving," Khari said. "We'll be fine if we can make it to the Clerk's Ward." With that, Khari hastened her pace.

[*Selebius]

Whoever their shadow is she is keeping her distance and Khari and her two companions arrive in the Lower Ward.

The air seems even worse there today, one of the portals open as a caravan from Gehenna arrives with ores for the foundry. Many creatures are around, carrying crates, chatting, arguing.

It should be easy for Khari to lead her companions somewhere safe, using the crowd to lose the spay- if she wants to.

[*DarkArc]

The young ranger decided to use the crowds to evade their stalker. She looked back more frequently, ready to run if she suspected a chase.

[*Selebius]

They are clear. Noone is following them anymore or if they are very, very good.

The ranger is dep in the Lower Ward now, her two Hiver Companions drawing some attention for their poor clothing and smell- but nothing too seriously.

Khari notices they stay a bit closer to her now- feeling uncomfortable off their hometurf.

"Where to now?"

[*DarkArc]

Khari pondered on that question, conflicted. She knew she would be safer off considering she lived in the Clerk's Ward, but the two Hivers didn't have that peace of mind. She feared she may have even made their situation worse.

"How much jink would it take for you two to start a new life and find employment? I fear the Hive will only get worse."

Khari thought about the Hiver's wife and what she could do to help her.

[*Selebius]

"... a new life? But I have family there. Relatives. Do you think there is no other way?"

The other man just shakes his head. "I have a wife, Miss. And I will not stop looking for her. I will not give her up. Thank you for your help... but I cannot run away, I fear."

[*DarkArc]

"I don't know. But stay away from that kitchen." Khari said. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

[*Selebius]

The Hiver who has lost his wife pulls his hood up and vanishes in the crowd wordlessly. There is something fatalistic in the way he moves and he seems to make his way back into the Hive quickly.

However the other Hiver answers her question in a different way, tugging his thumbs into his belt, sizing her up.

"There is always a way to help if you want to. I know I will do my best to fight whatever causes this.. staying away from trouble never makes it go away, you know.

"You want to help?" Gestures in the direction the other man took. "There is your chance."