Feri spent the next week guiding Asinis through the city’s shadows to search for hints of Gunilla, but no lead led to an end. She often decided to leave Silas behind, though guilt plagued her every time she did. Too many people roused attention, and since Mr. Noarwin often disappeared, Silas remained home alone. Not today, though. When Feri realized Mr. Noarwin meant to meet with Captain Fairwind, she left Asinis too and tailed the informant spy to the cathedral he often visited. He didn't notice her. Whether that was due to his focus or because she made a living of sneaking around, she didn't know.

Getting into the cathedral proved easy after spotting an open window and putting away her ring. While Mr. Noarwin walked through the front door, she scurried up the side of the building, slipped in, and followed him by way of the ceiling. The beams and supports provided enough hiding places and a path to every corner. A few cobwebs caught her foot, dust tickled her nose. She held her breath so she wouldn’t sneeze. She nearly lost Mr. Noarwin, but then a bishop intercepted him, providing her time to catch up. The two chatted. She couldn't hear them, but she sensed Mr. Noarwin attempting light conversation despite the tension he carried. The bishop noticed and led him to an office. It took Feri a moment to find her way in after Mr. Noarwin entered, but a vent allowing airflow to each chamber provided her enough crawl space to pinch through and poise herself where she hoped neither Mr. Noarwin nor Captain Fairwind would notice her.

"You have news?" Captain Fairwind didn't look up from his map. With a squint, Feri could see several towns and cities, even pockets of villages, crossed off. He stewed over it. One eye searching before he sighed and set it aside.

Mr. Noarwin frowned at it and then began, "Have you any knowledge of Lunis?" he asked.

Feri's heart clenched, and she glanced at Captain Fairwind. She felt a moment in which his head twitched as if to look in her direction. She held her breath, arching her back further into the corner she balanced in and using what fragile connection she had to Lunis to draw the shadows in around her. Captain Fairwind didn't turn around.

"Trickster of the Dark Side of the Moon," Captain Fairwind said. "At least. That is what his followers believe."

"And what do you believe?" Mr. Noarwin asked.

"That I have no interest in the boogie man," he said.

Feri's jaw tightened. She wanted to show him the boogie man.

"I have come into some information. Which I'm surprised to say I've verified. He is not the skulking snake those who know of him believe him to be," Mr. Noarwin said. Feri straightened. Mr. Noarwin had been researching Lunis? "There isn't much information about him. But there is also no record of him encouraging villainy save for what seems to be a series of, admittedly, deviant pranks."

"And we are discussing this unverified god because...?"

"Because the anti-magic group I've previously reported to you may have destroyed the moon wells in order to weaken Lunis Wardens," Mr. Noarwin explained, "rather than stunt the flow of Celume's magic."

"Interesting. Lunis Wardens. They are the police of assassins among other things."

It took Feri’s concentration not to guiltily clear her throat. Thieves, pranksters, secret keepers. Wardens didn’t have the most sterling reputation, but her record from childhood was even less so. Lunis had focused her talents and energy... and he saved her life. That sort of a being wasn't bad, and he certainly wouldn't blow innocent people up.

"You've heard of them?" Mr. Noarwin asked. Captain Fairwind didn't reply. "I've received news that those who draw their magic from the moon wells are experiencing difficulty in using their magic," Mr. Noarwin continued.

"Logically so. Those who rely on the gods' vessels to provide them mana would. I will send someone to inquire at a selection of Celume's temples and gauge its effect. There’s a paladin staying at the adventurer’s inn, Fortune’s Cradle. Interview her,” Captain Fairwind commanded Mr. Noarwin.

“Ah, a lady?” Mr. Noarwin grinned.

Feri squinted at him. Did he think women easier targets, or did he take more pleasure in manipulating them? She hadn’t decided her opinion on Mr. Noarwin. Sometimes he seemed like a frivolous playboy, others a perfect gentleman who would not consider toying with a lady. Feri didn't like his charisma, but she was biased due to a bad experience. There were some women who enjoyed fleeting, noncommittal attention. Mr. Noarwin didn't flirt with Feri, but he also treated her well. Being a dy'adrin, a race he respected, had paid off in that regard, but she also wondered if his lack of interest was due to her looks.

“Your wiles will soar over her head, Gavriel," Captain Fairwind warned. Above, Feri tilted her head. Gavriel? Wasn’t his name Noarwin? "Don’t waste your time. They say she responds best to direct honesty.”

“Don’t all paladin,” Mr. Noarwin sighed at the bore of it.

“Her in particular. Be careful. She isn’t like most of her vocation.”

Mr. Noarwin paused and leaned against the desk as he crossed his arms and ankles. “I am intrigued. What makes her different?” he asked.

“I wouldn’t know. I’ve only heard say among the adventurers I sometimes employ.” Captain Fairwind didn't seem too worried as he found crossing out additional parts on his map more interesting.

Mr. Noarwin and Feri watched his pen scratch across one section of a town and then a whole village. The somber look on Mr. Noarwin's face made Feri wonder what it was all about, but then he shrugged. “Fair enough,” he said and swept around with a flourish. He left, and Feri darted through the rafters ahead of him. She avoided the parts that had slowed her down the first time and emerged from the cathedral window from before. Then she clambered down to jump in front of Mr. Noarwin, her ring back in place. He froze. “Why, Miss Abby. What are you doing away from the boys?” he asked.

She sensed genuine surprise from him for the first time and felt slightly elated by her success. “I want to come with you, Mr. Noarwin,” she said.

“Hm? Go with me where?” He spoke as if he didn't know she'd been spying on him. That tickled her, though she reminded herself his lack of perception might have stemmed from his intent rather than her talent.

“To see the paladin," she said.

Mr. Noarwin narrowed his eyes and looked behind him the way he’d come. “And what talent, pray tell, told you I was on my way to see a paladin?” he asked as he turned to eye her. Feri kept her mouth tight and glared at him. She had no intention of being left behind or divulging her secrets. Especially if he didn't believe Lunis real. “Huh.” Mr. Noarwin spent another moment analyzing her. The cogs turned in his head. Then he shrugged, his expression indicating he stopped caring. “Very well. Come along.”

They walked through the cobblestone streets toward a busier part of the city, though Mr. Noarwin kept them from entering Sajna, the west plaza. He dropped his gaze to Feri on occasion. Part to make sure he hadn’t lost her among the various city citizens and also to see if she was alright. She couldn’t blame him. The more crowded it grew the more she twitched, but she needed to meet this paladin Captain Fairwind spoke of.

They eventually found Fortune’s Cradle wedged between an adventuring goods shop and a herbs and medicine store. They went in to discover a warm, noisy ambiance. Several men and women dined in the most immediate section of the inn. Some hunched over a drink at a bar, which took up the left side. Posts spotted throughout it to support the upper floors. Mr. Noarwin strode to the bar and set down a few coins.

“A drink for myself and my friend, please,” he said to the muzuru, a feline biped. Feri had seen them before. Their kind varied in species. Some looked tiger or lion-like, others took on a small or lean build reminiscent of other cats. This one's arms and legs were thin and its fur tan and spotted. Feri didn't know its base species, but she thought his pattern beautiful.

He looked at Mr. Noarwin leaning over the counter. “Sure,” he said in a rough voice. He turned around, showing his tail plated in reptile-like scales with a spearhead tip wrapped in leather. It was the trademark feature of a muzuru, which separated them from their feline ancestors. Feri had heard the plating grew in parts under their fur for a sort of natural armor, but it didn't cover everything. She wondered if it were true but decided now not the time to ask. He pulled a lever and filled two glasses, then he swirled back around and set them on the counter.

Feri reached up for hers. When the muzuru saw, he nudged it closer for her. She teased it further with her fingertips then caught it and drank. Mr. Noarwin enjoyed his a moment himself then set it down.

“Ah. That’s good. What’s your name, friend?” Mr. Noarwin asked as the muzuru got to polishing some glasses brought out from the back to restock.

“Tipt,” he said. “And who am I serving today?” he asked, leaning over to glance at Feri half-way done with her drink.

She swallowed and cleared her throat of the warm, buttery sweetness. Her nerves had made her parched. “Abby,” she said.

Tipt glanced at Mr. Noarwin. “Mr. Noarwin,” Mr. Noarwin said. “I hear there’s a lady paladin around here. Is she available?”

“Hm? Sure. She doesn’t like visitors though.”

“Even when being sought for a job?” Mr. Noarwin asked.

Tipt shrugged. “I don’t mind her business.”

“Is she a permanent resident here?” Mr. Noarwin drummed his fingers on the side of his mug, one hand supporting his chin. Feri wondered the same. Most inns didn’t keep residents, but it sounded like she might be one.

“Eh.” Tipt made a face. “She’s not the type to wander too far or take any noisy jobs. She pays when she stays and keeps the board clear of the more pest control type of posts.” He pointed at the quest board across from the bar.

“Hm. Interesting. So not very powerful?” Mr. Noarwin asked. That seemed an interesting assessment considering Captain Fairwind's warning, but not all who were dangerous were also powerful.

“I wouldn’t know. She keeps to herself and doesn’t like anyone nosing around. So, if you’re looking into her personal life, you won’t find any information here,” Tipt warned.

“And how best do we come into contact with her?” Mr. Noarwin asked.

“I’ll send Reese to ask her to come down.” Tipt set down the glass he finished and walked into the back. A little boy with a mess of black hair dashed out moments after and scrambled up the stairs. His momentum threw him forward, forcing him to catch himself and pedal the rest of the way on his hands and feet. Tipt returned.

“Ah, Mr. Tipt. Does this paladin have a name?” Feri asked.

Tipt smirked. “That always takes people by surprise, I’ll let you ask her yourself.”

“Thank you, Mr. Tipt.” Mr. Noarwin set down a gold coin. Tipt nodded in thanks and slipped it into his pocket before moving on to the next customer.

Feri's eyes widened. "That was a mighty tip, Mr. Noarwin," she said.

Mr. Noarwin winked at her. "People like big tips."

“Down here, Miss Paladin!” The boy returned, jumping the last three stairs before looking back at someone following him.

Mr. Noarwin helped Feri onto a stool, and the two pressed shoulders together to peer through the crowd at the person coming. A young woman, not far into her twenties, appeared at the bottom step. Silver flaxen hair waved over her shoulders to the middle of her back. Silver eyes with flecks of gold reflected bits of light. She wore gleaming, well-used plating covered in a white tabard cinched by a belt. A kite shield was strapped to her arm, and a trident crossed her back. She observed the direction the boy pointed at Feri and Mr. Noarwin, and they thought themselves struck in awe. She looked like a holy maiden in her battle-ready attire.