Teron rode through the sand and dust, a cloth covering the lower half of his face to keep it out of his mouth and nose at least. He pulled his horse to a stop at the top of a plateau and grinned to himself.

Down below, a large city sprawled in the sands. Beyond it, the sea spread, a shining blur in the far distance, marking the edge of the multicolored city. Low buildings and tents made up the majority of Calimport.

Teron eagerly moved his horse down the steep side of the plateau, picking his path carefully, but quickly. Once he was in the city, he moved into the center of the large place, picking his paths just as carefully as down the steep cliffs. Calimport, for all its splendor, wasn't called the city of filth hidden by gems for no reason. The place was as deadly as it was alluring. There was a king, of course, and his son "ruled" the city, but it was the Pashas you had to look out for. Pashas were the true rulers of the city, leaders of the 145 assassins' guilds whose territories made up the city's districts.

Teron, of course, left his horse at the stables at the city's entrance. Horses, and pack animals of every kind, were outlawed within the city. There wasn't room for them, what with the estimated two million citizens inside. And with everything else, he picked his way through the streets, weaving through the crowds as they moved along.

Teron passed an inn and paused, considering it, but he kept walking on. It was early enough that he'd have time to get a room later. He wanted to visit a friend first.

It was about mid-afternoon when the handsome young elf walked into the small hut, knocking on the door. But he knew the place served as a shop sometimes too, so he figured he could walk in. He looked around, taking a quick moment to allow his eyes and lungs to adjust to the smoke filled place. Incense burned from holders in several corners and moving into it like that took so getting used to. He held back a quiet cough. "Hello?" he called.

"I'm closed." A deep voice said from somewhere within the hut. His shadow was sillouted behind a lovely cloth curtain. "If you need healing there is plenty of room at the clinic." He could be seen picking at some herbs.

Teron smirked a bit, leaning against the wall. "Busy then, I presume?" he asked calmly, although half teasingly. "So busy you'd kick out an old friend?"

There was a long pause. "Teron?" He asked. Daaj immediately pushed back the curtain and he shook his head. "What are you doing here?" He asked slightly confused. "I thought you traveled south?"

Teron smirked at him. "That was months ago," he said lightly, waving that question away. "I'm back." He smiled easily at him. "Thought I'd check on you."

Daaj sighed. "Months already?" He asked with a chuckle. "Felt like minutes." He stood up and walked to him. "Well, welcome back. Where are my manners. Tea then? Yes?"

Teron chuckled a little and nodded. "Of course," he answered easily. He walked in a bit more and took a seat once he'd put on the tea. "So how have things been around here?"

Daa sighed and put the kettle on easily. "Rough." He said slowly. "The Pasha are moving in everyday." He murmured. "They're harassing citizens, abducting children. They've been lucky not to run into me, there brother."

Teron smirked a little. "So the silent war continues," he murmured. He wasn't too surprised. Calimport was old, ancient really. And so were the Pashas. They were always recruiting, one way or another.

Daaj sighed a bit and shook his head. He poured the leaves in the kettle slowly. "Well." He said slowly. "Its not so silent anymore." He didn't look at the man.

Teron frowned a bit, watching him. "Oh?" he asked curiously. "People risking complaining?"

Daaj poured the tea slowly. "No...no one is speaking." He whispered softly. "They're not even bothering to hide themselves anymore. I'd be careful.

Teron nodded. "Thanks for the heads up," he said calmly. "But you know me. I'm always careful. ...enough." He flashed him a teasing grin as he was passed his tea.

Daaj snorted. "You'd walk up to a wild elephant and ask it for directions." He sipped his own tea.

Teron chuckled, picking up his cup and enjoying the warmth of it in his hands for a moment. He didn't seem bothered by the desert heat outside. "Well if it looked like it might have the answer, yeah." He flashed him another grin and took a sip of the tea. Then he nodded. "Very good, as always."