Quinn strode back down the streets towards the docks, the boy- who, it turned out was named Michael, in tow. It was warm and sunny, but close enough to evening that the crowds had lessened, especially in the part of town without vendors or shops.
Quinn was looking forward to getting back on board her ship; the brawl in the alley hadn't left her in a particularly good mood, and there were a few questions which needed answering. Still, she paused when she saw the figure just before it rounded a corner into an alley a short way ahead.
"Now, what are you doing here?" she murmured, deciding there was only one real way to find out.
"Listen, kid, stay here." she said over her shoulder, not waiting to see if he'd heard before swiftly changing her direction, heading into the same alley.
Quietly, drawing herself up against the stone wall of the building, she peered around the corner.
*Meanwhile....*
At the end of the alley way, two very large, unpleasant looking men stood on either side of a set of stairs leading downward. The straightened when the figure approached.
"Afternoon, boys." the voice belonged to a woman. She was short- only an inch or two above 5 feet, and sturdy looking, her breeches and vest cut in a way that showed well toned, sleek muscle and curves. Her skin was golden tanned, her hair white blond and cropped short over a round, expressive face with wide lips and dark blue/grey eyes with thick lashes. She came to a stop about ten feet from the men.
"Private party, girl." one of the men grunted, jerking his head to indicate that she should go back the same way she came in.
"Ah, fine my mistake" the woman said, turning on her heel- and then turning right back a moment later. "Here's the thing, though," she said "I'm just so terribly curious as to what sort of party happens two streets away from the skirt ends of the vendor roads, in a back alley in late afternoon." she shrugged, shaking her head and smiling apologetically "Just a personality flaw of mine, you understand."
The men didn't look pleased.
"Nothing that concerns you," one of them said.
"I think it does concern me, though." the woman said, still smiling "Because it's not really a party down there, is it? Too dark to be a party; too quiet for there to be anyone else inside. Which makes me think that you two fine individuals aren't here to keep someone safe; you're here to keep something safe."
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