How Things Are

ten

Time to leave. Deep breaths. We had to change our clothes because more Dragon Mafia was patrolling Neutral zone. Winwrey is now sporting a faulty Samari bun while mine is covered by the beanie hat I stole. She has a black duster coat, black pants, and new boots. Win hemmed her dead masters' shirt to fit her better. She has more knives to hide within her coat I stole or found.
I just snatched myself a new jacket. Has a few more buttons for my liking and it goes past my knees however beggars can't be choosers. Or should I say thieves shouldn't complain? I hemmed that up as well so it looks more like a mini cloak. New boots for me as well. The acid from that squid creature plus all the walking did some damage.
Getting papers to show for her was easy. I got a new one for myself as well just in case my ID was compromised. Walking and killing in two groups on Death Road will spread your name if someone is looking hard enough.

We both are closer to the opposite gate than the one we entered. It took a while to walk through the Neutral zone while avoiding any Dragons or those with them. Any symbol covered is a red light we sneak in the opposite direction.

As we walk out like I predicted, there's someone here to check our papers. He's probably being paid. In this place, people come and go freely. I could complain but if I disrespect stronger power they'd kill me. I'm but a humble traveler with a comrade simply crossing one city border into another. Winwrey handed hers over as well.
There was no expression on this guy's face. I couldn't tell what he knew. He let us go. People with fake papers are allowed through if done right. Whether it's because that person knows the forger or just because they don't care if that person is wanted somewhere else. Once they enter a new city it's not their problem. If we are stopped it's because they know. It's as simple as that.
As we walk past I catch the border guy still looking at our backs. He's memorized our faces. I'm probably being paranoid.

The town outside was pretty peaceful, to put it mildly. Nobody attacked. I always expected the worst but some people just wanna live their lives nice and calm. There are a few Inns, as well as some go-to tourist spots. One town before a big City would have a place to get the best Keychain. A few diners. Bed and breakfasts. All of these however run by gangsters.
Huh. Wonder how much bleach these motels use on their curtains to get blood off? Customer service isn't probably the best everywhere. The smiles are more like snickers waiting to con you at every shop. Yet there's no fighting. From what I gathered the bed and breakfast will turn into small gambling rooms at night. Winrey and I decided we'd walk through to the next town and sleep there.

That Town is a little more noisy and may be trouble. It's known for its booze. I'm not a drinker, however, I heard the port stays busy for a place so small. One small family owns the place and men are sent from everywhere to collect the limited they have each year so they're expensive. This family found a second aging process- (that could be a myth for drunks to dream about). Once that rumor spread Mafia thought they were fake so stopped buying. They still make good money. A noisy place is what we're looking for so it's perfect.
Winwrey and I will order the cheapest bottle as a "gift", and head out in the morning. Easy peazy! Never insult a Town by denying what's on its special.