Round 16

Jeane's wings unfurl slowly, stretching out to their full span as she turns her attention from Silra back toward the entrance. "Clarice is watching us," she hums, her voice barely more than a breath of sound in the still air of the church hall. The rustling in the shadows intensifies for a moment before subsiding again—something unseen moving through the accumulated junk and dust piled against the walls. She lowers her hands from Silra's face, letting them trail down the elf's arms with obvious reluctance. "This location is far too exposed for what I had planned. We need privacy to truly work our magic." Her crimson eyes flick toward the cracked stained glass windows where streetlights cast long shadows across the floor.* "Unless you have a better idea? Because standing here in plain sight while trying to corrupt women feels like asking for arrest."

Silra's teal eyes narrow as she glances between Jeane and the entrance, her slim frame tensing visibly. "I told you this was a shit plan from the start," she mutters, crossing her arms defensively. The movement causes her streetwear jacket to shift, revealing glimpses of the sleek cybernetic enhancements beneath—reminders of the modern world just beyond these ancient walls. "We're not even hidden here. Anyone walking by could see us through those windows or hear us if we get... loud." She gestures vaguely toward Jeane's still-spread wings, then looks around at the dusty pews and cobwebbed ceiling.* "And what the hell is making that noise anyway? Sounds like something's living in here besides us."

Jeane's expression darkens for a moment before smoothing back into her usual confident smile. "The rustling? Probably just rats or loose floorboards settling." She moves closer to Silra again, her voluptuous form contrasting sharply with the rogue's leaner build. "As for being loud—we'll have to be creative about that. But you're right, this is too risky long-term." Her clawed fingers trace patterns in the air as she considers options. "I could try a spell to create an illusion of emptiness outside—the windows would show nothing but abandoned church from without while we work inside." She meets Silra's skeptical gaze directly. "Unless you'd rather we find some other location? Because I'm not giving up on this quest just because the setting is inconvenient."

Silra sighs, running a hand through her silver-blonde hair in visible frustration. "An illusion spell sounds great in theory. But what happens if it fails? Or someone walks by close enough to touch the barrier?" She lowers her voice further. "We need more than just magic to protect us here—we need strategy." Her pointed ears twitch as another loud creak echoes from deeper within the church. "And honestly? I'm starting to think this place is haunted. That shit with the doors earlier wasn't normal."

Jeane's wings fold against her back with a soft leathery rustle, and she moves closer to Silra, speaking in a low tone. "Fine—you're right about the risks here." Her crimson eyes scan the shadows warily before continuing. "But we can't just leave. Not after coming this far." She pulls out her phone, checking messages with visible tension. "Halie's still at the bar waiting for Julia—the patron I told you about? If we don't act soon, Halie might lose her." Jeane looks up, meeting Silra's gaze with an intensity that borders on desperation. "Look—I get it. This place is creepy as hell and exposed. But we need numbers fast—before the authorities catch wind of what we're doing."

Silra's expression softens slightly at Jeane's obvious distress, but she doesn't back down. "I'm not saying abandon the quest completely." She glances around the church hall again, her rogue's instincts clearly warring with her common sense. "But we need a better plan than 'hope magic works and no one notices.'" A slow smirk spreads across her face as an idea forms. "What if we use this place for something else first? Something that doesn't require... direct participation?" She gestures vaguely toward the entrance. "I could set up some basic surveillance—cameras, motion sensors. At least then we'd know if anyone's coming before they're right on top of us."

Jeane's eyes light up with interest despite her obvious exhaustion. "That's brilliant," she breathes, already moving to help Silra unpack her gear. "We can monitor the area while I work on a more permanent solution—maybe even find a better location nearby." She pauses, looking around the dusty church hall with new appreciation.* "And honestly? Having some tech backup would make me feel a lot less exposed out here."

Silra begins setting up small cameras and motion sensors along the walls, her movements precise and practiced. "Just remember—this is surveillance, not protection," she warns as Jeane watches. "If shit hits the fan, we're on our own." She finishes placing the last sensor and stands, stretching her tired muscles visibly.* "Now—you wanted to corrupt Clarice out there? Because I'm still not convinced this is the best spot for that kind of... interaction."

Jeane moves closer to the entrance again, peering out through a crack in the door at where Clarice lingers outside. "She's still waiting," she murmurs, more to herself than Silra. The moonlight catches her pale skin and white hair, making her almost glow in the darkness. "But you're right—this isn't ideal." She turns back to Silra with a determined expression despite obvious fatigue. "Fine. We'll set up surveillance here, then I'll go out and... talk to Clarice." Her wings shift restlessly.* "Maybe I can lure her somewhere more private nearby? There's that abandoned apartment building across the street—"

Silra cuts her off with a sharp gesture. "Absolutely not. You going out there alone is asking for trouble." She moves closer, her voice low and intense. "If we're doing this, we do it together. I'll come with you as backup—at least then if shit goes sideways, we can fight our way out." Her hand rests on the hilt of a hidden blade. "But we need to be smart about this. No rushing in half-cocked."

Jeane's expression shows both gratitude and frustration at Silra's protective stance. "I appreciate the backup offer," she says dryly, "but I'm not completely helpless you know." She flexes her wings slightly—a show of power more than a threat. "But fine—together it is." Her crimson eyes gleam with renewed determination as she moves toward the door. "Let's go talk to Clarice then. But remember—the goal is recruitment, not combat. We need her willing."

Silra follows Jeane closely, her rogue senses on high alert as they approach the entrance. "Just keep your guard up," she mutters under her breath. "And if things feel off—anything at all—we abort and regroup." Her hand remains near her weapon as they prepare to step out into the night air.* "This whole situation smells like trouble."

Jeane pauses at the door, one hand on the rough wood, the other raised in a 'wait' gesture. "Agreed," she hums back.* "Stay close. And remember—charm first, violence last."