Posts from Rotterdam Forest Spider (Morning) Auto-translated

- Do you have any proof?

--Of course not. Do I look like a humanoid who has proof? The only thing I rely on is chance. It just so happens that this hobbit is currently in the same city as I am. That's the simplest explanation. A little more complicated is the fact that I somehow ended up with his photograph at home before all of this happened. And in the photograph, a grape snail had nibbled away at Scandrelu's mustache and beard. It neatly ate away the paint, creating a perfect, thin beard and dashing, soldierly mustaches. Only then did I remember this and think: "If even a grape snail has a grudge against this nobleman, then he really isn't the nicest humanoid." And then, who else could have gotten to the king unnoticed, bypassing the guards, if not someone who had full access there, essentially being the direct superior of the guards?

Rotterdam squinted and rubbed his nose.
- To be honest, your story is making my head spin. You plan to cross the Conflux to that city, retrieve your horse, and kill the king's right-hand man? It's unlikely that will improve your reputation in Nero's eyes. But the main thing is, aren't you worried about telling all this to a penniless beggar? - Rotterdam reached into his pocket. - Actually, I have two coins. Despite the impression you're creating, your story sounds incredible. What's stopping me from going and turning you in, receiving a substantial reward that I may never have even held in my hands?
As he said this, he kept an eye on the halfling's hands. A desperate person is capable of anything.

--No, they're all in the Vault. Otherwise, what would I be doing here? And I've already told you everything. So, you get them out, and what? A reward wouldn't hurt, maybe it'll improve your financial situation, and I'll still escape if they even catch me. Believe me, I'm not risking anything. Except maybe my story will get even longer, and I'll be a little further from the happy ending I'm hoping for, but either way, it will happen...

- This is an interesting perspective. Well, if you want, I'll share my story too. And I remember, I promised to tell you about what's happening in the city. Rotterdam shared his story and told about what he managed to see and hear during his time in the Stronghold, even if it wasn't in its best places. - ...and today I ran into them in the "boot." I thought they wouldn't recognize me, but I was wrong. I barely escaped, and along the way, I lost my bird, - Rotterdam sniffled. - And then I went out into the square. As you can see, I'm also a fugitive in my own way.

– I understand. There are no stories sadder than those that involve a lost love, – he sighed.

- Please, don't talk like that, - Rotterdam winced. - She is a lady of nightmares and the underworld; no living creature should be near her. He looked out the window - it was already dark. - I suggest we rest. Judging by everything, tomorrow will be a busy day. "And I need to think carefully."

When Rotterdam woke up, Flame Fox was still snoring. The sun was shining brightly, and the day promised to be beautiful.

Rotterdam really didn't want to get up; he felt so good in a normal bed and under a roof that his limbs wouldn't obey, and his eyes wouldn't open. However, remembering the events of the previous evening, he instantly woke up and sat up in bed.
"It's time."
Quietly rummaging around and finding nothing more suitable, he chipped off a piece of plaster from the wall and scribbled on the countertop: "Went for a walk, will be back soon."
As he left the room, the elf's gaze flickered to Flame Fox's bag. Rotterdam hesitated for a moment and then went out.
Shivering from the cold morning wind that blew through the numerous holes in his cloak, he headed to the police station. Along the way, he wanted to think everything over and weigh it all again, but his thoughts froze in his head, and he didn't want to think about anything.

At the police station, he was greeted by a gendarme with red eyes. "A missing person? Take a form from the secretary, fill it out, and put a stamp on it. We will review it as soon as possible."

- No, I... I want to say...
"What's wrong?"
- I want to say...
"Not a day goes by without you being reminded of how pathetic you are."
- That... I'm looking for the city library. None of the passersby could tell me where it is.
Rotterdam felt like a complete idiot.
"And that's an excuse? A three-year-old moron could come up with something better."

– They keep bothering me with trivial matters, not letting me work. Leave the department, turn right, and walk down the street for about a block and a half; it will be on the left.

- Thank you. Rotterdam left the shop, turned left, walked down the street for about a block and a half, turned right, and headed back to the hotel. He was burning with shame and berating himself. He had taken a liking to the half-elf, and his story reminded Rotterdam of his own in some ways. Now he would gladly betray him, but having lost his nerve once, he wouldn't be able to go back. "However... if he's so lucky, there will probably be an opportunity to get some gold near him. The king's right-hand man must have quite a bit. Maybe I can even escape the pursuers if I'm really lucky." As he thought about this, the elf returned to the hotel.

Flame Fox was having breakfast in his room. "Ah, here you are. I wasn't sure if I should order food for you, in case you didn't come, but I'm glad I did! Try this, it's really good kefir." On the bedspread, next to Rotterdam's bed, was a glass of kefir and some oatmeal cookies.

- So, a morning jog. I'm warming up my old bones.
And he sat down to have breakfast.
- What are you planning to do today?