Its your first day on the job as the new customs checkpoint officer. You were promised good pay, but this job seems like it will be quite lame. You were a prime soldier during the war that just ended between Dalmard and Untka'torn, and that is how you landed this job, personally recommended by Thomas (your old war buddy) to Captain Lorissa. You are now heading in to meet the Captain for the first day of your job.

You enter her office after being called in.

Captain Lorissa glances up from her desk as you enter, giving you a sharp once-over that hints at the dominance beneath her cool exterior.

"Ah, customs officer Ivloris,"

she says calmly, barely moving her lips as she speaks. She walks around her desk and approaches you, eyes narrowed in appraisal.

"I've heard good things about your abilities from Thomas."

She tilts her head slightly to the side, staring intently at a lock of your hair that has fallen across your forehead. Your heartbeat quickens under her scrutiny, and she smirks subtly.

"You'll be working with Cindy,"

she says, her tone businesslike now as she gestures vaguely behind you.

"She'll bring each citizen to you for inspection."

Captain Lorissa steps even closer, her breath warm against your ear as she continues,

"I expect perfection from all my staff, officer Ivloris. You disappoint me, and I won't hesitate to fire you."

Her gaze bores into yours, a challenge hidden beneath the threatening surface.

Captain Lorissa glances up as you enter her office, taking in your appearance with interest. "Ah, customs checkpoint officer Gravy... I trust your first day here hasn't been too overwhelming," she says coolly, a hint of amusement coloring her voice. Her eyes, an unusual shade of violet, meet yours as she crosses her arms beneath her ample breasts.

"My office is your own; please, feel free to make yourself comfortable." She motions toward a nearby seat with a curved finger. "If you have any questions or concerns about your duties here... well, I'm sure Thomas has filled you in on the basics, but he's quite the talker sometimes. So go ahead and ask anything you need to."

She pauses for a moment, tilting her head slightly to one side as she studies you again. "And do remember that I expect nothing less than perfection from my staff here," she says bluntly, her tone taking on a more authoritative edge. "This is an important job we're doing; protecting our kingdom against the forces of chaos and disorder. You were chosen for this position because you demonstrated exceptional skills in combat... now I need to know that you can apply those skills just as well here, where it truly counts."

Her expression softens slightly, becoming almost indulgent. "But don't worry; I have faith in your abilities," she continues. "You've proven yourself before, and I believe you will prove worthy of my trust again today. So... welcome to the team, officer Gravy. May your tenure here be productive and without incident."

As you enter the office, Captain Lorissa turns her piercing red eyes on you. Her gaze travels up and down your body as if measuring every inch of muscle beneath your armor.

"Gravy,"

she says in a commanding voice,

"I've heard many good things about you from Thomas."

She leans forward, folding her arms across her chest, exposing cleavage that could make even the most battle-hardened warrior weak at the knees.

"Today is your first day here at Devirosa City Customs Checkpoint,"

she continues, pacing back and forth in front of you,

"and I expect nothing but the best from my officers."

Her voice hardens as she stops in front of you once more.

"Do you understand me?"

There's a challenging glint in her eye that makes your stomach twist nervously into knots. But you can feel determination and confidence surging through you, remnants from the battles you've fought during the war.

"Yes ma'am,"

you reply firmly, meeting her gaze without flinching.

"I will do my best to uphold the standards of this checkpoint."

Captain Lorissa looks you up and down, assessing your physical state in a moment of silence before turning to face her desk, pulling out a seat for you at the side.

"So, here's how we do things around here. This is going to be a huge day with many citizens going through the checkpoint. I expect you to do this job perfectly. No mistakes."

She stresses lastly, looking up at you. Her red eyes seem... off-putting in some odd way.

"Cindy will escort each citizen inside, and it's your job to check their documents. Do not be fooled by those scum from Untka'torn! They're always trying something funny."

Her gaze turns cold and piercing as she says this, her anger towards the race they belonged to palpable.

"Thomas will meet each citizen outside once you are done with them,"

she continues.

"Just call out their names when you're finished with them, and he'll guide them on their way."

"Oh, and there's one more thing..."

Her voice takes on a sultry tone now, her eyes almost glazing over as she fixes her gaze to yours.

"I've heard rumors that some of my... colleagues might try to give you 'gifts' to make your job easier. Ignore them. I don't tolerate any bribery or corruption in this station."

She waits for a moment, studying your reaction before nodding slightly.

"Well then, go on ahead. Your first shift starts now. Show me what you've got."

The doors to the customs checkpoint swing open, and Cindy leads a young human woman inside. Her hair is a rich shade of brown, nearly black, and falls in soft waves past her shoulders. She looks nervous, glancing back and forth between you and Captain Lorissa as she walks forward.

"Name: Laila Tazer," Cindy says, presenting the passport to you. You study it carefully, noticing that everything appears to be in order. The photo matches the woman before you, and the information seems legitimate. Her weapons permit is also current and valid, which you double-check by scanning a small chip embedded in her knapsack.

"Everything seems to be in order, Laila," you say calmly, handing back her paperwork. "Welcome to Devirosa City. Enjoy your stay."

Her face relaxes visibly at your words of reassurance, and she flashes a small smile before hurrying out the door where Thomas is waiting for her outside. You take a moment to gather yourself, preparing for the next citizen in line as Captain Lorissa watches you intently from across the room.

As you settle into your new post, the doors swing open once more and Cindy leads another citizen inside. This one is clearly a member of the savage and brutish Untka'torn race; his skin a dull gray and covered in coarse fur. His muscles ripple underneath his thick hide as he strides purposefully forward, eyes narrowed and jaw clenched with determination.

"Name: Rokmar Bloodfang," Cindy says, her voice tinged with distaste. "Weapons permit is valid."

You take the passport from her, studying it carefully even though you already know this citizen doesn't belong here. You can feel Captain Lorissa's gaze boring into your back as you glance up at the newcomer. His eyes meet yours defiantly, daring you to deny him entry.

"Everything appears to be in order," you say calmly, holding out the passport for Rokmar to take. "You're free to go."

His lips pull back from his teeth in what might be a sneer, but he doesn't hesitate as he snatches the passport and heads out the door where Thomas is waiting with a grim expression on his face. You catch Captain Lorissa's eye for a moment, and she nods almost imperceptibly before turning her attention back to some paperwork on her desk.

The moment you're settled at your desk, Cindy appears by the doorway, her delicate features tense with concentration as she eyes each citizen in turn. You can tell she's a professional, determined to keep everything running smoothly despite the potential for disaster lurking around every corner.

The doors to the customs checkpoint swing open, and Cindy leads a young human woman inside. Her hair is a rich shade of brown, nearly black, and falls in soft waves past her shoulders. She looks nervous, glancing back and forth between you and Captain Lorissa as she walks forward.

"Name: Laila Tazer,"

Cindy says, presenting the passport to you. You study it carefully, noticing that everything appears to be in order. The photo matches the woman before you, and the information seems legitimate. Her weapons permit is also current and valid, which you double-check by scanning a small chip embedded in her knapsack.

"Everything seems to be in order, Laila,"

you say calmly, handing back her paperwork.

"Welcome to Devirosa City. Enjoy your stay."

Her face relaxes visibly at your words of reassurance, and she flashes a small smile before hurrying out the door where Thomas is waiting for her outside. You take a moment to gather yourself, preparing for the next citizen in line as Captain Lorissa watches you intently from across the room.

Lorissa's words ring through your head as you begin your shift. It's quiet at the moment, with no citizens in line just yet, but you can feel the weight of her expectations bearing down on you. You steel yourself, focusing intently on the task at hand. The duty desk is clean and organized, nothing out of place, which gives you a sense of calm.

A few moments pass before Cindy appears from behind a curtain, ushering in a young woman with shimmering silvery hair that cascades down her back. She wears the traditional garb of an Elf maiden, and carries a small leather satchel across one shoulder. The girl looks nervous, glancing around the room as she approaches your desk.

"Here's the first one,"

Cindy says briskly before vanishing back behind the curtain.

"Her name is Lilyria."

Lilyria seems to calm down slightly at this, offering you a tentative smile. She hands over her papers with shaking hands, revealing a crest of a wolf's head on a field of blue - the emblem of an Elder Elf noble family. You study her features closely against the photo ID, noting the same icy-blue eyes and pointed ears as the picture.

"Thank you,"

she murmurs politely.

"I need to get this over with quickly..."

Cindy leads the next citizen into the checkpoint: a tall, well-built man with dark skin and long white hair worn in numerous braids woven with precious gemstones. He carries himself with an air of confidence that is almost regal, wearing fine silk robes of deep crimson color adorned with gold thread embroidery. The emblem on his pass identifies him as a High Elf noble from the city of Silverfall, currently visiting Devirosa City for business matters.

"Name: Moradir Stormcrown,"

Cindy announces, handing over the man's papers to you.

"His weapons permit is in order."

As you examine the documents, you can't help but study the High Elf noble as well. His eyes meet yours calmly and appraisingly, seemingly not bothered by your inspection at all. You find yourself wondering what sort of business he could have in this part of the kingdom, and whether or not his intentions are truly honorable...

"Everything appears to be in order,"

you say after some consideration.

"Welcome to Devirosa City, Lord Stormcrown. Enjoy your stay."

He nods politely in acknowledgement before stepping out the door where Thomas is waiting for him. Captain Lorissa watches you intently from her office, making no comment on this particular citizen but observing your every move with scrutiny nonetheless.

As you deal with Lilyria, her nervousness begins to fade and she edges closer to the counter, watching you intently as you examine her papers. She seems grateful for your thoroughness and appears almost relieved when you finally hand them back to her, telling her that everything is in order. With a polite nod, she scurries off through the exit where Thomas guides her out of the station.

The next person to approach is a stunningly beautiful dark-skinned woman with long silky hair. She moves with the grace of a cat, her hips swaying hypnotically as she approaches your desk. Her eyes flicker up and down between you and Captain Lorissa before she hands over her papers with a confident smile.

"I am Lilith, from the house of Morian,"

she says in a smooth voice that carries an unmistakable air of authority.

"You'll find everything in order."

Captain Lorissa glances up from her paperwork at the sound of Lilith's voice, her interest clearly piqued. You study Lilith carefully, taking note of the crest on her documents - a golden sun on a field of red, marking her as part of an influential Dalmardian noble family. Her eyes meet yours unflinchingly, challenging you to find anything amiss.

"Very well,"

you say at last, handing back her papers.

"You're clear to pass."

Her lips curve into a satisfied smile as she straightens and turns to leave. As she walks away, Captain Lorissa watches her intently until she disappears from sight behind the curtain.

"She seems rather confident,"

Lorissa muses aloud, more to herself than to you.

"Keep an eye on her, just in case."

Her gaze

As you deal with Lilyria's documents, Cindy ushers in the next citizen: a dark-skinned beauty with long, thick hair braided into intricate patterns that cascade down her back like a waterfall of ebony silk. Her eyes are almond-shaped and honey-colored, giving her an exotic appearance that immediately draws your attention. She wears flowing robes in earthy tones that accentuate her lithe form, and carries a small wooden box wrapped in brightly colored cloth over one arm.

"Name: Tala Vysanti,"

Cindy says, handing you the woman's papers. You take them with practiced ease, scanning them quickly to make sure everything seems legitimate. Her identity card sports the same seal as any other citizen of Devirosa City, and her travel documents appear to be in order. However, there's something about her that tugs at your intuition...

Cindy brings in another citizen, this one a voluptuous and exotic-looking woman with midnight black skin. Her features are striking, with high cheekbones and full lips framed by impossibly thick eyelashes. She wears her hair pulled back into an elaborate bun adorned with golden ornaments, accentuating her regal bearing. The passport in Cindy's hand bears the name "Tala Vysanti," and the woman carries herself with confidence as she steps forward, giving you a polite nod.

"Welcome to Devirosa City," you say smoothly, returning the nod before gesturing for her to approach the desk. "Just need to take a quick look at your documents..."

Your suspicions about Tala Vysanti grow stronger as you study the address on her ID card, noticing that it's just a little off. When you question her about it, she starts to sweat and stutter, clearly lying through her perfect teeth. You know immediately that something is wrong here, and quickly scan her paperwork once again to make sure nothing else seems amiss.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," you say calmly but firmly, "but your documents don't check out. I can't let you through." Tala blanches at your words, clearly thrown off balance by the unexpected turn of events. Captain Lorissa looks up from her paperwork with a frown, eyes narrowed as she watches the interaction carefully.

You step around the desk and approach Tala slowly, trying to maintain a non-threatening demeanor despite your growing suspicions. "I'm going to need you to come with me," you say gently, offering her your hand. She hesitates for a moment before reluctantly taking it, feeling the weight of authority in your touch.

Caught off guard by Tala's sudden aggression, Captain Lorissa barely manages to dodge the hurled knife, spinning out of its path with a graceful leap. Her eyes widen in surprise and anger as she whirls back toward you, instinctively reaching for her own weapon at her waist. The look on her face tells you that this situation is about to spiral dangerously out of control.

Tala takes advantage of the distraction, making a run for it toward the exit. You hesitate only for a moment before giving chase, weighing your options in the back of your mind as adrenaline courses through your veins.

"Thomas!" Captain Lorissa shouts out to her friend and colleague as you give pursuit. "Get that woman! She's dangerous!" As Thomas springs into action, following Tala toward the exit, you catch up to the fleeing citizen just as she reaches for something small and metallic hidden in the folds of her robes...

As you continue to question Tala Vysanti, your suspicions are aroused further by the way her gaze keeps flicking nervously back and forth between yourself and Captain Lorissa. Suddenly, without warning, she leaps forward, grabbing something from within her cloak before hurling it towards Lorissa's desk. In mid-air, the glint of metal catches your eye: a deadly-looking throwing knife aimed straight at the captain's heart.

Your instincts take over, and you spring into action without thinking twice. You lunge forwards, grabbing Tala by the wrist and spinning her around as you simultaneously dive sideways to avoid the flying knife. The blade sinks deep into the wall where it struck moments ago, leaving a small hole in the plaster.

Captain Lorissa looks shocked but quickly recovers, her eyes narrowing in anger as she focuses on Tala Vysanti.

"You idiot!"

she snarls.

"That was your one chance to get out of this alive!"

With surprising speed for someone her age and stature, she leaps over the desk and pins Tala against the wall with a vicious grin.

"This is how it's going to be?"

Lorissa growls, her voice chillingly calm.

"Fine."

She nods curtly at you.

"Take her away."

You step forward, your heart racing as you cuff Tala's hands behind her back and lead her from the room under the watchful gaze of Captain Lorissa and Thomas on either side of them. The security station grows quiet once more as they are led out, each of you unable to shake the feeling that something much larger and more dangerous is unfolding beyond your control...

A moment later, Cind

Captain Lorissa's eyes widen as she sees the dagger hurtling towards her, but she remains calm despite the obvious threat. With a practiced ease that belies her apparent surprise, she ducks beneath the flying weapon with a fluid motion. The blade sinks deep into the plastered wall where her head had just been moments before.

Tala takes advantage of the distraction to make a break for it, attempting to run past you towards freedom. With a curse, you spring into action, grabbing her roughly by the arm and spinning her around. She struggles against your grip futilely as you pin her against the desk with one hand, searching frantically for something to restrain her.

"Thomas!"

Captain Lorissa yells out through gritted teeth.

"Get over here now!"

As you question Tala Vysanti about her identity and documents, your senses heighten. Something seems off about the woman, but you can't quite put your finger on it. Suddenly, a glint of metal catches your eye: she's hiding a knife in her cleavage! You turn to warn Captain Lorissa, but it's too late; Tala has already drawn the blade and thrown it at you with incredible force.

Lorissa reacts quickly, managing to dodge the weapon just barely. The knife embeds itself in the desk instead, inches from her face. She looks back at Tala warily before turning her glare on you, clearly disappointed by your lack of restraint.

"That woman is a threat,"

she hisses through clenched teeth.

"Take care of her."

Her words echoing in your ears, you turn back to face the dangerous situation with renewed determination. Tala has already started to struggle against your grip, her expression furious as she tries to break free from your grasp.

Captain Lorissa's eyes widen slightly at your brutal but effective maneuver, then narrow as she studies Tala Vysanti's lifeless form hanging limply in your arms. She exhales slowly, trying to calm her racing heart before addressing you in a carefully controlled voice.

"I understand the situation was dire, but that was... excessive." Her gaze flickers briefly over to Tala's body and then back to you, her expression hardening. "It is my duty as your superior officer to remind you of protocol when dealing with these matters."

She pauses for a moment, considering her words before continuing. "If you hadn't acted so quickly, though... Tala might have hurt someone else. Or worse." Her tone softens slightly at the thought. "In any case, your quick thinking and decisiveness are appreciated. I'll see to it that this incident is reported appropriately."

With a final nod of approval, she turns away from you both and begins to gather up her things, preparing to leave the customs checkpoint. "Thomas," she calls over her shoulder, "take care of the body and dispose of anything that might incriminate us further." The younger man jogs forward, a look of determination on his face as he takes charge of the situation left behind by Tala Vysanti's violent demise.

The captain watches the proceedings with a mixture of fascination and disapproval, her features set in a stern expression. When you snap Tala's neck with your bare hands, she blanches momentarily before regaining her composure.

"That was... excessive,"

she murmurs as she approaches to inspect the body.

"I apologize for not taking more precautions, Captain Lorissa."

Your voice betrays no hint of guilt or hesitation.

"But in my experience, these situations can escalate quickly and unpredictably."

She tilts her head slightly at that, considering your words.

She looks back over at the body once more before turning away with a sigh.

"Alright then,"

she says finally, indicating with a nod of her head for you to place Tala's body in one of the large storage bins near the back.

"But be more careful next time."

The two of you finish disposing of the evidence and return to your respective duties. The tension in the room has not completely dissipated, but at least for now it seems like the immediate threat has been contained. Captain Lorissa watches you carefully from across the room as she works on her paperwork, the expression in her eyes revealing a newfound respect... or perhaps even suspicion.

"But next time, I expect you to handle things with more finesse."

Her tone leaves no room for argument as she turns away from you and begins to gather her things, preparing to leave the room.

"I'll deal with the aftermath,"

she says over her shoulder before disappearing into her office.

The station grows uncomfortably quiet in her absence, the tension palpable despite the lack of movement or sound from anyone else. You can almost feel Thomas' eyes on you as he stands at attention near the exit, waiting for your next move...

"Thank you,"

Captain Lorissa says, taking a steadying breath. Her expression softens slightly as she looks at Tala's lifeless body, her gaze once again hardening into anger.

"You were too late though. We could have gotten information from her. Now it'll be much more difficult to know what she was really up to."

She glances over at Cindy and Thomas, who are attending to the other citizens with grim expressions.

"We need to step up security around here,"

Captain Lorissa continues, turning back to face you.

"This sort of thing shouldn't happen so easily."

Her eyes bore into yours expectantly as she waits for your response.

"Hmm..." Captain Lorissa hums, studying you intently as you nod in understanding. "I suppose there's nothing more to be done now. If you could attend to the other citizens though, I think we should discuss this further when things have calmed down." She pauses for a moment, brow furrowed in thought. "Informal setting would probably work best, don't you agree?"

Her gaze shifts back towards Thomas briefly before returning to meet your eyes. There's something unspoken passing between the two of you; an understanding that goes beyond mere words or protocol. Whatever it is, it leaves Captain Lorissa feeling slightly less tense than she was a moment ago.

"I'll wait for you at my usual haunt later this evening," she says finally, stepping closer and lowering her voice. "We can talk over a drink if that's alright with you."

There's no hiding the meaning in her words; they're an invitation to join Lorissa in her less official capacity as part of the city's underworld network. The implied trust and respect are clear, but there's also danger here - both for yourself and those close to you. It's a choice that will shape your relationship with Captain Lorissa moving forward...