Back at the hideout, Storm and Aurora was sitting impatiently around a table waiting for news from Leyocan.
Onyx had left as soon as the sun had risen to speak to his informants and tried to determine what happened at the prison, as well as Leyocan's fate.
Storm heard commotion coming from the entrance and he looked up to see Leyocan walking into the hideout with a dwarf trailing behind.
Both of them looked like they'd been through hell and back.
Leyocan was covered from head to toe in blood, though Storm was unable to see any wounds on him.
His sword was damaged, with several notches and the last 3 inches of his sword had been snapped off.
The dwarf meanwhile was covered in thick slime and seemed dazed and disoriented , but unharmed.
Storm jumped to his feet but before he could rush to Leyocan's side, he held out an hand to stop him.
"Relax, Storm! This blood isn't mine!!"
Before he could ask 'who's' blood it belonged to. Onyx returned to address the newcomers.
He was in his human form and as this was the first time he had seen it, Storm was curious.
He closely resembled Leyocan with the same black hair and red eyes, but where Leyocan was dressed for battle, or breaking into buildings.
Onyx was dressed for attending an ball or other high society function .
He wore a black tunic with golden embroidery, as well as a matching pair of pants that were both made from silk.
On his feet he wore a pair of black ankle high calfskin boots that were secured by several buckles at the top.
An ornate belt was tied to his waist with a golden buckle and hanging on his belt was a rapier made from the same black metal as his brother's sword.
Unlike his brother, his black hair was long, but neatly combed and was secured into a simple bun at the back with a hairpin.
His chin was clearly shaven, but he had an long, well kept black mustache that curled upwards at both ends.
"Ahh!! I see you have...."
He sniffed the air a couple of times before pulling a face.
"What is that smell?!"
The dwarf looked away.
"My clothes..." muttered the dwarf.
"You smell like you swam through a fish's gut!!" Exclaimed Onyx.
The dwarf glared at Leyocan.
Then pointed at him.
"It was his idea!!" Yelled the dwarf.
Onyx grinned.
"Sounds like you two had quite the adventure?"
"Yes, and I'd very much like to get back to my regular job.
So.... What have you done to my ship!!" Exclaimed Gavin.
As the dwarf stomped away, everyone looked questioningly at Onyx, who just shrugged.
"He's an acquired taste." Explained Onyx.
Leyocan and Onyx shifted back to their natural forms, when they saw Leyocan, Storm and Aurora struggled to contain their laughter.
Due to being wet from his swim in the ocean, Leyocan's fur had puffed up until he somewhat resembled a furry ball.
He glared at Storm and Aurora as they snickered, before turning back to his brother.
"You don't happen to have a spare set of clothes and some replacement equipment, do you?"
"Of course I do! Please join me for an afternoon meal, after you have freshened up!
I'll have my men prepare the ship for departure. "
As Onyx turned to leave, he peered back over his shoulder towards his brother.
"Maybe have a bath first before joining us?" Suggested Onyx.
A few hours later, everyone had reassembled at a private dining room where Onyx receive guests.
Leyocan was dressed in formal clothing much like his brother. But be wore a tight fitting black doublet, over a buttoned down long sleeve jacket with matching black hose.
A new curved sword was tied to an ornate black belt. As Onyx's clan didn't use the hook gauntlets that Leyocan's clan used, he was unable to replace his damaged equipment.
In it's place, he had a small parrying dagger tied to the left side of his belt.
He seemed to find the garments uncomfortable as he kept tugging at the tight collar of the garment.
Storm and Aurora had also been given a new set of clothes for the occasion.
Storm was given an black linen shirt and pants, with an ornate black overcoat that went all the way to his knees and that was tied at the front with 3 buckles.
Aurora meanwhile, had a black top and pants, with a coat that went all the way down to her feet.
A pearl necklace was fastened around her neck and her white hair was loosened and were hanging at shoulder length.
Gavin had been invited to the dinner as well, and had a white long sleeve shirt with a red waistcoat with matching red pants.
On his head was a simple black trihorn hat with a black raven's feather attached to it.
On his feet were a pair of knee high leather boots.
Leyocan tugged at his collar again.
"Couldn't you just give me some simple leather armor and and some loose fitting clothes?!" Asked Leyocan.
"This is more appropriate, if you're going to infiltrate the Arcanium, then you'll need to start acting like nobles, This is more fitting for the occasion." Replied Onyx
"Does it have to be so tight though? A noose is more comfortable that this doublet?"
Onyx rolled his eyes.
"It's made from silk! It will stretch! You're a Sensei in charge of your own clan now! Not a lowborn street thug!
It's time that you dress for the part! Why do you think the other Sensei don't take you seriously!" Exclaimed Onyx.
"I always thought actions were more important. " muttered Leyocan.
Onyx shook his head.
"That's where you're wrong. How you appear can be just as important as what you do."
"I'll be sure to dress better from now on! Maybe the next orc chief I encounter won't try and cut off my head!" Leyocan said Sarcastically.
Onyx smiled.
"I once had an entire party of hunters exiled from the city with just a few whispers in the ears of the Council of Guildmasters.
Dressing the part, and using the proper words gathers you influence.
And influence can move cities if applied correctly. "
Onyx stopped the conversation before it could become more heated.
"Enough! I didn't call you here just to argue about philosophy!
In preparation for your departure, I prepared a gift for everyone present!"