1st Trial of Zi'da in Arc 716
The battles and nightmares were over in due time, lives were lost and much of the city brought to ruin. He, on the first night of what was a long season had been with them. Creatures of shadow and terror stalked the streets yet repelled by fire, but in the end it still didn't stop them from doing their mark. Luo seen a few lost, and helped when he could but in the end he felt it wasn't enough. Through the chaotic mess the creatures put up with, he found little time to make a living -- at least what he considered to be one. It was at home he sat on the lone chair and table in his room, there wasn't much in the way of furniture with it all bare and for the most part empty. Bed roll lain strewn across the floor and a single lamp, dimly lit at his side. Notes of import were written on a whole page of the journal as Luo took account of the last few trials, writing slowly and occasionally marking out errors as he took his notes.
"It has been several trials since I've went on my trips. Stones are becoming light, and my patience wavers ever more. Last count was less than four piles, it's becoming increasingly difficult to build with what little I have. To sustain the home longer, I will need to go out more and mine to make it easier again. Last trip is old news now, with the darkness bringing ruin to the build, new plans need to be made."
Luo finished his journal entry, writing in his own thief cant in a way he understood but someone's curious glance would be at least something to decipher. The cold season was approaching and nightfall was soon approaching as Luo snapped the journal closed, and let the lantern die out. Outside his window he could hear some of the echoing banter of merriment, undoubtedly the brain numbing liquids were also involved.
He heaved out a long sigh and stood up from his chair, pulling the black cloak off the back of it and tossed it around his shoulders, securing the cloth. Beneath the table, Luo bent down and ran his fingers over the floorboard, tapping his knuckle on it till he heard the hollow false floor. Digging the fingers in, he lifted it up to reveal a small space hidden underneath it with a leather belt containing his dagger and pouch of coin, next to it a pry bar and the thin needles he used for lockpicking. He only grabbed the belt then, securing the false cover as he moved across the room and fastened the belt around the waist.
At the window, he undid the lock and slid it open just wide enough for him to slip out and shut it behind his departure. It was something he had specially done for his part of the home overlooking the alley, a way to slip in and out of his own home. Paranoia was a hell of a motive.
But tonight, he felt bold and bored at the same time as he felt compelled to clear his mind for the night.