Dash and Ozzie again; they're plotting how to get into the Feline Headquarters stronghold.

Another solid piece.

 
The residents of Seaside Town gasped as the horseman flew through the gate and swept into the town square. He gave the reigns a smart tug, and the horse obediently drew up, trotting round in a circle and coming a majestic halt. The horseman scanned the square, his brown hair settling back into place while the mare stamped her foot. Together, horse and rider were the picture of grace, poise and dignity.

Unfortunately, the effect was slightly ruined by another man sliding around the horse’s flank, falling to the ground, crawling to the closest water trough... and heaving into it. The horse gave him an unappreciative glare, but the second man seemed too busy to notice. He looked up at the rider, then back at the trough. He frowned, his eyes watering. “Oh... oh dear... I’ve caused a terrible mess... I need to clean this up now...” He glanced back at the man on the horse. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Dash, sir, it’s just that she moves a bit quicker than I’m used to.”

"Yeah, sorry," Dash responded, his mind clearly elsewhere. "The situation with Aleena's my top priority right now. Time isn't a luxury right now, Mr. Whelk. I'd leave the 'mess' until you get started on finding us some backup."

Ozzie nodded as he stood, although his gaze was still somewhat torn to the... er... miasma floating in the trough. “Oh... but... I can’t leave such a terrible... but you’re right. Miss Aleena and the princesses. Oh dear. I should find a porter to tidy this away so we can get on with it.” He looked around distractedly, but most of the people present were keeping their distance from the pair.

"Look." Dash looked directly at Ozzie. It was the look of an unsure man. "How much do you know about the former Knob Goblin stronghold?"

Ozzie stammered. “I - a bit. Mainly finance and trade and such... not so much these days, I admit. Why?”

Dash shrugged. "Just wondering if you know what you're in for.. in case we need to invade it."

Ozzie just blinked, not really taking that statement in. “What... just the two of us?”

"Ideally, no," Dash answered. "No offense but I barely know what you're capable of in battle. You don't seem the warrior type."

“I’m not,” admitted Ozzie.

"In theory, I have the full KOKOL support behind me," Dash said. "The question is, how much damage would be done to Aleena while I try to access that support? With a mage or two, if we could sneak down the main hallway of the Feline Empire's headquarters, we could go in, snag Aleena, and fight our way out. But this only works if we know where she- and the other two- are being held."

Ozzie sucked in air through his teeth as he thought. “And if, as you said, the commander of the Feline Empire is an old comrade of yours... she would surely predict your movements. She’d know the kinds of plan you’re likely to formulate, the kind of situations you’re likely to seek out as favourable...” He sighed. “I think our best option would be to get in, get the princesses and get out before they even realise we’re there. But that means needing to know in advance where they are,” he added despondently.

"I just said that," responded an irritated Dash.

“No,” said Ozzie, “Because she’ll be expecting you to sneak in. I’m talking about teleporting.”

"I don't think that's how plot holes work," Dash shrugged. "Isn't teleporting highly dangerous and inaccurate, though? Even in Paragon, the only groups that had mastered it were aliens from another dimension."

“Highly dangerous compared to what, exactly? Two of us trying to take on the entire Feline Empire by ourselves?” Ozzie slowly folded down, sitting on the cobbles. “Okay. We need to think about this. The first problem is knowing where Miss Aleena and the princesses are. Once we know that, we can start thinking about how to get them out, right?”

Dash simply nodded.

Ozzie picked up a pebble and started turning it over and over in his hands. “There’s scrying of course, but that’s imprecise. I could probably requisition us a clairvoyant, for what good it would do. But... surely if the Feline commander knows you well enough to predict your movements, then you must know her well enough to predict hers? Is she the type who would keep her prisoners in an underground dungeon? A tower? Would she keep them hidden away? Would she treat them courteously?” He looked up at Dash with imploring eyes.

"It's the demon that spirited them away; is Catrina even involved in that? It doesn't seem her style." Dash paused, then smiled. "Of course. It'd have to be the dungeons. It's one of the most secure locations in the former Empire. I doubt even Catrina could have changed an underground stronghold that quickly. So that must be where they're keeping Aleena."

“Is there any way into the dungeons other than the traditional route?” asked Ozzie, idly tossing the stone under the water trough.

"Right now, I'd say focus on finding what allies we can," Dash said, somberly. "We could meet up in Market Square. Say, an hour? I'll grab us food and supplies."

Ozzie stood up. “I’ll see if I can requisition a task force of mages. A clairvoyant, a teleportation specialist, a battlemage, maybe an illusionist or misdirection expert. We’ll need to avoid as many fights as possible.”

Dash nodded yet again. "And I'll see what I can track down in case we need to get into a fight. To be honest, I've a little pent up emotion I'm eager to.. let out."

“Indeed,” said Ozzie, a little nervously. “Well then. Market Square, one hour. We’d better get cracking.”

Dash just nodded, walking off as Ozzie turned towards the Council building.

Nothing much happened other than the two decide to get some backup.. and a lot of characterization!

Ozzie's obviously going to be a big plus to any missions he takes part in, though. Next up, Dash and Ozzie each get a piece away from each other.