{Raven}
Three days remained before the Lunar Festival.
Raven stood in the guest quarters, watching Melisa pace back and forth like a caged animal.
"I need you two to do something for me," Melisa said, gesturing at Raven and Isabella.
Isabella perked up from where she'd been lounging on a couch, one leg thrown over the armrest.
"Ooh, is it sexy?"
"No."
"Damn it!"
"I need you to go into the city and see what people are saying about nim. Get a feel for the tensions, see if the assassination reveal helped or made things worse." Melisa ran a hand through her hair. "I'd do it myself, but..."
"But you're a nim and would probably get lynched," Isabella finished cheerfully.
"Not how I'd put it, but yeah."
Raven nodded. It made tactical sense. She and Isabella could blend in better, gather intelligence without drawing attention.
[Though Isabella draws attention wherever she goes.]
"We can do that," Raven said.
