[IRP] The Dead One Calls

[Zanryu]

The trio had found their way back to the tavern and taken their seats while Shad and Satsume discussed their plan. Ellie stayed silent, having very little to add to the conversation herself; though she had taken a moment to order food and drink, stressing the importance on the quickest meat they could prepare and serve to the table. She paid for the hefty chunk of pork as it arrived and began to dig in when Satsume inquired about the plans following the reconnaissance.

The entirety of the plan was mostly sound, except for the lack of preparedness in the event the recon itself didn't turn out. Reckless as it was, Ellie was confident.

"Distraction...distraction...Oh. Eli, Maisie wanted me to tell you she took care of that thing you wanted her to do. What was that, by the way?"

"Oh, that... I needed her to deliver a ransom to Bern's soldiers, addressed to my brother," Ellie replied between bites. She took a long sip of water and set her mug back down before continuing. "I had another brother, Anthony... he was executed just after Leroy joined the army. I used his name for ransom."

God, he's going to be furious with me... and everyone else, too, I'd bet...

Her eyes sunk to her plate a moment before shutting her eyes and taking a deep breath. She turned to meet Shad's eyes, then Satsume's before speaking further.

"I just don't even know if it'll work. Or if he'll even recognize me if he comes."