Damien cursed inwardly the moment he stepped out of the bar. His anonymity was something he'd very much wanted to keep quiet on this trip, and now he'd just blown it all on a cup of alcohol. Sighing, he looked around and then traced a new path towards the arena-like building in the distance.
Being large enough that it was very much visible even miles away from the city, it didn't take much stress for Damien to make his way towards the city temple.
The magnificent structure was shaped in the form of a massive arena with its roof shrouded in a large dome of shining gold. Five towering spires rose from the side of the building, their pointy caps jutting into the sky, making the entire thing reminiscent of a crown. Damien wondered how many members the cult fielded for it to need a building of such greatness, or it might simply be that they just wanted to flaunt their wealth in a show of false power.
Approaching the streets surrounding the giant temple, Damien soon took note of the increase in military presence in the area. Civilian movements were not hindered, except for the random stop and search conducted on some people— outsiders, probably. Their eyes were another thing, scrutinizing everyone in equal measure as they approached the temple.
The presence of a greater number of pilgrims in the area didn't escape Damien's attention. Usually, a city this secluded saw few visits from pilgrims due to their distance from the rest of civilization.
Hmm. Damien massaged his beardless chin thoughtfully. This chosen stuff was beginning to interest him.
Damien looked around, his interest suddenly piqued by the presence of somebody in the crowd when he noticed one of the soldiers nearby jerked upright. He wouldn't have paid any active attention to it, except that the man immediately glanced his way with a wary look before he jerked his face elsewhere. The other guards were more subtle, but Damien still caught the heightened energy that suddenly consumed them alongside the wary and deep but subtle scrutiny directed his way.
Damien grimaced but, otherwise, didn't act on it. Instead, he slowly made his way towards his own person of interest.
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"Never knew that Solaria had enough interest in a small insignificant city to send one of their agents," Damien said as he came to stand beside the man.
The man must have been really trained, given the little reaction he showed at the accusation. Instead, he simply glanced upwards at the taller Damien. "The interest of the Empire is none of your business."
Damien met the man's eyes, inwardly smiling at the shock he detected within.
Brown hair paired with the sort of black eyes that was very common in a city like this. A face that would be easily overlooked in a large crowd like this because of how much resemblance it had to the natives of this city. The man was putting on light brown desert garments that matched his hair color, with a posture formulated to relate with the other pilgrims in the area.
Since the appearance was made to look unassuming, Damien took it to mean the Empire was still on a passive stance concerning the city. For now.
Despite it all, Damien still saw through the subterfuge to the true gaze of the spy. The way his gaze seemed to burn with distaste at the city and the people moving around. Damien wasn't surprised; people from the empire considered themselves better than everyone else.
The Solarian made a show of looking around, despite being capable of doing it without moving a muscle. "I see that you've gathered quite a bit of attention at the moment," He said with an inquisitive look at Damien. "You don't look like you're from around here, given your appearance. And since you're so familiar with the Empire to identify, at a glance, who I am, you must either hail from the Empire or somewhere around our continent," He summarized.
"Who do you have to be to draw this kind of wariness from the guards?" He asked.
Damien smiled. "Not your business."
Surprisingly, the man didn't push. Instead, he nodded. "I'll get my answer one way or another. You're too much of an unknown to let roam about freely; the only difference in how much pain you feel is how unwilling you try to be. I have questions to ask and they're going to get answered one way or another."
The man gave a sharp nod. "Now, before your contagious attention falls on me too, I think I will go find somewhere else to be," he said just as he began walking away.
The man hadn't gone a few steps forward when he stopped, turned halfway back, and then said in a very calm tone. "Don't bother running, I'll find you anywhere you hide," and then he continued.
Damien decided then and there to call it in for the day. It seemed like the universe didn't want him conversing anymore for the day.
With a sigh, he moved on to go find a place for the night.
