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[Jonahs]

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Jonahs, quietly stood among the shadows of the tavern, studying the people that filled the common room. His eyes roamed carefully around pausing briefly on each person.. He made notice of the color of their clothes, the way they wore their hair, the tint of their skin, whether or not their ears were pointy. After a few moments careful consideration, "That one! The one in the black robes." he suggested to me.

"Why would you pick that one Jonahs? I'm curious.. what about her, do you feel, would make us want to give her our attentions?"

"She is wearing black." He answered right away. Though he must have noticed my disappointment, for "Don't all important people wear black?" he asked timidly.

I mulled over this thought briefly before answering him, "So you think everyone that wears black is important?" And before he could respond, "You wear black, Jonahs.. Does that make you important too?" He stiffened at the thought, the fear clearly visible on his face. But I continued before he could say anything, "I understand how you could be misled. It is true that many of the people we have watched lately have worn black but take a moment to think about them. Then tell me truthfully, do you truly believe that their clothes are what made them important?"

Jonahs pondered the question in silence, his face screwed up in concentration. A few minutes passed before he shook his head and slowly replied, "No.. It was what they did or spoke about doing.". Quickly he added, "But these people are just sitting or standing.. Drinking or eating.. talking or listening.. And from here I can not tell what most are talking about. How do I tell which is important and which is not without taking the time to listen to them each and every one?".

"That is what this exorcise is about, Jonahs. Look around the room and watch as I tell you what to look for." I took him then, on an extensive tour around the room pointing out the tells that people made to give away their secrets to the observant watcher. I dwelled on a few here and there detailing the conclusions I came to from watching them. Then we would take a closer look at them to prove that I had guessed correctly.

"Now that you have grasped some of what I have shown you.. You should practice it while it is still fresh in your mind. Several men are talking outside near the stables, go and see if you can tell which is important now?".

Making his way outside, Jonahs stopped short of the stables. Ignoring their clothes and what was being said, he studied them all intently from the shadows.. looking for these tells he had learned of. After long minutes of searching, his eyes having watched each in turn several times, his decision was made, "They all look important, but that one.. the one speaking now. He, I think, is hiding something important, from the others."

I was pleased with his choice and agreed with the why as well. He had done much better than I would have hoped. Yet rather than tell him right away, "Well then, Jonahs let us see how well you have chosen. Him and another are leaving, let us follow and watch what they do."

Jonahs slid further into the shadows, as the one spoke to the other, "This way.. ". And was answered, "Aye, my Lord."

Jonahs waited for them to walk a comfortable distance ahead, then quickly yet quietly followed the two down the road. The two strolled casually along seeming to be enjoying the night air, chatting about inconsequentials though Jonahs noticed the one glancing around and behind to see if they were being followed. Jonahs was careful to stick to the shadows and so avoided detection. After awhile the two stopped, the one fumbled briefly at his belt, then both left the road quickly disappearing into the forest. Jonahs ran lightly up to the point where they left the road, and after a quick search found a trail. The trail led a short ways into dense forest before opening suddenly around a low rise into a large clearing. The bulk of which filled with a massive stone tower. Jonahs crept up through the shadows as close as he could, stopping outside of an iron fence with gleaming spikes that ran all the way around the base, surrounding a yard void of shadows.

The one grinned proudly playing with a lock at the front gate as the other looked over the tower and grounds. The other nodded and remarked, "Yes.. I love this! The tactical advantages alone.. ". He chuckled to himself as he drove a mailed fist into his palm.

The one finally getting the door open, glanced quickly inside then shaking his head, "No! No.." and looking around he lowered his voice as the other strolled past him inside, "This must be a secret base. Can you imagine how quickly they would be down our throats?"

This was the last Jonahs heard before the door shut behind the one. I let him wait a moment before I said, "Well done my boy.. well done."

All thought of stealth forgotten, Jonahs leaped spinning into the air landing lightly he did a pirouette that continued gracefully into a low bow. Realizing how stupid that was he held himself there, head barely off the ground staring intently at the front gates waiting to see if he had been spotted. A moment passed before he slowly slid back into the shadows senses, straining for any sign he should flee. "Oops.." He murmured. "What next?".

"Next we look for more people.. and you continue with your lessons. "