"Right. Right. Just... allow me to think about how to tell him the truth. At the very least, give me time until I've confirmed that everything is in order at the outpost. No point in releasing him into a situation more unstable and uncertain than it already is."The way back was calm, at the very least. A scuffle with armed vagrants was the height of excitement and it was dealt with swiftly and without much blood drawn. They met the young woman and the elderly man again whose carriage they fixed when the entourage moved towards Castle Lornen, who decided to join along. The man introduces himself as "just a forever traveler", was jolly, a bit silly at times and also an excellent storyteller. He knew even local folklore from the other nations, something the scholarly Maria ate up without thinking twice about it. The woman was reluctant, but friendly when spoken to, if brief. "Traveler", as the old man preferred to be called as for the moment, introduces her as Laruen and tells you that he took her under his guard. Laruen was willing to mention that most of her family and friends have died, and the few that didn't, she has been separated from them.
Time passes and after a curious incident where both Eiriol and the Traveler attempted to gave chase after a small group of squirrels but were halted by reason, they returned to Dunas' Outpost. In the days they were gone, the village defenses have improved and work for expanding the outpost into a village was underway. The group could see a few of the imprisoned Marauders working on the buildings, under the eyes of guardsmen. Dunas had declared that the guard was free to offer volunteer labor to the prisoners in exchange for a lesser punishment once Dunas has decided on their fate. It seems like that gamble paid off for the moment. It probably helped that Almen was among the guardsman, who despite his jovial nature and wholesome antics was still a fiercely tall man with an intimidating frame and a no-nonsense jawline when he drops the smile. He was only wielding a sword and minimal protection, but emitted an unparalleled aura of authority. And yet he still found time for encouraging words and occasionally assisting when a Marauder had a problem.
Dunas couldn't help but watch in awe before he approaches.
"It is good to see you, Almen."The merchant turns towards the entourage, let out a high-pitched squeal and approaches with light steps, almost prancing. The Marauders chuckle as a reaction and then continue working, even without being the focus of the guards. It seems no one is able to escape the magic of the Potpourri's proprietor.
"Oh, Sir Dunas! Oh lovely followers of the knight! Things truly just aren't the same without you around. As you can see, things have flourished in your absence. More of those ruffians are volunteering for labor. The field cook of the bandits is now a regular fixture at the public kitchen and is starting to get along with the regulars." "Excuse my colloquialism, but that is simply incredible. Frankly, I don't know if I could have achieved that much in the same time. Still... In the end, I must think about their punishment. Even if it will be lesser due to their contributions. They have been highwaymen, ruffians, thieves and murderers of common people." "Oh, none of them murdered anyone. Those who did, you already delivered judgment upon them when you got to their cave. Those who are here have been in the lower ranks of the band, I managed to figure that much out." "... That eases my decision-making a bit, and my conscience about them starting to get along with the locals."Laruen exits her carriage, taking in her surroundings to the best of her ability. She seems at peace, in contrast to her more tense stance during the trek back. Shortly afterwards, the Traveler follows, approaching Dunas and Almen. The corners of the latter's mouth twitch.
"I see you found more to join this merry band, my lord." "Oh, we just moved in the same direction. They are guests for the time being." "Right, right... May I ask for your name then, good sir?"
"Oh, I'm just a simple traveler these days. You can call me Traveler, the lord and his group already adopted the same stance." "As you wish, 'Traveler'. Please enjoy your stay at Dunas' Outpost, my store will be avaible for all your restocking needs."The Traveler laughs as a response and returns to his carriage. Laruen talks with him for a while, then begins to slowly walk through the village.
"Well... Aside from that pair, there's another visitor of interest here. You may want to meet her personally, lord."Almen leads the way and brings Dunas towards the "mansion", which still is only called such because it is the largest building of the outpost and the centerpiece of organization. If the outpost were a proper village, town hall would be the more appropriate term.
A red-haired girl stands in front of the mansion.
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Topic: Fire Emblem on Forums: Heritage of the Chosen (IC) (Read 36885 times)