[color=bisque][i]I see.[/i][/color] A slight smile crept across Abel's face as Steven asked the group for a second time if anyone wanted to head into town. He was really trying to convince them to leave and Abel felt he had finally figured out why. He inwardly shook his head and chuckled to himself. Why hadn't he figured this out sooner? 

"[color=bisque]Steven, was it?[/color]" Abel said seriously as he stood up and dusted a bit of dirt from his knee with his gloved hand. In a low voice that was just barely audible to Lyra and the others, he asked "[color=bisque]Are you perhaps scared to head into town alone? I wouldn't mind accompanying you if that's the case-- and don't worry. It's perfectly natural for a kid your age to be scared... I think.[/color]"

Without giving Steven a chance to answer, he quickly turned to Lyra, "[color=bisque]I'll see if I can't find this shoemaker who told the kid about the flower. Come on, Steven-- let's go.[/color]" He started walking in the direction of the village, gesturing casually for Steven to follow him. 

He considered bidding Illumina and Elisha goodbye, but didn't want to interrupt their conversation. They seemed to be talking about Saatur, so he figured they planned to help Lyra. Either way, he shouldn't need their help to escort Steven into town. What's the worst they could encounter there anyway? The village drunk?