[center][img]https://txt-dynamic.static.1001fonts.net/txt/dHRmLjk2LjEwZjhmZS5RbTkzZVc0Z1JXeHRkMjl2WkEsLC4xAAA,/aldith.grunge.png[/img] [color=cyan]Time:[/color] Morning [color=cyan]Location:[/color] Forest outside of Roshmi [color=cyan]Interactions:[/color] Darius[@FunnyGuy], Elthrael[@Dezuel], Zephyrin[@Howlsofwinter], Kenia[@Tae][/center] Bowyn simply shrugged and returned the smile as Kenia thanked him for bringing back fish. It had seemed the best way to contribute something to the group; Darius could provide water, Kenia had seemed to unofficially put herself in charge and, more importantly, had supplied them with mead, and while Vaeril seemed to mostly keep to himself he was at least useful in a fight. On the other hand, Elthrael’s biggest contribution currently seemed to be running his mouth, which, at least, made him entertaining company. [color=cyan]“Do you not agree that any sign of danger should be swiftly dealt with? Or are you so blinded by a pretty face that you forget just how much danger we are already in and just how much more there is to come?”[/color] Bowyn asked, glancing towards Elthrael. While he hoped the forest fairy was simply planning a game of poke the bear with Kenia, he didn’t know Elthrael well enough to know if he was the type who would put his own conquests before the safety of the group. He didn’t doubt Elthrael would keep a close eye on the newcomer but would he actually be watching her for any sign that she was a threat? While Kenia’s approach was blunter than his own, it seemed necessary to make clear that any betrayal would not go unpunished. [color=cyan]“I see that despite Elthrael’s best efforts you seem more interested in Darius. I’ll echo Kenia’s sentiment; we have extended trust to you, betray that and it will not end well for you. But if your interests really do lie in adventure, and maybe even in doing something that truly matters, then you will find yourself welcomed here. The same protection we extend to each other, would include you as well.”[/color] Bowyn returned his attention to Zephyrin, using hollow words and an empty smile to frame the rebellion as something appealing to one he saw as young and naive. While it remained to be seen if anything they did would actually matter, it did matter to Bowyn. He had goals he could at least grasp at, and if he was willing to fight and even kill for them, he was certainly willing to stretch the truth for them. It certainly did not escape Bowyn that manipulating someone into the rebellion was upsettingly close to being just as bad as using humans as pawns in a war. He could rationalize, tell himself that Zephyrin had a choice, not a great one either way, but it was still there. What he couldn’t deny though was the knowledge that if anyone had told him just how much rebellion could cost, back when he still had things to lose, even when he had been young and naive, he would’ve chosen differently. But full on rebellion had been brought here, and with it meant sacrifices, not just of lives but of any claim to moral highgrounds. One thing that was certain was that Aklenroth would not hold back, the lich would be ruthless in his pursuit of victory. If a rebellion were to succeed they had to be just as willing to cross lines. Bowyn found himself now willing to sacrifice parts of his humanity for the safety of those he cared about and for his newfound goals. Perhaps this was a similar realization Risa might’ve come to when she chose to bring humans here. As Bowyn readied himself to leave, he wondered if he had in fact judged the princess too harshly. He hoped whatever her motives were would become clearer once they reached the port.