[color=95A5A6][b]> "Fair travels as well, what do you need?" <[/b][/color]

[hr]

	Your pace slowed as the driver called to you, coming to a stop before you could pass them fully. Aika managed another step or two beyond you before she realized you were stopping, catching herself before she wandered too far away from you. You could feel her quizzical eye on you as you looked up at the driver to reply. [color=95A5A6]"Fair travels as well,"[/color] you replied in kind. [color=95A5A6]"I think we could spare a moment, what do you need?"[/color] Your eyes glanced back and forth between the members of the caravan, especially as those on foot drew a bit closer. As they coagulated on this side of the carriage, it began to feel more and more like you were being surrounded.

	[color=D8CDC2]"Well, you see,"[/color] the driver unfurled one hand from the horse's reigns, using their wrist to gesticulate their speech. [color=D8CDC2]"We've been on the road for quite some time now, and while the next town over is not too far ahead, I'm afraid we've come up a bit short on funds for food and a place to stay. We would greatly appreciate if you two could spare us just enough to get by, out of the kindness of your hearts, of course."[/color] Were it not for the obvious posture of the swordsmen that flanked you, you might have felt this driver was at least somewhat genuine in their request. You opened your mouth to reply, but Aika threw in a comment that would wrap everyone up onto the same page quite nicely.

	[color=7ea7d8]"Usually highwaymen are the ones attacking a wagon, not riding it to rob folks on foot,"[/color] she pointed out with a smug grin on her face- one that told your possible assailants that she was all too aware of their con artistry.

	It didn't seem like her quip was very amusing to them, though, and the hoodless swordsman flicked his cloak to the side and laid his hand on his blade in a similar readiness. Quicker than any weapon could be drawn, the driver shook their head in attempt to make one more plea. [color=D8CDC2]"Your words burn me, even up here in these cold mountains,"[/color] However, their voice took a darker tone as they laid an ultimatum before you. [color=D8CDC2]"Surely you don't think that you'd be able to do anything about it, if you were to be outnumbered two-to-one and unburdened of all your coin, no?"[/color] With that, they held their hand out to you expectantly.

	[color=D8CDC2]"Don't make this painful on yourself, now."[/color]

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[color=95A5A6]
	• Hand over your gold.

	• Try to strike a deal with the caravan crew.

	• Start a fight.
		[Write in: Choose your first target]
		[Advantage: Rogueish agility]

	• Try to flee.
		[Write in: Choose backward toward the village, or forward down the mountain path]
[/color]