[color=95A5A6][b]> "We should have them arrested at the town." <[/b][/color]


[hr]

	[color=95A5A6]"Some things can wait,"[/color] you turned back towards Aika, a stern look in your eye. [color=95A5A6]"The risk is too great, not everyone who takes to these roads can protect themselves like we did."[/color]

	[color=7ea7d8]"So what do we do?"[/color]

	[color=95A5A6]"Take this one in. We've backpedaled towards the town quite a bit anyway, might as well hand them off to the guards. Plus, I'm sure someone there is going to want an explanation for the carriage with no rider that rode in."[/color] You knelt down and jostled the driver's shoulder, much to their disgruntled disapproval. [color=95A5A6]"C'mon, get up. If I can deal with what your buddy did to my arm, you can walk with some light scratches."[/color] You both knew it was a bit more than scratches, but with a few more shakes you convinced them that it was in their best interest to cooperate. The walk towards the hamlet up in these mountains was otherwise quiet, the soft crunching of snow eased the tension as you and Aika kept one pace behind your prisoner. 

	The cobblestone and dried oak framework of the buildings ahead of you drew nearer and nearer with each step, until you found yourselves seamlessly transitioned onto the main road that split the large town in half. Slightly less than ceremoniously, a large wooden plank mounted to two posts fashioned a sign that read twice, once in Daldoran and likely repeated in what looked like Dwarven, stating "Welcome to Guthram." The population that walked and rode the wide street was overwhelmingly human, a sea of winter-pale faces and hair of darker earthly-tones. Among them, the lively Daldoran chatter of commerce pounded a rhythm that was the heartbeat of the town. Some light questioning by you found directions to the town's outpost, where several guards stood in confusion around the lone horse and carriage. As you drew closer, you could see the reigns were held by one of the soldiers, while two more stood within the wagon's storage space. The burlap cover and its securing twine had been tossed to the cold dirt as they scrutinized the contents aboard.

	[color=95A5A6]"Excuse me,"[/color] you began, stepping past the driver and up to the guards. The three of them looked up to you, and the one holding the reigns spoke on their behalf. [color=8C606C]"Good day, miss. We're a little busy at the moment, if you need something you can head inside and speak to our front desk."[/color] Your hand lifted up in a "wait" gesture, and then you turned slightly to direct his attention to the driver. [color=95A5A6]"I would say that wagon belongs to them, but I have a sneaking suspicion that they stole it, along with whatever was under that cover. You see, my friend and I were stopped by-"[/color] you paused, a thought crossing your mind as you turned to the driver. [color=95A5A6]"What even [i]is[/i] your name?"[/color]

	Being prompted to speak, the diver elected to say something very different, as they leaned forward and began to plea with the guards. [color=D8CDC2]"Guards! Please, you have to help me! These two women attacked me, scared my horse to run off with that wagon, and are threatening to kill me!"[/color] A very confused and startled Aika could only manage a [color=7ea7d8]"Wait- wha..?"[/color] as you rolled your eyes. Of course, the soldiers all tensed slightly at the prospect of such an accusation, but your rogueish demeanor kept the driver from being entirely convincing. [color=95A5A6]"Oh please, if that were true, why would we walk ourselves right up to the Emperor's men and let you tell them about it?"[/color] A rejuvenated [color=7ea7d8]"Yeah!"[/color] called from over the driver's shoulder as Aika jabbed a finger at them. [color=7ea7d8]"[i]You guys[/i] tried to kill [i]us![/i] All because we didn't wanna deal with your highway robbery... Literally! You're lucky we only left your goons unconscious on the road instead of dead."[/color]

	Before the commotion could escalate any further, the guard that had spoken first shook his head and asserted in an ordering voice. [color=8C606C]"That's enough. All of you are coming with me, now."[/color] He beckoned one of the other guards to take the horse's reigns from him, and then again for you to follow. [color=8C606C]"We'll sort this out the right way. Shouting at each other in the middle of town isn't going to resolve anything."[/color]

	The three of you followed the man into the outpost, you and Aika agreeing, and the driver nervously.

[hr]

	By the time you and Aika were let go, the sun had dipped considerably in the sky. The faded pale blue of the morning was now replaced by a deeper royal, tinged with licks of orange near the horizon where the day would eventually set. She took a few steps ahead of you, stretching her arms high overhead and adding a long yawn for good measure. [color=7ea7d8]"Well, good riddance, I guess."[/color] The feeling was mutual, as the gash in your shoulder radiated a dull and deep soreness that would fill most with contempt. She looked up towards the sun, shielding her eye from a direct glare with one hand as she continued. [color=7ea7d8]"Looks like we've still got a couple hours of light left. Wanna hit the road again? Or should we just try again tomorrow?"[/color]

[hr]

[color=95A5A6]
	• "Let's keep moving, I'm fine."
		[Maintain major harm: stabbed shoulder]
	
	• "Let's keep moving, I still have some potions."
		[Spend one potion: Clear all harm]

	• "Let's spend the day here, I need help."
		[Reduce harm from major to moderate: stabbed shoulder]
		
[/color]