[color=1a7b30][h2]Rezello[/h2][/color]
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Introductions were underway, interspersed with discussion about their next goal: delving into the Laisle Grand Library in search of a tome and a vault of artifacts. Under different circumstances, it could pass as a relatively simple ruins plundering mission; familiar territory. Based on what they had encountered so far, however, merely getting there would likely be complicated by the cursed forest, and if Theriadore was as accomplished an artificer as Vesemir made him out to be, a vault of his artifacts would certainly be well-defended.

All the more reason to take advantage of what tranquility they had while they still could. Retrieving a bowl and a long-handled spoon from a mess kit in his pack, Rezello served himself a helping of the stew Akari had started, taking a seat on a fallen log nearby. Lifting a spoonful to his mask, its articulated lower jaw shifted such that its mouth opened and shut in unison with Rezello’s as he began his meal. Getting used to eating and drinking with the mask on had taken Rezello some time, but after nine years it had become as natural for him as if it hadn’t been there at all.

He paused mid-spoonful as an unexpected guest entered the camp. Akari was the first to react, apparently recognizing something about the newcomer as she invited her to join the rest of them. From the sound of her story, it seemed another group was trying to make their way into the forest - with a particular emphasis on ‘was’. While a band of scholars fleeing in the face of danger was by itself understandable, abandoning the one escort they had hired while doing so was not only cowardly, but stupid - after all, there was nothing guaranteeing they wouldn’t encounter more foes during their retreat. A problem that was no longer Miwa’s responsibility, in any case.

Miwa finished explaining her situation, offering to join their expedition, an opportunity Vesemir was quick to capitalize on. Giving her a pouch of coin similar to those he had used to pay the rest of them, he welcomed her to the party. With the tension relieved, Rezello continued eating while Akari began to prepare a second pot of stew. Conversation continued with the calmed atmosphere; while Miwa expanded on her background in the Far East - the same “faraway land” Akari hailed from, evidently - Rezello acquired a second helping of stew, this time making his way towards the nearby river, gazing across it into the darkness of the forest beyond.

Perhaps something in the library would hold some clue towards the answers he sought, hidden among the tomes and records.

After a moment, he returned to his previous seat, finishing his meal.