[IC] The Village of Soren (a 1x1 Harvest Moon/Rune Factory-inspired Village RP for FaithfulMuse and Stern Algorithm)

[Stern Algorithm]

"I see," Emtardas replied, putting away the shovel, "It's dangerous to travel alone." Emtardas placed a few compasses on the counter to let Freya inspect them. "Will you be doing any ocean traveling?" he asked while taking out a special waterproof bedroll.

[FaithfulMuse]

"I do not plan on travelling across the ocean." Freya said, taking a look at the compasses he showed her. "And the dangers of travelling do not fear me. I am just as lethal as anything that could kill me."

[Stern Algorithm]

"I see," Emtardas said, "an adventurer, I presume?"

[FaithfulMuse]

"You could put it that way." Freya said, figuring that telling this stranger that she was a rogue wasn't a very good idea. He probably wouldn't want any criminals in his store.

[Stern Algorithm]

"I've dealt with my fair share of adventurers in the past," Emtardas replied. "Do you have a party I should be worried about?" he joked.

[FaithfulMuse]

Upon hearing Emtardas' joke Freya did a rare thing, something she was hardly ever seen doing: she smiled. It was a small smile and it had a hint of sadness, though that didn't matter, as the smile was hidden underneath her veil either way. "No, it is just me. I do not think that many people would like to come with me." She answered, looking at the shop owner.

[Stern Algorithm]

Emtardas noticed the subtlety of her expressions. "Why not?" He asked, "Is the destination bad, or the company?"

[FaithfulMuse]

"The destination is nothing unpleasant and originally, it was meant to be a journey for two, but... something unfortunate happened." Freya told Emtardas. Perhaps she was telling him too much already, she wasn't being her usual, careful and distrusting self, but she didn't realise that at the moment.

[Stern Algorithm]

"I see..." Emtardas replied solemnly. "Then is there still a point to going alone? I'm probably not the first to make this offer, but you could stay in Soren. Everyone's got a history, and some of us...have done things we're not proud of. But we're not going to judge each other here, that was the agreement. I say if you're comfortable with elves dwarves, orcs, and what have you, then you'll fit right in."

[FaithfulMuse]

"You are correct, you are not the first person to suggest that. But to be honest, I am not sure what I should do anymore. The whole point of this journey was to find a place where we.. I mean, I can start over and just live a peaceful life, and this village looks like a good place for such a thing, but it is not what I had in mind." Freya admitted. She was telling Emtardas much more than she should be telling him but she didn't even realise. He was just nice to be around, she couldn't help it.

[Stern Algorithm]

"You feel obligated to finish the journey, despite what's happened, I assume?" Emtardas asked. "perhaps it will give you closure, perhaps not."

[FaithfulMuse]

Freya nodded. "Yes, that is the case, but I am starting to doubt if it would really be of any use to finish this journey. After all, even if I do make it to the destination, there will be no one with me to share the joy of reaching the goal with me." Freya admitted to Emtardas. "Either way, I am talking too much. I will come back for a compass once I have made up my mind, or maybe not. It depends on what I will decide to do."

[Stern Algorithm]

"Take your time," Emtardas said, letting Freya leave.

[FaithfulMuse]

After that, Freya left the shop and headed out onto the street again, unsure what to do next. The shop owner was a nice man, but she didn't want to stay at that shop the whole time. She wanted to do something that was actually useful or at least entertaining.

[Stern Algorithm]

Gil approached Illithor, "Hey, so since we had a bunch of wood lying around, I figured I'd build a quick trough for you to store fish in. It's a bit small, but should let you hold your catch for the time being." He presented a large wooden trough to Illithor.

[FaithfulMuse]

Illithor looked at the small, wooden through Gil had made for him and smiled. "Thanks, it'll be very helpful to have that. And it's well made, too." Ilithor said to him.

[Stern Algorithm]

"You're welcome," Gil replied, "I'll get back to working on the house now."

[FaithfulMuse]

Ilithor nodded, deciding to try to catch some fish to kill the time that seemed to be passing by ever so slowly.

[Stern Algorithm]

Meanwhile at the inn, young Kalram was running around, having finished his chores. He ran into Ryul's room to see if he was there. "Hey, Ryul! You're not busy right now, are you?"

[FaithfulMuse]

"Uh no, not really, why? You need help or something?" Ryul asked, looking at Kalram. If he needed help, Ryul would be happy to do whatever he could for the boy.