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"Bandit men on road, plain sight! Killers chase the.. our.." Towering over his Elven companion, the big human struggled for words. Unfamiliar with the language after only learning it a few months ago. "Camp of fire? Where we make rest. Yes!"
Krogier smiled widely at his personal accomplishment. Words were far more difficult to understand and learn. Violence was a language all in itself and the Druid-turned-warrior was fluent in such speak.
Behind him following at a respectable pace was his 'wife', as he called her. Atop the legendary Denmother of his homeland was the final member of his party. The Elven girl Amila.
Venridge was in view after weeks on the roads chasing rumors of a group fighting whatever evil was haunting the world.
"We are sure this is correct placing? Stinks like dung, from this far!"
"Camp fire" She corrected with a giggle. "And yes, I'm sure this is the place. Although it has been quite some time since I visited." She continued, changing to Krogier's native tongue.
With a shrill, but short whistle, she commanded Akash to scout further ahead to count the number of bandits ahead of them. Not that many.. It was only a group of 5. Perhaps she could negotiate a peaceful outcome with them. Although in the back of her mind she felt a slight pang of doubt.
"There's only 5 of them. I'm sure we can go about this peacefully." She stated to her hulking companion.
Krogier smiled as Amila used his own native language. Few others knew it outside the forest without a member of his tribe having taught them. Yet the girl had the gift for it. Of that he had been thankful. He would never admit it to her though. Switching back to his native language he continued.
"To mulch with peacefully. They rob and kill for their own ends! Selfish, disgusting, vile creatures these eastern raiders. The forest has no need of them and neither do we."
To emphasize his point he pulled the warhammer, Belanor, from his back. Its reassuring weight welcome to his sensibilities. Craning his head to look at the elf and his faithful 'wife', the glyph furred bear the elf rode so casually upon, a new thought came to mind.
"But.. IF you want peace, and I choose force, why not settle for both?"
Few things deterred the desperate like a Denmother at her full height.
Amila frowned slightly at his response to her peaceful alternative, but after travelling with him for awhile she understood that he was a fighter at heart. The thrill of the fight is what he loves, and that's just something she's accepted already. She also knew the origin of most, if not all his weapons, which she finds to be oddly sentimental for someone such as him, however she liked that about Krogier.
His suggestion surprised her, and left her slightly confused. "How would we settle for both?" She asked, not realizing his plan.
Krogier arched an eyebrow in the direction of his companion.
"Do you not feel the solution under your rump, carrying you across the ways?"
The Denmother gave what both could interpret as an amused snort of some kind as the great warded bear raised its head proudly. Even on all fours its back was at the same height as Krogier's head.
The elf flushed with embarrassment, her cheeks turning a light shade of red as she realized that she had misunderstood something so simple. However she was able to quickly regain her composure before replying, "Perhaps we don't need to even come into contact with them, save our energy for more important matters. I think we should take a slightly longer route, walking around them."
The Druid followed her line of thinking and glanced to the side paths. The forest was decaying but still provided enough cover if they took a wide march around the problem, rather than straight through it.
"Mmm." Sheathing the greathammer on his back, Krogier crossed his arms in thought. A nudge from the denmother behind him confirmed the route.
"We walk around. Another couple hours on the journey is not so much trouble. Good thinking, Elf."
Scratching the denmothers chin, the group set off for a different route.
Bandits on the roads, killers in the dark, neither accosted the group on the last legs of their journey. The gates of Venrige were a stones throw away. At the head of the gate was a man with pen and paper, others writing down something before entering.
Krogier stood stalk still.
"Perhaps.. you should lead."
It was embarrassing for him to admit that he could only speak broken common, not read or write it.
The sage smiled at her companion as he agreed with her plan of action. In the back of her mind, she wasn't actually sure if Krogier was going to go along with it, since his contempt for bandits was strong.
Upon reaching the gate, the guards looked very nervous, seeing a massive runic bear plodding toward them. When the trio had stopped, Amila slid off the side of the Denmother, walking over to them. The guards calmed down as they noticed the Sage's cloak.
"M-madam Sage!" One of them stuttered, the presence of the bear still intimidating him.
"Don't worry, they're with me." She said, which seemed to calm them down. A weary looking man stepped forward, ready to do his usual spiel, but upon looking up from his book, he realized who he was dealing with.
"Ah-- Madam Sage.. We weren't expecting your visit, but I assume you're here as a Seeker? And may I ask for the name of your companion?" He asks in a formal tone, attempting to appear less exhausted.
"Yes. This is Krogier, and his wife. Please excuse her appearance, she's very kind." She responded with a smile that could possibly heal everyone of their worries, but they remained confused at her introductions.
"Please head to Ulric's Estate, it's the large home on the hill straight ahead once you're through the gates" He informed, a puzzled look remaining on his features.
"Ulric? I have not visited him in years. The boy was always an.. interesting one." She thought aloud as she walked through the gates with her companions in tow. The guards and citizens watched in awe as the trio made their way through. A massive bear and a sage? Hardly an everyday occurance. "It's the benevolent sage" or "It's the Sage of the Wilds" was murmured through the small crowd that formed.
Amila, being in no real rush, had decided to talk to some of the children that approached her, rummaging through her small bag to give him assortments of berries and seeds.
"Thanks miss!" They said in unison before running off with their bounties, shouting cheerfully amongst themselves. She even started to heal those with minor illnesses along the road.
---
Eventually they made it to Ulric's Estate. She frowned as she saw it's dilapidated state, but she wasn't all that surprised given how little people respected him after his fall from grace. As she approached, she noticed lights flickering within the manor. Activity. People rushing about. She smiled as she opened the door.
"Hello? Can anyone tell me where I sign up as a Seeker~?" She called out, wondering if anyone would stop to greet her.
