>>5881602You couldn’t fault these villagers for losing their nerves around you. Snowcap was the sort of place thar hardly received any visitors, and yet here you were at the head of an armed band of warriors. He was likely hoping that playing dumb regarding your question would cause you to simply move on and bother someone else. You attempt your inquiry again, hoping this time to ease his concerns regarding your intentions.
>“I apologize if my sudden appearance has caused any distress.” You bow your head towards the gentleman before you. “I am a native of Rusalka, returning to my home now that the war has concluded. I understand that your village is far removed from what goes on in the rest of the country. Please know that I mean neither you nor your neighbors harm. I simply wish to understand what sort of fate has befallen Rusalka since my departure. Please, if you do have any information at all that you can share, it would be extremely helpful.”The man stares at you through squinted eyes, as if wondering whether to believe you or not. Some of his neighbors gather enough backbone to stand behind him, either trying to make sure everything was okay, or just hoping to listen closer. Finally, he opens his mouth.
“You’re really from Rusalka?” He asks in disbelief. “Which village?”
>“Magnesia. A small fishing hamlet by the southern coast.”“And your…friends?” He gestures towards the Blackwings, who were standing a healthy distance behind you. “You’re all going to Magnesia?”
>You shrug your shoulders. “They wanted to see where I grew up?”The man sighs, massaging his temples. While he likely still didn’t trust you, he seemed to warm up enough to the point he was willing to be more open. “Aye…there’s a rebellion brewing alright. I take it you came here to choose a side and grab yourself a nice piece of the pie? Figures. War is over and you mercenaries are already looking for the next big fight.”
>“I assure you it’s nothing of the sort. We have plenty of gold to satisfy our needs. I simply have a desire to see my homeland emerge from whatever darkness has grasped it.”“If that’s the case, I hope you’ll be taking up arms against that rotten Count.” The man says, spitting on the ground.
“Jim!” One of the villagers standing behind him protests. “You don’t know who these people are! You can’t say something like that!”
“Ahh, shut it.” Jim waves off his neighbor’s concern. “She’s the real deal. I can see it in her eyes. Besides, only someone born here would know about a backwater fishing hole like Magnesia. No offense, of course ma’am.”
>“None taken.” You hardly ever thought about the place of your birth. Truthfully, there was no reason to. There wasn’t much waiting for you back there. After your father died, you left that life behind to live in the castle. “It sounds as though you’ve chosen a side?” 