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For all your talk of moving on, of putting the matter of Elle's strange family behind you, you keep wondering. Could there really be a God slumbering in the lowest layer of the Demesne? As impossible as it might seem, it's no more or less likely than any of the other wild theories you've heard. Until someone actually reaches those final depths and returns to tell the tale, the possibility cannot be discounted.
Could that person be you? It seems likely, or at least possible, that your father was trying to reach those final depths. Are you supposed to inherit his mission too? And if the stories are true, and God truly does lie at the bottom of the Demesne, would it look fondly upon someone like you, who has embraced the power of Calamity to force their way forwards?
Always questions, never answers. This, perhaps, is the curse of Insight – no matter how hard you search, you can never find the truth.
-
When you return to the Galsean settlement, you see that your fears were unfounded. Three volunteers stand waiting for you, milling about with a kind of restless energy. One of them you recognise as Mihail, but the other two are strangers to you. The first is a large man, larger than most Galseans, with a shaven head and the face of a thug. The other is a young woman, as sharp and pointed as a dagger.
“You are popular indeed, Pale,” Major Ionecsu murmurs, studying the volunteers from afar, “At first, there were far more than just these three. I have done you the favour of selecting the best. Most of the others were young pups, unskilled but eager to prove themselves. Enthusiastic, yes, but a poor choice for travelling companions. These three, though, should suffice.”
“Mihail too?” you ask quietly, nodding to the young man.
“Hrm,” the Major grunts, “I asked for him to stay, but he insisted. Should you wish to take him, I will not object. Whatever my wishes, it is his choice to make.”
“And who are these others?” Elle asks, looking at the other two.
“Usik,” the Galsean begins, gesturing to the man, “He is, perhaps, not the best tracker amongst all our people. But he is strong, and determined. When I asked for volunteers, and warned of the risks, he wished dearly to be chosen.”
He certainly looks like he could be useful for carrying the supplies, at least. Judging by the size of him, he could could probably carry the weight of two men.
“And this is Alina,” Major Ionescu continues, nodding towards the young woman, “She is a skilled tracker and hunter, if a little rash. She wished to join the Rangers, like so many of our men, but was denied. Now, I think, she wishes to make herself useful.”
Rash, impulsive... that might be dangerous, where you're going. “Can I talk with them?” you ask.
“By all means,” he assures you.
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