>>5439256>“Just be safe in Ordelia. We can’t have you go dying on us yet.”Anemone smiles mischievously. “Is that concern that I’m sensing? Or is it perhaps just that you still have need of me? Either way, thank you. Rest assured; this is far from my first time going undercover behind enemy lines. This Diogones won’t see me coming.”
>“Good to know. In that case, I’ll await your correspondence. Until then.” You nod your farewell to Anemone. Now that you’ve exited Edmund Woods, you and the rest of the Blackwings begin making the trip back to Derdriu. When you turn around, the half-breed is already gone. “I hope you’re right about this.” Corrine says from your side. “She’s without a doubt the most suspicious person we’ve ever attached ourselves to.”
>“We’ll just have to have some faith for a change. It’s like she said. She needs us as much as we need her. And if she does try her hand at a double-cross, or using us as some sort of sacrifice, I’m confident we have ways to make her regret it.”“Oooh, scary! I love it when you get cutthroat.”
>“I learned from the best.”The trip to Derdriu is mostly uneventful. You pass by the same villages and fields that you had passed while walking through Edmund. Only this time, many of the people out and about openly gawk and stare at your party. You wonder if the icy reception is due to their surprise at you returning from their famous haunted woods, but then you realize that you’re all still covered in gore and grime. You yourself are the worst one yet. Your armor is cracked and dented in places where you were hit. Blood from both Crusaders as well as Demonic Beasts has dried on your nails and hair, which is tangled and matted. At one point during your trek, some children that had been busy playing in the fields scream and flee upon spotting you on the horizon. You and the rest of the Blackwings continue to alarm everyone you come across, until finally, after what feels like an eternity, you make it back to the gates of Derdriu during the late afternoon.
“H-halt! W-who are you?” The city guard stammers out. He’s used to letting in numerous merchants and travelers daily, but your group sticks out like a sore thumb.
>“Blair Weaver. We’re mercenaries in the employ of Lord Riegan, returning from a mission. Please allow us through.”“T-the Witch?” The guard says, giving his partner a strange look before turning back to you. “We received word yesterday that Lord Riegan has been looking for you. You should go and report to him immediately.”
Claude is looking for you? When you had last seen him, he’d mentioned he didn’t have any work for you. Has something changed?
>“Thank you, I’ll make sure to go and see him. Uhh…after I’ve cleaned up of course.”“I believe that may be for the best…”
