>>5431650>“Theo, Boleslav, I want you to retrieve Elias’ body and bring it into the village. He died trying to protect this place. He should be given a proper burial.”The warrior and sniper nod, running off to complete their task, while you and the rest of the Blackwings enter through the near-ruined gate of Arcadia. Even seeing it with your own eyes, you can hardly believe that an entire village is hidden away within these woods. Small huis and houses dot the area, not looking very much different than the ones you passed by in the Edmund territory on the way here. The interior of the village itself didn’t see any damage during the fighting, with the only evidence of a conflict being the bleeding corpse of the Demonic Beast lying in the center. Around the corpse are what must be Arcadia’s villagers, all of them keeping a fair distance away from it.
“Are we truly safe? Won’t they come back?” You hear one of the villagers ask of Anemone, who currently has everyone’s attention captured.
“For now, I believe it will be some time before Shambhala sends any more groups after us. The beating they received here will make them think twice about coming back without an army at the helm. And they won’t be able to march through Leicester territory that easily.” She notices you and your group’s arrival and looks up. “And we have these heroes to thank.”
One by one, Arcadia’s villagers turn to face you, allowing you to get a good look at them for the first time. Among them are normal, regular looking folk. The kind you could pass by in Derdriu and not think twice about taking a second glance. But there’s a fair number of others that look similar to Anemone. Pale skin, white hair and red eyes are a common feature, amongst other peculiarities and uncommon features. It’s almost unnerving. A part of you can’t help but feel unwelcome, but some of the villagers greet you with a hearty cheer.
“Our heroes!”
“Praise the gods!”
“My lords, thank you!”
The villagers surround your group, offering their praise and gratitude upon you for saving them. You’re certain that some of the Blackwings find the entire situation weird, but at least the reaction you’re treated to makes things a little easier.
“Heh, now this is something a mercenary can get used to!” Nero says smugly as he flexes in-front of a white-haired woman, who claps excitedly.
“I’m relieved the reception is so warm.” Anemone says, joining you. “Other than Elias, we don’t have any exposure or contact with the outside world. I figured everyone might react a bit colder, but I suppose they’re just happy to be alive.”
>“About Elias…”“I know. I figured as much when I didn’t see him with you. Not only was he a great benefit to our village, but he was also a dear friend. He sacrificed all to keep a place like ours safe from powers greater than any of us. His passing will be hard, for certain.”
