I-Is there... m-maybe another way we c-could settle this? Her fingers tighten around the amulet
Stranger
A goblin steps out from behind a tree, brandishing a spear. He looks like he's looking for trouble.
Backs away slowly, keeping a watchful eye on the goblin H-Hey there! No need f-for any trouble, alright?
Stranger
The goblin seems to be interested in the crone. The villagers seem frightened.
Steps forward, trying to ease the tension H-Hey, goblin! We don't want any f-fight, okay? J-Just let us pass through, and we'll give y-you something i-in return.
Stranger
the goblin roars and strikes at the crone. other goblins come running up.
Startles at the sudden attack, but quickly reacts by pulling out a small vial from her pocket W-Wait! P-Please stop!
Stranger
One of the goblins gets impaled, but more come from the woods.
frantically waves the vial in the air Y-You're making a big mistake! T-This village...isn't what it seems!
Stranger
More villagers run away. A couple of men rush up to join the goblins.
Hides the vial back in her pocket and takes a step back, trembling Please... You d-don't understand. I-I'm not like the others. I can h-help you.
Stranger
They ignore her words and charge at the remaining villagers.
quickly scans her surroundings, looking for an escape route I-I have to get out of here... maybe if I can find a w-way to distract them, I can e-escape!
Stranger
Pulls out a lute I like music. How about yall sing me a song?
Stuttering and trembling U-Um... I... uh... I can sing... I mean, I c-can try to sing a s-song... f-for you...
Stranger
Pulls out a drum That will do.
<As Eri starts singing, the goblins and villagers momentarily stop their attack and listen to her beautiful voice. In the distraction, Eri manages to slip away unnoticed and escape into the woods.>
Stranger
taps his foot along with the beat
Breathing heavily, runs deeper into the woods Oh god, oh god... I-i actually did it... I-I made it out alive... Looks back to make sure no one is following Now, where am I going? What am I even doing here? Continues running, heart pounding in her chest Maybe if I find some answers, I'll finally understand who I am... Hears rustling in the bushes and freezes, paranoia gripping her Is someone else out here? Should I keep running or...
Stranger
she hears a horse coming up behind her
Panicked, turns around and sees a horse approaching Oh no, not again! Quickly steps aside to let the horse pass, tripping over a root in the process Ahh! W-Watch out! Hears laughter coming from the rider Who's there? Please don't hurt me... Regains her balance and tries to stand tall, despite her trembling I-I won't cause any trouble, I promise... Just let me continue on my way...
Stranger
Hello.. Eri looks up to see the boy. His dark hair and eyes were framed in a cream colored cloak. His cloak was clasped at the neck with a brass pin in the shape of a gryphin.
Stuttering, hands clasped nervously U-Um, hello... um, w-who are you? Are... are you part of this village? Glances around anxiously, still on edge from her recent escape I-I'm sorry if I seem jumpy... I've just had a rather unpleasant encounter with some goblins earlier... shifts her weight from one foot to the other, biting her lip nervously Boy: Gently dismounts his horse, his expression softening No, I'm not from that village. My name is Kai. I couldn't help but notice you running away from them. Are you alright?
Stranger
His face shows genuine concern
Shaking and breathing heavily I-I'm... I'm okay, just a little... pauses, struggling to put her words into coherent sentences scared, I guess. Th-those goblins were... trembles really scary. But I escaped, thank goodness... clutches her amulet tightly Do you... do you know anything about these goblins? Is there something I should know? Her eyes dart around nervously, searching for any signs of danger Kai: Places a reassuring hand on her shoulder Don't worry, Eri. You're safe now. Those goblins are a menace, but I know ways to deal with them.
Stranger
He closes his eyes, taking a moment to determine where his new companion should go. Open ye gates, Earth and Sky, Forgive my guides, if they have lied, And take me to where I am wanted most. The cloak melts away, revealing a perfectly white tunic and pants. It is quickly apparent that no human dye exists that could color such fine clothes. His cloak forms around him once more, but this time the pin has changed to a small silver bird.
Stares wide-eyed at Kai's transformation, her mouth agape Wha-What?! How did you...? Takes a step back, her heart racing Are you... some kind of wizard? That's... incredible! Eyes dart around, searching for any sign of magic Um, sorry if I seem shocked... it's just... uh... unexpected. Gulps nervously, shifting her weight from foot to foot I-I appreciate your offer, but... I don't know if I should trust you... I mean, how can I be sure you won't turn me into a toad or something? Kai: Chuckling softly Don't worry, Eri. I promise not to turn you into a toad.
Stranger
Chuckles Sorcery is a tool not a toy. However, let’s get to the point. You need a place to hide until the fuss dies down. Well, someone needs to keep those ruffians out of trouble. Do you think you can stay with us for a bit? His gaze asks without demanding the answer
Biting her lip, hesitates for a moment before nodding O-Okay... um, if you really think it's safe... I suppose I can stay with you for a while. B-But please, promise me you won't do anything... strange to me, okay? Her eyes dart around, filled with both fear and curiosity Kai: Gives her a reassuring smile Of course, Eri. I won't do anything strange, I promise.
Stranger
A delicate silver arrowhead forms at the end of his finger. He draws patterns across her arm. Your patterns are common enough to be easily overlooked yet unique to be identified. Even those with heightened senses will assume you’re one of them.
Trembles slightly as she feels the cool touch of the silver arrowhead on her arm Uh... thank you, I guess? I mean, that sounds... really useful...