Chapter 4) Safety

We are on the run again. This time, though, Hezul and I don't run alone. Noba, Baldur, Dain, and Vala are with us. It is absolutely bizarre, to have such constant companions. It is even odder that they continue to keep their good humor and kindness. That isn't to say there aren't arguments. Now that we spend more time together, I do see where Noba and Dain will bicker, or where Vala will scold Baldur and he rolls his eyes in response. But that makes it stranger to me. I am not used to seeing people 'making up' after arguing. At the court, arguing almost always led to people dying.

These people are so strange. But I… I adore them for it.

There was something strangely soothing about being able to roll up your skirts and dangle your feet in cool water. Though, it was also terrifying and embarrassing. I had never done this before, not even as a child. My mother would have killed me for showing so much of my legs in public.

"You really do have nice legs, Gwyneth," Noba commented. She had insisted that we sit by the river while she mended, and I attempted to assist. Since I didn't know how to sew, I mostly just held the clothes still for her. "Is it from riding?"

"Is this another attempt to try and learn about what it is like to ride a horse?" I asked, amused. Her unrepentant grin made me smile. Ever since she learned that Hazel and I knew how to ride, she had been constantly asking questions about them. "I honestly don't know what else to tell you about it, Noba. Hezul and I haven't ridden for pleasure in years." We had only ridden in the early mornings, when no one was about, and only when Galle wanted to. "Though, I suppose if we ever manage to snag and maintain a horse, Hezul and I could teach you how to ride it."

"Really?!" Noba's face lit right on up, and not even pricking her finger deterred her cheer. "I'll hold you to that!"

"That is if we manage it, Noba. Horses are expensive."

"Don't try to logic my enthusiasm away!" She giggled, and kicked her feet, splashing them in the water. While I smiled at her enthusiasm, I couldn't help but be irriationally disappointed in the river. We had tried to 'drown' the Loptyr tome in it, but it had proved to be waterproof. "Ah, this river is heavenly. Why can't we just live here again?"

"According to Vala, we are too close to a castle-town known as 'Evans'. We are also some distance still from the forest you mentioned."

"Oh, right." She sighed, but continued to smile and mend. "The others have been a while. Do you think they're okay?"

"I am certain they are, though I am not certain of how fruitful they will find their hunt."

"Dain and Baldur are amazing hunters, and Vala's fire is good for herding them."

"Oh, that isn't what I meant." What I had meant was that they had taken Hezul and… well…

"I can't believe you have no idea how to hunt." The others returned to our little camp with Baldur's laughing teasing. "Best warrior in the world, and you can't hunt!" Baldur continued laughing, smiling brightly. Hezul followed with a stoic expression, eyes narrowed slightly in annoyance. I couldn't see Dain or Vala from where I was, but I knew they had to be following. "I thought nobles hunted!"

"Galle only liked hunting people," Hezul deadpanned. I shivered, remembering those awful 'hunts'. I had only watched from the window, but they had still been horrific. "He liked having prisoners run for their freedom, only to watch them die. He didn't find any other type of hunting fun, so those are the only hunts I've been on. I didn't want to learn how to be good at that."

"Wait, seriously?" Baldur gaped, smiling dropping. "Seriously?"

"He liked watching the moment where a person's hope turned to despair. He thought it was the funniest expression."

"Why has no one assassinated him yet?" Baldur facepalmed when Hezul pointed at himself. "Right. Bodyguard."

"I did my job well, for whatever good or ill that brought."

"Meh, you're with us now. So, who cares?"

"Welcome back, you two," I called, standing and smoothing out my skirts before walking over to them. Noba gathered up all the clothes and thread and carried them back to the camp proper. "Was it a successful hunt?"

"Yeah, Dain and Vala are dragging the fruits of our labor," Baldur explained. He smiled again, laughing. "We didn't want Hezul to do it thanks to his injury."

"I understand." I walked over to Hezul and peered up at him worriedly. He smiled, though, and I smiled back. I had been worried the hunting would bring back old memories. "So, how badly did you botch their hunt?"

"I wisely stayed back and away, and only moved when Vala almost got gored," Hezul explained. He brought up his arm so that I could see the fresh bandages, and I frowned worriedly, resting my fingers on it. "Boars are stubborn."

"You went after a boar?" I asked, startled. I had heard many horror stories involving boar hunting. "They took you boar hunting?"

"It was an accident."

"How do you accidentally hunt a boar?"

"By treading into its territory while hunting deer," Baldur answered. He had taken the clothes from Noba and smiled. "Anyway, let's get an area clear. We're eating boar today!"

We had just managed to get the camp clean and clear when Vala and Dain returned with the boar. I watched an animal be skinned for the first time, which was much quieter than watching a human be skinned. Vala and Hezul had agreed with me when I brought it up, to the horror of Dain, Noba, and Baldur. Noba had even stopped helping to give me a hug, for some unknown reason. Afterwards, I helped Dain cook up a few dishes with the boar, to help sustain us for the rest of the day, while Vala and Noba cleaned the fur and Baldur and Hezul disposed of the boar's inedible insides. After the meal, we settled about to work on various task while talking of something we truly couldn't ignore: finances.

"The fur should fetch us a good price," Baldur noted, studying it and making sure it truly was clean. Hezul and Noba cleaned up after the meal, and I helped Vala make her medicines. Dain was relaxing, since he had been the main cook. "That'll help. Should we look into mercenary work in Evans?"

"Mercenary work involves returning for pay," Dain pointed out. He stretched out on the ground, using one of the packs as a pillow. "It would be better to do something that doesn't require us to return, so long as we don't have a secure place to stay."

"True…"

"If there's a wigmaker, then we could sell our hair," Noba commented. She frowned and scrubbed at a particularly stubborn stain on a pot, with Hezul holding it steady for her. "I'd rather not, truthfully, but hair does grow back."

"The problem might come if it's a distinct hair color," Vala sighed. She passed me a mixture of herbs to blend, and rolled her wrist. I ignored it for a moment to hunt through my pack. "My hair color is only really seen around Velthomer, for instance. It's not a big deal when we're traveling, and maybe not a big deal in general, but it's important to consider."

"I suppose."

"I still have gems and jewelry," I noted, pulling a few out of my pack for emphasis. Afterwards, I dropped them back in and mixed the herbs like Vala had asked. "We will have to be careful about selling them, but I would imagine they would be expensive."

"You stole the tome and jewels to sell when you ran?" Vala asked. She laughed and leaned into me. "You're awesome!"

"That is a little…"

"The jewels will have to be sold in small batches to both avoid catching attention and to actually be able to sell it, considering how the economy seems to be," Dain pointed out. He pushed himself up and tended to the fire. "Though, I think there is an arena in Evans." Both Hezul and I immediately tensed, earning worried looks from Noba and Vala. "I know we haven't tried that before, but…"

"Not if it's to the death," Hezul instantly retorted, voice dripping with venom. He sat back on his heels and looked seriously at the rest of us. "If it's to the death, then they will utilize poisons and the like. It will be the safer rules, with only seven levels, to first blood, and healers on hand. Otherwise, none of you will do it."

"That's a little…"

"None of you will do it." Hezul glared, and I flinched at the restrained anger in it. "It's too dangerous, to your body and mind, otherwise. I know that better than you."

"Please, listen to him," I added, desperation bleeding into my voice. Memories of having to watch arena matches flitted through my head. It had always been in a private booth, where I had been stuck with Galle and where no one could see me, but I remembered. "Please?"

"Of course," Baldur agreed firmly, before anyone had a chance to say anything else. He set the fur down and went over to Hezul, resting a hand on his back. Noba abandoned the dishes to give me a hug, and I leaned into her. "Of course. We'll make sure of it."

"You have my thanks…"

"I'm sorry for making light of it," Dain murmured. He bowed his head to us both. "I hadn't realized it was an important topic for you both."

"Hezul's had to fight in the arena a lot, but it was always to the death," Vala explained for us. She returned to making medicines, but she passed me a small sprig of lavender. After a moment, I realized she handed it to me so that the scent could help calm me. "I imagine that's why both of them snapped a little."

"Then I am especially sorry."

"…If it is the safer version, I do not see an issue with you trying it," Hezul whispered. He slowly relaxed, and nodded. He gave Baldur a thankful smile before becoming serious again. "But it has to be those rules."

"And if it's not, we'll think of something else," Baldur declared. He grinned and winked. "We're all a varied group. We'll think of something."

"I suppose. But for now, get your weapons."

"Get my what?"

"Weapons." Hezul stood up, wincing and pressing a hand to his injury. I would have to change the bandages soon. "Whoever is going to try it, at least. The arena requires that you're better than your opponent to make significant gains. You should get some training in one on one combat."

Thus began Hezul's teaching Dain, Noba, and Baldur. It was a rather merciless lesson, to the point that Vala almost felt sorry, but I couldn't help but smile warmly. Hezul… the last person he had taught how to fight was his sister. That he was helping them showed not only how attached he was becoming, but perhaps showed he was finally healing form that.

It made me feel a little lonely, truthfully, but the happiness and relief I felt more than drowned it out.

The crowd cheered loudly, but even as Noba fought beautifully below, I couldn't cheer. I could only sit stiffly, far too aware of the blood dripping down her.

"It's safe," Hezul whispered, holding my hand. If he hadn't done that, I was certain I would have screamed already. I would have screamed myself hoarse, much as Vala had cheered herself hoarse, her voice cracking as she continued cheering with the crowd. "I checked."

"I know it is," I murmured. I knew he had. When we arrived in Evans, and checked the arena, Hezul had been very meticulous in making sure it was as safe as an arena match could be. The owner of the arena had been very kind and had explained all the safety measures in detail, so Dain, Noba, and Baldur all signed on for it. Thus, Hezul, Vala, and I had sat here in the stands, watching through nineteen fights, now our twentieth. "But I can't help but remember your duels. They always frightened me."

"Did they?"

"Of course. If you lost, you would have died. If you won, you would feel guilty and sorrowed over it." I looked up at him, tugging at his sleeve. "You would also always get horribly injured. I hated seeing you hurt so much."

"Gwyneth…" Hezul hesitated before wrapping an arm around my shoulder and pulling me into a hug. He tightened his grip when I winced because Noba took a bad gash to the side. "I'm sorry for worrying you so."

"Don't apologize for that." I rested my head against his shoulder, watching Noba's fight. But all I could process was the blood. "Choosing who I worried over was the one choice I was allowed to keep. I chose to worry over you."

"That's…" Hezul fell silent, and so we just watched Noba finish her fight. She did, triumphantly, and waved to the crowd as they cheered for her victory, before leaving to return to the wings.

"One more left!" Vala laughed. Her voice cracked, and she sounded almost adorably puny. "Let's go, Baldur! Kick their ass!"

"I am impressed Noba and Dain made it through all seven levels," Hezul noted. His arm left my shoulders to simply hold my hand again. I made no move to lift my head from his shoulder. "They are truly skilled."

"Considering the training you put them through, they damn well have better!" Vala stuck her tongue out at him childishly. "How much money have we made at this point, by the way?"

"Based on the calculations, ignoring the money for needed for repairing the weapons, 10500 gold."

"In total?"

"For Noba and Dain. If Baldur wins his seventh, then he's at the same. If not, I believe he's at around 5500."

"So, we're at a guaranteed…" Vala sketched out the numbers, frowning. "Um…"

"26500 gold, Vala," I replied softly. I smiled slightly when she scowled. "If Baldur wins, then it will be 31500. I imagine that is quite a lot, given everything, but that will have to cover our entire group of six."

"True," Vala agreed. She hummed a bit in thought, before wincing. "My throat hurts."

"That is due to the screaming."

"Hey, I like having people to cheer for, for once. The only other person was Hezul." Vala frowned and looked up in thought, and that let her conveniently ignore Hezul's startled look. "Wait, where did the money come from? For the prizes, I mean."

"Nobles fund the arenas, by law, and they don't wiggle out because the Loptyr priests use the arenas as part of their recruitment process." They also used it for the children who weren't sacrificed to Loptyr. Those were always the worst matches to watch.

The crowd began cheering again, cutting our conversation short, and I looked down to see Baldur walk out for his final match. However, the crowd roared with approval as his opponent walked out, a man with long black hair, sharp features, and a curved sword.

"A fan favorite," Hezul observed. His eyes narrowed, studying the newcomer. "From the grasslands to the northeast, beyond the desert, based on the walk and sword. They're known for being very fast and very skilled, hard to hit."

"You fought one, once," I whispered. I remembered it. It had been one of the few times I had been certain he would die. He had only landed one blow, the killing blow, during the entire fight. "Oh, Baldur…"

"This will be a fast match." Hezul tightened his grip on my hand, and I squeezed back. "It might be determined in a couple of hits."

"I see." I closed my eyes and turned to hide in his shoulder. I truly didn't want to watch. That duel… it haunted me. "I…"

"Go ahead." Hezul hesitantly brushed a hand over my hair, before resting it on my back. "I'll let you know when it's over."

"Thank you." I still winced as I heard the clanging of metal and used my free hand to cover one of my ears. I didn't want to let go of his hand, and the covered ear was closer to the fighting, so hopefully, it would dull it enough. It didn't, but I had hoped anyway.

I closed my eyes tightly as the crowd's cheers surged and held myself rigid. Though logically, I knew that these matches were 'safe', and that if something unexpected happened, Baldur would be taken care of, but I couldn't help but remember the arena matches back in Belhalla. Galle's excited laughter rang in my ear, louder than the cheers surrounding us now, even though he was so far away. His laughter even as Hezul would be bloodied horribly… I didn't want to remember. I didn't want to see people get hurt anymore.

The cheers surged again, louder than anything I had heard, and I whimpered and flinched at the noise. But Hezul shook my shoulder and I reluctantly sat up and looked down at the arena. I smiled in relief when I saw minimal blood, and it was only after noticing Vala happily jumping up and down that I realized that Baldur had won. The noise had been because Baldur had defeated a fan favorite, possibly in an unexpected outcome. However, that didn't matter to us. As soon as the match was called, the three of us quickly pushed our way through the crowd, out of the stands, and to the 'waiting area' where friends of the competitors waited. Dain, Noba, and Baldur were already there, and Baldur was laughing hard while Dain and Noba giggled.

"Dear freaking everything, that was way too close!" he declared, warm smile lighting up his face. He held up his shirt, showing a very long slice where a blade had just missed his midsection. "Holy hell!"

"Gave us a right scare, you did!" Vala scolded, rushing over. Hezul and I followed at a more sedate pace. "Apologize to Gwyneth! She had to hide because she was so scared!"

"Ack!" Baldur immediately turned to me, his smile becoming sheepish. "Sorry! I'm really sorry! Um… okay, how to…"

"There is no need, Baldur," I reassured, smiling slightly. I clasped my hands in front of me, and chose against trying to explain what had truly frightened me. Perhaps I would tell them later, but not now. I didn't want to dampen the mood. "All three of you are well. That is all I could ask for."

"You're so sweet!" Noba laughed. She jumped over to hug me before hugging Hezul. Hezul stiffened, not quite sure on what to do, but did eventually pat her awkwardly on the shoulder. "And thank you for the lessons! I only got through the last one because of the trick you showed me!"

"Let him breathe, Noba!" Dain teased with a giant grin. Noba let go of Hezul, but kept on thanking him, to Hezul's increasing embarrassment. "Something tells me we should wait to thank him."

"I fear that is the case," I agreed, though I did have to smile at how flustered Hezul got. It was adorable. "But how are the three of you?" I glanced over at Baldur, still being scolded by Vala, before focusing on him again. "What injuries are there?"

"Nothing too bad." Dain pushed up his sleeve to show a crisp bandage, just one of the many wounds he had picked up. "We'll use some of Vala's medicine, and we can use the money we've earned for a night in the inn here, likely. We can move out in the morning."

"That does seem wise. How long do you think before-?"

"Ah, there you are." All of us stiffened at the calm, cool voice, but when we turned, we saw it was simply Baldur's last opponent, wearing a kind smile. "I was hoping to catch you before you left," he continued, bowing slightly. I frowned when I noticed that despite the blood and holes in his clothes, he had no signs of bandages or pain. He simply… it was as if his wounds had simply disappeared. "You three are travelers, yes? It's been a while since I've had serious competition in the arena. I've clearly grown soft."

"Ah, yes, we're just passing through." Dain shifted to stand protectively in front of me. I noticed Noba and Baldur did the same for Hezul and Vala. "My name is Dain. You are?"

"Odo." He held out his hand for a handshake, and Dain took it without hesitation. "A former mercenary. Nowadays, I just fight in the arena. It's steadier pay, and the lord around here enjoys the blood sport, so he makes sure it's well funded. It's why they can afford all the safety regulations."

"I had wondered." Dain glanced at the rest of us before nodding. "Ah, but I'm being rude. Odo, let me introduce you to the others. This is Gwyneth, Noba, Hezul, Baldur, and Vala." He pointed to each of us in turn before smiling. "Your last strike is going to cost us a lot of thread, by the way. You just missed his skin."

"Damn. I really am soft." Odo sighed gustily, but stil smiled. "You three had good teachers, clearly."

"We did. Hezul helped us, though."

"Did he?"

"Odo, you shouldn't just wander off." Another man walked up then, with hair as gold as Hezul's and very kind green eyes. I stiffened, however, when I saw his robes. They bore a startling resemblance to the robes Lord Maera and his followers had worn, based on the historical records. "I dislike having to chase you in order to check on your health," the man continued, gently chiding. He smiled warmly at us, though. "Ah, but I am being rude. I overheard you introduce yourselves to Odo. My name is Blaggi. I am a healer, of sorts."

"A pleasure to meet you," Baldur replied, smiling back. I exchanged a look with Hezul and Vala, and saw them also frowning. Vala caught my eye and pointed at the robes, showing they had both noticed the same thing I had. "You must use some powerful medicines. Odo is moving like he was never injured at all."

"Something like that." Blaggi studied us all a moment before nodding. "You all are travelers, yes? Do you have a place to stay?"

"Not yet. Why?"

"Why don't you come with Odo and me?" Blaggi continued to smile, even when Odo frowned. "It won't cost you anything."

"That's… That's very generous of you." Baldur looked to the rest of us, and silently, we all conferred. After a moment, though, I nodded, deciding to take the gamble here. Lord Maera was no friend of the Empire. Perhaps it was simply coincidence, but… "Sure. We'll take you up on that. Though, first, where do you pick up your winnings?"

"Over this way." Blaggi's smile brightened, shining like the sun. Odo simply closed his eyes and sighed. "This way. Odo needs to pick up his anyway."

As we followed, I took Hezul's hand and held it tightly. He shifted his hand to intertwine our fingers, and squeeze back. I knew, no matter what happened, we would be fine. We had to be, until we found some way to destroy the Loptyr tome.

After picking up all of our winnings, with the owner gently teasing Odo for not completing all seven levels for the first time in a while, we made sure we had all of our stuff and followed Odo and Blaggi out of the arena, out of town, and into the woods. Some part of me felt like this was the exact sort of thing my father would have scolded me over, but considering everything, following strangers into the woods was the least dangerous thing I have done these past few weeks.

"Is this the Spirit Forest?" Noba asked as we walked. There was no path, so we tripped over roots a lot. Rather, they did. I still had no proper shoes, so when we reached the woods, Hezul just carried me. I had protested, because of his injury, but he simply said I was too light for him to notice. "I thought it was further to the west."

"The Spirit Forest is, indeed, much further to the west," Blaggi answered. He looked back frequently, checking in on us, while Odo led the way. "Actually, it's across the lake."

"The lake?"

"You'll see it soon, but there's this giant lake right in the middle lands here. They say a fairy lives in it, blessing people who are honest without ulterior motives."

"A fairy?" Noba frowned. "What's a fairy?"

"Well…"

"Hezul, are you sure your injuries aren't aggravated?" I asked Hezul. Baldur kept glancing over at us worriedly, and all-but-hovered near, just in case. "I am certain one of the others can carry me if they are."

"I'm fine, Gwyneth," Hezul replied, a touch exasperated. I supposed I couldn't blame him. This had to be the tenth time I had asked. "You're no heavier than a suit of armor, you know."

"That doesn't mean your injury isn't getting worse." Sighing, I rested my head on his shoulder. Because of my long skirt, he was carrying me 'like a princess', as Vala had dubbed it. "Ah, why do I bother? You are incredibly stubborn."

"There's a practical reason for this. If things come to a fight, I can get you away safely. I can't really fight with my injury as it is."

"You could have mentioned that sooner." I sighed again, this time annoyed more at myself. Of course he had a good reason. "If it gets too much for your injury, please…"

"I will."

"Then I shall try to say no more." Instead, I looked around, making sure we were all doing well. Noba continued to happily talk with Blaggi, of course, and Dain walked near, looking up at the trees. Vala kept stopping to forage some plants, and when Baldur wasn't hovering worriedly near Hezul and me, he was making sure Vala didn't fall behind. Odo continued silently leading the way, not glancing back even once.

At some point, I noticed the wind pick up, and almost ignored it, but then I caught a glimpse of a small 'person', pale green and with tiny wings much like a bird's, flitting about us on that wind. I frowned a bit and reached out when it passed, and it giggled and bumped against my face affectionately before disappearing into thin air. I frowned more, wondering just what that was.

"Seems the sylphs like you, little lady." The strange words were accompanied by a little trill of a flute, and our attention was drawn up to the trees, where a strange young man sat among the branches. His green hair was tied back with a scarf, and his matching eyes danced with quiet laughter as he brought his flute down. "Odo, Blaggi, good to see you've returned," the man greeted, bowing his head slightly. "I take it that Blaggi's intuition struck again."

"It did," Odo replied, looking like he expected the man. Blaggi simply smiled serenely. "So, Sety, what do the sylphs say?"

"Probably the same this the fire mage's pixies have been saying." 'Sety' jumped down from the tree, the wind bending around him to soften his fall. "She's been keeping an eye on you two via them, much as I use the sylphs to ensure that things are safe." He bowed to Vala, and Vala smiled back. "Yes, I am a wind mage. And a bard. Do you have a song request?"

"Later, Sety." Odo relaxed, smiling kindly. "For now, they do need to rest, and they're near the camp."

"Yes, yes." Sety jumped ahead of Odo and pushed aside a few branches, revealing a startling amount of sunlight. Hesitantly, we all walked forward and some of us gasped when we saw what was hiding behind. It was a large 'camp', situated along some cliffs and the beach of a lake, except that it gave off the impression of a particularly cheerful town. Children laughed and ran about, playing whatever games suited their fancy. Teenagers flirted and teased each other as they did their chores. Women and men did their work with smiles and no trace of fear. "Welcome to… whatever the hell we call this."

"There's so many people," Baldur breathed. He hesitatingly waved when a couple of children looked at us, and smiled when they waved back enthusiastically. "What is this place?"

"It's a refugee-resistance camp," Blaggi explained, laughing at our reactions. All of us were basically just staring. "Though 'resistance' is used loosely. We mostly devote ourselves with saving children from the Child Hunts, as well as protecting people whose villages have been lost. Most of the adults are survivors of the hunts, us three included."

"Really?"

"Yes, though my rescue wasn't very conventional." Blaggi smiled brightly, again like the sun. Considering his 'home', it was easy to see how he could smile so brightly. "Saint Maera's followers are spread throughout the empire, tending to injuries and saving children when they could. One such bishop rescued me and took me to a monastery located on an island just off the western coast. I showed an aptitude for healing staves, so I became a bishop myself."

"What brought you here, though?"

"It started by delivering a message to Saint Maera's granddaughter. Saint Maera was adamant that he and his descendants live in the Spirit Forest, separated from the world. I don't know why. It's something about the blood they inherited." Blaggi smiled. "Regardless, afterwards, I decided to remain here and help where I am able."

"Also known as 'saving all of our skins because he can actually heal'," Sety deadpanned, grinning. "See, Saint Maera and his followers all know healing staves. And light magic. But we can talk about that later. You should meet our leader. Polite and all."

"In that case, you can drop off the money," Odo answered. He tossed Sety a few coin purses and rolled his shoulder. "I need to rest."

"Yeah, yeah." Sety held up the pouches, frowning. "Wait, this is less than usual. Did you lose in the last match?" He burst into laughter when Odo glared. "You did! That'll keep you humble! Who beat you? One of these guys?"

"Take them to Heim, Sety."

"Fine, I'll continue poking your ego later!" Sety continued snickering, nodding to Blaggi. "I'm assuming you'll return to the infirmary?"

"Of course," Blaggi replied. He turned towards us, and bowed. Around this point, I silently made Hezul put me down so that I could walk on my own two feet. "Please come to the infirmary once you're done with Heim. I'll tend to your injuries."

There was some murmuring, and Sety began leading us down the winding path to reach the beach. People smiled and greeted us warmly as we passed, which made me almost uncomfortable, and I clung to Hezul's hand as we walked. The sand was warm beneath my feet as we made our way to a noticeably larger tent, decorated with strings of shells pinned carefully to the sides. Sety walked right on in, without knocking, though I wasn't sure how exactly one 'knocked' on a tent.

Regardless, after a moment, we followed Sety inside, and found a strangely warm interior. It was filled with bright colored trinkets, and children's drawings proudly displayed. Bedding and a chest were tucked into the back corner, and a makeshift desk made from random boxes and a lovingly mended tablecloth. Working at it was a man with golden brown hair, and a matching beard and mustache, and brown eyes.

He looked up as we walked in and smiled warmly, standing and holding out his hands to us in a 'welcome' gesture. "Hello there!" he greeted, taking our hands and shaking them. Baldur, Dain, and Noba smiled back and didn't seem to mind the gesture. Vala, Hezul, and I tried to not let our confusion show. "Sety said that Blaggi and Odo were returning with more people. I take it you're them?"

"They are," Sety confirmed. He dropped the coin purses on the desk and shrugged. "And now that I have delivered them, and the coin, I shall return to my guarding, Heim."

"Certainly. Thank you, Sety." Heim stepped back from us, and I noticed he wore robes similar to Blaggi, but significantly less formal. "I appreciate it."

"Always." Sety winked, gave us a reassuring smile, and was out of the tent quickly.

"As quick as the wind as always." Heim chuckled and focused fully on us. "Now then… are you here seeking sanctuary?"

"That might suit all of us well," Baldur replied. He looked at the rest of us, and stepped forward. "Ah, but please, let me introduce ourselves. My name is Baldur. This is Dain, Noba, Vala, Hezul, and Gwyneth."

"A pleasure to meet you." Heim's smile warmed, somehow. I had no idea so many people could smile so warmly. "Well, the rules of the camp are fairly standard. Everyone must learn how to fight for self-defensive purposes, though none are forced to fight. And everyone has to help with chores."

"Makes sense, really." Baldur looked at the rest of us and shrugged. Noba, Dain, and Vala smiled back, pleased. Hezul and I glanced at each other worriedly. "I'd say we're good for chores. We did them ourselves, back when we had a house. How do we… uh…?"

"I have little doubts that Odo and Blaggi have arranged for people to assist you. It's how they are." Heim laughed and everyone exchanged hopeful smiles, save Hezul and me. The two of us just continued looking worriedly at each other, well aware of the danger. "Go on; go on. I'm sure Blaggi is waiting for a health check, and you'll be plenty busy before long. You can sign on for whatever chores you'd like later."

"Thank you!"

The others left happily, but Hezul and I lingered. After a moment, Hezul nodded, deferring to me, and I nodded back before gesturing for him to follow the others, if only to get his injury looked at. He left reluctantly, leaving me alone in the tent with Heim. Heim, however, seemed to sense something was up, as he didn't go back to his work nor did he try to push me into speaking. He simply waited for me to gather my thoughts and find my words.

"What Baldur neglected to mention was why we are running," I whispered, bowing my head to speak to the ground. It was impolite, but easier. "You see; I… I am the one known as the 'Quiet Princess', Galle's fiancé. Hezul is the one known as the Black Knight, Galle's best friend and bodyguard. We ran, but Galle is under the belief that we were kidnapped instead."

"Is that so?" Heim asked. Once again, he smiled gently. It truly did amaze me that there was so much kindness and gentleness in the world still. "I see. We will need to be particularly cautious when knights are near. Not that much of a difference, given our numbers and the amount of children we have."

"Hezul and I could leave, if you feel it is safer."

"It is my belief, Lady Gwyneth, that all those who want a second chance should have it." Heim shook his head and, very gently, rested his hands on my shoulders. I didn't know if I was more startled by the touch or the title. "You and Lord Hezul have clearly suffered a great deal. I actually request that you stay, so that you can heal."

"But…"

"I understand that you two fear bring trouble. But in the world we live in, trouble comes, sooner or later. As I said, we have many children. We have to be cautious anyway. You and Lord Hezul do not bring that much additional danger. No more than, say, a family with a child between seven and thirteen years of age."

"I see." I wasn't quite sure I agreed, but he seemed to believe it, and I knew from Baldur, Noba, Dain, and Vala that trying to argue would prove fruitless. "Nevertheless, if we become too dangerous to hide, please, do not hesitate to ask us to leave."

"I will keep it in mind." Something about his tone made me think that he would more 'dismiss' it from his mind, but somehow, the words still soothed me. "For now, I imagine this is the first time in a long while you and Lord Hezul have had any real freedom."

"That is…" I had no idea how to reply. But it reminded me of something Vala said, back when Hezul and I first took shelter with them. She, too, had mentioned freedom.

"I encourage you two to explore about, take chances and the like. Freedom is a precious gift, and I imagine experiencing it is terrifying. But it is a time to learn new things, and to do things you know you would never do before." He patted my shoulders again and let his hands fall to his side. "You will, however, need to learn at least one weapon. Do you have a preference?"

"I was forbidden, truly, to hold a weapon. I have a dagger, but that was…" I shook my head. I would hold onto that dagger for emergencies. "But, I suppose in my newfound freedom, I should just learn all the weapons, huh?"

"Is that sarcasm?" Heim smiled and escorted me out of the tent. Noba and Vala were waiting for me. "We can discuss weapons later. For now, you should settle in."

"Thank you." I smiled and curtseyed before joining Noba and Vala. Noba caught me in a hug and started dragging me down a path, and Vala talked excitedly about the areas in the camp they had already seen.

I kept silent, still a little uneasy, but their cheer was reassuring. Perhaps… perhaps we were safe, after all.

Our Group:

· Gwyneth

o 19 years old

o Due to Galle's controlling ways, she has next to no weapon experience and is hesitant to learn because of those old fears.

o Dislikes watching people fight, because of Galle's hunting and love of arena matches. Is most terrified, though, of watching Hezul fight or watching duels that remind her of some of the worst of Hezul's fights

o Doesn't really know what she can help with in the camp, but the others are more than willing to teach and help her

· Hezul

o 21 years old

o Due to having fought so much, he can recognize and find the weaknesses in an opponent's guard easily. It's part of why he is a brutal warrior, and an even more brutal teacher.

o Cannot hunt worth a damn, and isn't in a hurry to learn. He likes having something he can't do well, especially something that involves violence.

o Wasn't allowed to do any chores due to his extensive injury, on Blaggi's orders. He's a bit relieved by that, because he doesn't quite know how he could help

· Noba

o 18 years old

o Has dreamed of riding a horse since she was a child, because she longs to feel the freedom the horses seem to embody

o Is very personable and makes friends with ease thanks to her cheerful nature.

o Is excited by the camping and with the opportunity to help people. Immediately signed on to do patrols

· Baldur

o 20 years old

o Apparently very lucky in battle, to the point that if luck was something to count on, he'd be completely invincible

o Rather liked the controlled nature of the arena, since it felt more like practice and exercise. Doesn't say that, though, because he's well aware of how much Hezul and others suffer in other arenas

o Immediately signed on as a guard for the camp, determined to try and keep this new home safe.

· Dain

o 22 years old

o Decent enough at hunting to get some fresh meat, though he admits he still needs to learn

o Careful to make sure no traces of them are left behind at campsites, to the point that he'll climb high trees just to be certain or so he claims. In reality, he simply loves the view from up high

o Immediately signed on to be a cook, and is eager to learn more recipes and techniques

· Fjalar; Vala

o 17 years old

o Though she tries to not show it, camping is actually rather hard on her still. She definitely prefers having a home

o Has a strangely strong bond with the pixies for a fire mage, allowing her to access more power from her spells

o Immediately offered her herbal and medical knowledge to assist the infirmary, and she was snatched up so fast, she nearly lost her shoes

Our Allies:

· Od; Odo

o 19 years old

o A swordsman from the grasslands beyond the desert, kidnapped as a child by the Child Hunts. Was saved by a former knight and raised by him until his death

o Though his real name is technically 'Od', the children in the camp accidentally began calling him 'Odo', and so, he uses that as his name instead. He finds it adorable, really.

o Has served under Heim for two years, and helps provide the majority of their funds thanks to his arena winnings

· Blaggi

o 17 years old

o A talented healer, one of the few non-Loptyr-priests to be able to use staves. He teaches everyone who is interested, believing the knowledge should be known to any and all who wish

o Originally from the war-torn lands of the west, but only really remembers the island where he was raised. He left quite a few of his 'family' behind to work here, but thinks of them often

o Though he appears gentle, he is perhaps the most stubborn person in the entire camp, though it only really shows when people's health is concerned

· Sety

o 20 years old

o A wind mage with a talent for music, originally from the snowy lands beyond the desert. Kidnapped as a child via the Child Hunts

o He actually managed to escape, along with a few friends of his, but used himself as bait to draw the priests away from them. Was found near-death in the desert by a group of traveling musicians

o No word on why he's no longer with that group, yet, but he plays beautiful songs on his flute in the evening to raise spirits

· Heim

o 27 years old

o One of the very few users of light magic, a knowledge preserved by Lord Maera and his followers. Does not follow Lord Maera's teachings, but learned from them

o Originally from a village south of the Spirit Forest, and is one of the few who can navigate it safely. He's personal friends with Lord Maera's granddaughter

o Became the leader and founder of the Resistance on accident, due mostly to being unable to leave people suffering and having a keen knowledge of the terrain to keep everyone hidden. Does his best by everyone, but worries desperately that he's not doing a good enough job

Author's note: Have four more Crusaders-to-be! Blaggi's backstory, mentioned in supplementary materials, says that he was to be a sacrifice to Loptyr, but was saved by one of Maera's followers and then raised on an island north of Agustria (where Blaggi Tower resides in game). Maera's descendents living in the Spirit Forest is due to important plot points in FE4. The 'safe' arena set up is based off the FE4 arena, whereas the arena that Hezul is more familiar with is more akin to the other games' arenas (where you die if you lose), except without the chance to surrender. If you look at a map of FE4's Chapter 1, there's a long strip of forest by some cliffs and a beach, just southwest of Evans (and south of Nodion). This is where the camp is set up.

Next Chapter – Thunder's Fist (there's going to be a minor time skip)