Chapter 9 At The End of the Day
The trip back to Tabi had been a quite one, with Leoric pondering over how to deal with the Thieves Guild in any possible future encounter, while Nadeshiko concentrated on mentally composing their report for Welg.
After returning to the village they had parted ways, Nadeshiko to report to the council, while Leoric headed to the nearest inn.
After paying for his drink he turned and glanced around for a seat and found one at the back of the room, and on his way one or two of the villagers raised a head from their conversations to greet him.
Leoric politely returned their greetings and hurried towards his table. His deeds may have helped thaw the chill between himself and the Weavers, but they were still wary, and he wasn't seeking company.
'It's as Jahari had once said, "Trust is difficult to regain, even if you ever had at it all," he mused drinking deeply from his cup.
'Ah, but we do trust you to help us' said a voice, and he glanced up to see Nadeshiko standing there with a drink in each hand.
'You could use another drink,' she said offering him a glass of cider which he accepted. She then sat opposite of him.
'So what excuse did Ardriss cough up to save his skin?' he asked.
'Ardriss revealed that the cultivation and use of the Dream Forges had been taught to them by a woman named Rhea, an Orothean Magi representing an organization calling themselves The Cadre,' Nadeshiko replied and took a sip of her drink, 'have you ever heard of them?'
'I know of the term,' he replied, 'however if that is the case the implications aren't good.'
'True, but apparently this organization is not militarily or politically driven,' she replied, 'in their case it seems to be uninhibited research of magic.'
'Then getting others to put their theories into practice, that's crazy.' Leoric replied.
Nadeshiko nodded, 'all that aside, you certainly impressed Welg with your performance.' she said, 'I doubt we could have stopped them without you.'
Leoric smirked, 'It sounds like he isn't the only one I made a good impression on,' he said and gestured to the Binding Collar, 'so if you wouldn't mind?'
Nadeshiko scoffed; 'don't get your hopes up. You're a miscreant, but you're our miscreant. We are going to reform you whether you like it or not.'
'I suppose weeding out the Cadre is part of this,' he replied glumly.
'Among other tasks Welg may set you,' she replied cheerfully, 'You may not know it, but Welg can be quite hard to impress.'
Leoric could not help but laugh.
'That's my impression as well,' he said and raised his glass, 'Cheers to him.'
Nadeshiko echoed his sediment and raised her glass.
' Cheers to him, and to you as well,' she said softy as their glasses clinked together.