When people file out of the tavern at last, it is already mid to late afternoon. The sun is ready to set. Faces are somber. Instead of silence, however, there are grumbles. Not all are of dissent.
"Best to let dead things stay buried..."
"Honestly, I hated that place..."
"They were doing some bad things and it just caught up... But we're still needing to deal with it... Haa, what a pain..."
Back within the drinking hall, Primrose and the former workers of the Parlor remain on the stage with Kalv as the crowds leave. Richter and Ford also remain. Olberic and Simeon had blended in with the crowds and sat by the bar during the gathering. They remain as well after the townspeople leave.
H'aanit had come towards the end of the conversation, informed by Alaic of the crier's message. She wasn't entirely sure what was going on but luckily found her way over to where Olberic and Simeon were. The warrior had congratulated her on her seeming quick recovery. The huntress left Linde with Susanna just in case due to the leopard's injuries. Olberic asked lightly about Ophilia, to which H'aanit replied simply. Then, they proceeded to listen to the rest of the gathering.
Her green eyes seem pensive, fixated on Primrose on the stage. She looks back to Olberic and Simeon, speaking in a quiet voice.
"... I hath not understood whatten the gathering was to accomplish..."
"Ah, that was... well, it wasn't really a definitive goal," Simeon scratches his head, "Primrose was somewhat gauging the town and its reaction to the unearthing of the Parlor and its dirty business."
"You were not there, but," Olberic adds helpfully, "The Parlor was a place where the Obsidians were running a prostitution business. The same Obsidians that likely sent Alaic to assassinate Susanna."
H'aanit frowns, "But the Parlor hath burnt, yes? Then the den of snakes hath been sundered."
"Well, yes. But those women up there relied on it for their livelihood," Simeon gestures subtly at Arianna and the other former workers, "Prim wanted to see if the town was willing to own up to anything."
"... So, that collecting of coin in the end..." H'aanit raises an eyebrow.
"No one has any stomach to keep the Parlor around, I suppose... So, they just gave essential severance for the women to go and find work elsewhere..." Simeon sighs and looks to the dancer once the last townsperson leaves the tavern.
Primrose doesn't seem disappointed. She might have expected this kind of an outcome. After all, it wasn't her goal to win any hearts. You don't dig up dirty secrets and win favors. This was a sort of amended ending, perhaps...
"My condolences," Kalv walks over to her with the satchel of clinking leaves they collected from the attendants at the end of the gathering, "It isn't much but... It should be plenty enough for these ladies to get a ride out to a city and find other work, perhaps."
"Mm... thank you, Kalv," Primrose gives him a saccharine smile, "We'll be taking our leave now."
Arianna and the other women seem thoroughly discouraged as they hurry to follow Primrose. With this money, Stillsnow essentially voted to wash their hands of the whole affair and sweep them away with the eyesores. The only townspeople that seemed even remotely okay with keeping the Parlor business open was the innkeeper... and he dared not pipe up.
"Tsk... What a farce!" Richter loudly proclaims as he strides over to Kalv, "What was that show about, Kalv? What possessed you to interrupt everyone's day like that?!"
Kalv blinks, now starting to appear a little confused.
"All for a bunch of good-for-nothing, washed out..." Richter mutters under his breath.
H'aanit and Olberic both shoot the man a sharp look as they move to leave with Primrose.
"... Bah! Good riddance anyway...!" Richter can be heard still as they reach the door, "We'll have to get on with revitalization efforts..."
"... What a ... driven headman," Simeon says almost with jest as they return out to the biting cold and coming darkness, "Ah... this night! I'm sure we are all famished!"
"We still have enough food at the lodge," Olberic nods, "I doubt we have made many friends tonight so... It's best to keep to ourselves. And stay vigilant."
"Are you returning to the seer's?" Simeon looks to H'aanit as they near the bridge.
H'aanit nods.
Primrose turns and looks to the former Parlor workers. They look more defeated than before. She can't exactly blame them.
"... Come now, you lot," Primrose smiles and purposely shakes the money bag a little, "Let's get this sorted out so you can leave this place."
"Lady Primrose..." Arianna sighs.
"Let's not discuss out in the open, shall we?" Primrose winks.
The bunch of them return to the house by the river, with H'aanit returning to Susanna's. Cyrus was in charge of watching the first floor along with Therion, while Alfyn stayed upstairs with Tressa. The scholar stands and looks relieved that his companions returned without more injury.
"So?" He asks eagerly as they shut the door, "How did it go? From the looks of it, well?"
He had wanted to come along, but Primrose only had him around for the first talk with Kalv and Ford. She didn't want him possibly chattering too much at the tavern meeting.
"It went about as well as I thought it would," Primrose gestures for the women to come upstairs with her, "You boys be dears and watch the house here, alright? Oh, and prep dinner."
"..." Olberic sighs and goes to stoke the fire. Therion looks expectantly at Simeon.
"Ah, well, the former Parlor workers are getting paid a sum by the town to kindly... get out," Simeon sighs, "It was not the worse of outcomes however! It is a far better than being mobbed by snowballs and rotten fruit!"
"Oh, that is... well, that is objectively better, I suppose," Cyrus seems to think about that for a second.
"Huh..." Therion doesn't sound impressed or surprised, "And where's our share?"
"We are not parties privy to it," Olberic says sternly, "As it was, we were the undoubted cause of the upheaval that requires them to leave."
"You make it sound like it was all bad," Therion scoffs, "What happened to the whole thing about that place doing bad stuff?"
Olberic rolls his eyes.
"Ahem, regardless... I am glad to see that nothing violent transpired and dialogue saved the day!" Cyrus clears his throat, "I must say... Lady Primrose as quite a way with words and people."
"Yes. I think she thoroughly convinced Kalv to host the entire event," Simeon shrugs, "Anyways, now it is only a matter of preparing to leave... for us as well. I don't think it would do us much good to remain here following what transpired... especially now that the town is aware of our affiliations."
"You guys didn't spill everything, right?" Therion raises an eyebrow.
"Erm, if you mean the..." Simeon gestures with a thumb swipe across his neck and shakes his head, "No. Primrose merely mentioned the conditions of the Parlor, as well as the cause of the fire that ultimately destroyed it."
Therion sighs quietly in relief. Of course, he figured the dancer wasn't totally stupid.
"Well, when we leave may well depend on the recovery of Tressa, H'aanit, and Ophilia," Cyrus sighs, "I am no doctor, but I doubt we will be mobile by the morrow."
"We saw lady H'aanit at the meeting, actually!" Simeon mentions, "Unfortunately, she would not say much about lady Ophilia..."
Therion clicks his tongue quietly. It'd be a worst-case scenario if the town suddenly decided to hold a witch hunt against them for overstaying.
"... We should let the wounded rest," Olberic says off-handedly as he prepares the cauldron to stew, "It would be unwise to move without recovering more, especially considering the extent of injury."
"Someone should go check on that cleric and huntress, then," Therion scoffs, "Meanwhile, that pipsqueak is taking up all of the doctor's time."
"You're quite impatient, aren't you, sir Therion?" Simeon chuckles good-naturedly.
"I have places to be."
"Don't we all," Olberic scoffs.
"Ahaha... in the aftermath, Primrose took rather strong charge of the situation, didn't she?" Cyrus glances up towards the second floor.
"... I can only hope it isn't because she feels guilty..." Simeon mumbles.
...
Upstairs, Alfyn seems to be treating an awake Tressa. The merchant girl is sitting up when Primrose and the former Parlor workers walk up. The dancer is clearly surprised and she smiles.
"Ah, Tressa...!"
"Prim!" Tressa manages a smile.
"Hehe, you'll be better in no time, Tress!" Alfyn chuckles, "Those bandages hurt at all?"
"More like they itch...! Itchier than a bag of flea-bites...!" Tressa sighs, grumbling.
Primrose can't help but laugh as Tressa sounds more like her old self. She gestures to the other side of the second floor, "We're just going to be conducting some business, alright?"
"Huh?" Tressa's eyes light up with opportunity.
"Help yerselves!" Alfyn gives a thumbs up.
Primrose gestures for the remaining former Parlor workers to come to the corner with her. There, she puts the satchel of leaves gathered between them and empties it onto the floor.
"You call can count these, alright? And then, you each will get a share; enough to cover your trip out of this town, understood?" She looks to the other women for confirmation, "Where you intend to go after is up to you. You are essentially free now."
As they start counting the coinage, some of the cynical grumbling begins.
"Free to starve, maybe..." Luffie mumbles. Henriette tries to hush her to no avail, "What? I'm right, aren't I? This money won't last us long... and what if we don't find work in a new place? Then what? This town is just washing its hands with this money!"
Arianna counts the money silently, occasionally glancing to Primrose.
"... That may be the case. But you need to make the best of this and continue forward from here," Primrose folds her arms and looks pointedly at the women, "You all feel defeated now, but you cannot be pitying yourselves forever. You can still have a future away from here."
Jura sighs and looks down at her healing leg, "Will I even be able to dance anymore as I am? What good would a patron see in me?"
"...Even if you can't dance again, you don't have to do it for anyone else. If you leave, you might be able to find new work doing something else," The dancer in red lowers her gaze a little, "I wasn't entirely sure that I would be able to get as far as I did when I left the brothel of Sunshade..."
Arianna purses her lips a little, looking at Primrose with words that she can't seem to utter. The coins before them for counting appear to be forgotten.
"None of you are alone either," Primrose looks back up to them, "You have each other and you know your struggles. You've lived in this house together. If you leave together, you'll certainly do better than you would alone."
"..." The women resume counting in silence.
"... sounds like about... seventy or so leaves...?" Tressa whispers to Alfyn as they watch.
"Woah, you can tell just by hearing?" Alfyn is amazed.
At the end of the count, there is a total of 72 leaves. It's not much. Split among them, it would be even less.
Primrose puts the money back into the bag, "... I'll let you divide it among yourselves."
She hands them the bag of money.
Henriette looks to the others before quietly taking it. It's not too hefty, but it's more than your average coin purse.
"Jura, you... you always talked about going back down south... to the Highlands..." Henriette says softly.
"Yes... my father was a printer in Stonegard, you see," Jura sighs, "I ran away from home, seeking a life of thrill away from such boring books... ha, look at where that got me."
"I... Could I... go with you?" Henriette asks timidly.
Jura looks surprised by the question.
"... I don't have any family... I was sold as an orphan... and working here... it was as close to sisters as I could imagine... even through all the hard times..." Henriette's fingers clutch the bag tightly, "I just don't want to be alone..."
The other women seem a bit uncomfortable.
"I... I think traveling together like she said... I'd prefer it, too!" Henriette says quickly.
"... I... I guess that sounds like a better idea than going it alone out there..." Jura sighs, awkwardly scratching her head.
"Well... if we're going to go together... then Stonegard sounds fine to start," Luffie huffs, "I don't have family... and I'm about fed up with the Frostlands! South sounds great!"
"What about you, Ari?" Jura looks to Arianna, "You're the oldest of us..."
"Ah... I..." Arianna is momentarily flustered, "I don't ... mind where we go. I don't have anyone to go to either."
"... Then we... leave tomorrow?" Henriette looks around, "Get a carriage south...? I think this is enough leaves..."
"Mm! I... It's been years," Jura chuckles, "I hope my family will forgive me..."
"I guess it's better than nothing, traveling with you guys," Luffie shrugs.
Primrose nods in approval, "... It's hard to pick yourself up alone. With each other... you can share your burdens and support one another. Don't forget what bonds you've built working here."
"... Well, shucks, that's just cheesy," Luffie huffs.
A loud growl emits from Henriette's stomach, much to her chagrin, "Ahh, I'm hungry now..."
There is the smell of something cooking that wafts up from downstairs. The newly bonded former workers of the Parlor go to eat. Arianna lags behind a little, looking to Primrose.
"My lady..." Arianna says as if unsure of her next words.
"... It's alright, Arianna," Primrose looks to the other woman and extends a hand to her former maid, "All these years... This is the least I could do after leaving you all in the lurch like that."
The dancer's voice is low. Her eyes are cast down with a fragile softness.
"It wasn't your fault... None of us blamed you...!" Arianna says, hushed, as she grabs that other hand in her own, "I just... You're doing all this and... I can't do a thing for you, milady..."
Primrose glances up briefly, seeing the watery eyes of Arianna. She lets out a soft scoff, feeling the warmth from those hands around her own, "Go and find your path forward, Arianna. If you do that, it will be more than enough for me."
"... Understood..." Arianna bows her head once and sniffles deeply before excusing herself to go downstairs.
Primrose is left in the corner. She sighs. Simeon was right, it seems... Arianna didn't blame her. Something about that both made her feel lighter and yet also all the more dogged to hunt down the Obsidians.
Yes... because it's their fault...
She looks up and then she remembers that Alfyn and Tressa are also up here. The apothecary and merchant were sort of staring at the little gathering the whole time. They couldn't hear everything, but the aftermath is visible.
"... You okay, Prim?" Alfyn gives an apologetic smile.
Primrose seems to look elsewhere for a second before smiling, "I'm fine. I'm happy for them. They'll get to leave this place at last..."
The dancer walks over and kneels down to look at Tressa with a gentle smile, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm ... getting there..." Tressa grumbles, pouting, "I don't really remember what happened..."
"Well, it was a pretty crazy night..." Alfyn sighs.
"... Plus, I'm starviiiing..." Tressa moans, "I only had snow water since I woke up... and Alfyn's gross herb stuff..."
Primrose chuckles, "Well, luckily for you, we have dinner downstairs... Alfyn, can she stand and move around?"
"Her eyes look fine and she didn't get much motion sickness sittin' up so... baby steps, alright?" Alfyn says with encouragement.
"Hey, if I'm the sick one, you can just bring me my dinner in bed," Tressa huffs.
"Alright, alright... I'll bring some for you as well, Alfyn," Primrose stands and goes to get the food from downstairs.
...
H'aanit returned to Susanna's and recounted the gathering to the best of her ability. Even if she didn't entirely understand all the intricacies, she relayed the information at least. Susanna didn't want to attend. The old woman seems to listen intently for a few minutes, then waves her hand dismissively.
"So, they'll be ousted. They're being paid a small pittance to never show their faces around here again... Hmf, sounds about right."
H'aanit frowns, "Never showen their faces again?"
"Well, yes. They're streetwalkers, still, and remnants of the Parlor. Now that it's gone, they become eyesores," Susanna sighs, "Child, you seem confused over such a simple thing."
"... Tis not how I thought t'would be handled."
"How would you think it would go?"
H'aanit has no answer. Susanna laughs at her frustrated expression.
"Hyeaheahea... no stomach for such politics, hm? I am the same... but I do unfortunately live with people."
"..." H'aanit blushes a bit, recalling Primrose lecturing her similarly about living in a world of man.
"Anyways... it seems your friends helped those women. Richter and his lot won't look kindly on that... So, it is good if you were to leave soon as well," Susanna sighs, leaning back in her rocking chair, "Have you any ideas where to go?"
"... With this potion, I neede only finden Redeye now, no?" H'aanit looks to the prepared bottles Susanna had prepared with the herb-of-grace concoction.
"Aye, that is true... But also easier said than done," The old woman looks at her granddaughter, "Your best bet might be finding those that were also on the hunting party with Z'aanta."
"Thou meanst Eliza and the Knights Ardante," H'aanit seems to ponder that a moment. Not all Knights Ardante are within the know of the various matters that their lot handle. It is a large organization, tied with the church and thus spread out across the continent. Even if she were to go to Flamesgrace, there is no guarantee she would find answers she sought there.
"They likely are still off running around... if they are still alive, that is," Susanna says wryly, "Traveling a bit might get you some information."
"I haven not the time to wander without aim," H'aanit sighs.
"Hmm. Well, neither you nor I have any idea where the quarry is going to run. We barely know anything about it, save that it petrified Z'aanta and seems to have a vast an inexhaustible range of movement across the continent," Susanna raises a finger in the air, "Now, what are you supposed to do in that case?"
"... Gatheren information on the quarry... observe its habits and predict its movements," H'aanit sighs, recalling old hunter basics.
"Right. Tell you what... I know some of your little friends are traveling to Noblecourt," The seer rubs her chin, "Why not go with them and see if you can find any information with the highbrows about Redeye? You also have that Atlasdam lout with you, so you should also look to the Academy, as well."
"... And keepen an eye for Eliza and her knights..." H'aanit nods, "I understand."
"Hmf, keep a level head. This is not going to be a short hunt," Susanna scoffs.
"... I understand," H'aanit sighs. This is likely going to be... the most important hunt of her life. If so, it makes sense that she'd be running around like mad for it... Especially considering that even Z'aanta took many moons, probably.
"... Willen thou be alright here, Susanna?" The huntress looks to the old woman, "Thou hath helped us and the headman knowen-"
"Oh, don't worry about that. Richter can fester with his own bowel feelings. The man is a headman and a coward," Susanna scoffs, "We never saw eye to eye, but he's also too scared to act rashly... especially with Alaic's reputation."
"Ah. Then I shoulde haven taken it easier on Alaic."
"Pfft. Don't worry about it."
H'aanit sighs a little inwardly, not quite fully relaxing just yet.
"Oh, I almost forgot. The cleric was awake a bit ago," Susanna points upstairs, "She was wondering where you were and-"
Before the old woman even finishes her sentence, H'aanit has already bolted upstairs without a word. Hearing her steps arrive quickly at the upper floor, Susanna sighs in exasperation.
"Honestly...!"
She draws her shawl about herself grumpily and goes to fetch a hot mug of tea from her stove. She hobbles to the door now.
"Young lovers are so reckless..." She scolds no one in particular.
Susanna opens the door and sees the silhouette of Alaic standing as always against the low glow of the town lights around. The stalwart man barely moves his head at the sound of her door. He never shivers, always standing still as a sentinel statue on guard.
"Making me walk over, hm? The nerve..." Susanna grumbles as she hobbles over to him and hands him the steaming mug, "Here, drink. You always neglect that when keeping watch."
"..." Alaic takes the mug from her and takes a hasty sip, only to immediately flinch and try to cool his scalded tongue.
"Hmf, foolish boy. Always too hasty to down the whole thing," Susanna scoffs.
Alaic drinks more slowly. His eyes continue keeping a vigilant watch about them.
"Are you disappointed?" Susanna sighs, resting her hands on her cane-staff.
"..." Alaic barely gives her a look, but he does move a little. His eyes, specifically, glance away from the seer.
"Hyeaheaheaha... Indeed, young lovers are so reckless..." Susanna chuckles, "She hadn't noticed your demeanor at all, did she?"
"..." Alaic's eyes now turn downward, towards his half-finished drink. The huntress' words still linger in his mind.
"So, thou hath a tongue like any man. And thou spaketh as well... A wise principle. Willen that more folk coulden follow."
He'd never made a woman smile with his words. Susanna liked to tease him, but she was more amused by his reactions. However, H'aanit had even chuckled at him. That smile... it made him blush, in retrospect.
"There you go again, like a little pink blossom," Susanna snickers and taps his cheek with her can, "You speak around those you prefer."
"..." Alaic hurriedly gulps down the rest of his drink and hands the mug back to Susannna. He draws up the coat of his collar a little to hide the bottom half of his face. However, the slight tinge of color on his cheeks does not go unnoticed by the perceptive old woman.
"... There, there, you big lout," Susanna pats his burly arm.
"I wish her the best," Alaic half-blurts out, folding his arms defensively.
"I know you do," Susanna chuckles softly now as she goes to return inside, "Anyways, back to the warmth with me."
She returns inside, leaving Alaic to watch over the coming night. The sentinel's eyes are dry, unflinching as he stares on with great clarity.
He swears then and there in his stoic heart that he would never fall for someone like that again so quickly.
...
"Ophilia?" H'aanit rushes up to the room to find Linde lying by the foot of the bed. The cleric seems to have been asleep, but immediately stirs upon H'aanit's call.
"Nh...?"
"Ah, pardon..." H'aanit lowers her tone and approaches the bed, kneeling by the side.
"Oh... H'aanit..." Ophilia opens her eyes slowly and blinks a little, "There you are..."
"Thou... thou oughten rest... I hath thee woken..."
"Ehe, it's fine... I'm glad you're okay," Ophilia smiles, a bit more color on her skin.
H'aanit finds herself smiling just a bit as well, "... Thou looketh much better."
Linde gives a lazy yawn from where she's laying.
"Susanna said you went to see the others... Is everyone alright?" Ophilia shifts a bit in bed to face the huntress.
"Aye, they aren well... But we willen need to leaven soon, likely," The huntress sighs, "But thou needen not worry."
"Ah, I see... Yes, we have been here for a while haven't we... Oh no, we're imposing so much on Susanna...!" Ophilia seems to panic.
"Nay, tis fine... What hath transpired in the Parlor be'en the issue... Something to do with the former workers," H'aanit assures her, "But thou ought resten. I willen maketh sure thou sleepeth without disturbance."
"... you really do speak without reserve like Cyrus sometimes..." Ophilia giggles and extends a hand to gently brush some hair from H'aanit's face, "Such words make my heart race."
H'aanit blinks. The implication of those words sink in somewhat and she turns the slightest shade of pink.
"I... I hadden not noticed."
She normally spoke as frank as Alaic, not really caring for judgment. However, hearing Ophilia say that she made her heart race... well, that suddenly made her feel a bit ... odd. She covers her mouth and averts her eyes the other way. Ophilia sees that and she giggles softly.
"Sorry... Did that come out as embarrassing?"
"Nay, I ... I knowen not whatten thou meanest," H'aanit clears her throat, "Thou needeth rest. T'will doen not to venture into the snows with injuries."
"I don't think I'm injured, really?" Ophilia sits up slowly, "I... I just feel tired, is all. Like I'd been climbing a mountain..."
H'aanit frowns. Ophilia sees the guilty look flash across the huntress' face and quickly tries to cover up for her slip of the tongue.
"I mean...! I probably need some more sleep, is all!"
"... Aye," H'aanit sighs. She recalls what Susanna told her and how difficult it is to recover life force compared to a simple flesh wound.
Ophilia places her hand on the huntress', "It's alright, really. I've been feeling loads better as it is. See? I sat up by myself!"
The huntress nods a bit hopefully and sits up on the bed beside the cleric, "Aye, I believen thee. But thou still hath to resten afore we taketh to the road..."
"Where are we going next, actually? What did the others say?" Ophilia scratches her cheek, "I haven't seen the others at all since that night... Ah, I'm worried. Is Tressa okay? She took such a blow to the head... Ah, and Alfyn, too! He had an arrow stuck in him! And what about Ashlan... And Olberic, and Cyrus?"
"They aren all fine..."
"Ahh, I was so caught up that I forgot to even ask about them...!" Now it's Ophilia's turn to blush, "Even though they helped so much that night..."
"I hath to Olberic spoken. He hath said Tressa be'en healing well... Though I hath not her seen," H'aanit shakes her head, "Ashlan... who be'en he?"
"Ah, he's a hunter that was at the Parlor with us!" Ophilia recounts to the huntress, "He helped us save Arianna."
"... Who be'en Arianna?" H'aanit raises an eyebrow.
"Uhh..." Ophilia chuckles, "We met some people after you went off to the Whitewood... Arianna is a friend of Primrose's. She works, well, worked in the Parlor."
"Hmm. I knowen them not," H'aanit shrugs.
"You should go see them! I'm sure they're worried sick. I think they were staying at a house across the river...? It was the house where the carriages had picked us up," Ophilia thinks for a moment, "Ah... The other Parlor workers... I wonder if they are all alright after that..."
"There was a meeting in the tavern. Primrose hath spoketh on the Parlor," H'aanit brings up, "T'was an odd gathering about the... women. I knowen them not."
"The women...?" Ophilia scratches her head, "It seems we've both missed out on a lot of things, haha..."
"I knowen not what it hath to do with us," H'aanit states bluntly.
"Erm... well, same, honestly... But I really hope we can see the others soon and sort this out... especially if we need to leave soon after all the trouble..."
"We willen not moven whilst thou must resten," H'aanit says firmly, "I willen seeken the others and haven them come visit mayhaps. But thou ought regain thine strength."
"Alright, alright, I get the message," Ophilia chuckles, "You've told me to rest at least four times now, haha."
"Because thou ought to," The huntress says with a confident huff. Linde chortles.
"Are you not tired, too?" Ophilia presses her hand to H'aanit's forehead, "Ah, you're chilled since you just came in..."
"I aren fine," H'aanit removes her hand but holds it gently in her own, "I feelen the cold not... even less here."
"Mm... What time is it? I haven't looked outside since I looked out," Ophilia glances towards the closed window, "Actually, I feel I must move a little soon lest I become one with this bed!"
"I can helpen thee."
Ophilia shifts so put her feet over the edge of the bed. She immediately shudders feeling the cold wood under the soles of her feet.
"Ooh! It's colder than I thought..."
H'aanit holds her hands and slowly guides her towards the window. Ophilia's legs are a bit wobbly and she shuffles rather than fully lifting her feet. With the huntress' support, the cleric manages to reach the window. She unlatches the wooden doors and peers outside to the darkening winter world.
"Ah... it's already been another day...!" Ophilia exclaims, "It's already dark..."
"Aye... The meeting hath taken long," H'aanit glances to the cleric, "Hath thou hunger?"
"I could eat, haha. Susanna had gotten me some soup earlier... but it's completely gone by now!"
"Doest thou wanten to go down or stayen here?"
"I'm up, so I may as well go downstairs for once!" Ophilia says eagerly, as if she weren't wobbling like a newborn deer when walking.
...
The town of Stillsnow largely washes itself of care for the travelers and the Parlor workers after the meeting. The party in the house by the river establishes at dinner that they will likely be moving southward. Several of them have business in Noblecourt, which is to be the traveler's next destination. Since the former Parlor workers will also be going the same direction, but further down towards Stonegard, they decide it would be convenient to travel together out of the snowy region of the Frostlands.
Tressa and Alfyn do not have a set destination, but are going along in hopes of finding what they seek anyway. Tressa obviously still needs to find her treasure to submit for the auction at Grandport. What better place to look than where snooty nobles might be keeping their treasure? Alfyn, of course, is just looking to find people to help.
Of course, Alfyn recommends that they leave within a few days rather than immediately. He wants Tressa to rest as long as possible and also check up on the last of other injuries, like H'aanit, Ophilia, Therion, and Primrose.
When morning comes, H'aanit arrives to the house with Linde to a much-needed rendezvous with the rest of the group.
"Oh, H'aanit!" Primrose perks up seeing the huntress walk in, "You're back!"
"Mm..." The huntress nods and looks around apprehensively at this shack. Linde also seems to snort a bit as they enter.
"It's good to see that you're alright," The dancer stands, "Have you had breakfast? We're making some bone gruel at the moment."
"I hath eaten at Susanna's... Olberic and Therion be'en standing outside, I hath seen," The huntress closes the door behind herself.
"Ah, yes. Olberic thought it prudent given our... status in this town now. I do agree with his sentiment," Primrose nods.
"Exactly whatten hath occurred to turneth this way..." H'aanit glances around at the first floor where no one else but Primrose is here.
"Everyone else is upstairs. The fire is on, if you want," Primrose smiles, "As for what happened... long story short is that we basically chased away a good portion of the town's richer clientele by burning down the Parlor."
"... I see," H'aanit seems unsure how to respond properly, "Why hath thou the place burned down?"
"Because it was a reprehensible place," Primrose replies and steps away from the cauldron and towards H'aanit, "The Obsidians ran it without much regard for the welfare of their workers. And the leader of that Parlor was... a murderer."
Her steps pause before the huntress. H'aanit looks down at the shorter woman as if trying to understand something.
"Hath the Obsidians... done thee wrong?" H'aanit raises an eyebrow.
"Ah, you picked up on that?" Primrose chuckles and traces a finger along the collar of the furry cape H'aanit wears, "... Simply put, yes."
"Doth thou seeken something such as... revenge?" The huntress asks tentatively.
"... When did you become so perceptive?" Primrose teases, her fingers now resting by H'aanit's jawline.
"... I hath no judgment for thee," H'aanit looks her in the eye, "Whatten thou doest for thine own satisfaction is thine own."
Primrose blinks briefly. She slowly smiles, "... I figured you would say something like that."
H'aanit nods and looks to the stairs, "Hath you all deciden wheren thou willst goen from here?"
"Well, yes, Noblecourt is what we settled on. Cyrus, Olberic, and even Therion received advice from Susanna on what they might seek to find there..." Primrose omits her own aim from the mix, "Have you got a next location in mind?"
H'aanit blinks, "Noblecourt be'en perfect for me."
"Really? That's a surprise..."
"I knowen not enough about mine quarry. Susanna hath reminded me of the olde hunter ways to learn about whatten I be hunten," H'aanit nods, "She hath Noblecourt recommended."
"I see... Wise advice indeed," Primrose sighs, "It's good, though, that we seem to be once again traveling together... But what of the cleric?"
"Ophilia be'en well... recovering," H'aanit sighs now, "We moven not in the morrow, correct?"
"Of course not. Alfyn wants to make sure that we're all healthy before braving those frigid wilds again."
The huntress glances down at the dancer's bad arm, which is still in a wrapped cast, "Yes, that is wise."
"But I mean, where will the dear cleric go?" Primrose asks again differently, "Surely, she is on her way elsewhere for the Kindling?"
Linde gives Primrose a slight look.
H'aanit scratches her cheek, "I willen ask... T'would be best she not travel alone."
"Mm..."
"Hey, Prim!" Alfyn comes down the stairs, "Alright, it's your turn to be che- Oh, hey, H'aanit!"
The apothecary's face lights up seeing the huntress standing well before him. He hops over and looks about to hug her but holds back.
"Everything alright? You look great! Ah, are you here cuz something happened to Lia?"
"Nay, nay... Ophilia be'en well," H'aanit smiles slightly at the enthusiastic doctor, "I hath comen to see how thou all art... Ophilia hath worryen for thee."
"Worried for us? Heck, I'm glad she's okay!" Alfyn sighs with a smile, "We're hangin' in there, gettin' fixed up t' leave and all... I'll drop by Susanna's later and we can get you both checked up! Yer lookin' way better than I thought, though!"
"Indeed. I was rather worried seeing your state that night," Primrose adds in agreement.
H'aanit shakes her head, "I aren alright. But do come by later, Alfyn... I willen return to Ophilia and letten her know of the next destination."
"Mm, alright... You should warm up a bit, though! You just got here, right?" Alfyn grins and points towards the fireplace where the cauldron of gruel bubbles away, "Come have some gruel! I reinforced it with some dried seeds from the Flatlands!"
Linde seems to sniff the air appreciatively. Alfyn chuckles and reaches down to scratch the cat's head.
"Hehe, and we left some bone fer ya, Linde! Yer ribs are alright now, huh? That's good!"
"Rrowrl..."
Primrose giggles into her hand, "Such a thoughtful doctor, as always."
H'aanit gives an exasperated sigh, smiling, "... Howen can I refuse, then?"
After having met with the others and caught up a bit over breakfast, H'aanit returns to Susanna's and relays the group's next movements to Ophilia.
"Ah, Noblecourt..." Ophilia sighs a little on the side as they both sit in the living room.
"Last I checked, there is no place for Noblecourt in the Kindling," Susanna says offhandedly in the background, "Where are you supposed to be headed off to, anyways?"
"S-Saintsbridge... but a lot of things happened so ..." Ophilia sighs, "I haven't been able to reach there."
"Coincidences, hm..." Susanna says softly. H'aanit heard that and frowns to herself, thinking back to their previous conversation about strange things going on about the land at such a crucial time.
"... Thou ought not goen alone," H'aanit looks to Ophilia, "Tis... what Cyrus calleth it? A... detour."
"I-I mean, Susanna has a point... I shouldn't dallying. This Kindling is an important duty and yet I've been-"
"Well, even if Noblecourt isn't on the Kindling itinerary, I said nothing of you dawdling," Susanna interrupts her gruffly, "It's not so easy to navigate a continent. Traveling is not a straight line. I recall about two Kindlings ago when the bearer of the flame took over three months to complete the entire pilgrimage."
"Weren his shoes stone?" H'aanit raises an eyebrow.
"Who knows," Susanna huffs, "Anyways, best travel with others whilst you regain your strength, as well. Noblecourt is also a spot with news, so you'd best take advantage of it. Perhaps figure out your route from there."
"Thank you for your wisdom, lady Susanna," Ophilia smiles and looks to H'aanit, "I'll be traveling with you all a bit longer, ehe."
"I willen goen with thee wherever thou needest," H'aanit says seriously.
"Is that a proposal?" Susanna asks over her shoulder while Ophilia feels her mouth dry.
"...? Nay, tis a promise," H'aanit answers frankly.
Ophilia hides her reddening face, much to Susanna and Linde's amusement.
...
"Hrrngh..." Tressa has to put down the journal for the third time in the last hour trying to read. The words were giving her a headache... one she never had before. Alfyn says to take it easy with any strain since the blow to the head might have some lasting chronic effects like migraines and moments of fugue. Tressa makes him promise not to mention any of this to Primrose. The merchant saw how guilty the dancer looked around her as she was still recovering.
Primrose's arm still hurt and was tender to touch. However, she refuses the sling that Alfyn offers, preferring it in just a cast. Alfyn makes her promise that she'll take it easy. The dancer crosses her fingers behind her back.
Therion's ribs healed well, though the bruising persists. Alfyn binds him up again. The thief is pretty adamant that he's fine, though he seems to just put up with Alfyn at this point... which is a notable change from when he first gave Alfyn a bloody nose for treating his arm back in Clearbrook.
"Be sure to tend to yourself as well, Alfyn," Olberic says as he packs for the trip, "How is your shoulder?"
"Good as new!" Alfyn flexes as if to prove a point.
"That is some admirable vitality, haha," Simeon chuckles.
Jura's leg had been casted and she was practicing walking around. It seems that might pose some difficulty if they want to go to the Highlands, so Primrose recommends that they be sure to hire a carriage along the way if needed.
"Here," The dancer adds some coins to their bag, "It's just a bit of extra insurance."
"Ah, t-thank you..." Henriette nods in gratitude.
"And here's some salve if it gets irritated!" Alfyn offers helpfully.
Cyrus had gotten rid of his fatigue after some long naps through their stay. Olberic had some minor wounds that were patched up and closed quick. Simeon was the least harmed by far, having miraculously managed to dodge out of the wall of various attacks amid the messy fray.
"I really am good for nothing but running away, haha..." Simeon laughs apologetically, "I couldn't help on the battlefield at all but be a total burden..."
"You were worried for Primrose, weren't you. You went despite the danger," Olberic looks to the playwright, "For an untrained person, that is still an act of bravery."
"Ahh, you flatter me far too much... Oh, but that gives me an idea for a new play, mayhaps!" A bulb goes off in Simeon's head and he scurries off to scribble in his book.
H'aanit came to the house to check on progress throughout the day. Her own wounds had all closed well and healed. Linde's ribs were also healing nicely, though Alfyn insists the leopard not act too strenuously.
"... Hath anything happened with the townfolk?" The huntress looks to the thief standing outside as she's about to return to Susanna's.
Therion merely grunts. He takes a night shift to keep an eye on the house perimeter. Sometimes, he thinks he sees some hooligans that want to cause trouble by throwing rocks or something. He makes them flee first with a well-aimed snowball. The faster they leave this place, the better.
The apothecary also goes to Susanna to monitor Ophilia's progress.
Susanna is as receptive as she gets to the constant going and coming through her door at this point with the troublesome lot of travelers. Alaic remains as unmovable as ever outside, keeping a close eye on things. Townspeople that want to ask anything are deterred by his stern gaze.
With the essences that Susanna gave Alfyn to brew, Ophilia seems to be doing well. She still appears a bit pale and gets tired easily. When she rests, H'aanit sometimes got the unnerving feeling she was looking at a near corpse. Ophilia assuages her worries. She is now able to walk a bit more stably on her own. For the road, she insists that she can use her staff, though H'aanit insists that they get a chaise.
"I suppose that would be... actually, that would be about two carriages then, wouldn't it... For everyone to ride?" Ophilia frowns, "I can't have everyone accommodating for me..."
"There be'en others still injured. T'would be fine. The snows aren difficult to traverse even if thou were not ... sick..." H'aanit trails off. It's not exactly sickness that ails Ophilia, but the huntress wasn't sure what else to call it. De-vitalized? Ennervated? Weakened?
"She speaks the truth," Susanna interrupts before Ophilia can respond, "Why not just take a ride, hm? Are you hurting for money?"
"Well, Tressa..." Ophilia scratches her cheek.
"I willen letten the others know," H'aanit nods, "Thou needen not worry."
...
The day all preparations finished, the travelers and former Parlor workers are ready to depart from Stillsnow. Needless to say, this is to the relief of people like Richter. No one really comes to see them off.
At H'aanit's behest, Tressa goes and pays up for two wagons for their enlarged party to get out of the Frostlands. This is a welcome gesture for people like Jura and even Primrose, who doesn't want a repeat of the howlers and avalanche coming in.
"It is no guarantee, of course, that we won't experience monsters on the way," Olberic sighs as they load on their things.
"Is there any guarantee of that..." Therion checks the wagon over, much to the confusion of the waggoneers. The thief ignores them.
"Huh? Whatcha lookin' at, Therion?" Alfyn glances over at the thief seemingly poking the wagon wheels with a knife.
"... Nothing," Therion doesn't elaborate.
Primrose smiles softly seeing the thief do his work. It's a valid worry, that their wagons might be sabotaged due to the ill feeling against them in this town. Tinkering with the wagon wheels would be something expected out of spite. Luckily, it doesn't seem like he finds anything.
"You alright up there, Tress?" Alfyn checks on Tressa sitting beside their luggage, making sure that she's well bundled in for the ride.
"Mm..." The merchant adjusts her hat so it doesn't press too hard on her bandages, "Geez, they really charge an arm and a leg..."
"Hey, you try running a wagon biz with this little people takin'!" One of the waggoneers overhear her mumbling and replies with his own grumbling.
"Sure, sure..." Tressa pouts. It's not a crazy idea that they naturally had these prices to fit the difficulty in their surrounding terrain. One can see that the wagons here have to be outfitted with different wheels and a sturdier frame to withstand the weather and snowdrifts. They also have different breeds of horses here, with stockier bodies and heavier shag pelts.
Of course, it is equally possible that they're scalping the group since they knew about their reputation after the whole Parlor thing. It's an unspoken sentiment among the group that they will likely not be welcome back here anytime soon... and they probably shouldn't come back, either.
"Well, that's everything, I think?" Cyrus makes sure that his valise is packed on, "Ah, where are H'aanit and..."
"Hi, everyone!"
As if summoned, the cleric, leopard, and huntress come walking over.
"Ah, you're looking well, my dear!" Cyrus exclaims, smiling.
"Thank you... Ah, are we already all ready to leave?" Ophilia smiles and keeps her hand on her staff, using that as the support but trying not to be too obvious about it.
"Is Lady Susanna going to be seeing us off?" Simeon looks to the huntress.
"Nay," H'aanit puts her satchel onto one of the wagons, "She hath sent her regards. Ah, and this be'en for thee, Alfyn."
"Oh, gee, thanks!" Alfyn exclaims receiving the parcel, "This is from Susanna, right?"
"Aye, she hath sayen that they woulden be best in thine hands."
"Rr..." Linde hops onto the wagon and picks her spot to lay down on. The waggoneer looks like he wants to object, but ends up staying his tongue.
"Alright, are we all accounted for?" Arianna looks now to the other former Parlor workers, "Do we have everything?"
"Not much to take, honestly," Luffie scoffs, "Let's go!"
"Mm... Nothing more left to take..." Henriette glances back at the house by the river behind them.
"All good here!" Jura calls from inside one of the wagons, having gotten on already.
"Well, it looks like we're off, then," Primrose looks to the waggoneers and gives a sultry wink, "We'll be in your care, boys."
The two grumpy people immediately lose their original sour disposition and seem a bit more like rosy-cheeked school boys all of a sudden.
"I have a new play in mind, my flower. I'll tell you all about it on the way... It would be wonderful to pen down everything by the time we reach Noblecourt!" Simeon chuckles eagerly.
At the mention of Noblecourt, Arianna's face notably looks worried. Her eyes glance at the dancer, who doesn't seem bothered at all.
"Alright, we done here?" The waggoneers take their seats now, "The horse's been ready since dawn with y'all yappin'!"
"Aye, let us set off," Olberic gets in last on a wagon after helping everyone and their luggage in.
"Finally... hyah!"
With a crack of the reins, the two wagons pull away from the house by the river and begin on the route out of the town of white. As they hit the road, the vague whiteness that is Stillsnow fades quickly and blends in with the surrounding wintry backdrop. Only some smoke from the chimneys remind the group of where they had just come from.
Slowly, as the wheels plow through the snow and the wagon rocks in gentle rhythm, Tressa nods off and leans on Primrose beside her. The dancer sits across from Arianna along with Therion, Alfyn, one of the other former Parlor workers, and Simeon. Simeon is jabbering along quietly about his idea for a play featuring a twist on some damsel princess story. Alfyn seems to be the only one that is listening and showing any interest.
Ophilia, H'aanit, Olberic, Linde, and Cyrus share the other wagon with the remaining Parlor workers. The cleric's pale skin is something obviously unnerving, but neither the warrior nor scholar say anything. Ophilia gratefully leans her head on the Huntress' covered shoulder and closes her eyes.
"... Is she okay?" Henriette asks quietly, pointing at Ophilia, "She looks... a bit sickly..."
"She be'en tired," H'aanit replies softly.
"... She will be alright with rest," Olberic says with a small smile before gazing one last time at the trail behind. It is being covered up by new falling snow.
For now, the worst has passed... he wanted to believe.