Eclair can be seen fluttering down to the plaza alone. A large red colored bag is slung over a shoulder, which seems to be causing her to fly slightly off balance. As she reaches a spot between Markus and Jonathan, the bag is instantly dropped with a load thud sound. Eclair bends over to take a few breathes before gathering her composure to speak. With her bright smile, she says to Jonathan “Eclair Whitehouse, reporting as requested.”
A grin forms on the face of Markus as he watches Eclair explain her tardiness. She's animated as usual, pointing to the red bag and going on about how it took much longer to gather the supplies. He wasn't expecting to see her after the trial, but now begins to wonder why she's come. As Eclair hurries to finish her story, Jonathan is already walking toward Markus.
“You're already acquainted with Eclair. She'll be accompanying you as an escort to Montillo, and acting as guard for her.” Jonathan says to Markus, with a crooked finger pointing to Aurora. She only gives an annoyed glance at Jonathan as he speaks, focusing back on her inspection.
“Alright. That's fine, but I didn't think it would be Eclair.” Markus replies back. Eclair mentioned being part of the night patrol, and she certainly acts different from other guards. It was a nice development, but it wasn't what he expected.
“Concessions...” Jonathan says with a sigh. “The council felt... additional measures were required. Eclair will also be taking care of official town business while in Montillo.”
A slight frown appears on Markus' face, but he knows it's part of the plan. It'll be nice having her along at least. He then says “Okay. So what now?”
“Now you all leave Little Creek. This is an exile after all. I can't help you anymore while Aurora is here. Besides, your path home won't be found with us.” The response is blunt from Jonathan. “Guard! Give Aurora her personal belongings and weapons. Eclair, get ready!” He now sounds like statesman as he yells orders, with no hint of the caring old man from before.
Markus silently watches as a guard walks over to Aurora, presenting her the large rucksack that was inside the wooden crate. He passes it off to Aurora, who nods and accepts it. Another guard presents her metal spear and small dagger which she equips on her leg immediately. Eclair in the mean time is fumbling with her own red bag, and groans as she lifts it onto her shoulder.
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Jonathan waves a hand in the air, signaling the guards to prepare to leave. Two guards once again grab the handles of the box, closing the lid before waiting for the next order.
“Hey, wait. There's a bat-woman I met in the cave I came through. Can you folks see if she's alright?” Markus says, nearly forgetting to help Miss Bat after everything that's happened.
“Versa?” Jonathan replies. “She's fine, I assure you. Versa hires townsfolk as guides all the time. I know she already departed for Montillo early this morning.”
Markus is relieved to hear that, but then says “Hold on. When I reach Montillo, what am I looking for? What about talking to the people there?” He starts asking questions once he realizes Jonathan is leaving.
“I don't know what your next steps will be after reaching Montillo. However, Aurora can help you with communication. It's why I wanted her to be your guide.” Jonathan replies with a stoic face. He waves his hand again, causing the guards to lift up off the platform. With one last smile, Jonathan says “Good luck, Mr. Winters.”
Turning around, Jonathan's dulled wings guide him off the plaza to meet with his guards. Together, they all leave as a group heading high into the town above. Markus, Aurora, and Eclair simply look on as the old fairy's entourage disappears beyond their sights.
“Goddammit. I'm not done.” Markus says to himself. He didn't understand what Jonathan meant about Aurora and communication. Numerous questions were also left answered, and no one was there to help except the two ladies. Any information from them was now going to be very important.
With Jonathan's group gone now, Aurora and Eclair turn to walk closer to Markus. There's an awkward silence between the three. Eclair's eyes are darting between her new partners, and her mind is already filling up with questions. Meanwhile, Aurora is having a difficult time trying to figure out the new guard beside her.
Markus can see the growing discomfort building, and decides to speak up first. “Well... nice to meet you ladies. I'm relying on you both to help me.”
Eclair instantly responds with “Ya! I'm glad I came! I've never done a mission like this.”
Markus and Eclair then both look over to Aurora. She senses their stares, and suddenly feels slight embarrassment. Eclair in particular has an intense stare, as she bounces on her heels waiting for a response.
Aurora let's out an audible sigh. She nervously looks at Eclair, and then to Markus. Mustering up the courage to make an introduction, she speaks with a surprisingly soft voice saying “Hello again Markus... let's have a safe trip.”