Resignation rested upon Merida’s brow as Helbram and the others approached.
“Given the looks on your faces, I suspect my interrogation has yet to be finished,” she said with a tired smile.
Helbram raised his hands, “I am just looking for clarification on a few matters,” he looked towards the house behind her, “any business you and Felix may have is between the two of you, unless you decide to share.”
He gave a sidelong glance at Leaf, who, while he had approached with the others, did not look towards Merida, “Some of us may have more questions than others, but that is something they will need to ask on their own.”
As he spoke, the two large wolves stood up and joined Merida at her side. The white wolf took the side closest to Helbram, its posture still relaxed, but possessing a steadiness to its frosty gaze that told him that it was ready to leap to Merida’s guard at a moment’s notice. The black wolf, while further away from Helbram, exuded the exact same air about them. It would be simple to write such an aura off as the result of training, but there was an independence about their actions, to the way that they held themselves that suggested another reason for their behavior.
“Do you mind if we speak on the way back to the tavern?” Merida asked, “While I am no stranger to long journeys, I’d like a chance to rest my feet.”
Helbram stepped to the side and motioned for her to pass, “Certainly, the chill is starting to set in anyways.”
With a grateful smile, Merida tapped her staff to the ground and made her way down the street. As she passed, he walked at her pace next to her, or rather as close to her as he could get. Leaf and Elly followed after him, keeping close enough to hear anything that was said, but Jahora took a moment to get Aria’s attention as they walked back. As the girl walked with the Mage further behind, the two smaller cubs joined her at her side, panting as they followed after the group.
“Well, where should we start?” The Druid asked.
“First, I would like to know the names of your companions,” he said.
Her eyes widened, “Ah yes,” she gave a bow to the wolves at her side, “I am truly sorry, in the midst of all that’s happened I forgot to properly introduce you.”
The white wolf shrugged while its black furred companion tilted its head up and huffed.
Merida ran a hand through the irritated beast’s fur, “I’ll be sure to make it up to you later.”
The Druid looked back at Helbram and placed a hand on the white wolf, “This handsome fellow is Geroth,” she scratched behind his ears, “you’ll not find a better nose in all the Glasswood.”
She wrapped her arm around the black wolf and ruffled its hair, which triggered an irritated growl from the beast’s lips, “And this beautiful lady here is Romina. Don’t mind the frown, I swear she’s gentle.”
Helbram snorted, “I am familiar with the type.”
Behind him, he knew Leaf was rolling his eyes.
He looked back towards the cubs, “What of the little ones?”
“Undecided,” Merida rubbed her chin, “well more like we’ve yet to find names that they like, I don’t suppose you would have any suggestions, would you?”
Helbram shook his head, “I happen to be quite awful with such matters, but perhaps my companions can help after we’ve discussed other matters.”
Merida smiled, “That sounds like a fine idea. Now, what other questions do you have?”
“At the risk of making you repeat yourself, I would first ask what brings you to such a small town.”
The Druid pet Geroth absentmindedly, “Simple travel, really. I am aware that I am quite a ways away from the Glasswood, but that is the intent,” she sighed, “I would like to call it a pilgrimage, but in reality it is nothing more than aimless wandering at this point.”
Helbram snorted, “Of that, we are quite familiar with,” he eyed the wolves at her side, “you’ve chosen fine traveling companions, that is for certain.”
Romina held her head higher at his words.
Merida laughed, “You’ve caught on to Romina quite quickly, though she certainly isn’t subtle about it…” she returned Helbram’s observations with a cursory glance of her own, “I should say the same for you. While you’d be likely to see such a group of adventurers more commonly in the Kingdoms, such things are fairly rare within the Freemarks,” she met Helbram’s eyes, “Those that travel with a Shade, however, are anothering thing entirely.”
Helbram could feel the air grow thick as she spoke, and from the way that both Geroth and Romina tensed, he knew that his companions were now entirely focused on the Druid, and what her next actions could be.
Rather than spur the atmosphere on, however, Merida instead shook her head towards her canine companions, signaling them to relax.
“Apologies,” she said, “I didn’t realize my observation would place you all on such guard.”
Helbram looked back at the party and held a hand up to them. Their postures loosened at the motion, but they kept their eyes narrowed towards Merida. Aria, who was still distracted by the cubs, looked up at the exchange in confusion.
“Let us say that we have our reasons to do so,” he said.
He stole a glance towards Aria, spotting the chain of her medallion still on her neck.
“I am curious as to how you found it out,” he continued.
Merida tapped her temple, summoning forth the three rings of Aether that orbited around her head, “While the enchantment around her does a fine job of concealing her nature, the senses of a Druid are not to be underestimated. Part of our duty is to observe the world around us, after all, and that leaves us with a sensitivity towards things that some would consider an… imbalance.”
“I see, and what do you think of what you have seen?”
She smiled, “That she is beautiful, with an innocence that brings about a need for me to protect her,” she nodded towards the cubs, “I suspect that the children feel the same, though perhaps protection isn’t quite on their minds.”
As she spoke, the white furred cub barked and pawed at Aria’s leg.
Helbram laughed, washing away the last of the tension that hung in the air “That, I can understand.”
As they started walking again, Merida continued to speak, “I will not ask your reasons for trying to conceal her, but I doubt that I am the only one that would be able to sense there is something different about her.”
“Do you speak of Felix?”
“Him, and others equal to his power,” she said, “They may not be able to guess what she is, like I could, but they will notice,” she let out a breath, “though Felix has enough on his mind to inquire about such things… and I suspect that he wouldn’t care regardless.”
Helbram nodded, “That is good to know.”
As they spoke, they arrived at the entrance of The Tree’s Root. A sign painted with the trunk of an old tree - its roots bulging from the ground - hung by the entrance with the tavern’s name haphazardly brushed across the image.
“Though the amount of Aether that flows through her… I’ve seen a few Shades in my life but none that possess such raw strength,” the Druid continued.
“Yes, that is something we are well aware of. Jahora and Elly have been instructing her in the ways of spellcraft so that she may start to get control over it.”
Merida gave a nod, “A fine idea,” she tapped her chin, “if I may impose myself, could I also be of assistance in her instruction?”
Helbram gave her a questioning look.
“I’ve come to an agreement with Felix that will keep me in town for quite some time,” she explained, “If you would allow me, I could lend some guidance, let her know how to better conceal her nature.”
“I see… but that is not for me to decide.”
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He looked to Jahora and Elly, “What do you think?”
The Weaver rubbed her chin, “Well, that was the hope in the first place,” she said, “And her knowing Aria’s true nature would grant her greater insight…” she glanced at Jahora before saying anything further.
The Mage peered at Merida, studying the Druid’s features for a moment before turning to the wolves, then the cubs. Her thoughts appeared to be broken as Aria giggled while petting the black cub’s belly, shifting her look of suspicion to a smile.
“The assistance would be appreciated,” Jahora finally said.
Merida clapped her hands, “Most excellent, though I’m afraid I must delay any instruction until I’ve gotten off my feet,” she looked past Helbram and towards Leaf, “And that too must wait until we’ve talked.”
Helbram stepped to the side and looked back towards his companion. The archer stuck to his usual scowl, but he did not meet Merida’s gaze.
“There is nothin’ to talk about,” he made his way to the tavern entrance.
“And if I were to require your assistance?”
“Then you won’t be gettin’ it.”
“Are you not curious about anything that has been said?”
Leaf stopped as he held the door to the tavern open. He looked back at the Druid, finally meeting her gaze with his eyes ablaze with an anger that took even Helbram aback.
“No, and I never will be.”
He slammed the door behind him as he entered the building.
Helbram opened his mouth, closed it, then turned to Merida with an apologetic look.
“I think I have an idea of what is happening,” Helbram said, “I shall speak with him further.”
“I don’t wish to cause any further trouble,” she said.
“You are not,” he assured, “better to address this now than let it fester…”
He entered the tavern, noting the clanging and clinking of plates and cookware from the building’s kitchen, signaling that the tavernkeep was hard at work. Such sounds, and smell of fresh baked bread, were pushed to the back of Helbram’s mind as he saw Leaf disappear towards the back of the tavern. He walked after his friend, questions aplenty running through his mind, but he let those drift away as he let concern drive him forward. Still, his thoughts raced as he stood in front of his room’s door, but with a heavy breath he pushed it open and saw Leaf sitting on a chair, looking away from him and instead out of the room’s window.
“I would ask if you were alright, but clearly that is not the case,” Helbram said as he closed the door behind him.
His friend said nothing.
Helbram took a seat on his bed, “We know you to be an irritable sort, but not one so quick to such anger,” he continued, “And from our travels - outside our usual life or death excursions - there is only one thing that makes you react in such a way,” he crossed his fingers, “and that is anything that deals with your blood.”
Still, Leaf said nothing.
Helbram let out a breath, “I am not going to tell you to speak with Merida, and I will not press you any further on this, but if you wish to talk about it, you know we are always willing to lend our ear.”
He stood up from the bed and walked back towards the door. As his hand wrapped around the handle, Leaf finally spoke.
“I need time.”
Helbram looked back, still seeing Leaf looking out the window.
“I know what I’m doin’ isn’t right, but things are happenin’ so quickly that…” he sighed, “that I act like a bloody fool, like I always do.”
“You are many things Leaf, but a fool is not one of them,” Helbram said, “If you say you need time then time is what you shall have, just know you are not alone in whatever comes your way.”
He saw his friend's shoulders sag, “Thank you.”
“Of course,” he opened the door.
“What am I then, in your eyes? Leaf asked in a curious tone.
“Well that is simple,” Helbram said in a dull tone, “An arse.”
They shared a laugh before Helbram left the room. He gave the door frame a small tap with his fist before making his way back to the tavern’s bar. Elly, Jahora and Merida sat at the counter speaking with the tavernkeep, a tall middle aged man with blonde hair tied back in a ponytail, matching beard, and sporting an apron over a set of simple clothes. Like everyone in Geldervale, Helbram could sense there was something else to him, and this was only evidenced by the clear muscle that showed through his clothes.
“Ho there, Pius,” Helbram said as he joined the women at the bar, “Could I trouble you for a spot of tea?”
The tavernkeep flashed him a friendly smile, “Of course not, let me fetch some cups,” he looked towards the others, “If you ladies would like some, of course.”
“Tea sounds heavenly,” Merida said.
Both Jahora and Elly voiced their agreement.
“Coming right up then,” Pius said as he walked back into the kitchen.
Elly gave Helbram a questioning look as the tavernkeep left.
“He needs time,” Helbram said.
She and Jahora shared a knowing nod.
“I see… well then I shall keep my distance for the time being,” Merida remarked.
“He does not mean you any harm,” Helbram clarified, “but yes, I think that would be prudent for now.”
He looked over towards Aria, who took a seat at one of the tables. The cubs were with her, hopping on the tabletop with an excited energy that only children could exude.
“Where are Geroth and Romina?” Helbram asked.
“Resting at the stables,” Merida explained, “Enlightened as they are, they still prefer the outdoors. I assure you that they will leave your Auroc unharmed.”
“They would have quite the time if they tried to touch her anyhow,” Helbram took a seat, “But I do appreciate the concern. But you mentioned that they were Enlightened? I am not familiar with that designation.”
The Druid nodded, “I’m sure that you’ve noticed that their behavior is a bit different than the average beast.”
“Yes,” Elly agreed, “They possess a certain… intuitiveness about them that’s most unusual.”
“And they just so happen to be as large as a bear,” Jahora added.
Merida snorted, “That does tend to be the first thing that many notice,” she crossed her hands, “Like most things in this world, animals possess a connection to the Cycle, and there are times in which beasts are born with a particular closeness to it. Such closeness grants them strength and size, yes, but more importantly it grants them higher intelligence compared to to their kin,” she looked to Elly, “That intuitiveness and awareness is one aspect of it, but it goes beyond that,” she held up her hand, alight with Aether as a ring of it orbited around her wrist, “Just as Man is capable of harnessing Aether, or Ether, to grant them strength and abilities beyond their physical capabilities, so to can these beasts, be it through training or pure instinct. Thus, the designation of Enlightened.”
“And these Enlightened beasts are capable of reproducing?” Helbram asked, looking back towards the two cubs.
“Yes, though it is rarer,” she explained, “where the Cycle grants the Enlightened with strength it reduces their ability to reproduce. Why this is, we are not certain,” she made an uncertain gesture, “Many suggest that its nature’s way of granting itself balance, but there is no definitive proof of that beyond pure speculation.”
There was a dismissive, if irritated tone to the latter part of Merida’s explanation that raised Helbram’s brow, but he did not press further on it.
“Is there a pattern to their appearance?” Elly asked, notebook and pencil in hand.
“It is a phenomenon that tends to occur all across Ellios,” the Druid said, “but there are locations in which it is more common, yes. The Glasswood would be one of them, and happens to be where Romina and Geroth call home,” she tilted her head towards the cubs, “The little ones were born only a few months ago, during our travels.”
“I see,” Helbram rubbed his chin, “Now that we have discussed this I do recall hearing some rumors of beasts such as this. They tend to get lost in the midst of wilder stories about monsters and other creatures, however.”
“They seem to prefer that, honestly,” Merida said, “Many Enlightened beasts tend to be a solitary sort. Especially those that are born far from the reach of civilization,” she looked back at the cubs with a smile, “there are exceptions, of course, but those two come from a long line that have been particularly close with my people.”
Aria’s giggle broke through their conversation as the black cub licked her face.
“They’ve certainly taken to Aria quite well,” Jahora said with a smile.
“I wonder…” Elly said as she tapped her pencil against her book, “one could argue that Shades also have a particular affinity to the Cycle, given their nature. Perhaps that has drawn the cubs attention?”
“Or it is because she is a happy little girl,” Helbram countered, “far more appealing than a party of road weary adventurers, would you not say?”
Elly clicked her teeth, “That… is also likely.”
“Speak for yourself,” Jahora huffed, “I am the very definition of approachable.”
Merida laughed, “I agree, like a kindly den mother, you are.”
The Mage grinned, “But of course.”
As they spoke, Pius emerged from the kitchen. In his hands were a large pot and a tray of cups in the middle of which was a bowl of honey. Helbram caught the scent of chamomile as the pot was brought closer, and he started to feel its warmth before the first cup was poured. They made their tea in silence, though he could see an excited light in Merida’s eyes as she took her first sip.
She let out a sigh of relief, “Gods, it has been ages since I’ve had such a fine cup. My fault for not packing enough ahead of time…” she tilted her drink towards Pius, “thank you.”
The tavernkeep smiled and gave her a polite bow before returning to the kitchen.
“I don’t know why,” Jahora started, “but a Druid running out of tea strikes me as unusual.”
Merida snorted, “Well I could have made my own… but let us say that such a thing is reserved for more talented hands,” she took another sip and closed her eyes in satisfaction, “tis as comforting as the first breath of Spring.”
Elly added another spoon of honey to her cup, “Comforted enough to lend aid to instruction, perhaps?” she inquired.
The Druid gave her a curious look.
The Weaver nodded towards Aria, “Our lesson earlier had to be cut short by your arrival, but I think it’d be a fine time for a different perspective on the subject. Unless you are too fatigued to do so, of course.”
Merida smiled, “Of course not,” she swiveled around in her chair, catching Aria’s attention, “Let us begin, shall we?”