Jamtara, Kingdom of Divinium, Eastern region of Rohana Federation, 2051 S.C. 149th day
As they exited the tavern, Lucia turned to Richard. "So what was that all about, Richard? Didn't you ask us to come, as you were expecting trouble?"
"Yes, and there might have been, if the boy was just a punk and they were wasting our time. I thought he was lying about the item, but I am now confident it is in his possession."
Richard then turned to the white-haired guy. "Icarus, tell me, was it the same guy you sensed in the city the other day?"
"Yes, and the mana within him was stronger; he must have been in contact with a crystal recently." Icarus said with a neutral tone.
"Well, this is paying a dividend already. And to think I was going to listen to Marcus and just gently reject the boy." Richard chuckled.
"But isn't going to Tiwaz a waste of resources?" Lucia was confused.
"Normally, sure. But from what Marcus told me, a certain person of interest instructed the boy to go to Tiwaz. And well, considering we are already getting a good payment out of the item, what do you think is over there? If even those redacted reports from the church are anything to go by, whatever the Bratti estate is hiding, it is going to be worth the trip."
"Plotting cunning plans isn't like you, Richard. Maybe you should reconsider this whole endeavour." Icarus said bluntly.
"Don't get me wrong, Icarus. My word is sacred. The deal is that the boy will take the trial, and if he succeeds, we will accept him as one of us. And I'll honor his quest to bring him to Tiwaz. But I can't promise anything as I have no idea what we will find there, if anything."
"Fine, I trust your judgement, but don't let your ambitions sway it." Icarus responded.
"Worry not, Icarus. And I expect you to keep an eye on Heron, the same as you do with me. If at any moment you detect danger from any of us, you know what needs to be done. You don't need my permission," Richard said flatly.
"You guys are way too serious," Lucia interjected. "I'm hungry. Let's go grab lunch."
"We should rendezvous with the others first," Richard said. "Or do you wish them to starve?"
"I mean, I won't mind seconds," Lucia giggled.
"Lucia, stop leeching off the party funds, and just buy food yourself sometimes." Icarus said annoyingly.
"Oh, come on, Icci, I can't spend mine right now. I've got my eyes set on a dress, and well, coins don't fall from the trees."
"You know I hate that name. That airhead will regret the day she came up with it, I swear," Icarus said with his fist raised.
"I think it is cute. And May is not an airhead; she just tries to look at the world differently." Lucia responded, giggling once again.
"Please don't start fighting now; we are in the middle of the street." Richard groaned.
"We weren't fighting," Lucia said, confused.
"You hadn't started fighting, but I know that your use of that nickname hasn't ever resulted in friendly talk."
"Oh, come on, Ricchi. I wasn't going to try anything." Lucia grinned.
"Don't call me that nickname. Are you trying to pick a fight with me as well?" Richard said, murmuring half of the words.
"Fine, fun killer. I'll keep quiet the rest of the way." Lucia pouted.
"Heron, I don't know what Richard is up to, but be careful around him." Marcus said. "He wouldn't have accepted you out of the blue like that."
"I know, but what choice do I have? You said it yourself; my goal is selfish, and the probability of another adventuring party accepting me are slim. So, like it or not this is my best shot. But, I promise that I'll back away if things turn out to be bad," Heron replied.
"Okay, you are no longer a kid. Whatever your gut is telling you, listen to it." Marcus smiled. "So, are you down for some mead? It'll relax you a bit, so you can get a good night's rest?"
Heron's lips curved into a small smile. "Sure, I guess it won't hurt after everything."