After a few moments of hesitation, I decided that finding out more about our environment would be important and that the people in front of us most likely knew their way around. As long as I didn’t have to actually talk and negotiate with them on friendly terms, I was willing to at least demonstrate that I wasn’t outright hostile to them. I would remain near the trees, where slipping back between their shadows would be easy, but I wouldn’t keep completely hidden.

Giving a nod to Sigmir and Rai, we cautiously moved forward as I let the concealment around us fade. No need to startle the natives by suddenly appearing out of thin air, or rather within a cloud of magical shadow that confused their senses. No, us coming out of the forest in a way that demonstrated conclusively that we could have simply ambushed and killed them would likely be bad enough, to the point that similar actions, with us on the other side, would result in a barrage of arrows or magic.

Their reaction to our appearance was mixed, the two large warriors observed us, caution and vigilance in their eyes, while the dwarf was less vigilant and looked more curious. The wood-elf, on the other hand, gave only a cursory glance to anyone, but Adra and myself. The two of us were studied with an intensity reminiscent of the Observe-skill, though I didn’t get the feeling it was used on us. Lastly, the centaur glared at Adra, before staring at me and I felt the familiar discomfort of the Observe-skill, reflexively using Darkness-Magic to conceal information about me.

“None of that, or I will be impolite.” I focused on the Centaur for a moment, remembering the centaurs I had killed, and turned into living bombs, in the past. While I highly doubted she would be able to read my mind to see the images, the idea to subtly use Mind-Magic to project some of the horrors I had wrought on beings like her, as retaliation for trying to spy on me, was appealing. I had no idea if what I did worked, or if the gloomy expression on the centaur’s face came from getting caught or from the look the wood-elf gave her, over their shoulder.

“Don’t be a horse’s ass, Hafta.” the wood-elf called out, the centaur’s cheeks flushing slightly, likely due to the insult. While I kept studying the Centaur, curious what we had done that roused her ire in such an obvious fashion, or if it was some sort of tactical ploy to advance negotiations, Phraan and Adra introduced their respective parties. I barely listened, instead Lenore and I focused on our surroundings, both to try figuring out the other side’s strengths and weaknesses, but also to make sure we didn’t get attacked by some third party.

“Have them find out information regarding the way to Narristo.” I told Rai, before directing him towards the talk in the middle of the clearing, not wanting to step up too close myself, just in case.

He did as directed and stepped next to Adra, quietly speaking into her ear, before moving slightly back, not backing off but into a covering position, protecting Adra’s back in an unobtrusive fashion. I could see Phraan give a measuring glance to Rai, before focusing back on Adra.

Sadly, before their conversation could continue, I noticed something quietly moving nearby, in the shrubbery.

“Cover!” My shout got the rest of my team instantly moving, as I jumped back and to the side, away from the sounds I had heard, while, at the same time, the Oakenrocks moved as well, forming a defensive cluster around the dwarf. As my concealment-magic and the shadows of the forest settled around us, a metallic gleam sprung up, around the other group and the two heavy fighters were visibly tense, ready to react to anything, just as the centaur had her bow drawn back, an arrow on the string.

For a brief second, nobody moved, the cracking sounds getting a little louder but then, things suddenly came to a head. A black, furry form came out of the shrubs and without considering further, I instantly projected a set of Ice-Runes, launching an Icicle Javelin into it. Similarly, a crack of thunder and the whistling sound of a flying arrow came from the other side of the clearing.

The wolverine that had likely been attracted by the smell of blood and stumbled into the clearing didn’t just die, it died instantly. My Icicle Javelin, which hit right after a jagged bolt of lightning had created an arc between Phraan’s sword and the creature, punched deeply into it’s flesh, the subsequent shattering of it merely spreading blood and guts around the area. That the wolverine’s head was pierced by an arrow moments later didn’t make a lick of difference, as even my attack had been overkill, the thing had been instantly killed.

Once again, silence settled over the clearing, which was now filled with the smell of charred flesh, ozone and blood but it was a brief silence, ended by laughter coming from Olivia and echoed by the dwarf on their side.

“Can we all calm down? That poor thing was only looking for food, not to get exploded.” the dwarf, his voice strongly suggesting that it was a male dwarf, called out, before continuing to chuckle.

“Agreed, though I suggest we move to a different, less bloody, place and share some food, under the rules of hospitality.” Olivia replied to the dwarf, the two orcs on their side nodding their agreement. For a brief moment, I had to think where I had heard about the rules of hospitality and remembered the troll inn-keeper in Kolyug talking about them and that pretty much all sapient life accepted and followed them. Unless these people were complete deviants, an agreement to act under those rules would protect us, at least until we parted ways. And even if they tried to act, I was reasonably confident that we would be able to take them.

“That works for me.” I admitted, deciding that changing the location might help to dispel the tension in the air. If I wanted Adra and Olivia to get more information on our surroundings, we would have to talk to these people. Or go to scout ourselves, but talking was simply faster.

Looking over to the dead boar, I addressed the other group. “Would you be willing to share some of that boar, maybe we can have some stew or grill it or something. After travelling through the White Mountains, our supplies are a little stretched.” I added, trying to use honesty to foster trust. Letting them know that our supplies were limited wasn’t a terrible problem, as the forest provided for good forage, especially for people as powerful as us.

“Certainly, we can share some food. You said you crossed the White Mountains? Isn’t that route blocked?” Phraan asked, their focus now on me.

“It was not an easy crossing, but we somehow managed.” I nodded, before trying to fade into the background, as Adra took over the conversation again. In the meantime, the female orc was quickly and efficiently butchering the boar, with Sigmir stepping up to provide a bit of support.

Sharing a meal with the other group was not the most relaxed experience, despite an intellectual assurance that they wouldn’t harm us, there was a knot of paranoia sitting in my stomach, preventing me from relaxing. Sigmir must have noticed my feelings, I was likely radiating them over our connection, and moved in such a way that I was constantly covered and protected, which also meant I didn’t have to talk to anyone, something I was quite okay with. At the same time, I wanted to get better at talking to strangers within Mundus, otherwise I would likely run into troubles on my Road to Purgatory.

And so, I decided to try talking to the dwarf, after all, the dwarves of Ashenforge-Hold had been friendly and most certainly useful beings, to the point that I was still gladly wearing their attire. Maybe I would be able to learn something new, as the dwarf here was a spellcaster, though I wasn’t sure of what kind.

“Greetings, I am called Morgana, a Traveller. I’m afraid I missed your name in the earlier hubbub.” I introduced myself, silently regretting that I hadn’t paid attention before.

“Greetings, Morgana. You can call me Jendar of the Stonecrag-Clan.” he nodded, before one of his eyebrows went up and he cocked his head to the side. “Now, why do you look like I’m about to pounce on you, not that that would work with the giantblood that keeps a very close eye on everyone looking your way?” he asked and I felt a flush creep up my cheeks. Why did I think that anything good would come from talking to anyone not in my group?