“Green Reach Pass connects the city of Foreach directly to the foothills of the High Wall, just besides the Carradorian Plains and its intersection with the Arterian Lowlands. It’s a decent trek for any good caravaner. But compared to the semi marshy wetlands of the Ascari Plains and Storm’s Bay, a day or two of extra trekking is well worth not just the hassle of not dealing with the terrain. But the view when you finally crest the Green Reach, the view is worth the suffering. That is, as long as you’re careful about the Screeching Apes that inhabit the tree line, for they will not hesitate to bellow before launching fecal matter at you.”

- Leriszeth Kalissrim, Veronan Exploration Guild, Anthropologist, Wilderness Explorer, “Treks Through the Wildlands, Vol. 4: Ascaran Frontier”

Despite her misgivings yesterday at how Sophie snapped at the mere idea of involving her, Aryana still bubbled with excitement. The night had been tense to say the least, with the half elf offering barely a muttered apology before the two settled down for the night. But in turn Annalise had allowed her to spend the morning exploring, provided the now regretful minotaur watched over her.

After a small breakfast, she had reluctantly allowed herself to be monitored by the giant bull, reasoning that at least she could explore more of the city as they left. They had traversed past the town square towards the nothern gate when she managed to glimpse the adventurers from earlier preparing for their journey. To Taurox’s dismay, she seemed to have forgotten about his presence and snuck over to get a peek of their preparations. Disaster was narrowly avoided when an irate adventurer turned to scold her, only for both Taurox and the team leader to acknowledge her, however awkwardly. Realizing her mistake, she had quickly backed away after offering well wishes much to the embarrassed sigh of the giant behind her.

After the meeting yesterday, Annalise and Taurox had indeed prepped their mounts for the journey ahead, the horse that Sophie and Annalise shared looking ever more resentful of being sent on such dangerous missions. Taurox and Mila had their own mounts, whereas she would, unfortunately, be stuck in one of the caravan’s wagons as just another passenger. She had set herself up to protest when she remembered how Sophie had snapped earlier. Worried that she had slowly become a burden she had bit her words back down and accepted the fact, though not before flashing a dissatisfied frown at everyone.

The strange duo had eventually looped around the north while inching their way towards the eastern gate. Stopping only near a small merchant’s square that surrounded a fountain and its statue. Some old noble heroic figure striking a valorous pose, that Aryana moved to imitate before giggling at how ridiculous her reflection looked in the water below. A few of the townspeople murmured about the overly pale skinned redhead that pranced about like an idiot, but it was only when a short black bushy bearded merchant with orange leather head wraps beckoned for her attention that she took pause and strode over.

“Ahhh, greetings fair maiden! Perhaps you would be interested in some wares for your travels?” His gravelly just gentle voice soothed her soul.

“How’d you know I was a traveler?” She managed to ask, surprising even herself at being comfortable enough to speak. Perhaps it's because I’m leaving here soon and impressions don’t matter, I feel…oddly free.

“Well…” The man raised an eyebrow and gave her a small chuckle before lifting his arms in imitation of her imitation, “Most locals don’t do that. That much I know for sure.”

Quickly sprouting an incredible shade of redness, she tried to bury her face in her hands as being called out still felt quite personal. Impressions do matter, she recanted her earlier thoughts.

The man let out a boisterous laugh and she looked up to find him smiling, “Please, don’t feel the need to do that. A foreigner is well…a foreigner! And you should enjoy yourself to your heart's content no? Besides! When else would I catch sight of such a magnificent beauty in front of me eh?” He laughed.

Aryana rolled her eyes as if annoyed but felt giggly inside, someone called me beautiful! Suppressing her own little chuckle she poked her head out from her hands and looked down at the man’s wares, finding a series of odds and ends but also two neat little rows of books stacked on the shelf behind him.

“Ahh, I see your gaze! A seeker of knowledge then! Ho! Perhaps a traveling scholar? Or perhaps one bound for the academy?” He raised his voice in a questioning manner.

“Ahh…ummm…I-I don’t know?” She stammered out at the sudden question.

“Hah! Then an explorer perhaps! But it matters not! For I, dear tourist, explorer, and scholarly maiden, am Karzan Stonearm the Greatest of Merchants, and like you, I am not a local either.” He proudly boasted.

As he beat into his chest, Sophie only noticed now that he was not, in fact sitting cross legged on the ground in front of his shelf and wares, but he was in fact, a dwarf. Her eyes widened in surprise and the dwarf merely stroked his beard, a sly smirk forming on his face.

“Well then, how can I help you?”

Aryana just blinked back her surprise and pointed at the shelf full of books, her eyes trying not to stare at the dwarf. An act he seemed to find amusing as he unsubtly chuckled to himself.

It was only now that the minotaur finally caught up, the giant sighing with annoyance as he rounded up on them, the locals nearby giving the creature a wide berth. Even the dwarf seemed surprised at his appearance, whilst Aryana still focused on the strange stocky and well built dwarf in front of her.

“You…” Taurox groaned, “You need to slow down.” He scolded.

Even more embarrassed, Aryana shrunk her head between her shoulders and nodded through her clothes. “Sorry…”

“The lack of discipline is astounding. At least you’re alright. And what might we have here?” The minotaur turned to the dwarf who backed off a little. The confrontation now drawing the locals back to take stock of the strange spectacle in front of them.

“Heh..err, august knight, I mean no offence, the little lady was just browsing my wares.”

“Oh? Is she now?” The minotaur arched his brows.

“Aye. Lass is mighty curious about these books. And myself of course. She one of them noble sheltered kids? Acting like she never saw one of the children of stone before.” The dwarf joked.

“Books hmm? And have you before then? Seen one of them that is.” The minotaur turned to face her.

Disliking the sudden crowd of people gathering around them, all turning to stare at the strange spectacle and now at her as the two faced her. She could feel their stares burning through her clothes and hastily shook her head. She wrapped her arms around herself and covered her face with her collar, only her eyes and hair popping out. Sensing the tension, the two stared at her and each other awkwardly before the minotaur finally broke the stalemate.

“Ahem…I suppose we shall be purchasing some books then. What err…what might you want?” He asked her.

Aryana hoped her shrug got through, she honestly didn’t know. So caught off guard by the sight of a dwarf, her mind had blanked, the only thought that ran through her head at the time was that there was a dwarf. Unfortunately, the silence that followed indicated that Taurox had not understood, and Aryana dared not turn around lest she caught the eyes of the bystanders who now she swore muttered about the strange bewitched girl.

“Might I…recommend a few then, lassie? You don’t seem quite so comfortable.” Karzan grumbled hesitantly.

She nodded, anything to get rid of the attention placed upon them.

“Let’s see…” The dwarf strode over to the shelf, taking naught but a second to snag three books, “Here ye go. I think for a knowledge seeker like yourself you must be bound for Arteria, yes?”

A brief nod.

“Heh, well this one.” He placed a small green blue book in front of her, “A Traveler's Journey Through Arteria: Experiences and Sights, load of gobshite if ye ask me but helpful enough for a first timer like yourself.” He chuckled before placing a dull blue book down, “This one is a special one, dug it out just for you. Of The Deeps and Mines, obligated to recommend this to a clueless dafthead like yours. A good read if ye wish to learn more about us children of the stone.”

Aryana grew another notch more embarrassed but nodded all the same, too late to back away now.

“Finally this one,” He placed a well decorated dark red and gold striped book ahead of her, “part of a series. Popular with folk wishing for a bit more in life. Action and adventure here with Gunmar and Aurelia: Beyond the White Frost, it’s the err, eighteenth volume, latest one out to my recollection. About our titular heroes in their battle against the traitor kings. I’ll even throw in the sixth volume if you’re interested, that one takes place in the deep roads and has lot’s of horror with spooky ghosties and other supernatural things.” He beamed with a salesman's slick grin.

Now she was genuinely curious, a little less nervous and more intrigued, curious about what the books held for her, she nodded.

“Excellent!” The dwarf bellowed, “Usually it’d be four Gold Artes, but for you? Three for each!” He rubbed his hands excitedly.

Unsure of its true worth she recalled Annalise helping her split the king’s reward into smaller pouches and pulled out one such pouch. The jingle caught the ears of all nearby. As she moved to pull out some coins she found it ripped out of her hands by the minotaur, a furious look on his face.

“Fool!” He hissed, “Are you asking for us to be mugged? Displaying such wealth so blatantly is madness.” HIs hushed words cut like a knife.

Aryana grimaced and shrank further into herself, nodding fervently in hopes of being allowed to leave.

“Come now, sir knight. You’ve frightened the poor girl!” The dwarf gestured to her, “Though he does speak the truth, you should do well to be careful how you…manage your wealth.”

The minotaur looked apologetic and slowly handed her back the pouch.

Aryana held her breath and brushed it off. Her hands still trembling slightly as she grabbed nine coins, the golden objects weighty as she handed them over.

The dwarf nodded politely and stroked his beard, handing the books directly to the minotaur who received the sudden stack with a slight scowl.

“A pleasure doing business with ye.” Karzan exclaimed, “But uhh…if ye don’t mind me asking. You’re bound for Arteria, yes?”

“Yes.” Aryana squeaked much to the minotaur’s surprise.

“Oh…oh! Splendid! Might I humbly suggest that I journey with you? I have a magnificent array of provisions-”

“No.”

“Sure.”

The contradicting replies came and minotaur and redhead stared at each other. The minotaur did a double take and met Aryana’s gaze once more, the girl withering under his glare.

“He’s…he seems nice…” She muttered.

Taurox sighed deeply, a free hand running over his snout before he closed his eyes to sigh once more.

“Ahh…perhaps I overstepped…I understand not all travellers desire company. Though business here has been rather dry without the usual stream of caravans.” The dwarf sheepishly backed away just as the minotaur let out a menacing growl.

“We are meeting at the east gate in an hour. You will plead your case to the others, this is not my problem.” Taurox stated without emotion.

“Ahh, I'm leaving already...wait what?! Of course. I will plead on my behalf, I won't besmirch both your honourable names. Thank you kindly, gracious knight-”

“Enough prattling and you!” Taurox bore down on Aryana, his voice rising a few notches, “Learn some restraint. Now we go. No more detours.”

Aryana vigorously nodded, terrified as the minotaur practically dragged her away.

“Errr… thank you for the patronage, see you…soon?” The dwarf echoed behind her.

Am I…am I gonna be in trouble?

“My! I suppose that’s your last two members then? Er…who’s that fellow behind them with the pony?” A chipper male voice intoned as Aryana and Taurox stepped onto the street.

She held her head low, sheepishly inching her way forward as the minotaur grumbled in annoyance, behind them, the dwarven merchant had caught up halfway through their walk in a panicked run. To their surprise he had pulled up with a thickset pony that also carried his little cart full of goods. The trio then wordlessly if awkwardly made their way to the eastern gate.

In front of them a small caravan had assembled. Three pack horses and their wagons of merchandise, two traders and their four official guards, Annalise and the other two not far behind, and finally the other adventurers the guildmaster had said they would work with. The speaker, a young boy not unlike herself had jet black hair cut into bangs, was flanked by a powerful looking man wearing full plate armour, a girl wielding a staff and dressed in robes, another girl but looking more like a leather clad rogue, an archer also clad in leather with her sides a little too scantily clad, and finally one other girl who looked of similar statue and style to the boy.

“He’s…” Aryana dryly tried to speak, her voice going nowhere as she felt embarrassed and ashamed at potentially disappointing the others.

“Karzan Stonearm the Humblest of Merchants.” He announced himself for her.

“Karzan!” One of the traders bellowed before anyone else could respond, “What are you doing here you scoundrel?!”

“Ho ho! Eram! Now come on, we’re all friends here!”

“Spare me the pleasantries.” Eram growled.

“Alright, alright, lighten up a bit. I’m headed for Arteria too and figured it’d be easier to travel as a bigger convoy, maybe frighten up some of the greenskins. Happy? Besides, I won’t get in your hair, got me own guard right…ahh…here.” Karzan joked, looking towards the minotaur only for Taurox to scowl at him. The dwarf instantly switched his gesture to the already frightened Aryana. “See? Nothing to worry bout, sides you aren’t paying them anyways so think of it…like it’s a separate transaction!”

“Oh? And that makes it okay? What about-” Eram began before the other trader held the man back.

“Eram, let’s just go. If he wants to trail behind us let him. He’ll just delay the goblins if we do get ambushed anyways.” The more soothing voice of the second trader echoed.

“Tch. Fine, you heard him. Karzan, you’re on your own so don’t expect us to slow down for you.”Eram hissed.

“Of course, don’t you worry a diddly about it.” Karzan smiled, much to the trader’s annoyance. Turning to Aryana he flashed her a cheeky wink, “Don’t worry lassie,” he muttered, “I’ll be good from here heh! If those gobbos come I’ll give em a good thrashing meself.”

Unsure how to react, she just nodded as she futilely tried to avoid the disappointed gazes of her companions, the minotaur finally letting out a sigh as everyone reunited.

“I’m never babysitting her again.” He growled.

Though the others neither agreed or disagreed, Aryana felt a lance of pain shoot through her chest. I’ve made a mistake. She felt lonely and realised that she had probably been a little too carefree in thinking that they would just skip town. Now she had just burdened the others.

Annalise rubbed the bridge of her nose and slapped her own cheeks, “What…what the…how did you even…What happened?” The ranger’s incredulous words cut into her.

Twiddling her thumbs, Aryana made her confession. “Umm…was walking around and bumped into the merchant,” her feet tapping the ground in nervousness, “he asked if we were going to Arteria so I said yes. Then…then he wanted to come along…so…”

“So you just randomly said yes as well?”

“...Yes…” After a moment’s hesitation Aryana admitted it and heard the annoyed sigh come from Annalise as well.

“I…whatever. The traders have accepted it but just know that next time, you don’t just make decisions like this. Got it?” Annalise scolded.

“Sorry.”

“Sorry’s not enough, don’t do something like this again.”

“...sorry…”

“By the saints where did you find her, Sophie? She’s almost as insufferable as you when you first started. I mean look at her! Why am I feeling guilty at her expression!” Annalise tutted and turned towards the minotaur, “Thank you for the help Blademaster, your steed’s over there.”

Taurox grunted his acknowledgment and finally left Aryana’s side, the minotaur seemingly gaining strength the further away he got. Oh.

“Ugh. I…I don’t even…Mila come with me, let’s get the last arrangements sorted. Aryana…your stuff is hitched onto Mila’s horse so just I don’t know…holler or something if you need anything. Sophie, she’s your problem now.” Annalise grumbled.

The inquisitor’s scowl deepened but Aryana felt no hostility, at least not yet. Sophie on the other hand seemed even more distant, like a ship floating out into the endless blue, despite being just a few feet ahead of her. The elf at least seemed to be thinking of something else, barely even acknowledging the ranger when her eyes shot to life, as if realising something before they stared directly onto Aryana’s own.

She flinched at the intense stare and gulped down her worries, steeling herself for another barrage of disappointment when the elf nodded. “Hmmm, stick to the cart and keep it safe. You aren’t trained in combat yet, right?” Sophie asked.

Aryana shook her head.

“Good. Then stay with the dwarf and remain inside the cart. You'll be near the back so it should be safe there.” Sophie stated matter of factly.

Safe? Wait, why do I need to be there anyways? Without further explanation Sophie turned away and before she could hail the half elf, one of the traders whispered and all the gathered guards and adventurers spread out around the carts, the first of the horses beginning to rumble forward. Aryana stood confused for a moment before a soft whistle from the dwarf drew her attention backward. The bearded figure tilted his head towards his wagon, indicating for her to hop on. In a slight befuddled rush she managed to clamber on board as one of the official caravan guards in the rear snickered at her pathetic attempt.

Embarrassed, she tried to hide herself away when the dwarf leaned back on his pony in a conspiratorial fashion.

“Listen lass, I don’t know what’s going on between all of ye. But consider me surprised as the great deep lords when they let me join up. Hah! To think they let me of all people to tag along! So whatever yer mates are thinking about, I’m mighty thankful that I’m finally hitching a ride out of here. And I’ve got you to thank for that, so chin up aye? To me at least, ye did good. Now rest up, plenty of time to read those books now!” Karzan whistled gleefully, "I'll pay ye back the nine Artes when we reach a stopping point, help yourself to my collection I suppose, though, if you damage something, I will charge you for it."

Aryana just nodded along, admittedly not at all inspired or reinvigorated by his words. Still, they were on the move again and he was right. With how awkward she had rejoined the group she suspected that trying to force conversations with the others might just end badly. Yet there was a new ache in her heart, she had only recently left the tribes and already she had blundered, potentially driving away new friendships. No use thinking about it now, been thinking for a long time anyways. With a final tired sigh of her own, she settled into the not quite comfy dwarven cart and pulled out the first of the books. Calm down, you’ve got this. This is just a hiccup, everyone’s still reeling from the ship ride and the city, that’s right. They’re just picking up the pieces, they don’t hate you…right? They don’t hate me right? I’m not a nuisance? But I am, oh by the spirits. Have…have I just been a burden this whole time? I hope they don’t leave me behind. Stupid, stupid! Why do you have to be so troublesome! To the first people who show kindness too! Stupid!