[h3]The Duchy of Zerul, by a road in southwest[/h3]
[IMG]http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u79/SharpshooterJack/markerOlanfaded_zps63d2f0e2.png[/IMG]
"Heh, you hear that? More people for our troupe already," Olan chuckled, somewhat too preoccupied with Thaler's state of mind to worry too much about Jaelnec being confused about what he was talking about. Her silence, along with the things she had said shortly before the squire's footfalls became audible in the distance, worried the old man quite a bit, and he was concerned that she might end up doing or saying something that she was going to regret if she was not somehow lifted out of this pit she had dug for herself. "You know what they say: a stranger is just a friend you haven't met yet, you know? It'll be nice with a little time to get to know them."
He put his arm around Thaler's shoulders and leaning in, grinning mostly for Jaelnec's benefit as he merrily jostled the girl. "I'd never blame you for anything, even if I did remember what happened," he whispered to her through his grin. "And I might not remember much about Rilon, either, but I do know that 'evil' is subjective; it's not the same to everyone, you know? Even Rilon might have 'good' qualities, just as any demon might. And Rilon's a tricky one, too, so I'm sure he'd have tricked anyone, given enough time. The only one who blames you is yourself, and I'd really wish you didn't."

Letting go of the Daywalker and pretending not to notice the puzzled expression on Jaelnec's face, Olan stood and beamed his younger kinsman a smile. "Well then! Let's go meet our new friends!"