Time:7 PM
Location: River Port
Interactions:, Rue
@Potter Bowyn
@HeloEquipment: basic travel pack, medical pack, foot soldier armor, foot soldier shield and weapons. 779 Amas
The stout dwarf, veteran of many campaigns upon which he had valiantly run towards danger as arrows, javelins and other projectiles fell upon him or fought his way towards a wounded Legionnaire deep into the enemy lines with little more than a grimace on his face, almost cried as he felt the flying contraption finally set down and clamp into place. The motor’s of the Helius hummed to a stop and the doors finally opened, freeing its blissfully ignorant passengers from the death trap they had willingly embarked upon. At least, that is how it felt to the medic.
He and the pair of winter fairies had not shared much in the way of back story due to not only the dwarf’s innards desire to spill their contents upon all within the vicinity of the ailing medic, but also because Bowyn’s guarded nature and Rue’s very valid attitude that Arn had not yet proven himself trustworthy. So the long miles of lush river fed lands flew by quickly. Though not quickly enough for the young dwarf.
The trio’s arrival at riverport was marked with stares. Even though the Legionnaire armor probably had something to do with the heads that turned, the soldier was sure that his white haired companions probably were the main reason. Bowyn probably agreed with him because he returned each stare so forcefully that Arn feared violence at least a dozen times before then even exited the Helius landing station.
He silently enjoyed and marveled at the beauty of Rue’s wings as she stretched them and actual felt a bit ashamed that he had so brazenly stared but he could not help it. Nor did he fail to notice the look of longing from Bowyn. The remembrance of a remark that the young fairy lad had said when they first met rang in his mind. The winter fairy had lost his wings. The young dwarf could not even begin to imagine how that may feel.
Arn also did not know how he could help. Could wings even be re generated? As apendages, they were probably like hands or feet. Their loss, just as detrimental. For a being who had probably enjoyed the freedom of traveling across the skies at will, being grounded was probably worse. Then again, having flown inside an unnatural contraption probably felt like salt in the wounds after being kicked while down.
”So! Time to explore and also find food and shelter. I think I heard a dwarf say on the Helius there was an Inn here right? Well we should go find it!”The young dwarf found himself following the pair. More or less like the wolf. Yet unlike the wolf, he was not really part of their circle. More than once he thought about just turning a corner and going a separate way but something made him stay. So he lingered, just a few steps away. What was it that kept him with them? Was it fear? There was certainly that. He feared the magnitude of his current situation and desired some company.
In the army, the shield walls of his companions offered solace and protection. It was said that dwarves, much like the stony mountains that they inhabited, were stronger together. Indeed, once a bond was made between two dwarves, they were practically inseparable. Perhaps that is what he feared the most. He had always felt like an outsider even amongst the shields of his brethren. Now that he was in the company of Winter Fairies, he felt even more alienated.
Such was his discomfort that he made up his mind to fade into the darkened shadows of the port town. The trio had arrived at what looked like some sort of odds and ends type of establishment. Probably the one of thousands in a city that was literally only purposed to trade. Rue seemed to be enjoying the fare. The young soldier figured that while the fairies were busy window shopping, his absence would not be missed. The two white haired youths would continue their lives without him and perhaps even fare better. After all, his mission was to aid a princess that was sure to dive head long into the war that was now bearing down upon them like run away Helius.
”… also the dwarf outfit, please…”He caught the pretty young fairy’s sweet voice as he walked off. He hesitated. Had she thought of him merely out of politeness? Or had she somehow involuntarily included him in her circle? A dark part of his braid told him to keep walking. It was better this way. It was easier. It would be less heartbreaking wondering than knowing for sure that neither of them accepted him. Another part of him told him to be brave. Take a chance. He was a dammed dwarf was he not? Why would he not follow the craft of his people and forge a bond. The Gods knew that only strong bonds would survive the fires of war.
Arn stood a few steps away. Finally, swallowed hard and turned back. His voice was a bit tight as he tried to rein back the unpleasant emotions that had plagued him during their walk from the Helius.
“I think a travel cloack would work for now Miss Rue. Will offering to pay for my own be thought impolite?” He truly did not know what the Winter Fairy social norms dictated in such situations.
He nodded at Bowyn’s suggestion.
“Indeed, Bowyn, at the very least, finind an inn would provide a meal, and a place to rest. Perhaps a place to talk. I feel there is some things I owe the two of you.” His voice was apologetic. The soldier had made his mind to trust these two, for better or worse.