Ashe observed the group's heated discussion with a bemused chuckle.

"[color=gold]Fyr, calm down. We'll track down whatever that scoundrel stole from us and make him regret it. And Dallious, you’re right—thanks to us, you’re all free now. There’s no need to worry; I guarantee things will work out in the end. As for my mask, it stays on. Always.[/color]" Her voice carried its usual charm, smoothing over the tension.

Turning to Arthur, Ashe nodded and said, "[color=gold]You heard correctly. The book belonged to Gwyn, and Cicero was a companion who saved me from a dangerous fall with those same slavers. I don’t forget a debt. We will find them. As for the book, I’m not sure of Gwyn’s full power, but I doubt it’s anything [i]too[/i] formidable.[/color]"

She stepped forward and drew out her dice, tossing them into the air. Both landed on 10-10, the highest possible roll.

"[color=gold]Ha! Just as I expected. I might not know exactly where the wizard took Gwyn and Cicero, but I have a lead. We’ll need to head to my homeland, the Isles. If we’re fortunate, we can not only find the information we need but also reconnect with my old teachers. They’re skilled in many arts, known and unknown.[/color]" Her voice grew more confident with each word.

"[color=gold]Even if you decide not to join me, that’s where I’m headed. It’s time to settle some scores—personal and otherwise.[/color]" With that, she began to walk away, her resolve clear.

[hr]
[hr]


Samara took a shaky breath, her hands nervously fidgeting with the strap of her bag. "Look, Ashe, I know I haven’t been with you all for long, and I was just trying to do a job, bring you to the village. But this... everything that's happened—it’s too much. I’m just a merchant. I’m not a fighter, and I’m definitely not made for whatever this is turning into.” She paused, her eyes darting around the group, guilt settling in her chest. “I had to kill someone, and... I can’t shake it. I’m sorry, but I can’t keep going with you."

Her voice trembled slightly as she continued, "You’ve got your mission, and I respect that. But I need to go back to what I know—trading, traveling, selling goods. This world of assassins and stolen heirlooms, it’s not mine. I hope you find what you’re after, but I need to part ways here. I just... need to get back to some kind of normal." Samara gave them a weak smile, a final nod, before she turned, the weight of her decision settling in as she began to walk away from the group.

She then stopped and turned back, looking at Arthur, her expression apologetic. "Arthur, if you decide to stay with them... I'm sorry. I know we’ve only just met, but I really thought this would be easier. If you do stay, I hope you can forgive me for backing out now. You’re strong—you’ll be fine with them. I'll look for someone to sell me a camel, find me in the village if you don't go with them. " Samara offered one last nod before turning away, her steps quicker now as she made her way toward the village, already thinking