[center][h3]--- [i]Village Center[/i] ---[/h3][h2][i][b]Akitsugu[/b][/i][/h2]Late Morning / Early Midday
[@Rune_Alchemist][@CitrusArms][@Xaltwind][@Dragonydas][@BunniesOfDoom][@Remram][@LupusIntus][/center][hr][hr]
The elf with the book clutched it a little closer upon looking towards Akitsugu and Yingmei. Though the man and woman who presumably owned that wagon had faces of shifting surprise and concern, before they could speak another pair of newcomers arrived. A [i]third[/i] elf, no less, though this one seemed much more regal in appearance...or, at least, she [i]would[/i] have, if she didn't [i]also[/i] look like she'd lost a fight with a briarpatch. The man standing next to her, however, caused Akitsugu's eyes to widen momentarily. A short, stocky build, a thick and full beard, and browned, earthy features--this was a dwarf! He had met a few of them since crossing the borders of his country, for he always sought work wherever he passed through in the local smithies. A sinking feeling seized his heart---what if [i]this[/i] fellow was also a blacksmith? Unless the dwarf wanted an apprentice, Akitsugu would have a hard time convincing any of these people that his services were worthwhile. He had planned to trade a few favors of labor for food and supplies---he could sharpen all manner of blades easily enough, and polish or do maintainence on tools even without a working forge. But if a "proper" dwarven smith was around, would any of them pay him any heed whatsoever?

The dwarf and this next elf hailed the growing crowd as well. Just as the blacksmith had come to expect, it seemed everyone here was a wanderer...so, had each and every one of them been called here by the same supernatural force he'd experienced? Had they all heard the ringing of hammers, or...something else?

The man and woman bickered momentarily, before they began unloading their wagon. For the first time Akitsugu took stock of the stone longhouse nearby. It was in much better shape than the wooden buildings, and given its central location it had probably served as some form of feast hall or maybe a governing office of sorts. But when the woman addressed the gathered travelers, her voice carried that motherly "do not question me if you want supper" vibe and rang clear over the numerous heads around her.

"Ah, um...Many thanks, madam!" the redheaded man bowed deeper than he had when speaking to Yingmei, being sufficiently drawn in by the woman's authoritative tone. Another cart had arrived at some point, and as Akitsugu looked around he noted that the older man was feeding the young girl with what smelled like bread and preserved fruit. He and the child chatted happily, so one would assume they were family---grandfather, most likely. But the other young man with them looked [i]too[/i] young to be the girl's father... Well, unless he'd gotten himself in over his head quite early in life. An older brother? 

Akitsugu waved one hand in an attempt to get people's attention, then nervously cleared his throat.

"U-um, excuse me, but---"

The girl with the pickaxe declared, quite boldly, that she would find all the "materials" that one of the elven girls apparently needed. Then she punted her compass into the distance and charged off after it. Akitsugu's face drooped somewhat in confusion, before he tried clearing his throat again, more loudly this time.

"[i]Eto[/i], excuse me, everyone!" He now held up both hands, for as much attention as he could garner. "If the um, kind sir and lady are providing cots and blankets for those who wish to camp here, I, uh, think I shall [b]gather firewood[/b]! [b]There is a forest to our east[/b], if I remember my path here correctly!" He pointed in the indicated direction. "We will need warmth and fuel for cooking, after all...and, speaking of meals, perhaps we could find something edible or game to hunt?" He turned to look at Yingmei, then back at the others. "[b]Would anyone like to join me?[/b]"