The appearance of all these warriors, adventurers, mercenaries and sellswords was relatively well received. Some elders were questioning the trustworthiness of the more shady figures while others were awed by the grace and humility of others. In the end all of them were relieved that these people decided to show up. It could have been much worse after all.

From the crowd a small man emerged, easily distinguished by his round bald head and thick white beard and bushy eyebrows. He supported himself on a small cane made from dark oak, which he loudly tapped on the ground. Within seconds the murmurring died down as he cleared his throat, preparing to deliver speak.

[b]"Brothers and sisters. You all remember how we've suffered since our sons have been taken from us. Bandits, wild beasts and demons threatened our lives! But now we don't have to live in fear no longer! These fine men and women have come to help us in our time of need. I, as the representative of village, am deeply thankful to all of you."[/b] The old man bowed down in a show of deepest gratitude. The other elders followed suit.
[b]"We don't have much but we will give you anything that we can offer. For you have answered our call for help."[/b]

As the group of adventurers was now officially welcomed by the town leader, more people started to gather around. Children and young women started coming out of their homes to greet and offer their saviours food and a place to stay. Soon villagers started talking to the newcomers and each other and asking all sorts of questions.

[i]"Pretty melodramatic, hasn't he?" "Hi there. You must be hungry. Here! Have something!" "Mommy? That black haired man scares me..." "Hello there, young man! Need a place to stay? It's gotten a little lonely since my... boyfriend left." "Where did you get that sword?" "Ah.. Hello young lady. Hm... You don't look like a warrior, maybe you work in another profession, hmm? Why don't you stay at my place..." "Hey, what happened to your shirt, mister?"[/i]

Meanwhile, Ayame finished cooking her meal and went to check up on Umiko.

"Ah! Finished already? I hope you had a good soak. Here, I've brought you some clothes. I used to wear them when I was little. I hope they are not too big for you."

Suddenly a shout was heard coming from the direction of the front entrance

[b]"Help we need a doctor!"[/b]

Ayame was still an apprentive but she knew that she wouldn't just let someone die. She told Umiko to stay [i]right here[/i] before bolting towards the entrance, leaving the door to her home wide open.