Heinz and Bear
Heinz had mixed feelings about being back in Ft. Washington. Earlier this year, Bear had bolted in the middle of the village square, having been spooked by a shopkeeper's falling wares. Bear had upended the carts lining the streets, and provoked the tethered pack animals, creating a riotous scene. When he had arrived this morning, some had recognized him and voiced their lingering bitterness. Heinz had pulled up his hood in embarrassment and rushed through the main street towards the keep where they were to meet and was forced to lay low as they gathered supplies and negotiated with merchants.
As the group discussed their next step, Heinz initially hung back with Bear. The keep seemed to be a friendly establishment, though many of the locals seemed on edge in the presence of the group. Understandably, the keep had refused to board the horse in their stables and Heinz was forced to remain close by Bear's side. He noticed the others eying the horse with vague concern, and Heinz regretted that his first impression would be over-shadowed by the foul-tempered beast. Wary of his surroundings, he observed the others. During the long day, as the group gathered supplies in Ft. Washington, Heinz managed to get an impression of each of them, and was reluctantly optimistic about their journey. They were all fascinating people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and Heinz - eager to vicariously experience the lives of others - was already anticipating the tales each of the had to tell.
He had already begun to trust the man named Cormac. Though he had a grim and gruff countenance, and a blunt mannerism, he had inspected the pack Heinz had haphazardly constructed for Bear and suggested multiple improvements. He also seemed interested in improving the mule cart - complaining that it was poorly designed for rough travel and encouraging the purchase of spare parts for repair purposes. The alchemist, Amos, was taciturn and Heinz had shared only a few words with him - certainly not enough to get an impression of him. However, Heinz was mystified by the supplies the man had with him. He had a limited knowledge of alchemy and medicine and so they were akin to magic in his mind. Rhys, who seemed younger than himself, had been initially friendly towards him. Heinz had heard him whistling to himself as he took inventory of his supplies, and Heinz had been impressed by his musicality. He'd have to remember to ask him to teach him to whistle later on. The woman was silent, and the servant, Rory, spoke for her. Heinz had been hesitant to approach her and felt awkward in Rory's presence.
At this time, the group was considering the three paths to take. He understood each of their arguments. He was wary of the sea route, considering an old aversion towards water. He had never forgotten the floods that overtook the city in which he was born. As the population fell to disease, maintenance of the levees were forgotten. Soon, murky and poisonous water was lapping at the feet of people on the streets, trickling into their homes, and - during the rainy season - becoming deep enough to drown a person. No, the sea was not a viable route.
"I don't think the sea route is a safe option. I have heard from the sailors that there has been heightened pirate activity. I have also heard word that ship breakers are common on the coast, leading sailors into the rocky shore and pillaging the remains of the wreckage." Heinz said when it was his turn to speak. "The roads west would be a better choice because the path is straight. It's dangerous though, and we've lost many couriers in the past to marauders," Heinz paused, remembering an event that still saddened him to this day. Hoping no one had noticed, he went on. "I have travelled Northwards and I believe this is the best option. The forests provide much cover for travelers, as well as shelter in the night and fuel for fire. Hunting will be prosperous as well."
Heinz had mixed feelings about being back in Ft. Washington. Earlier this year, Bear had bolted in the middle of the village square, having been spooked by a shopkeeper's falling wares. Bear had upended the carts lining the streets, and provoked the tethered pack animals, creating a riotous scene. When he had arrived this morning, some had recognized him and voiced their lingering bitterness. Heinz had pulled up his hood in embarrassment and rushed through the main street towards the keep where they were to meet and was forced to lay low as they gathered supplies and negotiated with merchants.
As the group discussed their next step, Heinz initially hung back with Bear. The keep seemed to be a friendly establishment, though many of the locals seemed on edge in the presence of the group. Understandably, the keep had refused to board the horse in their stables and Heinz was forced to remain close by Bear's side. He noticed the others eying the horse with vague concern, and Heinz regretted that his first impression would be over-shadowed by the foul-tempered beast. Wary of his surroundings, he observed the others. During the long day, as the group gathered supplies in Ft. Washington, Heinz managed to get an impression of each of them, and was reluctantly optimistic about their journey. They were all fascinating people from a wide variety of backgrounds, and Heinz - eager to vicariously experience the lives of others - was already anticipating the tales each of the had to tell.
He had already begun to trust the man named Cormac. Though he had a grim and gruff countenance, and a blunt mannerism, he had inspected the pack Heinz had haphazardly constructed for Bear and suggested multiple improvements. He also seemed interested in improving the mule cart - complaining that it was poorly designed for rough travel and encouraging the purchase of spare parts for repair purposes. The alchemist, Amos, was taciturn and Heinz had shared only a few words with him - certainly not enough to get an impression of him. However, Heinz was mystified by the supplies the man had with him. He had a limited knowledge of alchemy and medicine and so they were akin to magic in his mind. Rhys, who seemed younger than himself, had been initially friendly towards him. Heinz had heard him whistling to himself as he took inventory of his supplies, and Heinz had been impressed by his musicality. He'd have to remember to ask him to teach him to whistle later on. The woman was silent, and the servant, Rory, spoke for her. Heinz had been hesitant to approach her and felt awkward in Rory's presence.
At this time, the group was considering the three paths to take. He understood each of their arguments. He was wary of the sea route, considering an old aversion towards water. He had never forgotten the floods that overtook the city in which he was born. As the population fell to disease, maintenance of the levees were forgotten. Soon, murky and poisonous water was lapping at the feet of people on the streets, trickling into their homes, and - during the rainy season - becoming deep enough to drown a person. No, the sea was not a viable route.
"I don't think the sea route is a safe option. I have heard from the sailors that there has been heightened pirate activity. I have also heard word that ship breakers are common on the coast, leading sailors into the rocky shore and pillaging the remains of the wreckage." Heinz said when it was his turn to speak. "The roads west would be a better choice because the path is straight. It's dangerous though, and we've lost many couriers in the past to marauders," Heinz paused, remembering an event that still saddened him to this day. Hoping no one had noticed, he went on. "I have travelled Northwards and I believe this is the best option. The forests provide much cover for travelers, as well as shelter in the night and fuel for fire. Hunting will be prosperous as well."