“Aslaug?”
No response.
“Hmm, what about Tora?”
No response.
“You must want something strong and dependable. I see. Then, how about... Magnhildr!”
A dismissive snort.
“Oh, then-”
“OOOOODYSSSSSSEEEEUUUSSSS!”
Leifr broke from his thoughts about naming his warhorse. While this village of Calgeth was quite busy in preparation for the oncoming festival, Leifr didn't think that someone would be so troubled in broad daylight. And it wasn't a shout of warning or joy for this Odysseus person, but a cry for help! It sounded like either the man shouting or this Odysseus person were in trouble, or maybe they were trying to start trouble! Leifr was just about to snap the reigns and charge ahead when the bright, large, curious eyes of a little boy directly in front of his steed reminded Leifr that he was currently in the middle of a town that was busy preparing for festivals. A war horse charging full speed through the streets was probably more dangerous than any barfight or daylight trouble that Odysseus and his company were most likely having.
Pray, forgive me Sir Odysseus! Leifr thought in disappointment as he maneuvered his steed around the child and and headed (albeit slowly) towards the origin of the cry: the tavern. Though I am in the same village during your time of need, his thoughts continued, I am unable to reach you with my full determination. I pray for you: hold out until the guards arrive, Sir Odysseus!
Leifr clasped his hands together and closed his eyes tightly, mentally begging this “Sir Odysseus” for forgiveness. Right now, Leifr had another thing on his mind: the curious and suspicious stares of the townsfolk and especially the curious children that who were fascinated by such a well-trained and dignified steed such as his. He would probably be faster just walking on foot and leading the horse than trying to maneuver it around the rushing townsfolk in the streets from horseback.
As he dismounted, in an attempt to pacify the onlookers he made a slight bow towards the townfolks and apologized for any trouble he caused, and though his attempt was met with giggles and confusion it seemed to work for the most part. As for the children, well, he just smiled at them and waved. The effect was opposite of what he wanted, because apparently that meant he gave his consent to have the children flock towards him and start petting and touching the warhorse and pulling at his clothes. The laughing wives at the side of the rode saved him after a few minutes of this treatment and bid him a good day.
Leifr thought that they were all acting strange because they knew he was a noble, but a dirty young boy wandered over to him and shattered his mental image with a single question:
“Mister, are you rich?”
The mother hurried over with a beet red face and dragged the child off, but Leifr was thankful for the kid for making him realize the situation. It wasn't his nobility or noble outfit that earned him this attention. It wasn't his kindness or even his cursed blade. It was his money. It made sense when Leifr imagined himself from the view of a commoner: instead of enjoying himself at a lavish festival in a place like Gallas Tildein, a wealthy outsider in expensive armor riding an expensive horse for some unexplained reason is here in a usually quiet town. Usually. In fact it was a certain rumor about this town that lured Leifr here in the first place.
Though now that he was here, Leifr didn't really know what to do. Should he talk to the guards? Go to the tavern? And since it was only a rumor, was it even real? Speaking of which, where did that rumor come from? Leifr was definitely still inexperienced when it came to adventuring, but he decided to head for the tavern first. Lots of travelers passed through taverns so there should be a clue there.
...Leifr couldn't help but think he was forgetting about something, though. Something about... someone being in danger? Nah. On a bright and busy day like this, who could possibly be in danger?