Glossing...
Glossing...
Chapter 1.55 R
Ryoka reaches the edge of the deadly Bloodfields but is immediately ambushed by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska. When the predatory flora violently awakens, Persua sacrifices her companions to escape, resulting in Toriska's death. Amidst the chaos, Ryoka's magical geas breaks, and she risks her life to rescue the betrayed Claudeil before fleeing toward Liscor.
Ryoka Griffin reaches the perimeter of the dangerous Bloodfields, a lethal zone filled with predatory flora like Watchertrees and Sporemines. Nearby, a mixed-species merchant caravan—which includes the renowned human noble Ysara, Drake merchants like Tellgre, and a group of Silverfang Gnolls—struggles to navigate the hazards of the region's edge.
Before Ryoka can safely retreat from the boundary, she is ambushed on a ridge by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska. Claudeil reluctantly shoots Ryoka in the shoulder with a crossbow, Toriska engages her in close combat using her [Slashy Storm] Skill, and Persua casts the [Ice Spike] spell from a wand. During the brutal confrontation, the Bloodfields suddenly awaken, transforming the environment into a deadly trap for everyone present.
Down below, the merchant caravan is violently attacked by Watchertree roots; Ysara breaks her heirloom sword defending herself, and Tellgre suffers a severe leg wound. Up on the ridge, Persua ruthlessly sacrifices her companions to ensure her own survival. She shoves Toriska directly into an attacking Watchertree, which impales and kills her, and shoots Claudeil in the kneecap to serve as bait for the predatory plants.
Amidst the chaos and near-death trauma, the powerful [Geas] spell binding Ryoka finally shatters, granting her a profound sense of freedom. When the System attempts to reward her with a level up and the [Indomitable Will] Skill, Ryoka rejects the offer. Instead of fleeing immediately, Ryoka charges back into the awakening death zone to save the betrayed Claudeil. She successfully pulls Claudeil to safety, where the surviving merchants treat her wounds, before continuing her long run toward Liscor.
Ryoka reaches the edge of the Bloodfields and is suddenly ambushed by Persua, Claudeil, and Toriska.
A mercantile Skill that compels a target to stop and listen to the user's offer or statement.
aka [Hear Me Out]
A Level 34 human [Merchant] with a noble background and formidable swordsmanship skills.
aka Silver Merchant, Merchant Ysara
An anti-social, barefoot runner from Earth who works as a messenger in Izril.
aka City Runner, Miss Runner +15
The predatory flora of the Bloodfields violently awakens, attacking both Ryoka's group on the ridge and a nearby merchant caravan, wounding Ysara and Tellgre.
To secure her own escape, Persua pushes Toriska into a Watchertree to her death and shoots Claudeil in the knee to use as bait.
Amidst the chaotic struggle to survive, the magical Geas binding Ryoka breaks, and she subsequently refuses the System's offer of an Indomitable Will Skill.
Instead of fleeing to safety, Ryoka runs back into the deadly Bloodfields to rescue Claudeil, bringing her to the merchants for treatment before departing for Liscor.
A rival runner whom Ryoka suspects holds a grudge.
aka Miss Persua, a fellow City Runner
A dagger Skill that unleashes a rapid flurry of slashes.
aka [Slashy Storm]
A portly Drake merchant leading a caravan through the South.
A Level 22 Drake [Trader] known for forcing customers to buy multiple items.
aka Twodeals
A tribe of Gnolls from the Great Plains known for trading and silversmithing, of which Krshia is a member.
aka Silverfang, Silverfangs
A city adjacent to the Floodplains, culturally aligned with Drakes and not friendly to Humans.
aka City of Liscor, the city +8
A System class for those who buy and sell goods.
aka [Merchant], [Merchants]
A Skill that reduces the weight or strain on wagon wheels, preventing them from breaking on rough terrain.
aka [Lightweight Wheels]
A sapient reptilian species dominant in regions south of Liscor, generally unfriendly to Humans.
aka lizards, giant lizards +3
A species of tall, bipedal hyena-like humanoids covered in fur.
aka hyena-people, dog-people +8
A high-level Gnoll [Warrior] leading a group of Silverfangs toward Liscor.
aka Chief Warrior Rometh
A deadly plant in the Bloodfields that releases lethal gas.
A massive, resilient beast native to the Bloodfields.
A high-speed sword Skill.
aka [Quicksilver Cut]
A spell that fires sharp, frozen projectiles.
aka [Ice Spike]
A mental resistance Skill offered by the System.
aka [Indomitable Will]
A rare hybrid species possessing multiple magical eyes.
aka Gazer, the half-Gazer +1
“I…I could let him die. He’d let me die. But I want to be better. To my friends. To—everyone. I don’t know how. I’m only good at running. I want to do something good.”
“Forget it. I never liked it, anyways. It’s just a sword. I used it for something worthy. I think even my father would be proud.”
“We’re quits, Persua. If you make it out, that is. I never had the guts to kill you. I’m…sorry it went down this way. I’m going back. I have to try again.”
“Then go and apologize to them. Then—when we meet, you can thank me in person. I will see you again, someday. Next year or later. [Merchants], like Runners, go everywhere.”
“No. No! I will not—I will not make the same mistake again. I’m going back—and nothing will stop me.”
“Tell me why. And it has to be a better reason than ‘you’re not afraid of dying’. Or I swear on my levels I’ll stab you in the leg to save you from yourself.”
“In my experience, Miss Griffin, no matter how much we want to run forever—someday we do have to go back. And it is better not to leave regrets behind. They grow. Better to face them now. It is harder than monsters. But a more important battle. If only we could always know we'd win.”
“I refuse.”
“I rather think that is your case, Miss Griffin. I was going to say that if they cannot accept you with all your oddities—if not your objectionable behavior—if they cannot accept the core of you, they do not deserve your company. But then—I also respect someone who would change the mountain to fit their passage.”
“If you run, I’ll make sure you die if it’s the last thing I do. Ryoka’s taken everything from me. This is all her fault. Fals, my City Runner rank…we’re going in there.”
“You are alone and my people fill this continent. Walk quietly, Lady Pathseeker. Lest you wake something up.”
“This sword is the heirloom of my house. It is my past. Silver and steel be my guide. In the name of the Silver Dragon!”
“I'm a piece of shit. You—you really wouldn't get it. I can't fit in and be friendly. I don't enjoy it. I can't be a good person back to Ga—to the H—to people. So it's better if they don't try. I don't belong. So—can't you just leave me be? Just let me run and not bother me?”
“You know, my family loves honesty and integrity. Just like metal. It's our motif. Silver and steel. Purity and strength. Valor and something else. For all that, most of my family can't spot a liar even when it's tattooed on their face. But you—even my brother would know you're lying, Miss Ryoka. Everyone has someone who cares for them. Everyone has a friend.”
“Easy. Ysara practically drags you away and you try to kill yourself? And us?”
“If you insist, Gazi Pathseeker, I shall tell Honored Krshia I am too weak to stop you. And my Chieftain, embarrassing as it is. Then I shall go and tell Shaman Theikha of Gaarh Marsh, Chieftain Xherw of Plain's Eye, and the tribe of Az'muzarre how weak I am. Loudly. You stand a legend on foreign ground, Adventurer Pathseeker. We have our own.”
“I trust you. Let’s do it. On three.”
“The Bloodfields are a death zone. You know this, Miss Griffin? Gold-rank adventurers fear to tread there. Named-ranks would think twice and need a reason to go in. Armies may cross the Bloodfields, but they do it with fire and sword ahead of them. Only in the fall and winter is it remotely safe—and not if you go straight into it. I stopped you because I wanted to warn you that it was certain death. Suicide. Do you…understand me? Don’t go in there.”
“He never set foot on Izril himself. We sent one of seven against a Walled City, Gnoll. Had even more of us come—you would not smile.”
“If you insist and we insist, we must give way. So I shall give way and admit I am the lesser of us by far. But do you know what is coming next year? The Meeting of Tribes.”
“Goodbye, Persua. I don’t think either of us are getting out of this.”
“Let’s all die. Good riddance. You want me, Persua? Come and get me!”
“We might be too early. Are we too early?”
“Then—why are you so interested in me? Can't you leave me alone?”
“Later. Let’s get out of here. Miss Ryoka?”
“Spoken like one foreign to Izril. Liscor's mercenary army is not 'small'. They were encircling Oteslia last I heard, and that is a deed few armies in the world can manage. Even your King of Destruction stopped at Zeres.”
“This is her fault. Not mine. Sorry, Claudeil—”
“Your King never fought our tribes, and we would not have given up our lands to him like Chandrar. I am not looking for a battle, now, or to seek glory, Gazi Pathseeker. But I hear from my Chieftain's sister that you take an interest in the same girl we seek. A dangerous one. I would not like to come to blows with you.”
“I have to go back. I have to say—I’m sorry.”
“Miss Griffin. Would you believe I belong to a noble family in the north? A small one, but I'm technically a [Lady] by birth. And if you know anything of the north, I think you understand what my House is like. Miss Ryoka. I know something about not fitting in.”
“Ancestor’s wrinkled tits, Ysara! Don’t give me a heart-attack!”
“And I would not like your warriors to go to Liscor. You seem intent on being my problem. So let us make a peaceful offer. Turn around and go back to your tribe. Now.”
“You want me, Persua? Let’s end this once and for all!”
“I am no fool to fight legends, Gazi Pathseeker. If you should push your will at Liscor, who could refuse you? No one with sense, and I have sense.”
“We cannot stop people from making their choices. And I think the outcome would be—interesting. We might all be surprised.”
“I don't know! They were both threatening the other, but then they fell silent, and I thought—then she got up and cut one of their heads off! Keep your heads down! Protect the goods!”
“Miss Ryoka Griffin. Please—[Hear Me Out].”
“Don’t say my name! If she lives, she’ll tell them. They’ll hang us—we’ll be wanted, you fool! Shoot her! Toriska, get her and we can go!”
“If you’re going to make it, that Watchertree will probably be dangerous in an hour or less. I’ve just wounded it. If you come south, I’d love the company. I’ll wager we’ll get free drinks enough to recoup my losses, at least.”
“But if there are good sorts behind you—why not come back with us? My sister can be—well, I haven't seen her for at least five years. But we could always use a companion on the road. It could be pleasant.”
“She’s going to get away unless we go. And if she says we tried to kill her, Magnolia Reinhart will murder us in our beds. Come on.”
“We’re going to die. This is your fault, Persua. Yours.”
“The Lich. The High Passes. I didn't care if I died.”
“I saw one taken by a Watchertree. The other fell—the bugs are all over him. Poor bastard. He might survive if he’s got a potion. If he’s lucky—he won’t have a potion.”
“We’re dead. She’s killed us. That maniac.”
“You wouldn't know anything about my problems! I'm tired of people coming into my life and offering advice or trying—trying to 'help'. I'm not like the rest of you, do you understand? I just want to be left alone. You won't enjoy my company, and I won't repay generosity. Got it?”
“Do you have more people you need to apologize to? Your friends?”
“If she is confident—let her make her choices. That is freedom. I have heard it said that a measure of Couriers and Gold-ranks is whether or not they can pass through the Bloodfields and live.”
“Those [Merchants] can’t do anything. Even if they claim we were here—they have no proof. Not even Lady Reinhart can get us. I have powerful friends.”
“He challenged me to a duel, Buleth. I’m the lone [Merchant]. I have a reputation to keep up.”
“Do you think eighteen of your lot can refuse?”
“No one's waiting for me. Not my f—no family, and no friends. Okay? So leave me alone. I'll go run in, level up—isn't that how you're supposed to do it?”
“I know you must be crazy—but you barely made it out alive. He can’t run. Those Watchertrees will get you if you slow down. There’s at least one in between you and him. He shot you. He tried to kill you. I’m all for forgiveness, but is it worth dying?”
“Kill her! Kill her before she shouts our names to—”
“Ryoka Griffin. City Runner around the Celum region. On delivery. I’m not taking requests or mail.”
“Merchant Ysara. You are welcome. I thought it was an interesting event. Though now—if Runner Griffin wishes to enter the Bloodfields, I say let her.”
“I'll survive. I've run the High Passes already.”
“The Bloodfields. She woke them up.”
“It’s beautiful and an alloy, so it doesn’t tarnish. Stronger than regular steel is my claim—and some monsters hate it. But truthfully? The [Smiths] who make this just know their craft better than some dunce with a hammer.”
“It's no one's business. Just let me do what I want. Even if I die—why do you care?”
“This area is miles upon miles long. You would shred your feet. Even if you can use potions, why suffer? Why risk the dangers in there? One awake Watchertree or a Colony Sac or—let's assume you survive. Why try?”
“Not much. Not much fighting of late. Tyrion Veltras comes down every year, but it’s not like the old wars. Then again, you’d know as much about that as I.”
“Hah! And I thought your name would be 'Erin', yes? Well met, brave Runner. Foolish of you to try the Bloodfields, but if you're going south, perhaps head to the Great Plains? You'll enjoy it with your bare paws—er, feet. And our tribes are welcoming to Humans. Those that don't come with fire and sword.”
“Can't a traveller try to help another on the road? It's the oldest give and take in the world. Now you've calmed down a bit—will you accept I just want to help, Miss Ryoka?”
“Then you owe me nothing. Just hear me out. Friendly advice. I don't want anything from you. Frankly, I don't need a City Runner's help. If I need to, I'd hire a Courier.”
“…Do go into the Bloodfields. It's perfectly safe. And everyone would want you to do that.”
“Swear on a truth stone you’ll never join her. Swear—and we’ll settle your debts like [Merchants]. We’ll take care of him.”
“Actually? I get half of my arms from a Gnoll tribe. They just do the stamping with my crest. Heard of the Silverfangs? Their Gnolls are in Liscor.”
“I’ve got business here. Or past here. Thanks for the warning. See ya.”
“A small city for Gnolls of your level as well. A warrior above Level 30 like you—and your entire group is high-level as well. So many Silverfangs for a border city of the Drakes is odd. Yes?”
“We have to kill her. She’s going into the Bloodfields. Toriska can’t catch Ryoka. See? She’s already falling behind now that her Skill’s done. But three of us can get her.”
“She tried to get me killed. Persua. You…why’d you come back for me?”
“You were about to run straight into it. That’s madness. You won’t survive. Didn’t anyone warn you?”
“Hello. Am I disturbing you?”
“Run. I’ll cover you.”
“My, my. Your entire family really must be filled with high-level [Warriors]. You’re the most dangerous [Merchant] I know. Which—come to mention it—can I ask you not to embarrass my [Guards], Ysara?”
“A road? If there was any, it’s long before our time. Probably before the Bloodfields expanded. Must have been swallowed up. Or abandoned.”
“What’s she doing in Liscor? That remote backwater’s got nothing in it. Their army are useful mercenary bastards, but Liscor’s got the Antinium.”
“Plains Gnolls might go armed, but shortbows for their non-fighters at most. That lot? I see a [Shaman], long spears, longbows—they’re not going to raid us, Buleth. Don’t worry.”
“Liscor is a small city for a Named-rank adventurer to be in, Adventurer Gazi. Does something—interest you there? Such a legendary figure must be intimidating, to some, yes?”
“You howl loudly, Gazi Pathseeker.”
“I just don't want to see someone die in front of me. And you—I won't ask where you're going. I know Runners take such things seriously. The good ones, at any rate. Yet surely someone told you the Bloodfields would be dangerous and to go around. It's not bravado, surely, that makes you want to ignore all reasonable advice?”
“I don't know why someone would climb the High Passes. No one has ever survived who got anywhere close to the top. I do know adventurers, though, and I know risk. Believe me, as a [Merchant] I've been in danger travelling Izril. I am also a young enough woman to know why you'd want to dare it for excitement and bravado.”
“If nothing else, Miss Ryoka—what would your friends think, your family, if you were to go missing? I do not want to be the bearer of bad news to those who care about you.”
“Fair enough. And you get it from your home? They own mines or do they just have great smiths? I can see the crest. Very Drakish. Love the Dragon. Right out of the stories, eh?”
“I don’t like the Watchertrees. I think we’re in range. How far do some of them reach?”
“I know, I know! Alright, let’s not spook the newbies. I’m surprised you came, though. You hate this route as much as I do.”
“Excuse me, Miss. Perhaps you didn’t hear me. The Bloodfields are right there. If you go in—you’ll die. Even being this close to them is dangerous!”
“I’ve heard longer. I suppose we’re safe. Dead gods and Ancestors, I hate this commute. We should have gone later.”
“None of your business! Get lost!”
“W-what the fuck is going on?”
“I hear a dungeon’s popped up. My sister’s an adventurer.”
“You’ve done this before, right, Ysara? It looks good to you, then? I’ve never done the Bloodfields run before.”
“Calm down, Twodeals. The cold should have put the Bloodfields silent. If not—we’ll soon find out.”
“We’re not Roshal. We’ll just work you like Lizardfolk. Maybe we’ll make him grab our Chests of Holding.”
“Good speed on that Runner. Not horse-speed, but—City Runner for sure. She? Nice hips either way.”
“Miss Ryoka. May I say something else?”
“Silver Merchant, we heard you did good business with our Chieftain. I am Chief Warrior Rometh.”
“That's my class, yes. I have a bit of a reputation as a [Merchant]. The Silver Merchant, they call me, but I doubt you'll hear my name that widely remembered in the North. I mostly work in the South.”
“Ryoka! Come back and die!”
“Really? Then good luck.”
“Abandon the wagons and get them later! Or we’ll all be dead! Get on a horse and ride!”
“You can’t kill that thing. It’s a tree!”
“Hm? Oh, right. House…er…you know, I never asked which one. Not the Five Families. Visiting the family?”
“I have to at least twice a decade, right? Besides, I heard something interesting is happening around Liscor. It’s just good business.”
“Not in the Bloodfields. See? No one’s going after Toriska. They’re afraid. But the Bloodfields aren’t moving. Come on.”
“I am trying to stop you from getting killed. Listen to sense!”
“Why does someone climb a mountain? I like challenges.”
“As am I. But if you catch us—at least let's have a drink, agreed?”
“She missed! Run! She’s got a Gold-rank wand!”
“We can outrun it. All together. We break north. Got it?”
“Nothing to be done. Damn Runners. At least they didn’t make it. I didn’t see more than one running, and hopefully she’s poisoned.”
“I heard there used to be a trade route passing along here. Whatever happened to that?”
“So? Are you going to say that I should go back and try? That I—I should keep making the attempt? That I owe it to my friends not to let them down?”
“That’s their logo. Interesting. So that’s a group of Silverfangs up there. Warriors, judging by how much they’re carrying.”
“It looks like a Runner’s making the Bloodfields run!”
“She has to know, Ysara! Don’t go racing off suddenly—the Bloodfields react to sound and movement!”
“The Bloodfields. You nearly ran straight into it.”
“Celum? I know the area quite well. Have you been to Wales? Remendia? Do you live there?”
“Even Hawk the Hare wouldn't try that, and he's the closest Courier, Lady Pathseeker!”
“Worrying over her little sister, Krshia Silverfang. Who lives in Liscor. We're bound there.”
“Give me that crossbow, Claudeil. She can’t run any more.”
“Dibs on that wand. Something wrong with your leg, Ryoka?”
“You woke up the Bloodfields! Those other Runners—murderers, Gazi the Omniscient, Gnolls—this is a disaster!”
“—But we’ll be first north and have the best markup. That’s what you said.”
“Not just one. Looks like four. At least—I think I see four.”
“I don't want handouts. I don't want to owe a favor.”
“It’s not alive. It must know the difference. Why isn’t it getting us?”
“Anyone have a longbow? We could try putting him out of his misery.”
“Let him suffer. You want to try and…? That’s a terrible way for you to die.”
“Want to look if you’re so curious? I’ll sell your [Guards] blades at a discount.”
“Maybe. Or…maybe she’s from Celum. How well do you think the locals know the Bloodfields there? Maybe she’s on a big contract—where are the horses?”
“It is if you set off the Bloodfields—stop!”
“We must go at best pace, but we will likely see you there, Merchant Buleth. Thank you for the kind offer. And for sharing this meal. But it is not wise to linger near the Bloodfields, yes? We will be heading out—but not if we are going to see this young Human lose her life in the next few minutes.”
“Kill her! Toriska, kill her!”
“Good, honest sorts. Like most Gnolls you could meet.”
“That's our stop as well. Would you like to go the rest of the way with us? It might be slow, but we'll share a fire and food.”
“Drop your weapons or die!”
“Got you.”
“Yes…but she’s going straight down the center. Is she mad or did no one tell her—the Bloodfields can still be dangerous even in the cold!”
“Ooh. I see what Ysara means. She’s definitely not going to run through the Bloodfields, though.”
“Please remember me to—Chieftain Akrisa and Shaman Cetrule. How is Cers doing? Satar?”
“No! Get to Ryoka! Someone’s trying to kill her!”
“We have to, Persua! There’s no other chance! We’ll all go together, on three. Okay?”
“We’ll recover it when it freezes, Buleth. Hire a Courier or an adventuring team. Or before—the Bloodfields are cooling down. But there’ll be no more traffic until winter.”
“Damn this grass. We had better not break an axle. At least I’ve got [Lightweight Wheels].”
“Roc's feathers. A single one cut up can make a quiver. They fly better—though you'd best take care in how you cut the feather up. Az'muzarre gifted our tribe a feather from their great bird.”
“Silver and steel.”
“What good is silver in a sword? Mithril now…although, this is a fine blade.”
“Maybe I don't want any help!”
“You idiot! You missed!”
“Let me try.”
“It’s cold! And I won’t—as long as she swerves!”
“So—that group must be Silverfangs. I think I saw a few markings on them. Silver fang—like crescent? Biting teeth?”
“Though it is curious to meet you. What is your name, Runner, again? Where do you hail from? Such bravery isn't often seen.”
“Thanks. I'll think about what you said. And I'll stay away from the Bloodfields.”
“Toriska’s doing her [Fast Sprint]! She’s barely able to keep up!”
“Toriska, run left. Distract her.”
“Someone—where’s Lady Pathseeker. Someone—help!”
“You might want to come with us, Miss Griffin. Looks like you’re going on a delivery after all. Why don’t you join us?”
“Looks quiet. We’ll take the long way around.”
“Him too. He’s Gold-rank. She’s Silver.”
“Why are you trying to get yourself killed?”
“Are you sure you won't come with us?”
“I've got something to do. I'm sorry.”
“If it’s a wand of [Fireball]…”
“Its roots! It’s alive! It—”
“How do you know they’re warriors? Could be just Plains Gnolls?”
“The Bloodfields? I know it’s the Bloodfields. It’s…”
“Miss—what’s your name? Are you a City Runner?”
“You must be mad. Why would you want to run through the Bloodfields?”
“Stop fighting! Stop f—Lady Pathseeker, pl—”
“Time to get going. We might need to skip Liscor.”
“They have [Guards]! I told you we should have waited!”
“We’ll lose them! Just shoot Ryoka already!”
“You won’t be going north. That girl—Persua? Did she get away?”
“I heard you. Thanks for the warning. Don't go in, right?”
“I want to help you.”
“Yes, but—let's assume you do. You cut your feet up on the grass.”
“Let him die slow.”
“Wait a second. Who’s that? Buleth, lend me your spyglass.”
“No way a local Runner doesn’t know about the Bloodfields, Ysara. I bet this one will turn right or left.”
“Buleth! I need help!”
“I understand. You don't want me to go in there?”
“I think I might just do that.”
“I'll live. I've survived worse.”
“We can’t! I’m not that fast—we’ll die.”
“I have a delivery. My destination is around the Bloodfields. Going through seemed easy.”
“Perhaps I should try to talk to this young woman. Miss Griffin? Would you step over here?”
“Miss Griffin. Look at me for one second.”
“That's all I can ask for. At least have a cup of tea or one of Buleth's snacks, though. And—”
“Persua, this is crazy!”
“Ah, good sorts, I think. Not like Woven Bladegrass or…”
“I run there. But I’m working. So…”
“Let her kill herself, you mean?”
“I have to go. I—”
“I just—I ran.”
“I should stay and thank you—”
“What’s so odd? Even Runners probably risk the Bloodfields run.”
“It’s dangerous. A…‘death zone’?”
“Persua.”
“Let go of me. Now.”
“He's also a bit of a coward.”
“Shoot the horse! The horse!”
“Abandon the wagons!”
“That way. That’s the most direct path away. Dodge the bugs…”
“Adventurer Pathseeker, thank you for the—help.”
“No, but maybe—throw it, Toriska!”
“Four Runners? What are the odds?”
“Who—are you? Just a [Merchant]?”
“You're old.”
“What? But it sensed that!”
“I don’t know.”
“That [Merchant]’ll kill us!”
“Maybe wait until the winter?”
“Buleth! Why are they fighting?”
“Persua, we have to go—”
“She’s got a wand, Persua—”
“Oh! I thought your brother was?”
“I’m—huh. That’s odd.”
“…How old are you?”
“I have to go.”
“I'd like that.”
“[Bandits]! Run for it!”
“I’ve heard a thousand feet…”
“I’m alive! I…Toriska?”
“Shoot again! Shoot again!”
“[Scatter Dash]! [Emergency Smokescreen]!”
“Stop it!”
“Crossbow. Where’s my crossbow?”
“Don't hit me, Claudeil!”
“[Dangersense]! Ysara—run!”
“Right. Has it grown recently?”
“I know.”
“[Deflect Attention: Claudeil]!”
“Let’s go. North!”
“I said run!”
“And before that?”
“Gore Shambler! Gore—”
“Don’t move! Don’t—”
“I’m sorry.”
“We’re leaving.”
“I think so. I…”
“[Slashy Storm]!”
“Me? No!”
“[Evasive Roll]!”
“[Fleetwind Run]!”
“Are you mad?”
“Three. Two. One—!”
“You made it?”
“Let go of—”
“Ow. What the—”
“Fair enough.”
“Thirty-four.”
“[Quicksilver Cut].”
“My sister.”
“Persua.”
“I never—”
“Run!”
“Run! Run!”
“—Ryoka!”
“Persua!”
“Ysara!”
“You—Claudeil?”
“Huh? What? What?”
“Treacher—”
“Shit—”
“You—”
“Got h—”
“Your sword—”
“Miss—”
“Per—”
“Persua…”
“Persua—”
“What? What?”
“What now?”
“Yes.”
“Huh?”
“What? Our goods—”
“Yes.”
“Oh hell. I’m…”