Pathfinder

Shades of grey dappled the once vibrant blue of the morning sky, the sun illuminating the dreariness like a dull projector. The call of the morning birds was dampened by the beating rain, and muffled sloshing footsteps of soaked travelers. The lobby of the inn was a warm contrast to the outside world. Robina and Kennedy had sat down this morning discussing their journey.

“That’s why I think you’d make a good freelancer, lass” Kennedy states, trying to make a convincing argument.

“I don’t know, man…” Robina shakes her head as she leans into her hands, “I’m not even sure how my ability works.”

Kennedy gives a measured grin, “Robina, In all my time as an adventurer, I’ve yet to see someone that can thieve a combat technique like you! It’s quite impressive”

‘Thief? Not even another world can help me escape that part of my past.’ She frowned at the thought, “Well, it just happens. I don’t know how to control it, not like you with that navigation thing.”

Kennedy shrugged, “Wayfinder keeps me from getting lost, sure. But it’s not so useful for battle.” He stroked his chin in contemplation, “Hmm, you should try naming it. Names make our abilities easier to visualize, and use.”

She looked at him quizzically, ‘A name for it, huh… Technique Thief?’ They finished their breakfast, and packed what few belongings they had.

“So, we’re going to be taking a wagon?” Robina thought back to the wagon she had found herself in when she had first arrived, shivering at the thought.

“Righto, we ought to hurry, lass. Don’t want to make the driver upset!” Kennedy’s tone of voice belied a sense of familiarity he had with the wagon driver.

The wet muddy streets were the first thing that welcomed them outside the inn. The smell of cold earth and ozone mixed with the scents of the surrounding orchard, and cooking fires. Above them, dark clouds loomed crackling with thunder. The storm had no end in sight, as the grey stretched long into the horizon. They headed to the opposite side of town where Robina had first entered, their destination lay north east of Nzete Moke.

Wet with the rain, the covered wagon sat waiting for its final passengers. Two horses were yoked to the thing, both of them seemed surprisingly unbothered by the current weather events. The driver atop the wagon wore a wide brimmed hat, leather gloves, and long coat. But the look on their wet face was only of annoyance, they’d clearly been waiting long enough.

“Oi, lad!” Kennedy waved, “Mason, we’re here!” His gravely voice cut through the rain, catching the driver's attention.

An ear pointed in their direction before the driver turned their head to look. The driver had a cat-like appearance, like some of the villagers. “Ahh, Ken! Let’s be about then, the rain isn’t letting off anytime soon.” He pointed them towards the rear of the wagon. Inside there were parcels, and a few other passengers.

“We just climb in then?” Robina was looking for steps, but found none. Kennedy just shrugged and climbed in.

“Ken, you got that new map for me?” Mason turned back to look at the passenger. Kennedy pulled a rolled map out of his coat and handed it over to the driver. “Wonderful, good as always.”

And with that they set off, the horses brayed as Mason drove them forward. Flashes of lighting flickered in the distance, dancing across the clouded sky. The other passengers were quiet; a mother and her two children, and another apparent adventurer dressed in chain mail and a brown cloak.

Kennedy leaned back in his seat and shut his eyes, “Mason, let me know if you need me. I’m gonna rest a bit.”

“Seriously, you’re just gonna sleep?” Robina sighed, but Kennedy just kept his eyes closed and smiled. She looked over the other passengers, the children and their mother were all dressed in colorful and intricate geometrically patterned clothing. Some of the people back in the village had also been wearing similar clothing, ‘Reminds me of home a little.’ she thought.

One of the children cautiously waved at Robina, she smiled and waved back. Their mother seemed to be distracted by the storm, her face a mix of worry and stoicism. “Are you going to Brush too?” the kid nodded at the question, but it drew a look of suspicion from the mother.

“Where we go is our business… You look strange, why are you talking to my children?” The woman’s eyes held an intensity that almost felt like it would burrow through whomever her gaze was cast upon.

Robina turned away in shame, “S-sorry…” The woman just huffed at her, and held her children closer.

The wagon picked up pace as it got further from town, trees passed by in flickers. Raindrops beat insistently against the top of the wagon, it wasn't quiet but it was calm. Robina looked out at the sky wondering just how long would this storm last, or the ride for that matter? She shuffled in her seat, trying to get comfortable, but wagons are seldom a smooth ride. ‘Why’s it gotta be so bumpy!’

The road before them was winding, it let out past the orchard where the trees changed ever so slightly as they increased their distance from Nzete Moke. Blooms of colorful flowers dotted the landscape, it felt like it might be spring but Robina couldn’t be sure. She felt a bit overwhelmed not knowing much about this world, but needing to know more. Still unable to put much trust in her latest companion, she wondered if she could really trust anyone anymore. ‘No matter what… I have to look out for myself, like always.’

In her mind, memories of past guardians and unreliable foster parents ran by like unrestrained rivers. She’d felt a deep loneliness and disconnect from other people for so long, it became normal to her. Then she thought of Terry, her last foster ‘I guess she wasn’t all bad… at least not like the others, she tried harder.’ An unexpected tear rolled down her cheek, “What the?” she wiped it away, but the feeling of hurt remained.