the Next Wave

All the Humans in the formation had stopped and now held an extra watchful sight on the little boy, despite being no threat whatsoever, while the child stepped up with admiration in his small dark eyes, and offered one of the two fresh green apples he carried to the Foxy-lady, who also remained still, keeping her blue-eyes upon him.

The whole market had then gone completely silent, as every other set of eyes watched on, while the innocent child held the offering up to the slightly taller Beastwoman and waited.

"I appreciate it..."

The assassin graciously took hold of the offered apple and remained still, while the Bunny-boy sparkled with joy that his present had been accepted, then the child turned toward Tracey, at the heart of the escort and more tentatively, next offered the other green fruit to her.

"Oh for me..?"

He nodded, while Tracey figured the small one might have been about five or so, so probably could speak, but was too nervy to make his words come forth.

Tracey likewise gently accepted the gift, but immediately brought the item to her mouth to take a small bite.

The sound of her taking that little crunch seemed so loud in the place so full of onlookers, but as Tracey chewed on, she found the apple was both crisp and juicy, and pleasantly sweet too.

"Mm, delicious... thank-you."

She received a smaller smile than her newest follower, but one all the same, before the little kid weaved between Amanda and Todd and trotted off, back to his aghast mother.

Tracey took another bite, and with the innocent interruption done, and the bunny-beast child safely with his parent, Tracey moved off again, letting her escorts fall into place with her easy stride and continue on.

As the group moved away from the scene, the watching crowd got over their curious pause, and the market softly grew louder, as they went back to going about their day.

"Risky... taking an offering like that - without a proper check."

Shizuka stepped a little closer, and said to her with a hushed voice, while Amanda didn't say a word, but her look spelled the same thought.

"Surely getting a small gift from a kid like that would be okay?"

"Hum... you never know..."

The fox eyed her own green apple still overly cautious, but eventually took a small nibble.

"I think that publicly accepting it in that way shows that I find these regular folk trustworthy. Or do you not agree?"

"I guess in my line of work... I don't take everything so lightly."

Shizuka seemed to mull over her small portion still, like she was checking it for hidden additives.

"You suspect they'd poison it?"

"Just taking it... cautiously Miss Hero... one should never accept an unexpected gift recklessly."

The small furry companion doled out her advice.

I'd expect that in the Empire... not here though...

Dylan - the leader of the small scout group from the approaching bundle of hired mercenaries, led by Lord Bolt, had now been tasked with relaying information between the Hero's people in Yarn too, and had returned with word; that the other troop of Humans were about three days away.

But thanks to their preparations; the many banners were ready, stuck about the land, hung from the gates watchtower and even spread about the town, while the populace had been warned, lookouts were also stationed about and a plan had been devised, so that the town would say a safe haven, even if a swarm of ruffians descended on them.

But the long wait finally came to an end, when the rag-tag group spilled from the wilderness, milled about the furthest farms fields, but behaved themselves, so far.

Tracey, Amanda and Kyle, led a group to meet with this 'Lord' Bolt - who from what any of her followers had heard, was a harsh, money hungry noble, who treated most about him like dirt and exploited whoever he needed or wanted to.

They arrived near the happy-go-lucky Horse-girl's farm, with a half a dozen in escort, including the Fox-girl, who was still staying close, and were met by the better clothed and armoured dozen men of the group, and their more finely decorated leader.

While many of the other farmers had sort refuge in town, Lily and Nina could be seen peering form a small window of the near farm-house, as the blonde woman had volunteered to stay close to the spirited Horse's place, to better keep a tab on the emerging force, and to make sure the local would be safe if they ignored the white and blue displays.

"His Excellency - Lord Bold of Delaware."

One of his men announced, as the tall and sturdy, long bearded man stepped over.

"You're late..."

Amanda said bluntly, because if they were to arrive to assist with the 'siege' of Yarn, they were even a month later than the original deadline that Tracey had been set.

"It took time to make the... difficult journey, and cart all this heavy siege equipment."

He said, even though none of the nearer and better dressed men appeared fatigued at all, leaving the hauling to the many others and horses they had.

"Don't need any of that either..."

"We have everything at hand here, as you can see."

Tracey said confidently, over Amanda's annoyed quip.

"I see..."

He looked over her, at the distant, completely unscathed defensive wall surrounding the modest and intact town within.

"A commendable job... Everything appears in good order... I'll maybe ask how you accomplished that sometime, but for now I'll take this troublesome place off your hands for you."

Right off the bat huh... we figured as much, since my family is only a little non-Nobel one...

But after a little earlier discussion, Tracey and her group had had a good talk about this very likely event, so someone had, slightly begrudgingly, offered to take on a big responsibility.

"I'll take over these lands, as you'll need a Nobel to be in charge..."

Kyle stepped forward, getting the Lords attention and cutting his declaration short.

"I'm afraid that role is already filled..."