The Refusal

Gertrude convinced Eena to sit and explain the whole situation to her and Adam before getting Gotthard involved. She made a small pot of rabbit stew just for Eena, but so far the bowl sits in front of her undisturbed. She stares down at her food, clearly crestfallen. Come on Eena, you need food. I can't stand to see you like this...

With the couple dressed in heavier clothes and sat around the table, Eena began to explain. "I don't know why, but the town of Alsfeld was suddenly attacked by men carrying the banner of Osterland. Father believes they're actually part of a cult but..."
And they were. Eena stifles a sob before continuing. "Father's the mayor... He sent me and mother here while he defended the town, but they chased us... Mother, she..."

With Eena on the verge of another breakdown, Gertrude quickly traveled across the table and held Eena as closely as she could. Thank you again, Gertrude. "We've heard enough sweetie. You don't need to say any more. I promise, master Gotthard will help you."

The stairs to the second floor creak and groan with each step. "Do not make promises for other people girl."
Gotthard stands straight at the bottom of the stairs, fur-lined cloak on his back and various satchels dangling from his belt. "You'll only end up disappointing the promised."

Eena escaped Gertrude's embrace and wiped her eyes. As she approached the old man, Gertrude called out, "Master Gotthard. This poor girl's family-"

"Silence girl. She came all the here, disturbed my work, and refuses your hospitality."
He points to the still steaming bowl of stew. "Let the girl speak for herself."

A moment of silence ensued as Eena found the words. She was so focused on getting here that she didn't know to do when finally meeting Gotthard. She swallowed her nerves and spoke. "My name is Yaleena, m-master Gotthard. Alsfeld was destroyed by a cult. My father sent me here to ask you to avenge our town."

"No."

Eena, clearly stunned, waited for something to happen before realizing that nothing will change. "W-what do you mean no?"

"My place in the world is to unravel the secrets of the spirit, not avenge some nameless town. I won't kill because some elf asks me to."

"What about my parents!? What about my friends!? Are you not thee Gotthard of legend!?"

He placed a hand over his ear. "Screaming won't help girl. Neither will invoking fables that mean nothing to me. I'm a scholar and a study. Not a mage for hire. Find someone else to avenge your town."

Eena cried, "No one else can! That's why father sent me here specifically! He knows only you can avenge them!"

His ghastly white eyes surveyed her face for a uncomfortable amount of time before he finally spoke again. "Why do you ask for vengeance?"

She looks confused. "What do you mean why? I told you-"

"Wrong. You told me what caused you to seek it, not why. So tell me why girl. The corpses of your friends will not taste it and the souls of your parents will not revel in it. Do you know what happens to our souls once we perish?"
She looks at him, horrified, but manages to shake her head. "Souls wait. We wait in a void until the nameless god of death happens to notice and whisks us off to Sol to fuel the Sun. Vengeance is meaningless."

Her faces boils red up to her ears. Her fists are clenched so tightly, I fear her nails will cut her palm. Gertrude tries to calm the situation by interjecting. "That's enough Gotthard. Sweetie, it's okay. We can try-"

It was Eena's turn to interrupt her. "If it's not your place... Then it's mine! I'll do it myself if I have to!"

He let out a single amused laugh. "Didn't realize your parents and friends wanted you to get yourself killed. My apologies. I'm sure that's exactly why they tried their damnedest to let you survive."

"Then what do you suggest I do!? I can't just sit here while those murders run loose!"

"And why not?"
She stutters like the answer should be obvious, but ultimately comes up empty. "Why does it have to be you or me? Why not Sol's templars? Or some kingdom's knights?"
She stands there with tears welling in her eyes and anger churning through her whole body. Listen to him Eena. Please. He takes steps towards the front door. "Bah, what am I saying? Who am I to stop a girl on a quest? If you truly think only you can exact justice, go. Or you can stay here. Maybe pick up on some tricks I might let slip. If you're staying, come with me. You need to learn my rules."
As he opened the door, Eena despite all her rage, obediently followed. "What are you doing? I'm not carrying you back if you collapse. Eat your food stupid girl."

You're seriously doing this Gotthard? Damn it. You stupid old coot, we we're trying to keep her away from this life. She wasn't supposed to live our lives.