☀️ Arselia and Akonia

The bandits waiting for Erefir, without any prior agreement, simultaneously positioned themselves to enclose the knightress in a tight semi-circle, blocking her path to the exit – as if following a well-rehearsed plan, very quickly and imperceptibly, and at the same time, as if unintentionally, maintaining a reasonable formal distance, yet hinting with this action that they had not come just to socialize. In the blink of an eye, baring their predatory fangs, they surrounded the girl, and the strong smell of tobacco emanating from the younger one enveloped her completely...

— My name is Harold. — he extends his hand. — I am also glad to see that our brother has found his place here.

Perhaps, earlier that morning, the redhead would have responded with an even wider smile, although she would have waved her hand at the smell of tobacco, but this time she stood philosophically, shifting her gaze from one to the other.

— So, you're Gar, and you're Gar... Well, then we'll change tactics, you'll be Ret and Rold, brothers. Nice to meet you. By default, you, Rold, will be under my command, that's how we work, so I need a list of your characteristics and skills. Let Ret enlighten us about the upcoming mission.

— Mmm, anything else? Oh, yes. I won't talk about the dangers of the job, it should be clear anyway, but what your brother might not have told you is that until today's ceremony, the attitude towards newcomers has always been wary, plus there were many priests of the local religion who would have been happy to banish the aliens as soon as they appeared on the horizon. Now, fortunately, it's not so bad anymore, but you still need to do at least one thing: not to disgrace the very idea. Otherwise, who knows in which direction the political situation will change, right? Therefore, I urge you to be cautious in everything and to follow your brother and me, your commander, especially at first, until you get used to it. Can I rely on you? — the speech was friendly, and the tone was calm, but it contained quite serious admonitions. It wouldn't do to lose these two as well, if some not-so-good habits or excessive adventurism from their old life surface, no, it's better to warn them right away what's what, otherwise it will be dangerous for them first of all.