Strangers in the Spruce

[Sparrow]

Trudging along the outskirts of the dead woods, nothing here looks familiar. Nothing. “I don’t remember being moved… at least not while awake. Hmm.” Kyro grumbled to themselves, looking at the dead, decayed trees around them. “All my gears gone too, which isn’t any better… What a weird way of torture…” Shaking their head, they continued to walk along the tree line.

Sparrow sat on a dead stump and contemplated his next move as he carved a dead piece of twig. He wasn’t quite convinced he was lost, at least he was fairly certain he could retrace his footsteps to get out of this dead woodland. He’d come down as a command from Renard and had decided to take some work while he was here; he couldn’t find the bounty in question. A twig snapped to his right and he quickly turned and half drew his sword before seeing a scarred and beaten individual who looked like they had been dragged over a set of knives, he studied them for a moment before sheathing his weapon and holding his hands out to either side.

“Hello there friend!” He called out with a smile, trying his best to appear friendly despite the circumstances. “I apologize for my reaction but you don’t see many travelers out here.” The dead trees in every direction were a clear indicator of that. “Are you lost by any chance? It’s dangerous out here, bandits and brigands have been reported in the area, though if you’ll excuse my poor manners it appears like you may have been waylaid yourself.” All the while keeping his distance from the stranger.

Kyro whipped their head immediately to Sparrow, studying him in full detail. A Hunter…? No. That silver would give him away. Not a soldier, too clean. A seeker, perhaps? Kyro takes caution as they move forward towards him. Glancing around above the treelines a bit. No smoke, no smell of anything burning. Hmm, his camp must be farther out… “Seeker, tell me. How does the war far?” Spoken in a low voice, sore from waking up with nothing, only a few hours before. If I have been moved, I need to know what has been happening.

A raised eyebrow was the only response Kyro got to their question for several moments as Sparrow studied them in return. “I’ve been called many things, but Seeker hasn’t been one of them. Seeker of bounties? Of trouble? Of a place to sleep? There are many things I could be seeking.” He stopped for a moment and glanced at Kyro. “But I doubt any of that is what you’re referring to. As for a war? A little late to that party. The civil war has been over for months and even then it was mostly a local conflict.” His voice remained light and friendly but it was clear he was still wary of the stranger before him, so pushing forward with the conversation he decided to try and get some answers. “My name is Sparrow, Sparrow Circlespinner. I hail from Meadowmere. May I ask your name and where you’re from? If you’re lost perhaps I could help guide you to where you wish to go?” He offered to Kyro.

Civil war? A local dispute? What is he talking about..? Kyro looked at him, seeing if there was any lie afoot. Something may have changed. “Sparrow? Wasn’t it? I hail from The Baahir, I am Kyro Darwish. As for becoming my guide, I need to find my brothers and sisters, I need to report in. Alas, I see no signs of an outpost. Perhaps you can guide me to the closest one you have come across?” Kyro made their way closer to where Sparrow stood.

With a cocked eyebrow Sparrow watched as Kyro came closer, considering the stranger’s words for a moment before responding. “A pleasure to meet you Kyro Darwish, though I must admit I’m unsure what kind of outpost you’re looking for. I suppose I could take you to Meadowmere, I’m sure there’s someone there who could help guide you to your missing companions.” He gave a shrug as he glanced around the woods, scanning the trees for any wayward threats. “Well it’ll take a few days to arrive in town, maybe you can tell me more about Baahir on the way?” He reached out his arm and offered up his hand. “Do we have a deal? I shall be your guide and you’ll tell me where you’re from and how you ended up out here.”

Now standing directly in front of Sparrow, Kyro thought for a moment on his deal. And agreed to it, Kyro shook Sparrow’s hand. “Agreed.” After Sparrow prepared himself, they together made their way towards this place called Meadowmere.

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