An hour or so later, Resven had finished reporting all the details of his journey over the last few days, and for the most part, Bramm had kept silent, only nodding along a few times.

Seated in silence, only accompanied by the sound of the fire crackling and the wood slowly giving in, he waited for Bramm to speak.

"So, the Mormaer of the Tide has decided to advance to green, huh... I think he would probably go after the sea beast if it’s a green level... otherwise, I don’t see where he would find one close enough to the city. Most of them are on the other side of Caer Affalen, and the Mormaer of the Woods won’t take lightly for an elite company in his territory... interesting."

Speaking to himself in hushed whispers, he took a moment to recollect all the information he had received, solving puzzles as he went...

"Well done Resven! You’ve done well, it’s more than I thought you would bring back. Now tell me your thoughts on the matter... Anything to add?"

"My Lord, I don’t believe the army would be going for the sea beast... even if it existed at all, you know how sailors talk when drunk..." he gave Bramm a side eye.

"Haha! Indeed, they can have quite the imagination!" Clearly understanding his subtle jab, Bramm laughed out in delight.

"Well, I’m more inclined to believe they are headed inland... specifically because the blacksmiths continued to create swords and spears, but no other weapons from what I can gather... so a battle on the open sea won’t do them any good." Stroking his well-groomed beard, Resven continued to speak whilst in thought.

"However, with most beasts even further inland than Caer Affallen, and with the slightly tense situation between the two houses from what I heard, they will probably set their sights on two areas not under another house’s jurisdiction. South and—"

"The High Reach," Bramm sighed.

His eyes diverted to the mountains looming overhead like eternal shadows, and he spoke softly.

"The mountains of the north lead to the highest summit. They are practically filled with strong beasts. Not to mention the top of the mountain or what lies beyond..."

"Aye, and there’s only two ways to reach the mountains... the Hunter’s trails or moving through the underbush." Resven spoke with a knowing sigh.

"Meaning they will pass our home... You say the Lord of the Tide is considered righteous and just to his people. What would you think his stance would be regarding us?" Knowing exactly what Resven meant, Bramm sighed.

He had left the vicinity of any city and wanted to live in peace for the most part, but when the system arrived, he knew he would one day have to speak with others not of his own; he just hadn’t thought the time would come sooner than expected.

"Honestly... I don’t know. He may be righteous to his people, but we are outsiders not of his own, And although we are not in the range of his influence especially since we are in the High Reach, we don’t fall under his and his house’s law. But..."

"But, we don’t know for certain, huh?" Bramm nodded thoughtfully.

"My Lord, there is however a silver lining..."

"Oh? And what would that be?" 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"According to the news and rumors, the Lord of the Tide has not been seen for two weeks. And the trek from the city to here is not that far... he should have passed us a long time ago... even with a small army and moving slowly it would not even take two days’s trek to pass by us... which means-"

"It is unlikely he decided to venture to the north!" sprang with newfound relief. Bramm jumped up in delight, his laughter rumbling like thunder across the clearing once more.

"Good! Well done Resven, you continue to surprise me!" Bramm slammed his hand on Resven’s in joy.

Resven gave Bramm side eyes as he rolled his shoulders. ’The Lord seems to have increased his strength.’

He nodded with a slight grimace, the lingering pain on his back fading slowly.

Bramm had, however, not seen the look Resven gave him, and he sat back down and went to caring for the fire and another piece of meat he had raised over it.

"Now, Resven, I suspect Mestin will return shortly from his hunt and with him there is another..."

"Another brother? Did you-"

"Mhmm, another brother, probably the day you left... The name is Keren, and he is quite the outgoing type. He has been accompanying Mestin the last few days, and the two men have grown quite a bit; both have reached True Red in their realms. Bramm glanced at Resven.

He hoped by speaking beforehand he could get a better read on the man’s emotion, and to his satisfaction, instead of envy or jealousy that would flicker on the expressions of most... Resven seemed almost joyful and hopeful.

Chuckling to himself, he continued, "Now, seeing as you are not that far off as well, I would like for you to join the two men in their mission for a few days. I want you to increase your strength before going back to the city."

"The city? My Lord, you intend to-"

"Mhmm, I intend to either trade with the city, or at least gather the supplies needed for our home and of course it would be better if you can bring back more information. So are you up for the task?"

"My Lord! I am delighted you would give me such a task. I will perform it to the utmost of my ability!" With visible glee, the man stood up and gave a heart-fist salute.

"Good, then while thinking about that, there is more I need from you. There will be more and more brothers joining us in the coming days, and I won’t be able to keep up with the construction of the lodgings. And I would rather you three continue with your tasks so... how much will it cost to hire a good company of builders and how safe would it be for them to venture up to the High Reach for a contract?"