The forest had its peace. The light rustling of the branches and leaves in the wind. While walking among the numerous trees, Alex Tolbert hummed a tune. He carried steel bracers on his forearms and thick leather boots on his feet, dressed as a peasant in a wool shirt and cloth trousers. The single strap that held the satchel bag at his side was slung across his shoulder. A large steel shield with a roll of bedding strapped to the top behind his head and a water canteen tied to his belt were on his back.After a long day of traveling, he decided to take a break in the cool shade of the trees. He put his satchel on the ground after taking it out of its bag. After that, he took out his shield and leaned it against the tree closest to it. He laid out his bedding roll in the dirt and leaves. He sat on it and looked up at the blue sky through the brown and green branches.A map-drawing roll of parchment was pulled out when he reached into his satchel. He briefly considered it and noted his

“So, among your many talents, I would guess that you are also a Korryn warrior or, more likely, a knight?”"Was it that clear?"In addition, I noticed the king's crest on your bag. These items are only given to nobles,” "It was a gift from my king accompanying my exile," and "Banishment? After banishing someone, what kind of king gives them a present?“He gave the trinket to show that I was still in his favor and should not be turned away as a traitor,” "Are you going to tell me the story?" "It wasn't his idea." "I have no desire to return.""No," "Secrets?" “It’s not dishonesty, I simply don't enjoy talking about my past,” “Then it’s not about pleasing a deity, it’s about redemption,” “It is what it is and I will not explain further,” Alex began to become irritated and shoved the basket at James in an effort to get him to stop prodding.Alex began washing the clothes one at a time in the water as soon as they got to the river. Following that, he hung them from nearby tree branches. A

“Well, a rose is soft and fickle for a season, so it seemed a good match,” she replied. "No, I’m good for a rose, just odd of you to praise me as such."The huntress gave a snicker while James' face went red with inconvenience. "As Alex turned to leave, he said, "We should be on our way; it is getting dark." The woman said, "Hold," "Why not make camp with me?"“Oh?” "And why would we do that?" James asked.Alex said as he took off his gear and started putting his bedding in the leaves. "We'd love to," he said.“What?” asked James, "This woman has asked us to be her guests; it would be impolite to turn her down, and I for one would welcome an extra hand in these perilous woods." James grunted audibly, "Ugh," but he soon also was putting his bed up for the night.Alex replied, "Scarlett, yours?" "I'm sorry, I do not know your name."James responded, "Alex," "Sir Alex and his companion the fool," "The fool has a name," "I would prefer you use it," and "James, is it?I prefer fool more," "

Scarlett leapt from the tree and silently grasped the window, "There is no need to hide Scarlett, we have no need for secrecy." She sat on the single chair while Alex sat on the bed after Alex pulled her in.The moon and the brilliant stars that shone through the window were the only sources of light.“Well, you’re here now, may I ask why you’re following James and I?” "I didn't want to bother you,""Your fool is of no consequence; I only follow you," "That fool is my friend, and his name is James;" I would anticipate the use of his name, "Either way, you're the one I follow," and "And for what cause?"Alex stood to gather his belongings and said, "I would wish to join you in your journeys, should you not want me I’ll be on my way." "I would be honored, but only if you apologize to James and disband the use of the word fool, he is much smarter than he lets on, we will leave tomorrow so be ready by then, you may take my bed." "No, a lowly peasant such as myself has no place in the bed r

“You are a thief, aren’t you?” Alex asked,“Well not any... oh... you mean?”“Yes,”“What?” asked Scarlett,“Nothing wench, just leave it to me,”“James --” Alex tried,“No, let’s see what the fool can do,” Scarlett gave him a smile.Once Alex was free James began to look at the door. “No handles on this side or keyholes... but it’s a simple latch mechanism.” He pulled out one of his daggers which had been hidden in his pant-leg. He slid it through the crack and lifted the latch. “Still think the all-seen sword is the only weapon worth holding?” James slowly opened the door and peeked about. No one was in sight which gave him an eerie feeling. “I guess they all feel safe enough to leave us unguarded,” he said,“Be careful anyway,” said Scarlett.The three exited the building and disappeared into the shadows. Once they were a safe distance from the village James crouched in the dirt and began to draw.“Alright, so if this is the village we need to set up here, here, and here,” he