the blood running through your veins

[Nouzin Petzeiros]

Nouzin

Of course.

You nod understandingly. After all he's their Archdruid. They look up to him. (Quite literally. He's the first man you've met in the past days who's taller than you are and not a hobgoblin out to screw your head off.) They depend on him. Now more than ever. With the spell Kagha put everyone up to.

Maybe you should mention that. And that you've stopped her from converting the Grove. That she's stepped down ever since. Or maybe you shouldn't. It's not your place to interfere with his business.

His next words make your ears ring. You look up to him again. Clearly considering his words. Then your gaze moves over the castle grounds. Your companions all over the place. Some still recovering from the fight. Others busy stocking up on supplies. No one's to say when you'll get another chance at that much provision. Is this the right time to leave? Then again: you're way beyond your teenage years. You can come and go as you like. Certainly capable to defend yourself if you were to be ambushed.

Nouzin

They will surely handle themselves just fine.

And if not: Zenisse' doesn't mind rounding them all up like the lost sheep they (you included) can sometimes be.

Nouzin

Just allow me a moment to retrieve my bag.

Stepping away for a short moment to reach for your backpack and shouldering it. A comforting heavy weight on your shoulders that feels like it's grounding you.