Returning to the Group with Melody – 2-1B (End Route-Mirrored)

Chapter 2 Alternate Route 1 – Melody (continued)

Lyria was the first one to spot Kaylen approaching with Melody just a step behind him. “Whose your friend?” She asked, then narrowed her eyes, “Wasn’t she one of the candidates at the guild?”

“She was.” Kaylen acknowledged. “We ran into each other while I was purchasing supplies, and we had a conversation. She made a fairly compelling argument for why she would make a good addition to the team.”

“Oh, you’re not replacing someone are you?” She asked, and by that point a couple of the others had lined up alongside her, while Alanthea came forward to examine Melody more directly.

“Of course not, we’ll just expand the team size by one.”

“So two rogues?” Lyria’s skepticism was obvious, and a bit surprising to Kaylen.

“That wasn’t the deal.” Melody cut in. “You agreed to change your party lineup, not simply add to it.”

The girls all looked to him and his reaction. He pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed, “I must have misunderstood.” He said, turning to face Melody.

“We’ve already sealed the deal, now you have to hold up your end of the bargain.” She insisted, scowling at him.

But Kaylen shook his head, “No, I’m sorry. If I’d realized that was your intention, I would never have taken you up on your offer. I can pay you for your time, since you’re not willing to come onto the team as an added teammate.”

“I’m not a fucking whore!” She shouted.

“I’m sorry.” He said, but met her gaze calmly, not backing down.

Eventually, she turned and stormed off.

“What did you give her in exchange for being brought on to the team?” Lyria asked.

“It’s not important.”

Ursa stepped forward, “You’re not giving a very good impression of your leadership and strength of character if you’re going to change up the party at every opportunity.” The half-giant said.

“I’m sorry. You’re right, I let a pretty face sway me from my conviction. I can promise it won’t happen again.” He assured them.

“Give us a moment.” Lyria gathered all the other girls to confer with them, though Alanthea lingered a moment watching the direction Melody had gone. Finally, Kaylen’s sister turned back to him. “We’re going to give you one more chance. Don’t screw it up.”

“Of course.” He was suitably chagrined, as they turned as a group to resume gathering their supplies.