1. Retract

There's a long moment of silence as you carefully study Edric's tentative expression. Finally, you exhale somewhat frustratedly and run a hand through your messy hair. "I certainly don't trust you." His expression falls slightly at your words before you continue to say, "However, if you can get me off this land I am will to give you a chance." He nods in confirmation before replying, "I swear to you, I will see it done." Your heart races slightly as you realize what you've just agreed to. Regardless, this may be your only chance to escape and you can't give it up. Edric gives you a moment to untie your horse so it can return home. Once it's on it's way, you turn and face him somewhat warily. "It's probably best we leave." He says while sheathing his sword. Inhaling slowly, you cautiously walk over him. He begins leading you back towards the area where you had seen praying earlier. You're reminded of your rough encounter and wonder if you're making the choice. Edric sees you frowning and rubs his hand anxiously across the back of his neck. "I am sorry, for whatever I did." He sighs and looks away before explaining, "I can't control what I do when I blackout. You can't imagine the amount of trouble I've woken up to find myself in." Your brow furrows deeper as you try to gauge his level of honestly. "You expect me to believe you don't remember what happens during these blackouts?" It's hard for you to mask the doubt in your voice when you ask your question.

Edric steps pause and he turns to face you. He looks intently into your eyes as he determinately states, "You have my word, on God, I have not lied to you about anything." His green eyes look somewhat pained and his face appears quite weary now that you're closer. Sighing gently, you find yourself slightly inclined to believe him. "If that is true, then, I suppose I could forgive you." A relieved expression quickly washes over Edric's face at your words. He gives you a small smile of gratitude before continuing to walk forward. After a few minutes you find yourself asking him, "At what point exactly did the blackout begin?" Edric frowns slightly as he seems to take a moment to recall the event. "I remember growing irrationally mad at something... you lying to me I believe it was." He starts slowly while you watch him closely. "That's how it usually begins, something setting me off for no reason." Edric sighs in frustration that seems to be directed at himself. "I know I attacked you, I think I cut your arm... everything just turned red after that." His voice is slightly somber as he finishes and looks down at the ground. His brows knit together and he appears to become deep in thought. You also turn away and continue in silence as you slowly mull things over. The rest of the walk passes by quietly until you see a large plum of smoke rising up between some trees in the distance. The muffled sound of voices carries over the wind and you stop hesitantly when it reaches your ears.

Edric still seems lost in his thoughts as he continues forward without you. Calming your breath, you follow after him a moment later. The voices grow louder and you recognize them to be speaking your native language in the same refined manner Edric has. The majority of the few men surrounding the area are dressed in armor similar to Edric's. The rest are wearing robes you know could only belong to men of the church. Oddly, they put you more at unease than the large, armed, men. "Sire, you really shouldn't keep wandering off..." The man standing in front of Edric trails off slightly when you step forward. The whole camp seems to grow uncomfortably silence as they all spend a moment looking you over. Edric raises a hand dismissively before replying, "There's no need to worry." Glancing over his shoulder, his eyes lock into your own as he continues to say, "We will be escorting this maiden off this wretched land and back to civilization." The man standing before Edric frowns slightly at his words and you feel his heavy gaze on your form. Though he doesn't appear much older than Edric, there is a streak of white at his temples in stark contrast to his dark hair. His deep blue eyes seem to pierce deep as the continue looking over you. After a moment you feel compelled to look away from his uncomfortable gaze. Out of the corner of your eye, you see him lean forward and say something to Edric. Though, you're unable to make it out you can only assume he's still wary about you.

You stand around awkwardly as he and Edric continue conversing in hushed tones. Finally, the man sighs deeply before nodding in what seems to be agreement. His cold stare returns to you momentarily before he turns and walks away. Edric seems to notice your discomfort when he returns to your side and quickly says, "Don't mind Darius, he's often upset about something or another." His words aren't fully reassuring, but you still follow him further into the encampment. He leads you to where there are a few makeshift tents set up on the outer edge of the camp. The largest one lies in the middle and the flaps are pulled back revealing the inside. A small table sits in the off to the side and you can see a large map strewn across it when you follow him inside. Walking over to it, your fingers trace over the area you recognize to be your homeland. Edric moves to the other side of the tent and you hear the sound of something being unlocked. "It's okay." He says when you quickly turn around to face him. He's leaning over a large, open, chest and raises his hands up non-threateningly. Sighing, you give him a small nod and he reaches back into the chest. A moment later he pulls out a bundle of clothing before walking over to you. "I am sorry about your dress. We don't usually allow women on our missions, so, this is all I can offer at this time." Reaching out, you slowly take the items from Edric and softly reply, "Thank you."

"You can sleep here tonight," He says as he steps outside the tent and begins untying the flaps. "I will be keeping watch outside, should you need me." The tent closes behind him and you look down at the clothing in your hands. They appear to be his, as the shirt and pants you unfold seem quite too large for your frame. Still, it's better than the torn dress you still have on under your cloak. Slipping the shirt of your head, you find it's more of a tunic on you as it hangs down to your mid thighs. It's been quite a long day, and despite your slight anxiety, you feel yourself growing tired. Making your way over to the cot on the other side of the bed, you slowly sit down and pull your legs up to your chest. You fight to stay awake as long as you can but eventually feel yourself nodding off. The sound of people moving around outside wakes you up early the next morning. Your head is leaned on your knees and your arms are still wrapped around your legs. Groaning softly, you stretch your stiff neck before slowly getting to your feet. It still appears to be slightly dark out as you quickly slip the large pair of trousers on before securing them as well as you can with a belt. After rolling up the pants legs and tucking them into your boots, you find the outfit at least is less constrictive now.

Edric is still standing outside the tent as promised and you can tell he didn't get any sleep. "Do you trust your companions so little?" He startles slightly at your words and turns to watch you exit the tent. "I trust my men with my life. However, I am aware you will need sometime before you become comfortable here." He seems slightly offended at your accusation and so you decide to change the subject. "How long until we depart?" Edric's mouth opens as if he's about to speak but it's a different voice that answers your question. "There will be no departing until we can secure more supplies." Quickly turning around, you find yourself facing Daruis's imposing figure. The chainmail he's wearing is light enough to allow his muscular form to show through. The five o'clock shadow that had covered his square jaw earlier is darker now and only seems to add to his intimidating appearance. Glancing back over at Edric, you see a slightly annoyed expression cross his face. "Yes, as Lord Darius said, we will need to restock our supplies before we can set sail." An uncomfortable tension hangs in the air before you hear Darius walk away. The uneasy feeling passes after a moment and Edric forces himself to give you a small smile. "Don't worry, I made a pledge to you and I never break my word." He steps forward before hesitantly placing his uncovered hand on your shoulder. "I will help you leave this place."