As usual, Richard was at the tavern with an empty mug of ale in front of him. Messy hair (It had grown long), a fully grown mustache, and beard. He may not have taken a bath in several months. A dark and broody look about him was what anyone around him was able to pick up, and this was a rather unusual thing for Richard... People avoided making eye contact because they were afraid of him.
A man once bumped into him on a busy tavern night. Richard held his sword from the blade (covered by the sheath) and, without changing his position (sitting on a chair at the counter), knocked the man out, hitting him with the tip of the hilt.
It was just another regular day at the tavern when Meg arrived at Balboa (the town where Richard was). It was a couple of hours before noon, so the place was pretty much empty at the time. The barkeeper would occasionally serve meals to a few select customers; those customers would be the ones to come in early... except for the local alcoholics that, on some occasions, would start getting hammered before sundown if they had coins in their bags. Meg flew into the tavern quickly since the entrance door had openings. As the barkeeper saw him, he tried to chase him away.
Barkeeper: Who let that rat with wings in here?! Shoo!
Meg: WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?????!!!
Barkeeper: I must be outta my mind... Did that bird just talk?
Meg: That bird is right in front of you, you idiot! Now listen up! I've got a question for you...
The barkeeper didn't know whether to be scared or to laugh... But he decided to roll with it. One thing he couldn't deny was that Meg was adorable even when he was mad.
Meg: Has there been a green-haired Knight around town?
Barkeeper: Green-haired, bearded fellow? Yeah... He a friend of yours?
Meg: Where can I find him? - Meg asked with an irritated tone.
Barkeeper: He comes to the tavern almost every night... But if you're in a hurry to find him, you can try the fight pit... Lunatics go there to beat the crap out of each other every so often. I heard there's good money in those fights too.
Meg: I see... Thanks for the information... Jerk! - Meg pooped on the counter and quickly flew away, laughing maniacally. The barkeeper saw what he did and nearly lost his mind.
Barkeeper: WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU--- YOU--- YOU DISEASE CARRYING VERMIN!
Meg flew off in search of this fighting pit. There wasn't anyone there when he found where it would likely be. Meg started losing patience. He closed his eyes and started taking deep breaths. After a moment of doing that, he flew off again. That slight pause seemed to give him perspective. So much so that he knew exactly where he needed to go. He went straight for a tree in a field near the Lost Forest. Richard was laid back on it, apparently taking a nap.
Meg: There you are! Do you know how long it took me to find you?
Richard opened his eyes upon hearing that familiar voice. It had been an entire year since the last time he saw Meg. Frankly, he didn't even remember anything about him due to everything that happened.
Richard: ... Meg? Is that you?
Meg: No, it's a hippo with wings. Of course, it's me! What happened to you? It looks like you've been through hell... and you smell like it, too... no offense...
Richard did look like hell. Not at all like the first time Meg had met him. Back then, he was the literal embodiment of the Knight in shining armor. Richard paused for a while before answering. He looked away and started looking upset.
Richard: I failed her again, Meg... And I still haven't got the slightest idea of what happened after all this time! I guess that she is dead... Nimrod fled like the scoundrel he is... And we are no closer than one year ago to having the weapons of the Arsenal of Light - he said while sounding utterly defeated.
Meg: Richard... Have you been carrying that weight on you all this time?
Richard looked like the image of what failure will do to a man if he has no hope. But thankfully for him, hope was about to be rekindled.
Meg: Richard... Your sister is alive.
Richard's half-opened-half-closed eyes suddenly opened up fully. A glimmer of hope was lit within him once more, and his entire demeanor changed upon that idea of Rachel being alive.
Richard: Rachel... my sister... is alive?
Meg: Yes. And not only that... Richard... I know where she is.
Richard felt like he was back from the dead. He sat up straight and stopped for a moment...
Richard: May I ask how you know this? Have you seen her? Where is she?!
Meg: Like I told you before... I know things. So, you'd be wise to trust me! Come, let's... – as Meg was about to take Richard to where he thought Rachel was, Richard saw her entering the inn in Balboa.
He quickly jumped from the tree and ran back into town, heading to the inn. Meg flew behind him. He arrived at the inn and saw her with a very tall, muscular man. Rachel turned around and saw him.
Rachel: Rich?
Richard quickly went up to her and hugged her tightly. Rachel did the same. It was like a great weight was lifted off both of them, even more so off Richard. But he was still processing the fact that she was in front of him.
Richard: Rachel! What is the meaning of this? Do you have any idea how long I have searched for you? How worried I was??? And who is this person with you? By the realm... how is he so tall?
Rachel: I missed you, brother. I'm glad you're... - Rachel started smelling Richard and nearly threw up what she had for breakfast.
Rachel: Ugh! What... is... that... smell?!
Richard: I have no idea what you mean... - the thing is, when you spend as much time as Richard without taking care of hygiene, it's almost as if you lose your sense of smell. Richard had no idea how foul his stench was. Rachel did her best to attempt to ignore it.
Rachel: Brother... Meg... I'd like you to meet Kohrr. He has Titan, one of the weapons of the Arsenal of Light!
Both Meg and Richard looked at him. Kohrr just had this smolderingly intense look about him and said nothing.
Meg: Well, I'll be... That's great news! We only need one more of the weapons of light! Then we can think about the other three.
Richard: Rache, I am so sorry I did not find you sooner... Are you alright?
Rachel: I'm fine! Kohrr here protected me when I was in danger.
Kohrr: I am strong – he said with a straight face. Stoic as ever.
Richard took her apart from the rest to ask her a personal question…
Richard: So... Uhmm... Rache... Are you and him...
Rachel: Huh?
Richard: Yes, I mean… Is there anything… - as Richard struggled to ask the question he was so embarrassed to talk to his younger sister about, he constantly looked at Kohrr. Rachel just had this puzzled look on her face.
Rachel: What are you saying? Just ask... I can't read minds, you know...
Richard: I mean... Is he like your partner now?
Rachel slapped him so hard that she left a red hand mark across his face.
Rachel: I'll tell father you've been rude!
Richard: It was only a question!
Meg caught them up on Legend's status and the rumors of imminent invasion by forces from the East. Rachel was worried about Nimrod. But Meg knew where he was as well. As usual, Richard was suspicious of Meg's strange ability to know certain things.
Rachel looked at Richard with a tipsy bit of disgust…
Rachel: So, brother... are you going to explain why is it you look like a homeless person? I'm telling father! Meg, can you please give this letter to the King of Dalmacia?
Meg: {Am I a carrier pigeon now?} How did you even write that letter so fast?
Richard: Come on, Rachel... there is no need for that! I promise to shave and cut my hair before we leave town... Calm down!
Rachel: And a bath wouldn't hurt either! The rest of us demand it if you are to travel in our company! – Richard looked embarrassed by all of this. Kohrr remained with his neutral expression, which kind of made everything a little more embarrassing for Richard.
Richard: I had a hard time, ok? Cut me some slack!
Meg: Listen carefully, guys. Nimrod is currently deep within the Lost Forest. He has been there for quite some time. And I believe that he and those that dwell there are about to be in grave danger.