[Ridge]
Before we left we locked down the cabin tight. Most of the windows are boarded up, but on the outside of the curtains. That way no one can see the boards from the outside. If people think the cabin has been abandoned, it might give them more incentive to try to break in. If we make it too obvious that it'll be unoccupied for a while, it could give leeway to looters and other squatters.
At the same time, we needed to up our security based on our own resident squatter's track record. The only way to properly open the doors is with the key around Kadeeth's neck, and we discovered that the Nobility tunnels in the cabin have long since been closed off.
When many of the modern structures of the Empire were built it was popular for Nobles to establish 'secret' tunnels under their buildings to aid in escape. Back then it was much more common for Nobles and their personal forces to attack each other over their political disputes, especially when they had their guards down at places like vacation villas and hunting cabins.
Tellur was able to find most of the cabin's weak points, so I'm confident that if we hurry we'll have a decent base of operations to return to. The paranoia of Nobles like Duke Riddotha has made beautiful pieces of architecture such as the cabin into fortresses. Not to mention, it's still towards the west from the borders, but not too far away. As far as we're concerned, this is where we want to gather our 'rebellion'.
We began our journey to find help early this morning, with no real destination in mind beyond Raforn's village. I think we're all just hoping that by the time we get there we'll have an idea as to what we're doing. That somewhere along the way we'll find a clue as to how to prepare for a war. It'd also be great if we could find some information while we're there about the invasion. The Empire is a well-connected country, and the village isn't that far from the Riddotha estate and cabin, so information must be circulating at least in the underground scene by now.
Raforn has been talking my ear off the whole walk so far. I didn't expect him to be this chatty, but it turns out he's very up to date on social and political issues. Besides the invasion, of course.
"The strongest person I know happens to be a woman." He smiles fondly to himself, his dimples creasing his cheeks.
Before I met these guys, I had some preconceived notion that I was special, for having someone special to me. I was wrong though. I don't even know where that silly idea came from, but it's officially been blown away. Tellur has Hess, and Raforn has this woman he so clearly admires.
"Oh, yeah? I thought I was the strongest person you know?" Kadeeth chants from the front of our trekking line. Raforn's usual glare returns to his face.
"She could take you down blindfolded." He argues.
Kadeeth Snickers, "We'll have to test that theory then." He grabs the other handle of the wagon from Tellur, helping him pull it along over the trippy forest floor, "If she's really as great as you say she is, then she'd be an amazing asset to our cause."
Raforn stops walking, astonished. He readjusts his bag and goes to question Kadeeth, but he's already moved on further up the 'trail', so he turns to me instead.
"Is he serious?" He asks suspiciously.
I wink, "I swear we aren't the jerks we appear to be. She sounds like a valuable person, and if she'd be willing to help us, who are we to refuse? We already have a trespasser and a doctor impersonator, we could use a normal person or two, regardless of gender."
His mouth is still gaping open, so I start walking faster to catch up with the others. When he realizes he's falling a bit behind he runs to catch up with me. Gone is his familiar grumpy face, and back is his excited smile.
"This is awesome! Just wait till you meet her!"