*Nemesia's POV*
The pre-dawn air nipped at my cheeks as we trekked away from the 'Red Riding Wolf' Inn, enveloped in the cold embrace of the early morning mist. Each muffled step on the soft forest floor echoed the somber mood draped over our small group, the silence among us heavy with the weight of recent revelations and the lingering uncertainty of our return to the rogue outpost.
Orion led the way with a practised vigilance. His eyes darted between the shadows cast by the dense canopy above, his ears tuned to the faintest rustles that broke the eerie quiet. The forest felt unnaturally still as if even the wildlife sensed the tension in the air.
"Keep sharp," Orion's whispered command floated back to us, a reminder of the unknown dangers that might lurk in the shadows of the trees. "We don't know what might be waiting, considering the outpost was abandoned."
His words sent a chill down my spine, not from the cold, but from the memory of what I felt when we first appeared at the rogue outpost. The feeling was rather eerie... something wasn't right. My hand instinctively sought the reassuring grip of my dagger, its weight a constant reminder of the readiness required of us.
Athena, ever vigilant within me, stirred her presence a flicker of warmth against the chill.
"You're ready for whatever comes", she assured me, her voice a steady anchor in the sea of uncertainties that surrounded us.
As the first light of dawn began to penetrate the trees, the rogue outpost came into view. It stood eerily silent, the dilapidated buildings casting long shadows on the ground. The sight sent a shiver through me, the stillness too pronounced to be anything but ominous.
Rowan, the young boy we had left in charge, was waiting by the stable - maybe keeping the horses company? Or the other way around... His small form was a stark contrast to the backdrop of neglect and decay. Yet, his bright smile and energetic wave as he saw us cut through the gloom of the morning.
"How have things been here, Rowan?" I asked, my tone deliberately calm and controlled, though interacting with children always left me feeling awkwardly out of my element.
"It's been quiet, M'am," Rowan replied, his voice brimming with a mix of pride and relief. "The horses are all fine, and I've kept everything just as you told me."
I managed a stiff smile, impressed despite myself by his diligence and resilience.
"Well done, Rowan. We'll be checking everything thoroughly, but it sounds like you've handled things admirably."
Orion returned from his initial sweep of the perimeter, his expression grim.
"We didn't have the time to check the place earlier, before the meeting at the Inn but now I went to look around a bit... It's too quiet, and everything's intact. That's unusual. I'm going to do a deeper check around the area. We can't afford surprises."
"Good idea. Make it thorough," I urged, feeling the strange uneasiness about this whole place as he nodded and disappeared into the shadows once more.
While Orion conducted his detailed inspection, Evar, Jenna, and I assisted Rowan with the horses and began to organize our supplies for the return journey. Evar's presence was reassuring, his every move efficient and sure. Watching him interact with Rowan, showing the boy how to check the saddles and packs, I was struck by the gentleness he displayed—a side of him that was seldom seen but deeply appreciated.
"Nemesia, he's good with that pup", Athena observed softly, her words echoing my thoughts and stirring something warm within me.
"So what?" I tried to sound calm in my mind.
"Well... which female wouldn't want her male to be good with pups?" She laughed lightly, feeling me stir in embarrassment. I ignored her and pushed her away a bit.
"Pack up more food than last time. Rowan is coming with us, and that means more food for us and horses will be needed," I instructed, directing my words to both Evar and Jenna, who nodded their understanding.
As we worked, I noticed Rowan watching me with a curious intensity. I tried to offer him a reassuring nod, keenly aware of how important it was to make him feel included and safe.
"Rowan, after this, you'll come with us to our camp. It's a lot safer, and you'll learn much more."
His eyes lit up at the prospect, and he nodded eagerly.
"I'd like that, M'am! Does it mean you will keep me?"
His question made me freeze for a moment. I didn't know what to say so I just showed him a stiff smile.
"We'll talk when we'll return to the camp," I said.
I felt Athena stirring. She must've liked the boy... she always wanted a pup but somehow... I couldn't give Marco a kid. Not sure why.
After confirming everything was in order and double-checking our preparations, we gathered to discuss our departure. Orion rejoined us, his face taut with concern.
"No signs of immediate threat, but the tracks are odd—too scattered and not deep enough for a hasty departure. It's like they vanished into thin air."
"Let's keep a tight formation on the way back. No unnecessary risks," I decided, my voice firm.
The rest of our time at the outpost was spent in final preparations. I found myself overseeing the loading of supplies that were still intact at the outpost while still keeping an eye on Rowan, who tried to assist as best as he could. Despite my usual reticence with children, I found his enthusiasm infectious and his presence a bittersweet reminder of the stakes of our struggle.
Finally, as the sun climbed higher and bathed the forest in light, we were ready to leave. With one last look at the outpost, I felt a mixture of relief and unease.
"Let's move out," I called, my voice echoing slightly in the clearing. As we set off, the outpost receding into the background, I felt like something was watching us...