Paths Beyond (Under Rewrite)

Keen stepped forward, his voice steady but firm. The strangers shuffled back, fear evident in their wide eyes and trembling hands. He raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Everyone, weapons down," he commanded.

"What?" Wild snapped, her grip tightening on her club. "If this is because they helped, maybe it's just because they didn't want to—"

"Look at them!" Keen cut her off, his tone rising. "They're not a threat right now. Do as I say—weapons down!"

The group hesitated, the weight of Keen's words pressing on them. Slowly, one by one, they complied. Even Wild, though her frustration was clear, lowered her weapon reluctantly.

Keen exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "Good," he said, turning back to the strangers. He extended a hand toward the trembling man, whose face was pale with fear.

The man flinched, recoiling slightly, his eyes darting between Keen's face and the outstretched hand. When nothing happened, he hesitated, then cautiously reached out. His grip was weak, his fingers trembling as he accepted the gesture. Keen helped him to his feet before offering the same to the woman at his side. She accepted with visible hesitation, standing and clutching her companion's arm for support.

"Now look," Keen said, turning to the group. "Remember, the ones before—the hostile ones—they wore different clothing." He gestured toward the strangers' robes, a vivid orange that seemed almost alive in the dappled light of the forest. The intricate embroidery glinted faintly: a beast bathed in flames.

Serene and Shot had climbed down from the trees, approaching cautiously. Serene's gaze locked onto the strangers' robes, her brow furrowing in curiosity. "Grey," she said, nudging him gently, "look. Isn't that... from the scroll?"

Grey turned, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the golden emblem stitched onto the fabric. It depicted a majestic beast, its mane a roaring inferno, flames cascading down its body as if it could reduce the world to ash.

His heart raced. Grey glanced at Serene, who met his gaze, her expression a mix of wonder and unease. "It's just like the vision."

"We'll circle back to that," Keen said, chuckling lightly at the cryptic revelation that clearly escaped his understanding. He turned his attention back to the two strangers, his tone softening. "First," he began, "who are you?"

The strangers exchanged uncertain glances, their confusion evident. They stared at Keen blankly, as though he had spoken an entirely foreign language.

"Maybe speak slower," Grey suggested, stepping closer. "Remember, the last ones could barely speak like us, except for that old man."

Keen nodded and repeated his question, enunciating each word carefully. But the only response was a string of strange, guttural syllables that sounded more like a chant than speech. He frowned, turning back to the group. "What now?"

"Move, I'll try," Brawl said gruffly, stepping forward.

The strangers flinched, shrinking back as the burly man approached, his imposing stature doing little to ease their fear. His rough, no-nonsense demeanor wasn't exactly inviting, but he pressed on.

"Brawl," he said, pointing to himself with deliberate gestures. "Brawl." He repeated the motion, making his meaning clear.

The man among the strangers seemed to understand. His posture straightened, and he performed an unfamiliar gesture. One arm swept behind his back, his waist bent slightly, and he dipped into a bow, "Aedric."

"I think he's saying his name," Serene whispered, her tone uncertain.

"Yeah, but what's he doing with his head?" Shot asked, her brows knitting together as she watched the unfamiliar motion.