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Grey Evening Charming
96e992
>>679902
>>679931
Realizing that she must have some precedent for her crass attitude, you resolve to swallow your pride and apologize next time you see her. Now would be the worst time to cause conflict between you and your teammate, furthermore be a disappointment to Kay. Next time she talks down to you, you'll take it like a man. For now, we have more pressing matters at hand than our dignity. Almond, for instance.
You make your way to the fort's galley, where Almond ought to be by now. There's a lot of hustle and bustle around the fort today, you notice. Everyone must be gearing up for upcoming campaigns also. Many individuals can be seen hauling supplies, in and out of the fort, but mostly out. You greet a few of your fellow rangers, but are too busy to return pleasantries.
The galley lies beside the barracks, facing south on its small lot. It was a dull building, built on gray blocks with wooden door and window frames. A cloud of smoke rose out from the top of the chimney.
Men laugh and shout boisterously, enjoying their meals and each other's company. The ranger corps had always been very close-knit. The air inside is thick with the smell of cooked onions, bu'shrooms, and hash greten meat. Though the small is hard to bear, the taste is humbly delicious. You think you'll order some up. You peer around the crowded room for Almond. You find him on the other side of the bar, drinking a pint of ale.
Almond, a bit younger than you, still had a bit of color to his light gray-brown hair, just as his namesake, which was long and shaggy. He stood a bit taller than ol Les, though slim and compact. Generally a careful, concise phlegmatic, what made him the best in our team in stealth, it was most peculiar to see him tearing up. This worries you. Something must be very amiss.
You pat your friend on the shoulder. "Al, my friend. What is the matter?"
"Lester, my friend, I have terrible news," he articulates woefully.
Poor fellow. First being teased for being named after a nut, now whatever this may be. "There is great unrest in the far East. I have just received word that Man Morgan the bandit king has made a return. He and his associates are operating out of Blunderhaal Woods, terrorizing the villages to the south. Dan Krabill, of our original regiment, is among those battling his reign. It seemed we had the upper hand until the Bloodbane Virus arrived with the season. Many of the villagers became sick with it as well as our rangers, Dan among them. The bandits are still attacking, seemingly unfazed. It appears they have a warlock on their side this time. With this new enemy of Astia on the rise, this couldn't have come at a worse time."
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