Raithe Quest

Raithe Quest 3 - Happiness

"We're back." You sigh deeply. Returning to the mainland made you feel like a load had finally been lifted off your shoulders. You had been worrying after everyone you brought along so much. The anxiety of running a party was beginning to get to you, with all the challenges of how to feed people and keep them alive through danger. Every decision you made was a new point in which everything could go wrong. You turned and addressed the group.
"I know you've all seen some things that'll make me a target for some factions in the Empire. I know that you, Prince, might have a grudge against me but Raithe and I talked about it and we're not going to keep you here."

Ashur looked nervously to Raithe who was standing behind you. She seemed annoyed and made sure to motion for him to address you instead. He began to sweat a little.
"I... Wanna stay with you, Hero and try to repent for the wrong things I did."

You were surprised. You did not sense so much growth out of the Prince on your trip back. It seemed out of left field.
"Is that so?" It felt exciting to be able to see someone change to such an extent. Raithe noticed your expression. The corners of her pretty lips curled up. She made a rolling gesture towards Ashur discreetly.

Ashur nodded enthusiastically. "Yes! Yes. Of course. You taught me that I have been a bad person, Hero."

"I... Did that?" You did not just feel excitement but warmth.

"Mhm." Ashur said, nodding along with Raithe.

You were all smiles. "Okay." Ashur was not a good person. You thought that he deserved to be punished but... Most of that belief came from how egregiously out of touch he was. With him admitting his wrongs and wanting to do better you felt like you had to give him the chance, since it seemed genuine.
"Anyone else?"

"We will return to the Academy. Jeane, Chester, Farrah. Let's go." He grumbled. The two mages, Chester and Farrah exchanged a look.

Farrah cleared her throat. "We would like to assist the Kingdom's Hero." The old Mage was taken aback. If they claimed that they were going with you there was not much he could do to reprimand them. They said it themselves. You were the Kingdom's Hero. For them, however, you did feel an ulterior motive that you were not sure on.

"Ridiculous! Fine. Jeane?"

"I am staying." She rebuked sternly.

"What!?" He was ready to try and pressure her, but caught Raithe's foreboding glare and backed off.
"Fine. You all enjoy cavorting with Demons. I will see to it that you are all no longer welcome back after this." Despite the threat, all three mages moved to your side.

You looked to Vura, Heilan and Luire. Luire was staring intently at Raithe behind you. He cautiously stepped beside you and said pointedly as he continued to side-eye Raithe.
"I want to protect the Hero with my skills from whatever threat you might face."

"Thank you." You nodded.

Heilan walked over without thinking and Vura smiled widely at you. "It's been a hell of a ride. I'm not about to get off now." She walked past, patting your shoulder. Raithe bit her lip at the little bit of contact she made with you.
"I should let you all know, just because we're in Trysk does not mean we're safe. We're going to Fennek. I've heard that they have false arms and legs that can be used by those with a great amount of power. We are going there for Teuta."

She was touched. "Thank you, Hero. Genuinely."

You smiled at her. "Of course."

After everyone seemed to agree, and after the meeting Raithe pulled you aside. "Did it really make you feel good to have a chance to make the Prince into a better person?"