Servitude: The Hydrangea Chapters

Chp 18: The Cunning Bargain

Standing at the front gate, Aurea noticed the dust cloud and was waiting. Minutes later, Tessa and Elek came as well. The twins slow their exhausted braxl and sled filled to the brim with goods to a halt, a couple of Colonial passengers riding with them. Attached to the back of the sled was a large crate atop a hastily put-together sled to make transporting it easier. All of them were covered from head to toe with sand, possibly finding these folks attempting to walk through a sandstorm as well. Regardless, Mordecai had locked the twins into his arms and hugged them. "Welcome back you two. Dinner will be ready in a while."

Natashia seemed to welcome the embrace. "We're pretty tired ourselves, a nap before dinner sounds good."

From Neterion's expression and body language, he wasn't fond of being embraced. The Colonials showed bewilderment from the embrace, which could be why Neterion acted in such a way. "I got a feeling we'll have more work to do later." He grumbled lowly as he lightly nodded his head towards the newcomers.

The Colonials, armed with halberds and rifles, protected their bodies with metal armor plates and carried large packs for travel. They were taking a moment to process things. Firstly, there were Urushians here and they weren't pouncing to attack them. But it didn't make them any less wary of Mordecai's scimitar at his hip along with his hands. And then there's Tessa, with Elek standing close to her almost protectively and fussing with his hair that covered his face. Then Aurea, who seemed more concerned with the cargo than them at the moment, the Colonials didn't have a clue what she was. Then lastly, their eyes fell on Marlina and her purple hair, the vibrant hue and shine in the midday sun practically blinding them in comparison to the duller tones of the outpost.

When they were found by the twins, they were grateful for the help with the sandstorm when their sail-sled was swept from the ground and smashed against a boulder. They agreed to come with them to the outpost said to be in the middle of the desert, but they didn't mention all of this. All that was given was a hinted threat that as long as they're civil and respectful, there'd be no trouble.

The others welcomed the twins home, and the twins led their sled to the courtyard to unload. Neterion handed a ledger and a nicely decorated crimson envelope to Aurea. There was a moment of bewilderment as she inspected the envelope, but she tucked it away and looked over the ledger while the others would help with unloading.

Next, Natashia gives Tessa satchels filled with seeds for planting. "Corn, eggplant, and melon seeds. Plenty of them too." Checking the seeds, especially the corn kernels, Tessa's eyes would be beaming. "It's been years since I've made my favorite meal from home." 

Elek with his arm around her shoulders, gives her a light squeeze. "Will still be a few months, unfortunately." 

Reaching up and lightly tapping his nose, Tessa smirks. "Just in time for your birthday. You'll want nothing else to eat after." Admiring her confidence, he humors her. "If you say so, my dear."

Neterion then gives Mordecai a sack, reaching inside and pulling out a chunk of obsidian, tossing it up and down in his hand. "This'll make great tools for sure."

Aurea watching the Colonials and sensing their awkwardness, approaches them. "Welcome to Englias, I am Chief Aurea, overseer of this outpost. May I ask what is your business this far into the desert?"

It was a moment until they answered, unsure how to speak to her. Who calls themselves a Chief? What is she, some gauche cave dweller? Their reluctance of her authority couldn't help but show, but one finally spoke up. "We're beast hunters, best in our guild, our guild master wants us to bring something called a hekoska back."

With their attention on Aurea, Mordecai glances at Natashia, who conveyed that she had already told them with just her eyes and the gesture of her hands. Then, glancing at Neterion, his arms would cross, and roll his eyes. It looks like an opportunity for Mordecai; Aurea had already stepped to the side for him. "If I may, gentlemen, hekoska are no easy hunt; a drink and some rest would do some good from the long journey you've taken. How about you follow me to the tavern?"