Subira: Be that as it may, we do not have <italic>space</> for all your luggage-

Subira: So I am to travel without my supplies? And when one of you inevitably needs my help, and I am rendered unable to assist?

Subira: You cannot possibly need ten bags full of alchemical supplies-

Subira: Of course not. There is also my skincare, my perfumes, clothing...

Subira: I... have packed.

Subira: (Ulfe holds up a small cloth sack that appears to be filled entirely with berries.)

Subira: Just the essentials, I see.

Subira: ...

Subira: Ah, Player. Excellent timing, I was about to call for you.

Subira: It is... so bright!

Subira: Used to that dreary Elderwood, are you? Don't worry, little wolf, I'm sure you'll adjust quickly.

Subira: Fascinating. The land appears almost... unchanged from the illustrations I have seen.

Subira: I suppose the Unification War never actually touched these shores...

Subira: In any case, I see a small encampment ahead. Let us take stock of our surroundings from there.

Subira: Are you able to sense the source of the Echo still, Ulfe?

Subira: (Ulfe nods and closes his eyes, concentrating for a long moment.)

Subira: ...!

Subira: There. Something... is loud. Not dangerous, but... it hides everything else.

Subira: (Ulfe points in the direction of the small forest in the valley below.)

Subira: Then I suppose we ought to send our resident go-getter to investigate. You don't mind, do you, darling?

Subira: Well this <italic>is</> a fun little surprise. You're a bit far from your beloved village, aren't you?

Subira: ...I did not realize you were assisting the Watcher.

Subira: I would rather her get up to the usual crime in front of me, so that I do not have to waste time uncovering it later.

Subira: Oh, pish. We both know I've been indispensable. Echo flooding the land benefits no one, myself included.

Subira: I have never known you to do anything that did not benefit you in some way.

Subira: Exactly. You, however... still hunting that Beast of yours?

Subira: ...I have reason to believe it fled the Elderwood and came west, yes.

Subira: A moment, Player. These stables look like a good place to set up a base camp.

Subira: Defensible, centrally located... and it looks like there are some supplies we can make use of as well.

Subira: I suppose I should have prepared to slum it following after all of you. Fine, if we must.

Subira: The stable map looks a bit worn, however. I cannot make out where the other stops are located.

Subira: If you find the other locations make sure to record them. The information could come in handy for us.

Hassian: (As you turn the corner you see Hassian helping Ulfe to his feet, concern on his face.)

Hassian: You are not injured?

Hassian: (Ulfe shakes his head. As soon as he sees you he runs right into your arms.)

Hassian: Here. The tracks lead inside.

Hassian: On your guard.

Hassian: ...

Subira: That is not how it goes, as you very well know.

Subira: So the Order <italic>didn't</> snatch you from your family when you were just a babe?

Subira: I- I was young, yes, but I was not a <italic>babe</>. And I was not snatched but chosen, with full support from my family-

Subira: There you are, Player. What happened? Why did you all fall behind?

???: That was almost very unfortunate. Are you alright?

Eshelon: How <italic>exactly</> did you chase that troublesome little beast off? I saw no magic pass your hands.

???: Ah. That would be this. Courtesy of my friends at the Bahari Institute.

Eshelon: (The man produces a pouch from his jacket. Tamala takes it, inspecting the contents.)

Eshelon: ...A warding sachet? Some of these ingredients I do not recognize... is that Royal Nightshade? What a... creative way of using it.

Eshelon: Who exactly are you?

???: My apologies. I'm not accustomed to needing an introduction.

Eshelon: Lord Eshelon Bahari, at your service.