Chapter 256 - Don’t quit the grind
Scarlett and Rosa walked along a well-worn dirt path cutting through a wide forest clearing. The bard’s fingers cranked away at the klert Scarlett had gifted her, its melodious twangs mingling with Rosa’s cheerful humming. As they neared the outskirts of Freymeadow, the quaint village came further into view, its low stone walls offering meager protection against its surroundings.
Rosa’s tune trailed off as the woman’s eyes swept over the cluster of buildings ahead. “You know,” she mused, her tone deceptively casual, “I’ll admit that with the empire in such a mess right now, I half-expected we’d be giving this place a wide berth for a while.”
Scarlett remained a stoic expression as they crossed the threshold into the village, her gaze meeting the curious, albeit wary, stares of the villagers. “It would be imprudent to neglect the advantage this place offers, regardless of the current circumstances,” she replied in a measured voice.
A wry smile played on Rosa’s lips. “Can’t fault that logic, I suppose. I don’t have to bet my last copper coin that relaxation isn’t on your agenda today, at least. You couldn’t sell me that lie even if you had a dragon’s silver tongue and a wizard’s charm.”
Scarlett arched a brow, casting a sidelong glance at her companion. “I fail to see the relevance of a dragon’s tongue in this context. They are not particularly renowned for their eloquence.”
At least not in this world.
The bard just shrugged, her eyes twinkling with mirth. “Sometimes things just sound good, alright? Cut me some slack. I don’t pick apart every outlandish statement you make.”
“Are you implying the two of us are comparable in any way?”
Rosa’s smile faltered for a moment. “…I’m walking into a trap no matter how I answer that, aren’t I?”
“Perhaps.” Scarlett faced forward as they continued their trek through the village. “I wonder why it is that you cannot exercise such verbal caution and tact when we are in the company of others.”
“I’ll have you know that I’m plenty tactful around other people,” Rosa said. “I just can’t always restrain myself from extolling your numerous virtues at times.”
“I am sure,” Scarlett responded dryly.