The intense orange light had worn off by now, left in its stead was an intense morning light followed by a delirious heat. This and the lack of potable water Loid had left in his pack made it very hard to focus. This made it all the more important for Loid to make his way to Norton as soon as possible. After a short hike out of the grove Loid found himself in that night he navigated his way to what seemed like an endless flat plain, most likely used for animal grazing, however Loid didn't see any obvious livestock from where he was walking. What he could see was luscious lime grass and tall flowers mimicking every colour under the rainbow as far as the eye could see, the grove behind him where he stayed the night previously but at this point it was basically just a small dark green sliver on the horizon. In Front of him was a short stone wall that snaked across the vast grass plains and next to it, a worn gravel track that lined the side of the short cobbled wall, most likely used for karting resources between towns. Loid followed that track for quite a distance thinking it might lead closer to Norton.
It was a strange coincidence that the feeling Loid had been having for so long would happen to bring him in contact with the one thing he had mostly been avoiding on his journey. This being people. Most of the time if you met an individual on a road leading somewhere in Potentia, it could only mean bad things, most of the time they would act all innocent and then rob you blind when you weren't looking, sometimes they would just attack you on sight. If you were really unlucky it would be an outcast from the emperor's army, welding one of the Forty-seven, in which case your best option would be to run the opposite direction very quickly. If in the event they found you, they would most likely do some truly unthinkably bad things to you, being the corrupt country Potentia was. But in this most likely of circumstances Loid was a young lady sitting aways from the path with her eyes shut. This on all accounts was very strange. Firstly why would this individual be on their own in the middle of an open field when there's so much danger around. Second, why would her eyes be shut? Anyone traveling should have their eyes and ears open at all times to make sure there isn't anyone around doing anything dubious. The only conclusion Loid could come up with is that she was from Norton, a local. Why would anyone else be out in such a vulnerable position If otherwise?
This girl sitting alone in this field felt very out of place for Loid so he investigated from a distance. Her eyes were shut this much he knew, at a closer glance Loid could see she wore a deep maroon cloak and underneath that a thin layer of light steel armour, the armour was fancy as well with lots of patterns sprinkled all over it. It was obviously not a cheap set of armour. Beside her, laying on the ground was a shortish sword, not a long or short one, it was like a long dagger. It lay in its sheath, an ancient looking leather holder. It was heavily worn with scuffs all over it however it still had all of its engraved decorations on it which meant it must have been maintained thoroughly through its lifetime. Towards the top of the sheaf you could also just about make out a metal holster with the weapon clasped in it. It was also nicely decorated with a gold engraving saying something and some jewels littered all over it. Counter to the sheaf you could also see the top of the weapon, the handle and hand guard was spotless, not a dent or scrape to be seen. This a stark contrast to the sheaf that was clearly old and had seen many battles, but the weapon looked as if it had only just been made. There was one thing to say about this girl, she was not cheap. This only raised the question further, why was she here?
Loid continued further down the track hoping to not be noticed by the girl sitting in the field, however he did stay cautious of her being there in fear that it may be some kind of trap or ambush. Loid was not comfortable with the current circumstance, large open field, girl in field as distraction, it screamed ambush, but there was no other way to go but forwards so Loid hastily carried on down the track. It was a strange sensation that shock him next, his senses when into overdrive, the crunch of the gravel beneath his feet, the leaves dancing in the air. This feeling was thing exact thing beckoning him to west Potentia. It could only be described as an immense longing, a desire so strong that most men couldn't resist it. It put Loid in a momentary trance. When Loid snapped back into reality he noticed that the girl that was previously sitting in a bare field with her eyes shut was in fact not where she was a mere moment ago. In fact she was standing in front of Loid as is she moved from the middle of the field to hear in an instant.
Loid at this distance could identify more features about the girl, like her long glossy black hair underneath her maroon cloak and piercing blue eyes, that were previously glued shut. Her sword now attached to her belt and a bag that he didn't notice before, made of leather but not nearly as worn as the sheaf. He could also now see her thin steel armour with more detail, continuing down her body to make up what was an impressively intricate skirt made of the very same armour. She was in all definitions of the word a very pretty young lady. She stood silently in front of Loid for a short moment investigating him from top to bottom and then calmly said, "are you doing OK, looked like you were gone there for a second."
Loid thought about his words very carefully considering his momentary trance and the taunting thought this might be some kind of elaborate trap. "yes, I'm doing just fine" he relaxed himself a little bit after realizing that there was actually none else around and the girl in front of him was really not that threatening even with that fancy blade on her belt. I then continued, "do you know the way to Norton, I'm completely out of provisions."
She stared briefly at the decrepit blade that was poking out of Loids pack and then back at Loid. "You have come quite a distance haven't you, and with that weapon, it's a bit worse for ware." she paused remembering Loids original question, "Norton is just up this track a couple miles, I live there actually so I can show you round when we get back"
This girl had a strange calming effect on Loid that he couldn't quite understand neither the less followed the girl to Norton, she also reminded him of the decrepit rusty dagger he had stashed in his pack before he left west. It is as described, the blade was torn to shreds and damaged beyond repair, It was almost like it was corrupted long ago and age has taken the rest of its life. Really it was just a glorified paper weight but Loid found use for it, but mostly as an intimidation tactic for ne'er-do-wells. The girl reached into her pack and retrieved a medium sized flask and handed it to Loid. "hear, you clearly haven had anything to drink in a while." This was in fact true, and it was a very hot day, so Loid took the flask and had a good drink. "Thanks, '' he said quickly and handed that flask back.
"Nura, by the way." she said, taking the flask back. Loid looked a bit guilty because he never asked, he was way too focused on his surroundings and journey to Norton. He then replied "Loid, I'm sorry for not asking." They began walking down the gravel path towards Norton chatting along the way. Loid said about his journey so far and explained why he was so far away from any other settlements in Potentia. Nura went on to question Loid about why he would try such a fool hearty journey with no real destination in mind. To which Loid's reply, not wanting to seem strange about the whole thing, just said he was looking for something west, an adventure he justified when in reality he was hiding the fact that nothing, but a strange feeling brought him this far. Nura relayed inquisitively asking what he was looking for, but what kind of thing would bring him such a distance. Loid again hiding his ignorance just replayed that he would know when he saw it. Nura sensing the obvious dodging of questions decided to stop interrogating Loid, the two then travelled to Norton in relative silence.
Norton is a pleasant little town filled with all sorts of local businesses. From Georges blacksmiths and builders, to the old fashioned tavern in the centre of town and the quaint farm shop hosted by Nortons farmers. Norton compared to other towns in Potentia was an absolute delight, people are actually nice, and the local economy actually works. This is mostly due to Norton being about as far away from Potentia's capital as you could reasonably get. It also helps that the town has stable leadership in the form of an ancient family that has been in the town since the dawn of the Forty-seven. This family, unlike most wealthy families, actually cares and fairly governs Norton. Most wealthy people in Potentia tend to be at minimum, worthless, corrupt and greedy individuals that tend to act like barbarians, committing crimes and getting away with it just because they have money. The people of Norton are also very happy, with the thriving economy and nice neighbourhood it doesn't suffer from much crime. However, with this in mind it is quite closed off from other communities, only limited trade for essentials that cannot be produced by the farms and people aren't particularly open to visitors. This and crime prevention are all governed by the town's local militia, a small band of people with above average combat skills that are essentially law enforcement. Most of the time you will see them patrolling around the outskirts of town making sure no bandits or monsters get in and cause havoc. This is where some of the distrust comes from. Individuals that have heard about the tranquillity of Norton looking to cause some trouble, this fortunately doesn't happen very often.
Loid didn't know much about the town, other than its approximate location and Nura came from there. Neither did Nura tell him much about the town as they approached it. So there were a few things Loid didn't expect when approaching the town with Nura. He saw from up the road where he was slowly approaching a cobbled together fence and gate holding the town within, this is an uncommon occurrence in Potentia, the town had some moderately impressive defence. He also noticed some people standing in front of what looked like a gate or entrance. These individuals had some impressive looking armour and weapons, and they looked alert and on guard staring blankly at the gravel track that Loid and Nura were traveling down. The face and gate were not much to behold but it was more than most towns had, and it was more than Loid was expecting to see. He then realized that if Loid could see the guards and the fence, that meant the guards could also see Loid and Nura approaching. Typically at this point not wanting to cause a fuss Loid would have backed down at this point but he noticed that Nura didn't seem fazed but this above average defence. Remembering that Nura came from this town Loid loosened up a bit and then broke the silence between the two and said, "This is one impressively defended Town" He said that more as a question but Nura got the memo and replied, "Why thank you, I my family helps defend this town you see and it's good too. There is a lot of nasty people who would love to have what we have maintained for so long."
Loid was pretty bewildered by this comment, he knew based on the items on Nura's person that she must have had some funding behind her. But financing an entire civil defence takes more than a little bit of money, he didn't bring it up though. Loid did find it a bit strange that there was just a perfect town sitting on the outskirts of the most corrupt and terrible place to live but for now withheld his opinion. At this point Loid and Nura were at the town gates, the guards that were previously at either side of the gate were now standing steadfast in front of the gates. Nura with strange optimism grated the guards and then said, "How are we doing today boys?"
"All good mam, did you find what you were looking for?" replied the guard.
"Yes I think I have," she paused for a second and then continued "Are you going to let us in"
The guard took a long hard look at Loid as if he were some kind of strange alien blob monster thing and then looked back at Nura. "Is that two much to ask?" Nura's body language is on full display showing dissatisfaction towards the two guards in front of the gate. They turned to face each other and then finally opened the gate and let the two in.
Loid turned to face Nura on the way into town with a puzzled look on his face and then asked, "So why were you out in the desolate field anyway, all by yourself? There isn't much to look for out in the country, nothing but trouble and heartache."
Nura turned to look at Loid, she didn't expect Loid to ask such a thing, she wore a shallow smile and replied, "Is that all you've found, trouble and heartache. You looked just as lost out there as I am." After a short pause she continued, "I was looking for the same thing you were looking for, purpose, or something else. I don't really know. Neither do you."
Loid's face said it all, he was dumbfounded to have been read so easily by this woman. He kept his mouth shut for a short while then asked with moderate confusion "And this guy as well?"
"Yes, Loid here would also like entry," Nura said, as they walked past the front gates of Norton and onto the central street. He then after taking in the first views of Norton said, "I've travelled far, so far I've lost track of exactly how long it's been since I've set off. What gives you the idea that with the same strange longing that everything will change. How could you have any idea what it's like searching for something that cannot be found, what it's like to be a wanderer in this endless abyss. I am lost chasing my own reflection halfway across the country, and it just won't go away."
He stopped before he said anything. Clearly what Nura had said triggered something within him and he didn't want to unload on this stranger. He developed a shaky calm and then apologized to Nura. By this point they had stopped in the middle of this slightly busy town track. Loid didn't realize how much this bothered him, he had after all spent so much time, energy and money making it this far for nothing. Wondering for seemingly no reason. What could be more frustrating?
"I understand, really I do, and for what it's worth I think you have done well, you have after all wondered into me and I think I may have something that can help us with this mystery if you are willing to follow me."
Loid for obvious reasons didn't take this offer at face value. In this world scepticism kept you alive. And magic lady appearing in a field still didn't seem like a gospel filled this life changing information. And after all this time and all these miles walked having this information spring from nowhere was a terrifying prospect. Loid thought this over for awhile as they walk. Apparently Nura was expecting a response immediately, however she did expect Loid to act a little bit more interested in her proposition. So she continued and said, "you don't have to reply immediately. I think it wise you get to know me a bit first." Loid still remained silent, however Nura was more than desperate to get a response, she did have the same longing desire as Loid but didn't want to push any harder so changed the subject. She had noticed that Loid, desperately out of provisions, was probably hungry and thirsty so she changed her direction of travel and talked to the town's local tavern. Loid, who hadn't made any decision but was new to Norton, followed Nura's direction towards the tavern. Hesitant but he felt it necessary.
Norton in itself was very much like any other town you would find in Potentia. Bustling and full of activity, merchants chanting at the top of their lungs trying to get the attention of onlookers. The grinding sound of metal on metal coming from the blacksmith and the armoury and the cries of squealing children playing up and down the streets. It was one of the nicer towns Loid had sore on his travels which was no surprise to him given the security and fortifications around the town. It was not a big town by any means, there was one semi long Highstreet going up the centre, it had plenty of the typical things you would see. You had your tavern where you would eat, drink and rest if you were a traveller, not that it looked like the townspeople let many travellers in, nor did they respect or acknowledge them. You had your smith and Taylor making weapons, tools, armour and clothing, they looked quite nice from the outside, well looked after by the townspeople and owners. The people of Norton obviously had a lot of pride in their town and its shops. And then you had your market and grossers for general items and food stuffs, this most likely provided and potentially managed by the towns local farmers and hunters. Some of which Loid saw on the way into town. There was one thing in the town however that stuck out like a saw thumb, one building right at the end of the main street that had a markedly grander footprint than any other building found within the walls of this closed town. That being this grand manor that stood steadfast above the surrounding town around it.
This building, which was built of better stones and metals as the other buildings. That stood higher than the other buildings. In Fact compared to the rest of the town you could call it colossal. The masonry alone was something to behold, built with starkly better quality as the rest of the town one might assume that the building was in fact there before the town was constructed. A home built for some rich family, maybe the founders of Norton that then subsequently built the town around it. The thing that stood out most of all was its age. Its stones that comprised the building had obviously been replaced and repaired over time, but some of its oldest features dated it to about a thousand years, it must have gone through some extensive renovations and repairs over time in order to have preserved it for so long. Because of its age and architecture it did not really appear to belong in a town such as this, or at least that's what Loid first thought when he saw the magnificent building. But it stood there anyway. It might have even seen the great war fought a thousand years ago when the Forty-Seven were made.
Loid wondered what the people in that giant building were like, they must be seriously wealthy individuals. This was something you typically wanted to stay away from. Potentia's upper class where usually next level twisted and deranged, not needing to work and with essentially endless supplies of money they tend to entertain themselves with pretty deplorable things. It was not uncommon to see these particular scum of humanity to do things like sex trafficking, torture, slavery and other immensely evil things. They all got away with it of course. In Potentia money means authority, and this meant that the upper class was essentially immune to what law that there was. This law was
typically enforced by local militia which was funded by the upper class, this gave them the perfect get out of jail free card. Why would law enforcement arrest the people paying them? To say it was a terrible system was an understatement. Loid by default, being an outsider to Norton and it's people, seeing this gargantuan manor placed directly in the middle of this town like a towering pillar of oppression didn't get a good first impression of it, neither did he get a good impression of people who would live in such a building. This opinion was going to change.
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