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The three of them leave the village on two horses, one for Dimitri and one for the visitors, as Cyrus insisted Konran rides with him.

At the edge of the village, right before the forest, a lone house stands on elevated ground, for sure having a good view of the rest of the village.

A woman is waiting patiently for them by the path not too far from the house.

"This is the herbalist's home.” Dimitri informs. “She's the local doctor... and that must be.. miss Briony? She must have seen us from afar." His tone is light from slight surprise as you all trot to a stop in front of her.

"Good afternoon Dimitri! And good afternoon to you both!" She says in a calm, cheerful tone. Before them stands a young lady with fair features, long black hair tied into a ponytail, its strands twisting upwards like a climbing plant, and long lashes behind which emerald eyes peer into your soul with a cunning smile. "I don't suppose you've come to pay us a visit, you're headed to Mr. Mito's?"

Dimitri looks back at them, waiting for them to answer, as he is not sure if they want to disclose such information.

"Good afternoon to you too." Cyrus bows his head as greeting, "And yes, we're looking for the map maker."

"Great! So am I! May I come with? I'm the herbalist's apprentice by the way." She goes to Dimitri before giving them a chance to answer, he goes down without a word and helps her up the horse, a slight blush on his cheeks, she smiles at him and thanks him.

"Woah what a coincidence!! Awesome!!" Konran claps her hands cheerfully and giggles.

"Yes... What a coincidence..." Cyrus's face remains indifferent, yet his gaze is cold as he stares at her... This is pretty suspicious...

"My name's Konran by the way! And this taller silly guy is Cyrus!"

Cyrus could introduce himself but decides not to, he just gets the horse going once again.

⋅⋅⊱༻ • Cyrus roll for anonymity ༺⊰⋅⋅

Roll Request: [d20]

Dice results: “ 2 ”

"Wait, Mr Redwood! I should go front so we don't get lost, the path gets tricky in some spots."

"OHOOO~??! Dimitriiii~ you should have introduced the gentleman properlyyy~" She gives them a wide, incredibly giddy smile as Dimitri is maneuvering their horse in front, the latter just blushes profusely. "I'm Clematia Briony, honored to meet you." A chuckle is bubbling up her chest and she's barely suppressing it.

"......Was my full title necessary, Dimitri?" He squints slightly at the back of Dimitri's head, who's now leading the trip.

"Ahh.. no.. my bad." ‘He’d do it again if it means having her call his name like that.’

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⋅⋅⊱༻ THE WOODS ༺⊰⋅⋅

A path unkempt wraps around the landscape, the steep and rocky climb leading deeper into the woods and farther into the mountains.

⋅⋅⊱༻ ༺⊰⋅⋅

"So! You have business with mister Mito?" Clematia says as she twists effortlessly to face them, eager to start conversation.

Cyrus was about to politely tell her to mind her own business when Konran hopped up and peaked from behind him.

"Yup!! We needed a reliable smart guide to get us somewhere!"

He just sighs.

"Reallyyy? Where are you going that a guide would be so necessary? Can't you just get a map or something? He sells them you knoww~"

"Uuuuh I honestly dunno I'm just having fu-"

"That's enough prying for now, Miss Briony." Cyrus interrupts.

"Mmmmm~ he's no fun, is he, Konran?"

"Clematia!" Dimitri whispers in a panic while sending her a quick look, this isn’t just anybody she’s chatting up-!

"Oh definitely not!!" Konran agrees, while Cyrus simply ignores them. "Oh by the way, waddya need at the map maker's, Briony?"

Clematia was laughing, happy that Konran joined her in on the joke, but then looked mildly surprised at her question. "Aah right, well... hmmm... I need to bring him some tea..…. well to tell you the truth, I wasn't planning on taking it today, but I'm reaaally nosyyy you knooow! Mr. Mito is always so upset after outsiders pay him a visit that I just HAVE to see how it goes this time!"

"Ooh hehe that's fun!"

"Yes, now sit still Konran, you’ll fall." So the map maker isn't fond of outsiders... Well, that's alright. His feelings on the matter are irrelevant as long as they have the recommendation letter.

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⋅⋅⊱༻ MAP MAKER'S ABODE ༺⊰⋅⋅

Perched on a cliff, a big house with architecture unlike that of the Imalnatir village. The main door is impressive, it looks oversized even for a house this big. A distance away from the main entrance lies a small stable.

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The little group makes it there by sunset, some lights are already shining through the windows downstairs. It’s quiet, save for the rustling of the leaves.

Their horses start stirring a bit as they approach, feeling uneasy.

The stable door is unlocked and they put them next to the one that was already there, presumably the cartographer's.

"Alright! We're here!" A bit tired from the long ride, Dimitri stretches some before slowly walking towards the entrance. "Shall we?"

"Finally!!" She jumps off the horse and runs up behind him happily.

"Careful, Konran." Cyrus gets off the horse as well and closes the stable behind him before following the others.

Dimitri gets to the door and knocks three times.

"Mister Mito!"

They wait for some time………………

Then the big door creaks and a man appears on the door frame.

He has a fur hat on along with house robes and fuzzy slippers, or- one fuzzy slipper, his left foot is missing and he's supporting his weight with two wooden crutches.

Countless scars litter the middle of his face, so many that they overlap each other, most are on his nose and mouth, rarely venturing beyond his cheeks, some look like tiny scratches and bites.

He is rather short, or perhaps its just the effect of the door frame dwarfing anyone standing by it.

The man offers Dimitri a radiant smile.

"Dimitri! Good eve-"

…..A moment of surprise as he realises Dimitri didn’t come alone, and then he looks offended just by the sight of them.

"................... and they are?" He asks in a low voice, his attitude changing completely.

"Hiii I'm Konran!!"

“Good evening.” Cyrus offers, he’s still taking a moment to scan the guy, this isn't what he was expecting.

His mouth opens and closes as he wants to say something to that but decides against it. ‘Terrible evening.’ His face is scrunched up as he takes stock of everyone present at his doorstep.

"Haha you look like you just tasted something sour!!" Konran helpfully comments.

"They're new visitors to the village!” Dimitri tries.“They were in such a rush to meet you that they didn't even rest ahaha! They must be exhausted!" ‘please just let us in first.’

"it's not very proper to make a face like that when meeting someone." Cyrus says.

"It's funny tho, keep it." Konran adds with a huge grin.

"BAHAHA! I live TWO hours away from the most SECLUDED village in the continent because I DON'T want visitors! Surprise surprise!! Did you expect me to welcome you with—"

"—Ahahaaa~ mister Mitooo! I know they look scary but you don't have to be so on guard~~” Clematia had somehow slithered her way to his side, a big smile on her face. “They came a long way just to meet the renowned map maker! Let them in for some tea at least yeah? I brought the teas you requested!”

"Oooh tea sounds delicious!!" Konran says.

Mito takes a step away from Clematia and gives her a short displeased stare. He then lets out a long, resigned sigh, trying to collect himself. He turns towards the door, motioning for them to follow with a wave of his hand. "Come in then.”

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⋅⋅⊱༻To be continued༺⊰⋅⋅